 Robyn Gwilt |
Light Meters- 1 size fits all I've checked the threads, but there seem to be many options and makes to choose from. I've never worked with a light meter, and my question is... is there a 1 size fits all. My work is mainly outdoor, on camera flash, landscape. I'd love to start moving into a studio, and would like to know if there is a meter (and yes there are budget constraints) which will not be a cheapie, but not break the bank, but will serve all of the above. It seems a whole other education process on its own. I'm travelling overseas soon, and was hoping to pick up something in a European or Dubai duty free. Thanks
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robert G. Fately |
Robyn, I don't know that a true 1-size-fits-all really exists, but certainly there are meters out there that cn do a lot. No doubt you'll want one with both reflected and incident reading capability, and probably with flash reading as well for your studio work. The Sekonic 358 does all that, and isn't too costly. There are other brands as well, but I can't recall specific models. If you also want spot metering capability, then you will pay a bit more for that feature. Again, Sekonic makes some models that do all of that, but they are yet more costly as well as start to get into that "bulky" mode. You should probably check B&H or Adorama for pricing before going overseas - or perhaps others on this list will be able to comment on potential cost savings (or lack thereof).
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Robyn Gwilt |
Thanks Bob, I checked B&H (hadn't heard of Adorama, will look there) and there are a couple of Gossens - the Digipro F, the Digisix Ultra Compact, and the Digiflash (from USD 159-259), not sure if you're familiar with any of those. The DigiproF is Flash and Ambient, is a 'remarkable meter'. Versatility of functions meeting both the professional and the dedicated amateur. Measuring System " SBC photodiode(?), Continuous light & flash; incident & reflected" These are some of the stats off B&H website. this is USD259.00 Will check the Sekonic again. Does continuous light/flash, incident & reflected cover most situations?
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robert G. Fately |
Hi, Robyn, Yes, that Gossen (another good brand, by the way) seems to have pretty much everything you'd need. COntinuous and flash reading capability, incident and reflected - the only thing it doesn't have is spot metering, and, again, the meters that can do spot metering are bigger and more costly anyway. The SBC thing is about the specific light measuring device, which is (as I recall) Silicon Blue Cell. You can check the specs - I'm not sure now if SBC is self-powering; that is, does not require batteries. But that is of little real significance, so it shouldn't matter either way. The only other aspect of a meter's usefulness is sensitivity - how dark can it be and still get a reading.
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Oliver Anderson |
Sekonic 358 and you can get a microchip for the unit that will remote trigger most strobe units to check the balance. I bought my unit on EBay for $200 and it was still new in the package and had it for over a year works Great. The chip was $39 on EBay and is a must for my strobes on indoor shoots. I notice all the Sports Ill. photographers and Maxim, FHM guys all use Sekonic as well, just a better version.
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Robyn Gwilt |
Thanks all - Oliver, I live in South Africa, and most Ebay sellers don't ship to SA :( :( I've often checked it and found stuff I'd like, but very few will ship here - I think we're outcasts!! I've bought from B&H, and am travelling to Germany, so thought I'd check on models, prices etc., and then see what I can get at duty free as well - here, in Dubai and Germany. Thanks all!
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Oliver Anderson |
B&H is definately a good bet. My GF buys everything Duty Free as well cause when we're out she says its my Duty to buy it and for her it's Free.
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Robyn Gwilt |
ROFLMAO - I like her already!
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