Best light meter for under $350

<p>Hello I am looking into upgrading my Gossin Lunasix (which serves me well) for a newer one, which may yield more accurate reads. I do not shoot in a studio setting and shoot primarily portraits with a M645 and some 35mm. I don't think I will ever end up using a flash, but to have a flash compatible meter is a bonus. I would like a tried and true light meter with a history of reliability and no maintenance. <br>

I have heard the Sekonic L-398A is a nice proven classic and Sekonic L-508 is also a good choice.<br>

I am not a bells and whistle type. Heck, I even think the light meters that don't require batteries are cooler (as long as they are as accurate) I just want an accurate and reliable light meter. <br>

My budget is $350 (including tax).<br>

Suggestions?</p>

<p>I should also say I have the "grey" Lunasix, with the 2 Batt. Mallory PX 13. If you all tell me that this light meter reads as well as a new one (all my pictures come out :) ) then it may not be worth getting a new one. Family is offering to add to my photography equipment for my birthday.</p>

<p>How about a Gossen digital meter? <br /> The Gossen's are usually easier to learn/use then the Sekonic's.<br /> Gossen's usually cost less, too...within capability vs capability norms.<br>

On the used market, many of the Gossen digitals can be had for around $100.00USD<br /> One example:<br /> <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/361574-REG/Gossen_GO_4033_Digipro_F_Flash.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/361574-REG/Gossen_GO_4033_Digipro_F_Flash.html</a></p>

<p>You need to determine what kind of metering pattern the meter should have. The Luna Six has incident plus I guess a relatively wide angle reflective (40 degrees ?). Do you want spot meter in your new meter too?</p>

<p>The BeBu and Marc. I have also heard good things about the Digipro.<br>

Marc, will the Digipro out perform the Lunasix in accuracy of read?<br>

BeBu, I often take my reading at the subject with my classic Luna Six. Some images, especially on a cloudy day don't produce the rich tones of shin. I really like idea of a spot meter for the longer tonal ranges I shoot in at some times. My understanding is a spot meter yields the tones in the wide range of tones best. I believe my light meter takes averages. Is this true?</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Look into a used Sekonic L558. Incident, spot, averaging, flash, ambient, etc. A very full featured meter and you should be able to pick one up in good condition for under $300.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>...I don't think I will ever end up using a flash, but to have a flash compatible meter is a bonus.</p>

<p>...Some images, especially on a cloudy day don't produce the rich tones of shin. (...?)</p>

<p>...My budget is $350...</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Jeremy,<br /> Different people will use meters...differently. I tend to use spot meters more for landscapes,<br /> while I use incident/flash meters more with portraiture. Possibly some of your portraiture's<br /> are lacking those 'rich tones,' because you need a bit more fill light from a flash.</p>

<p>There is good chance that using a meter capable of metering a flash will do more for you, then a digital spot/flash meter. <br /> With the money saved, you could probably afford the flash meter, a flash unit, and a cheap wireless trigger for using off-camera flash, too.</p>

<p>Marc</p>

<p>Quantum Calcu-light XP if you can find one (ambient only but small, accurate and very sensitive); Minolta IIIF - make sure you get the reflective attachment with it. Either of those two will cost you all of betwen $50 and $120 used in good condition. Spend the rest of the $350 on film - it might get you a dozen rolls at current prices with processing ;-0</p>

<p>Or just use your perfectly adequate Lunasix and spend ALL of the $350 on film.</p>

<p>Sekonic studio L398 is overrated for both accuracy and sensitivity IMHO. Like the Weston V, it's a nice thing to hold and play with, but a bit impractical. And using a spot meter won't change the quality of light or the tonal range of the subject one little bit. You can only give one exposure to the film, regardless of how many times you meter it.</p>

<p>I would suggest that you check out the Gossen DigiPro F, Sekonic L358 and Kenko KFM1100. They are all incident/reflective flash/ambient light meter. They are all a bit over $300 new but less than $350. One feature they all lack is spot metering but if you don't feel you need it then they are fine.<br>

