steven_ches Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 just bought a bronica sq ai camera and I need or should i say looking to buy a light meter to take portrait pictures outdoors but i havent aclue which light meter to go for as I am new to all this..if anyone could help me out on this one any any info would be very greatful..again I mainly only want a light meter to take natural outdoor light portrait pictures. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubert_seremak Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 anything that gives good esxposures :)) I use Gossen Lunastar F, it is 30 degrees reflective measuring + incident if needed. Some say it is too wide - well, it is good enough for me, very reliable, I do not need 1 degree spot meter t be honest. You can use old selenium meters but they are not reliable in very dark or very light or contrasty situations. People here will advise you to buy expensive Seconis 7xx for huge money - well, do you need one? I would say - no. Buy some decent lightmerter for 100 $ maximum off ebay, minolta III are decent ones, they are cheap on ebay as newer models are much more sought after. (having some minor upgrades as for me). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_momary Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 I use Minolta III and III-F for all my such needs. Stable, accurate and dirt cheap on Evilbay or at KEH. Recent similar discussion ... see http://www.photo.net/medium-format-photography-forum/00QH8b Happy metering. Jim M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_marvin Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 An incident light meter would probably be the easiest thing to use for outdoor portraits. FWIW I'm quite fond of my old Sekonic 428, although there are many choices. Many Gossen meters, although basically for reflected light, have dome shaped incident light attachments built-in, which work very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven_ches Posted July 27, 2008 Author Share Posted July 27, 2008 Thanks for all your helps it means alot..there so many to pick from I do have my eyes on this meter the Gossen Digisix http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1006774 but will keep looking and see somthing better comes up..has any try this meter out Gossen Digisix. Thanks again for ur help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_marvin Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 If you want a new, rather than used, meter, the Digisix would be an excellent choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
q.g._de_bakker Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 <i>"Many Gossen meters, although basically for reflected light, have dome shaped incident light attachments built- in, which work very well. "</i><br><br>That is because they are not "basically for reflected light". They are for both, and do indeed both equally well. And as well as any other meter.<br>So anyone not knowing Gossen meters: do not think that incident light metering is added to Gossen meters' capabilities as an afterthought.<br>;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Another suggestion: Sekonic Studio deluxe. This is a selenium cell meter, so it doesn't need a battery. Comes with attachments for both reflected and incident modes, and is extremely reliable. Downside is that it's not overly sensitive, but for outdoor use it's ideal. Expect to pay around $60 to 80 for a good used example with all the attachments. I'd also second the vote for a Minolta autometer III or IIIF. It's an excellent meter, but you need to make sure that it comes with both the reflected and incident attachments (it took me 3 months to get a new reflection attachment on order from Minolta), and be prepared to either remove the battery between uses, or feed it endless PX28s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary_watson Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 The older model 300 series Sekonic meters are all sweet: 318, 328, and 308. The 318 lacks flash metering but both the 328-308 have it--worthwhile getting on the cheap since you'll likely try studio lighting and be stuck without a flash meter. Again, make sure you get the ambient/reflected reading discs for these. All take a single AA that lasts forever. Small(deck of cards-sized), legible LCD readouts, sturdy, good ergonomics, very affordable used(esp. the 318-328). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobmichaels Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 Make sure you get a light meter that is small enough to conveniently carry in a pocket. I have a preference for the Sekonic 308 but I am sure many others will do as well. But, you have a golden opportunity to use your brain and learn to meter by eye. It's incredibly simple most of the time. Just start thinking about what the meter reading is in relation to the light. You will find that you are always getting something like f11 @ 1/500th in normal sun and f8 @ 1/500th when overcast. Remember that or whatever you are getting based on your exposure index. This will rapidly evolve into "Meter? I don't need no stinkin' meter, I KNOW this is F? @ ?/?00th" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
q.g._de_bakker Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 Or you can do yourself a really huge favour, and get yourself a light meter...<br>;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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