I bought one of the new L-758DR exposure meters, used it, and then read right through the 50-page manual. That's just the printed version. The manual for the accompanying software is in addition to that.
It's the first meter that I've used that will let you store rudimentary film (or digital) curves - up to five points per film (or digital camera), and up to three film types. Stuff that we do in our heads can now be done with assistance from the meter. The five points are:
- where you want to place the 'midtone' reading;
- upper and lower 'clipping' points (ie the point beyond which you really don't want to go); and
- upper and lower dynamic range points (ie the range you would prefer to stay in).
It's no big deal, I guess. It's not as if I'm going to forget those numbers for the films I use. Well, maybe I might sometimes. Ditzy, you see. However, it does make it easier to peg the reading to a highlight or shadow point of your choosing.
The meter comes with software and a USB cable, but you can set the points without a computer connection.
The meter is otherwise very similar to an L-558 (spot & incident; flash & continuous). It has built-in wireless triggering (optional extra for the L-758D and Cine version), a non adjustable one degree spot (nobody ever used the zoom spot on the L-508, I guess), the usual Sekonic spectral sensitivity and calibration constants, viewfinder display, and no auxiliary connection for the Booster II etc. The price at B&H is the same as the L-558R ($499) but it may be available for less. I got mine from Unique in New Jersey.
Best,
Helen
It's the first meter that I've used that will let you store rudimentary film (or digital) curves - up to five points per film (or digital camera), and up to three film types. Stuff that we do in our heads can now be done with assistance from the meter. The five points are:
- where you want to place the 'midtone' reading;
- upper and lower 'clipping' points (ie the point beyond which you really don't want to go); and
- upper and lower dynamic range points (ie the range you would prefer to stay in).
It's no big deal, I guess. It's not as if I'm going to forget those numbers for the films I use. Well, maybe I might sometimes. Ditzy, you see. However, it does make it easier to peg the reading to a highlight or shadow point of your choosing.
The meter comes with software and a USB cable, but you can set the points without a computer connection.
The meter is otherwise very similar to an L-558 (spot & incident; flash & continuous). It has built-in wireless triggering (optional extra for the L-758D and Cine version), a non adjustable one degree spot (nobody ever used the zoom spot on the L-508, I guess), the usual Sekonic spectral sensitivity and calibration constants, viewfinder display, and no auxiliary connection for the Booster II etc. The price at B&H is the same as the L-558R ($499) but it may be available for less. I got mine from Unique in New Jersey.
Best,
Helen
