gm1664886068 Posted December 22, 2017 Share Posted December 22, 2017 The light meter on my Canon F-1 is defunct. Rather than try to get it repaired (again) I would like to consider using a hand-held light meter. Any suggestions of what light meter to use? My intention is to use it for landscape, only. Thanks. Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn McCreery Posted December 22, 2017 Share Posted December 22, 2017 (edited) My approach when using a film camera, such as my 4x5 or one of my Canons, is to bring along a small digital camera with manual controls (in my case, a Sony NEX 6), rather than a separate light meter. I get to see not only the exposure reading, but a digital image, which I find helpful for confirming composition (kinda like the old Polaroid film pack days, but without wasting film), and a histogram. Since I only shoot black and white film now days, I usually use the black and white setting on the digital camera. A smart phone with a light meter app should also work. Edited December 22, 2017 by Glenn McCreery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCL Posted December 22, 2017 Share Posted December 22, 2017 Free answer http://www.cppdh.org/download/jiffy-calculator-for-night-light-exposures.pdf I've carried one in my bag for years and it matched my metered readings 100% of the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gm1664886068 Posted December 22, 2017 Author Share Posted December 22, 2017 Both excellent suggestions. I'll have to take my Canon T3i with me on my next outing to get some experience with the technique. Thanks, Glenn, for the suggestion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwmcbroom Posted December 22, 2017 Share Posted December 22, 2017 I also like having the exposure data on a printout. And that's often all you'll ever need. But when I do use a light meter, I have a couple that I use interchangeably. The Gossen Luna Pro SBC and the Gossen Luna Pro F. The "F" model will record flash exposure, so it's useful for metering when a flash is used. The SBC is more like a typical Luna Pro, but it can accept a variety of accessories that you might find useful. I don't own any of the accessories that can be used on the SBC. One accessory I do own is the Gossen Variable Angle Attachment, which can be used on any Luna Pro model. It has 7.5 degree and 15 degree settings. The 7.5 degree setting is close enough to a spot meter reading for me, if I ever need to read a small area in the subject. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_bielecki1 Posted December 22, 2017 Share Posted December 22, 2017 My standard is my Gossen Luna-Pro F. I've also started to use the "light Meter" app for my android phone, with good results too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick_janes Posted December 22, 2017 Share Posted December 22, 2017 This is an extremely useful and educational reference: Ultimate Exposure Computer I've followed Fred's exposure guidance to very good effect when shooting with meter-less rangefinders. It's also a great tool for sanity checking ANY meter or lighting condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dominik_m Posted December 22, 2017 Share Posted December 22, 2017 I secon gossen luna pro f, which is called lunasix f in the old world. It takes standard 9v battery. You could have lunasix 3 for half of the price but it requires mercury battery, so an adapter would be needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vincent Peri Posted December 22, 2017 Share Posted December 22, 2017 Many years ago, I had a Gossen Luna Pro. I didn't use it too much, because I was (and still am) using the Zone System and what I really needed was a 1 degree spot meter so I could read zones that were very close together. I wound up getting a Pentax Spotmeter V and never looked back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben_hutcherson Posted December 23, 2017 Share Posted December 23, 2017 I use a Minolta IVf. It's designed as an incident meter, but can be converted to a reflective meter with the correct attachment. These are not terribly expensive, and are a good durable meter. My only complaint is that the flash function can be a bit of a pain, but does work. It's small and light enough that I don't notice it hanging around my neck. The one downside is that it doesn't really have an on-off switch and even "asleep" it will drain a battery in a week or two. It uses the same PX-28/4LR44 battery as the A-series cameras and New F-1. The advice I got early on was to put a small slip of paper under one of the battery terminals and remove it when I want to use the meter. I usually use a piece of the paper band at the start of a 120 roll, but mostly because I usually have one handy when I'm out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilmarco Imaging Posted December 23, 2017 Share Posted December 23, 2017 Pocket Light Meter app for mobile device. Works well and agrees with my Sekonic L758-DR close enough for causal work. Wilmarco Imaging Wilmarco Imaging, on Flickr wilmarcoimaging on Instagram Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDMvW Posted December 23, 2017 Share Posted December 23, 2017 Again, I think the Gossen LunaPro SBC is the best light meter I've ever had. I've left the Zone system for the Ozone system (white and black droppers in PS). only a few of my meter "collection" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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