light meter

[ellette]

I am fairly lost when it comes to light meters. I would like to get one I think, especially for in my hospital shoots. I can ask for one for Christmas from my parents, but I don't know what to tell them to look for. I can't ask them to get a spot meter...they are all too expensive. So, what should they, who know NOTHING about cameras, ask the salesman for when they start shopping? What brand do you like and what do you consider a must in a meter and what is an added bonus? My father-in-law has a nice OLD one with spot metering that I'd love to get, but even though he doesn't ever do photography anymore, he's holding on to it. I've thought about going for an ancient one that isn't meant for digital at all...he got his to go with his LF camera back in the 70's. I don't know though if that would end up more expensive than a new one. I'm not at all against buying used if I can trust it is in good condition and works right, but my parents wouldn't get it for me if that was the case...I'd have them buy me a wacom tablet and a filter for my 70-200 instead and I'd get the meter myself.

Ok, I'm not able to be on much right now because my computer died so I'm using my husband's computer when he brings it home (I get the weekends and Fridays). I won't be able to reply much this weekend anyway, making Christmas presents and getting prepared to have 23 people at my house for Thanksgiving. So, I'll not be checking this as regularly as I would like and will be a bit rude with my ability to respond promptly...I'm apologizing in advance.

Thanks everyone.

Sara

[J.A.F. Doorhof]

Hi,
I use a Sekonic L:358 which I absolutly love it's a bit expensive but you will keep it for years.

[mikej]

Are you looking for a flash meter as well as a light meter or just a light meter? You talk about having spot metering capability, which sounds like you just want a light meter... but if you are going to shoot with mono lights, then you need a flash meter. And to be honest, I doubt you will need a spot meter but once or twice a year, if that much. At least you won't use one shooting flash or even with ambiant light indoors (or anyplace you can physically walk up to and hold the meter for a reading).

I also second the Sekonic L-358. That is what I use for both light metering and flash metering. I also have the optional Pocket Wizard transmiter so I can flash my studio lights without a cord when I have a Pocket Wizard receiver on them.

The other meter that is also comparable to the Sekonic is the Minolta IVf. A lot of people use that brand and it is very close to price and ability of the Sekonic. The Sekonic has a few more bells and whistles, but nothing that the Minolta has to have to do a good job.

Mike

[deluco]

I third the Sekonic 358, as I have it and use the wireless Pocket Wizard transmitter in it.

But you may also consider more economical meters if you don't have Pocket Wizard slaves. This one is quite good for the price and I have it also. For $100 less than the Sekonic, it's an excellent value:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

[blundar]

I also use the Shepherd Polaris meter. It is a simple and inexpensive digital meter that suits me well for the studio work that I do.

[dorkn]

I just recieved the Sekonik L-358 and it works great. I have 2 friends who each use that same meter.

[ohenry]

I have a Sekonic L-588 and it's excellent.

[lordarka]

Can't go wrong with the Sekonic L-358. I have one of these with the PW transmitter, so I can trigger a test flash from the meter itself. Very cool feature


Arka C.