Any new spot meter would cost more than $350 so if you want spot meter you will have to buy used.</p>

<p>Thx all. In some ways it seems like maybe I ought to just stick with my simple Gossen Lunasix from you guys are saying. <br>

From what I have researched though the Gossen DigiPro F is well liked for its simplicity and accuracy. <br>

And it sounds like I do not really need a spot meter.<br>

I need to sleep on this. I suppose it is possible I could go with a flash for my M645 in the future at which time I would need to upgrade my light meter, but at this time I have no plans to go flash.</p>

<p>Just to make sure I understand correctly and sleep on this, you guys are saying I won't really see enough of a change in the accuracy of a reading on my current light meter compared to purchasing a new Gossen DigiPro F, correct?<br>

I have gotten by on my used Lunasix for a long time and have had no real problems with it and the batteries have lasted me a long time.<br>

My Bronica S2A died and I replaced/upgraded to the M645 Pro-TL and I was initially thinking a newer light meter may be a smart investment.</p>

<p> </p>

<blockquote>

<p>...I have the "grey" Lunasix, with the 2 Batt. Mallory PX 13...</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Mallory PX-13 batteries are/were [1.3 volt] Mercury batteries...which were banned/discontinued about 20 years ago.<br /> http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk/sbc_px625.htm<br /> Unless your meter has been modified for modern [1.5 volt] batteries, you're probably not getting accurate readings with your Lunasix.<br /> PDF Manual page 12, (actual manual page 7)<br /> http://www.cameramanuals.org/flashes_meters/gossen_lunasix-color.pdf</p>

<blockquote>

<p>...you guys are saying I won't really see enough of a change in the accuracy of a reading on my current light meter compared to purchasing a new Gossen DigiPro F, correct?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>No. Incorrect.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>I just want an accurate and reliable light meter.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>If you're not using something like Wein, 1.35 volt, Zinc Air batteries, (or, other work-a-rounds),<br /> your meter will not be accurate. It's sort of a, 'Garbage-in...Garbage-out' scenario!</p>

<p>The meter depends on, or is calibrated for...a specific input voltage. <br /> If the input voltage is wrong, the resulting meter reading will, also...be wrong.</p>

<p>Marc</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Thank you Marc. When I bought the meter two new batteries came with it. I was told nothing at all about modifying the light meter for a new battery. I will open the compartment.<br>

I will also need to look into modifying this light meter if I do not end up getting a new one. Damg, you guys are a great resource!</p>

<p>Or of course, the easy fix of going with Wein, 1.35 volt, Zinc Air batteries.</p>

<p>Minolta's last generation light meter have been out of production for years but are still highly sought after in the used market. I had borrowed one for 6 months back when I was doing weddings and loved it. You can find them under $180 online now (sometimes still new in box.) They are well designed and accurate. If I was looking to get another meter, this would be on my list.</p>

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<p>Minolta's last generation light meter have been out of production for years...</p>

</blockquote>

<p>True...Minolta may be gone and absorbed by Sony, but Kenko took over the Light Meter end of the business.<br>

I don't have a meter manufactured by Kenko, but the reviews have all been favorable or very positive.<br>

Here's one example:<br>

<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/514614-REG/Kenko_KFM_1100_KFM_1100_Auto_Digi_Meter.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/514614-REG/Kenko_KFM_1100_KFM_1100_Auto_Digi_Meter.html</a></p>

<p>I got a used Gossen Luna Pro which I think is the same as your LunaSix. Because it's old even with Wein cell I found that it's not very accurate when compared to newer meter like my Minolta flash meter II and flash meter VI. Yours may be fine.</p>

