Sekonic L-398 Not Good For Low-Light?

[DF]

I keep reading that inspite of being a "good" light meter, this particular model doesn't work well for low-light or overcast situations. This concerns me for many of my photos happen to be in these very conditions, as I ponder purchasing one. Also, is there a major difference between L-398 and L-398A ?

 

[Lee Rust]

I carry an L398A with me most of the time. It is a self-powered meter, so there's no way to increase sensitivity in dim light beyond the removal of the 'high' light slide. I've never had any problems getting usable readings in overcast, twilight or typical interior lighting conditions, but this meter cannot measure for long time exposures in near-darkness. Battery powered digital meters are best for that. The analog readings aren't accurate to fractions of an f-stop, but that's not usually a real world problem.

The 'A' is an updated model, and my understanding is that the photocell is improved over earlier versions. I like this meter because of the compact size, handy shape and the fact that it doesn't shut itself off after a few minutes and forget everything. The high light slide, manual calculator dial and extra photocell diffusors are a bit of a bother to fiddle with, but not a big problem.

The basic design of the 398 is unchanged from the original Norwood Director meter of 1948. It's a classic!

 

[ic-racer]

For example on my Norwood Director, when set to ASA400 reads 1/8 of a second at f2 when the needle just moves to the first mark above zero. The mark is one millimeter from the zero, thus the reason low light readings can be difficult.

 

[benjiboy]

If you need low light performance you need a battery operated meter with a Silicone cell like a Gossen profisix or a Sekonic L 358.

 

[DF]

There was an L398 (not "a") in mint condition for $30 at this re-sale shop, but I decided not to purchase.

 

[rockpowered]

I have the L398 and I have a Gossen Luna Pro. Almost always use the Gossen and most certainly in lower light situations

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I keep reading that inspite of being a "good" light meter, this particular model doesn't work well for low-light or overcast situations. This concerns me for many of my photos happen to be in these very conditions, as I ponder purchasing one. Also, is there a major difference between L-398 and L-398A ?

I can highlyrecommend the Gossen meters, such as the LunaStar series for dim lighting conditions.Mine reads down to EV-2

 

[darkroommike]

The Luna Pro meters will read light levels way out into the Twilight Zone of reciprocity where your meter readings are worthless anyway. The Sekonic wants no part of it-LOL. It's odd, I was just thinking about this just this morning when I came downstairs with the sun not yet up. Such low light readings need to be taken only as a jumping off point, consult a table of reciprocity corrections after you read the light levels. The Luna Pro SBC and Luna Pro F read down to EV -8, no one ever suggested a good way to read the dial when illumination is that low.

 

[rockpowered]

, no one ever suggested a good way to read the dial when illumination is that low.

I know your semi-serious but, I take the reading and lock it. Flip on headlamp to get the reading and to calculate reciprocity adjustments and then curse when I can't figure out which pocket my reading glasses are in