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Photography Question 

Laljit S. Sidhu
 

Choosing a Light Meter ... L-358 or L-508


Aftering reading Zuckerman's Perfect Exposure(and being a tech junkie), I decided I want to pick up a light meter.

I have done quite a bit of research and have narrowed down the choices to the Sekonic L-358 and the L-508. I am having a difficult timing decideding which one to get.

I currently use an EOS 3 and do not do any studio work; My main goal is to get a light meter that can provide me incident metering functions which both do. I am leaning toward the L-358 as it is cheaper; however, the L-508 is something I could grow into if I decide to expand my photographic "horizons".

Most people seem to like the 508, but I have not heard any comments regarding the 358. Any one use it? Any regrets on either meter?

Thanks


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May 13, 2003

 

Andy
  Since your EOS3 already has a true spot metering, you may find the spot metering feature on the 508 not necessary, thus saving you more than US$200.

In my opinion, I don't think you need a hand held light meter at all because you have a very capable system. I know the EOS 3 well because I have a similar system. It has evaluative, center weighted, partial, center spot, linked spot and multiple linked spot metering at your finger tip. Under tricky situations, like total white or black subject, you know you should open up 1 1/2 to 2 or close down 1 1/2 to 2 stops and then auto bracket 1/3 or 1/2 stop in either direction. If using regular print film, the bracketing is not even necessary (in most cases). If the scene or subject has various tones, use the multiple linked spot metering and you will get a good exposed photo. In other situation, you can look for the middle tone area and use the spot meter to measure the exposure. For flash photography, the ETTL is quite accurate.

I do have a Sekonic L718 for my other manual SLRs before I bought my EOS system. Anyway, between the two, I will buy the 358 model. Hope this helps.


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May 14, 2003

 

Laljit S. Sidhu
  Thanks for the information. It confirms what I was thinking. I may just pick up the L-358 due to its incident meter capabilities which would complement the EOS 3's metering ability.

Thanks again.


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May 14, 2003

 
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