 Wendy Ellis |
Flash Meter Know-How I'm new to using a flash meter. I just got the Sekonic L358 and am trying to use it in a studio lighting set-up (which I'm also learning). I do not have the optional wireless module for my meter, so each light has to be plugged into the meter and measured individually. So I can meter each light individually with no problem. But how do I meter for my general/average exposure? Since each light has to be plugged in individually, I cannot fire/meter more than one light at a time. So I've been using the cumulative cord flash mode. Is this correct? And will it give me as accurate an exposure setting as if I were to fire all lights simultaneously and meter that way? I tried the cumulative mode tonight, and at 1/125, it indicated to use an aperture of f/22 (which seemed too small for studio) and the resulting images came out too dark. My individual lights metered at f/8 for my key light, f/5.6 for my fill light, and f/11 for my backlight (high key set-up). So if the cumulative mode is what I'm supposed to be using, I'm not sure I'm using it right. Thoughts?
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Mark Feldstein |
Good morning Wendy: While I don't know what kind of lights you're using, the first thing that comes to mind is that even without a wireless set-up, you should be able to run a sync cord from your power pack to your camera in order to trigger your lights at once, yes? Your meter should have a PC socket the same as your camera. Just use the camera's sync cord to the meter, point the meter back at the camera from the subject using the incident dome (being careful not to block light from any source) trigger all your lights at once that way and get a reading. If your cumulative mode triggers all the lights at once, that serves the same purpose as a cord wired to the pack. Most packs use a standard AC cord to PC cord connection. The male end plugs into the pack, the female end plugs into the PC cord. If that's what you've got and you need to extend the sync cord to your meter, just get a standard 2 prong 14 gauge electrical extension cord at a hardware store. It sounds to me that based on the readings you mentioned, F8 was your working f-stop, so you were 3 stops underexposed but your background looked great right?
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Michael H. Cothran |
Wendy, Congratulations on the purchase of a really super fine meter. It should serve you well for a long, long, time. I believe you originally inquired about hand meters on this forum. In my opinion, you made a great choice. Mark seemed answer a lot of your questions. If you still have any concerns about using it, email me if you like. The meter is really pretty straight forward. Michael H. Cothran www.mhcphoto.net
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Mark Feldstein |
Since Michael owns one, I'll defer to his expertise on the meter. But I forgot that if you need cords, either B&H in New York or http://www.paramountcords.com If they haven't got what you need, they'll make it for ya. Haveagreatweekend ! M.
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Wendy Ellis |
Yes, I love my meter. And I'm figuring it out slowly, but surely. It's not as intimidating as I originally thought! ;) Thanks for all the info. It really helped! Wendy
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