Light meter

[davey]

I have been using an old Hanimex light meter for the last 10 years and always been happy with it but have lost it so its time to get a new one.I have used sekonic ones in the past but i have been looking at the prices and they seem to range from ?130 to over ?400.Without going uber technical can anyone explain to me what functions the most expensive ones perform to justify the cost and has anyone got any recomendations .

TIA

[TheDonkeyWork]

If you are shooting in digital I have to ask why you need a light meter?

The histogram function renders a light meter redundant in my opinion. Yes, you have to do a few tweaks and it takes a few test shots to get the settings right - but sure beats paying a small fortune for something with such limited use.

[davey]

Most of my work these days is Digital but i still like to use film cameras for non-pro work.i have still got a few rolls of Elite chrome left and i want to use them up while there are still places to get them developed.But you are exactly right i do not want to spend a small fortune on something with such limited use

[PKAY]

I would say Sekonic but only from habit!!! They are just so sexy (I think I may be a nerd)!!

[photo_man69]

Sekonic L-308s or L-358 for a few more bells and whistles - top gear for the cash !

[singh_is_king]

Hi,

I've own a L-358

[kiNky erOtica]

I use one on every shooti do. I personly think it saves time so I can get onto shooting quicker than hit and missing with a histogram. Mines not all singing and dancing, although I'm thinking of getting a better one.

[TheDonkeyWork]

I suppose, if you're paying for a model's time, this makes sense... but I still think it's a lot of cash for not a lot of kit that only saves you 5 minutes...

[marmaladecat]

I've been using a minolta V for years ... a hand held meter is absolutely essential for any kind of studio photography ... especially with flash heads, but even for tungsten .... you have to know what each light is giving you



http://ca.konicaminolta.com/products/co ... ers.html#b

[TheDonkeyWork]

marmaladecat wrote:

> ... a hand held meter is
> absolutely essential for any kind of studio photography ...
>
>
>
>
>
> http://ca.konicaminolta.com/products/co ... ers.html#b


I fundamentally disagree with this statement IF you are shhoting in digital with a histogram facility.

It is a VERY misleading statement.

It merely becomes a "nice to have" - NOT "essential".

As someone said earlier in this thread - they use the light meter because it saves time - and I can see that being a valid argument if studio time is limited and you want to save yourself 3-5 minutes firing off test shots, looking at the histogram and fiddling with settings... but essential NO, NO, NO...