It appears that the Sekonic L-778 meter that I use for large format photography is terminally ill. Whatever the photographic subject, the meter gives the same reading, within a narrow range. There are other problem signs as well. While awaiting a reply from Sekonic USA about repairing the meter, I've been looking for reputable service shop for this meter. No promising leads so far. Are there any I may have missed that forum members are aware of? Or any relevant experiences about repairing a Sekonic L-778?
I've had the meter only 2.5 years, bought off ebay for a pretty penny, so it's a disappointment that I will probably have to replace it. And looking at the available L-778s, I'm not too sure that I want to jump into that scene again. Partly because they're an out-of-production meter, partly because of what seem to be no-or-limited service options, and partly because of the uncertainty of meter condition and quality in the used equipment market. I have a Minolta Spot M that seems to be going fine, but I pack that with my medium format gear - I've forgotten to switch the meter between my medium format pack and my large format pack often enough that I want a meter in each pack. The Minolta Spot Meter F or M will be my replacement choice if nothing better crops up.
I've seen the Reveni spot meter videos, and maybe that's an option, but I favor the Minolta/Sekonic/Pentax spot meter style. The Pentax seems to be most sought after, and consequently enjoys a premium price. Not being familiar with Sekonic (or other) models of the recent past, I wonder if there are any meters that are known to be dependable and durable? I must have a spot meter, but a combination meter would be okay. I very rarely use incident metering, so that's not a bonus. I almost never use any meter functions aside from the ISO setting, and EV-Fstop-Speed readouts and adjustments, so bells-and-whistles are irrelevant. Any thoughts appreciated.
I've had the meter only 2.5 years, bought off ebay for a pretty penny, so it's a disappointment that I will probably have to replace it. And looking at the available L-778s, I'm not too sure that I want to jump into that scene again. Partly because they're an out-of-production meter, partly because of what seem to be no-or-limited service options, and partly because of the uncertainty of meter condition and quality in the used equipment market. I have a Minolta Spot M that seems to be going fine, but I pack that with my medium format gear - I've forgotten to switch the meter between my medium format pack and my large format pack often enough that I want a meter in each pack. The Minolta Spot Meter F or M will be my replacement choice if nothing better crops up.
I've seen the Reveni spot meter videos, and maybe that's an option, but I favor the Minolta/Sekonic/Pentax spot meter style. The Pentax seems to be most sought after, and consequently enjoys a premium price. Not being familiar with Sekonic (or other) models of the recent past, I wonder if there are any meters that are known to be dependable and durable? I must have a spot meter, but a combination meter would be okay. I very rarely use incident metering, so that's not a bonus. I almost never use any meter functions aside from the ISO setting, and EV-Fstop-Speed readouts and adjustments, so bells-and-whistles are irrelevant. Any thoughts appreciated.
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