Zone Modified Pentax Digital Spot for colour work?

Hi,

Have been trying to find out if I can use a zone modified pentax

digital spot meter for colour work. Does the modifications which

include various filters alter how it measures colours? Calumet say

that it is specifically designed for panochromatic films.

Will it work for me with colour films? I shoot both regularly.

Thanks Len

Len: I am not able to give you a scientifically rigorous answer, only share the

experience of a longtime user. I bought my Zone VI modified spotmeter when they

were first offered by the late Fred Picker (before he sold out to Calument). I have used

the meter for exposure measurement with success with both color and monotone for

many years. It is useful to remember that the Zone VI meter measures tones, not

colors. Thus, a user has to "see" his photos in Zone System tones, not colors. An

easier way to understand this is just to meter your color shots the same way you

meter your B&W shots. At least it works for me. Photography is a little bit like religion:

everyone has to find his own way (the philosophy is free).

I use mine (bought from Zone VI) when I do color. Works fine for me.

For a definitive answer, you should probably ask Richard Ritter:

http://www.lg4mat.net/

Ritter is the guy who did the mods for Zone VI, and who still does repair and calibrations. Excellent and fast work, BTW.

The Zone VI modified Pentax digital spot meter has been modified so that it responds fairly equally to any of the colors of the visible spectrum. Some meters respond more readily to certain colors than to others. The modification is intended to even out the response and make the meter behave in a more "panchromatic" manner. A further modification is done to reduce internal reflections within the lens barrel so the meter won't react to off-axis light sources.<P>

A meter measures light level, not color. The Pentax meter as modified should be appropriate for any film, color or black and white, which records the visible spectrum. I purchased my Zone VI Pentax meter in 1984 shortly after they were introduced. It continues to serve me reliably. I have had great success using it with color transparency film using, effectively, the zone system for value placement. It's dead-on every time.<P>

Color work? Absolutely.<P>

Regards,<BR>

Will

I too purchased mine from Fred before he sold out. Actually talked to him on the phone when I ordered it. Have used it extensively for both black and white and color. I agree with the other posters. No meter measures in color. You need to think in terms of tone rather than color when using it. And you definitely have to understand the limitations of the color film you are using, expecially in contrasty situations.

Kevin

Hello,

Thanks for your answers. Just what I wanted to know, and have ordered one.

Regards,

Len