davidgooding

No I haven't actually - I'll head over there and ask. Thanks!

Thanks for your input. I did do a patent search and I am not infringing any patents that I know of. However I'll run some more specific searches for Sinar and Gossen. This unit does not have a special metering back for the camera (unlike the Sinar meter) but instead is a relatively cheap and cheerful thing using a frame that inserts in place of the film carrier with dimensions compatible with a standard film carrier. This frame accommodates a moveable metering probe through a slot in the top. The price you pay for this is a slight defocussing of the image while you are metering due to the rearward movement of the ground glass when the frame is inserted, approx 9mm.

Hi All, It's been quite a few years since I was last on here. I'm not actually a photographer! I don't have the artistic skill necessary for that and am an engineer by trade and nature instead. A few years ago I made a post here about whether a low-cost focal-plane metering system for large format cameras would be a useful product, after having developed one for my father (he has a Sinar P), and I got quite a bit of positive response and helpful suggestions. After that, life got in the way and I did nothing much further with it. However, more recently, after having refined the design and providing a few more for large format photography hobbyists (and developing it further each time with their input), I have decided to take this further. I have therefore put in some effort over the past year to productionise the design, have produced a production batch, and am now taking steps towards marketing it. Basically it consists of a metering frame, which is inserted in place of the film carrier, which contains a metering probe which can be moved around the image to meter at specific points in the image. There's a picture below to give the general idea. At the time I originally started this, there were other meters of a similar concept on the market but at prices that were out of reach of many. The aim here was to produce a more basic, but still accurate, useful and reliable, meter at a much more affordable price. Do people consider that this is a useful product, and one which people would seriously consider at the price point I can achieve (£120, or roughly US$160, or Euro 140)? Are there any suggestions, questions or comments on the design? Do significant numbers of people still use film anyway? I have put it up on the internet here if anyone is interested in taking a closer look - www.dlgelectronics.com. I'll go further with this if people think it worthwhile. I would also be interested in developing further products if (1) this proves at least moderately successful and/or (2) anybody has any ideas or requirements for similar things. Thanks for your interest! Dave