<p>From KEH I can afford an "EX" condition <a id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_GvProduct_ctl19_aDesc" href="http://www.keh.com/camera/Light-Meters-Light-and-Exposure-Meters/1/sku-GM709990262490?r=FE">MINOLTA COLOR METER II (ALL COLOR TEMP) WITH CASE LIGHT METER </a> or a "Ln-" <a id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_GvProduct_ctl20_aDesc" href="http://www.keh.com/camera/Light-Meters-Light-and-Exposure-Meters/1/sku-GM709990305140?r=FE">MINOLTA FLASH METER V (AMBIENT/FLASH) WITH CASE LIGHT METER</a>.<br>

I suspect that the Flash V would meet my needs well . . . from what I am hearing from you guys this meter sounds well built and high quality.<br>

Would buying a used Minolta be smarter than new Kenko?<br>

I don't know of anyone with a quality light meter to test my Lunasix against, so I do not know how accurate it is, especially with the wrong batteries in it.</p>

<p>Jeremy</p>

<p>The Flashmeter V is a great meter. Compared to the newer Flashmeter VI it only lacks the spotmeter function. A spot adapter can be used on it but does not provide 1 degree but rather 5 or 10 degree. But that is about the only short coming. It has many features that the VI doesn't have. I do think buying a used Minolta meter is a good idea as my flashmeter III which is about 30 years old agrees with my flashmeter VI within 1/10 stop. </p>

 

<p>Jeremy,<br>

A 'color meter' is just that...it is a color control tool, not a traditional [exposure] meter.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>From KEH I can afford an "EX" condition <a id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_GvProduct_ctl19_aDesc" href="http://www.keh.com/camera/Light-Meters-Light-and-Exposure-Meters/1/sku-GM709990262490?r=FE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MINOLTA COLOR METER II (ALL COLOR TEMP) WITH CASE LIGHT METER </a></p>

</blockquote>

<p>These type of meters are aimed at cinematographers...as the description from KEH explains:</p>

<blockquote>

<p>This meter has been designed for industrial and commercial photographers. It measures and analyzes all three primary colors, then recommends the appropraite filtration for the light source and film being used.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Please, Don't get confused about the type of meter you're looking for.<br>

You're looking for an Exposure Meter...not a color meter. <br>

Okay...OK!</p>

<p>Marc</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Marc,</p>

<p>Sorry I noticed that after I posted an hour or so. Haste makes waste. I do NOT want a color meter. Thx for the advice on the Minolta Flash meter.</p>

<p>Jeremy</p>

<p>After chatting with you all for the last few days . . . I sent a wish list for a used Minolta Flash V in like-new condition. From what I have read about this meter, I will be happy. Seems very well built and quite accurate. A test-of-time type meter. Thanks for all of your guidance.</p>

<p>You can study the manual for your new 'V' meter at Butkus Manuals. If you find having easy access to the manual helpful,<br>

send a few dollars to Butkus Manuals. It helps him pay for server time and acquire more manuals.</p>

<p>Mike runs a valuable resource for the photographic community...and we all need to help support that resource.</p>

<p>http://www.cameramanuals.org/minolta_pdf/minolta_flash_meter_v.pdf</p>

<p>I sure will Marc.</p>

<p>BTW - do you all believe that buying a used in "Ln-" condition (older) Minolta Flash V from KEH was a smarter buy than the Kenko 1100? From what I have read the Minolta is a sturdier build, but the Kenko is an excellent meter for a fraction of the price. The Minolta was $295 used and a brand new Kenko is $330. Although, I read the Kenko compares to the Auto and not the upgraded Flash Minolta meters.</p>

<p>Yes it's ok to buy the used Minolta meter. I actually have not seen the Kenko in real life so I can't say about built quality but according to others they are identical. However, the Kenko KFM1100 is the same as the Minolta Auto Meter V F but not the Flash Meter V. Although the 2 a similar in basic features, when Minolta call a meter Flash Meter they put in more advanced features. The Minolta Flash Meter V when new the price was more than $400. The Autometer V F was less than $300.</p>