Zoom Function Sekonic L-508

In what circumstances would the use of a 4 degree angle, or any

intermediate angle between 1 degree and 4 degrees be

appropriate? There's nothing in the handbook, but I assume that

there is a reason for the design of the meter's zoom function and

a technique to be practised utilising this function.

Thanks - Ross

I don't think there's any magic to it, Ross. The zoom just lets you meter a larger area if you want to. Personally, I just leave mine at the 1° setting.

Hi Ross

 

The situation where I use the wider angle of view most is when contrast is low (e.g. a cloudy day). I'll typically set the zoom to 4 degrees and take a reading (and place it in memory) of the sky, deep shadow and an open area. Press the average button and voila a perfect mid value reading.

 

There are plenty of other times when it's convient to use a wider angle such as when the main subject is uniformly lit and large. Here I set the wide angle and move the view around the subject looking for whatever variations the meter detects.

 

Edge effects (going from bright to dark) can be interesting too.

 

jim

I use it set to 1 deg almost all the time. The exception is when 1 deg isn't enough and I'm forced to average. Then I'll sometimes zoom out to adjust the spot so it covers a texture like sand or pebbles, to make sure the reading is a good average. But this is rather unusual.