 Margot Petrowski |
Flash Meter...Necessary purchase? Hi Everyone, I was wondering what people feel about flash meters. How handy are they? Doesn't your camera take those same readings or is the flash meter different. I mainly work with natural light with some fill from my Canon flash. I have purchase an alien bee although I have yet to try it. Any advice at all on this subject would be helpful. Also, can someone recommend a flash meter that's not too pricey? I would not know where to start in finding the right one for me.
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Slim Brady |
I'd say they are a waste of money, better to get the 580ex. They are 95% of the time right on the money. The other 5% you have to fix in PS, but its not far off that the shot is lost. Off camera flash as your main will provide a nice natural look. Straight on will flatten. A fill bounce will spark up the eyes and soften the face if done correctly. Shoot at a slow shutter to give feeling and movement in a PJ shoot.
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Justin G. |
Like Brady said in your situation shooting natural light and a tad fill, the 580 should be perfectly fine. Flash meters are good for studio settings and in using manual flashes like a Vivitar 283 or something like that. For the AB you're going to need a flash meter unless you #1 want to sit there and do calculations all day or #2 fire off what you think would be close, check your LCD and go from there. What do you plan on using the AB for? For fill light outside or in-house or what? If you're going to use it as a fill flash outside, it might save you some time to grab a flash meter. I have a meter (an off brand but works awesome) that's reflective, incident, flash and fps all in one. It's very nice to have them all in one when using strobes (well for anything for that matter, my camera doesn't have a meter).
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Jill Flynn |
Hi Margot. I don't go anywhere without my flash meter. I always use it to set my studio lights. I cold not live without it. But I also use it when I am taking outdoor shots and want a true and precise reading. Your camera will try and average the reading and depending on the conditions, that is not always accurate. I use the Sekonic L-358.
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Bob Cammarata |
A combination flash/ambient light meter is a worthwhile tool if you use manual settings. If you commonly work in mixed lighting or with multiple flash units, a good meter can save you time...(and a few brain cells.)
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robert G. Fately |
Margot, a couple of thoughts: First, while your camera does indeed communicate with the Canon flash and so eliminates the need for a meter per se, the Alien Bee external studio flash unit cannot be equally "connected" to your (or any) camera. Studio flashes can be set to put out 100% or less of their maximum output, but there is no "intelligence" otherwise (except the photographer's, hopefully). So, while there's no need to deal with a flash meter for the casual outdoorsy portrait session with the Canon as the fill light source, using the studio flash will probably require that you take readings of he flash (since it's location, distance from subject, etc., all impact it's contribution to the scene).
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Mark Feldstein |
Howdy Margot: You know, like a camera, a lens, a strobe, whatever hardware you've got, a flash meter is another tool you use to precisely calculate and control exposure by measuring the light falling on your subject. And, just like your camera's meter, or any hand held meter, you still need to interpret the results of the meter's incident flash readings to effectively dial in your exposure. If you're interested in improving the quality of your exposures without having to "fix" them, then yes, a flash meter is a valuable tool. I'd never shoot any work without one, whether indoors or outside. Now, aside from getting just a flash meter, which usually measures the amount of flash falling on a subject, you can get combination meters, used (preowned) at very reasonable prices, probably less than $150 bucks. Meters like the Minolta Auto-Flash III measure ambient light, flash, do scene exposure averaging, reflected and incident all-in-one meter. Worth it? Yeah, I think so. Minoltas are good, I also have a Sekonic L328 that works well and as a backup for the Minolta. Check out KEH.com for used meters. Maybe e-bay if you really know what you're looking for. And even if you have to send it in once in awhile for cleaning, lube and calibration (as I do with my meters about once every 14 months or so), IMHO they're still worth every cent, especially when you're doing critical exposures like with transparency film or calculating zone system exposures with black and white, exposing for shadows (processing for highlights). If those things aren't important to your work or if you've got the time and energy to be fixing exposures in photoshop, nope. You don't need a flash meter. Take it......light.
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Debby A. Tabb |
Hi Margot, When I was shooting film I used to meter all the time. I would check my studio lights once a week. But since I have gone digital, I don't use it anymore. However, I will say I have been doing this for so many years, My eyes ( when haveing a good day,lol,lol) can calculate what I want to acchieve. I do not teach with it anymore either. I hope this helps, Debby Tabb
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Margot Petrowski |
Thanks everyone, for all the time you took to respond!!!!! This has been very helpful.
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Oliver Anderson |
Hey Margot, I bought the Sekonic L358 on EBay for $200, it's easy to use and saves me from correcting all my photos afterwards (I shoot RAW). If you're shooting indoors with the AB you'll definately want the light meter.
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Mark Feldstein |
So, there you go Margot. It looks like Debby will either give or sell you her flash meter since she's not using it any more. Make her an offer she can't refuse. :>))) Mark =============================
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Debby A. Tabb |
I am sorry that once again the truth offends you Mark. But I got rid of it about a year and a half ago. and have been fine just doing a test shot . Not a challenge just a truth. Thanks though for the compliment, Debby
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Gena L. Talbot |
Hi all, well I wish that I would have been wise enough to ask this question before I went and bought a meter last week. I didn't realize that light meters come two different ways. One type strickly for strobes, and then another type as a outdoor/indoor meter... putting out money to find out that I couldn't use the meter out doors without strobes was very disappointing. Can you say dummy...lol lol Ask before you buy right? lol So now I am off to the store to see if the owner will exchange for a outdoor/indoor meter. :) Which I hear is double in cost. grrrr lol Have a great day everyone :) Gena
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Mark Feldstein |
Debby said: "I am sorry that once again the truth offends you Mark. But I got rid of it about a year and a half ago. and have been fine just doing a test shot. Not a challenge just a truth." WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT !!!! "Once again?" Challenges? Truth? Who's on first debby, What's on third?? And you can calculate exposures within 1/10th of a stop without a meter? Wow, deb, you're really good. Really. Honest. No kidding.
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Debby A. Tabb |
well, once again you get so nasty when you don't like what someone else has said or does. I don't care what you think really. I have my work posted and I am VERY consistant with what I teach. thank you.
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Debby A. Tabb |
oh and yes, I am very blessed! I am not good at a whole lot of things but I am in this arena. And I give back to those who want to learn. with out nastyness.
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Mark Feldstein |
I am NOT !!! being nasty. LOL !!! I told you before, when I get nasty, I'll let you know. Interesting though, that whenever you perceive criticism or someone doubting your technique you're the one who seems to get awfully defensive. It ain't me babe. "No no no, it ain't me babe," [c'mon deb, sing along] taking words and phrases out of context. Minstrel Mark :>)
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Debby A. Tabb |
Oh goodness,lol
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Mark Feldstein |
Much better Deb. I love to see you smiling and hear your laughter. Honest. :>)) M.
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