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Author Topic: SMALL light meter suggestions  (Read 2121 times)

Two23

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SMALL light meter suggestions
« on: July 17, 2018, 12:04:59 am »

I have a Minolta IVf that I love and (more importantly) trust, but now I'm looking for a very compact meter to travel with. I'm thinking of something like the Digisix, L-208, Voigtlander VC, etc. I really only need ambient metering, but reflective would be a nice addition. I definitely want to stay under $200, and more like $100. I generally prefer to buy used. What about some of the older meters--weren't many of them small? I am afraid the ones that don't take batteries will be dead or dying though. So, any suggestions? I don't have a smart phone so don't suggest an app.


Kent in SD
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BRH

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #1 on: July 17, 2018, 11:18:49 am »

Kent,
The Seconic L-208 would fit your requirements, but I use and would prefer the Seconic Studio deluxe, my version of this meter is over 20 years old and still is accurate. The latest L328 iii is only just over us$200.00.

Bryan
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Two23

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #2 on: July 17, 2018, 06:34:56 pm »

Kent,
The Seconic L-208 would fit your requirements, but I use and would prefer the Seconic Studio deluxe, my version of this meter is over 20 years old and still is accurate. The latest L328 iii is only just over us$200.00.


I had an excellent Studio Master 398 with slides, which I stupidly sold ten years ago.  I needed a meter that would do flash.  For what I sold it for, I should have just kept it.


Kent in SD
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BobShaw

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2018, 12:28:18 am »

I have had s Sekonic L-308S for years. Current version is L-308X apparently.
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E.J. Peiker

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2018, 08:21:47 am »

If you have a smartphone and you really want to downsize, use your smartphone as a light meter with any number of apps.
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Two23

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2018, 09:08:31 am »

If you have a smartphone and you really want to downsize, use your smartphone as a light meter with any number of apps.


No, no smart phone.  I'm too cheap. ;D


Kent in SD
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Telecaster

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2018, 05:14:05 pm »

I used the little Voigtländer VCs for years on old rangefinder cameras. Worked great! They slot into the accessory/hot shoe.

-Dave-
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BobShaw

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2018, 08:54:56 pm »

I really doubt that a smart phone light meter is worth the time to download. Plus you have a good chance of damaging the phone which is worth more than a meter designed for the purpose.
You may not need a flash meter now but it would be a mistake in my mind to buy a light meter that wasn't also a flash meter.
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Two23

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2018, 09:30:37 pm »

I really doubt that a smart phone light meter is worth the time to download. Plus you have a good chance of damaging the phone which is worth more than a meter designed for the purpose.
You may not need a flash meter now but it would be a mistake in my mind to buy a light meter that wasn't also a flash meter.


I have the Minolta IVf meter I use to check flash.  I do very large scale outdoor flash set ups, and a flash meter actually helps a lot.   I just want a small meter to use with my pre-war cameras that have no meter in them.  The Sekonic L-208 looks like the best bang for the buck, but I also love the classic looks of the Zeiss Ikophot.  It's not as sensitive/versatile, but it sure is beautiful!


Kent in SD
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BobShaw

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #9 on: July 18, 2018, 11:09:02 pm »

I just want a small meter to use with my pre-war cameras that have no meter in them. 
If that is all that you want then you just take a digital camera along as well and get the exposure right on manual and just use the same settings. That is what i dud when I had a 617 film camera.
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Ken Doo

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #10 on: July 19, 2018, 08:51:29 am »

Sekonic L328 Digilite F is a pretty compact accurate light meter and easy to use.

Ken

NancyP

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #11 on: July 19, 2018, 03:12:59 pm »

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Two23

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #12 on: July 20, 2018, 12:07:41 am »

I found a deal from KEH on a used L-208 and ended up buying that.  It's very small and will do what I want (mostly that's incident light metering with my c.1942 Leica IIIc, c.1954 Rolleiflex, and c.1937 Vogtlander Bessa.)   The Minolta IVf is my "main" meter, but I wanted something smaller for travel and street shooting.  Thanks to all that responded!


Kent in SD
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BernardLanguillier

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #13 on: July 20, 2018, 01:09:03 am »

I really doubt that a smart phone light meter is worth the time to download. Plus you have a good chance of damaging the phone which is worth more than a meter designed for the purpose.
You may not need a flash meter now but it would be a mistake in my mind to buy a light meter that wasn't also a flash meter.

I own the Lumu light meter attachement for iPhone and it is outstanding.

Cheers,
Bernard

ski542002

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #14 on: August 18, 2018, 11:38:38 am »

Hello:

I just too delivery of the Illuminati meter and at first blush, it is a highly capable meter.  Ambient, Flash, color meter et.al.  Take a look at this nice preview article on Photofocus https://photofocus.com/2018/08/16/the-illuminati-meter-what-is-that/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter and checkout the manufacturers web site.
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digitaldog

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Re: SMALL light meter suggestions
« Reply #15 on: August 18, 2018, 11:41:18 am »

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