Wireless triggering with Sekonic Flasm Meter

[vhs07]

Looking to buy my first flash meter, and was reading Sekonics ads about optional wireless triggering. The ads talk about using with your Pocket Wizards, But I don't use them. I'm using the Nikon SU-800 to trigger my SB-800's and was wondering if anyone knows if I can use the Sekonic wireless with the SU-800?
Thanks
Charles

[nightspirit]

The Sekonic meter and the pocket wizards use radio frequencies to communicate with each other. The Nikon system uses infared light. So no you can't use the meter to trigger your Nikon system.

[vhs07]

So I would be limited to a sync cable running from the flash meter to the SU-800?

Charles

[00silvergt]

With my L358, I set the meter to Flash mode, which then waits for the flash to fire within 90 seconds, fire the strobes and it will meter what I need to set my F-stop to. I would only have to use the wire if the ambient lighting was not within the 9 EV that meter needs to meter the flash.

[nightspirit]

I'm not real familiar with the Nikon equipment. I just know the basics on how they function. If it takes a sync cord then yes, that is an option. But couldn't you also just hold the SU 800 in your hand and use it to trigger the flashes for the meter to take the reading?

[vhs07]

Thanks, good idea.
I guess I could get the model to hold the flash meter also.

Charles

[nightspirit]

Just my opinion, but unless they're family or friends, models are models, not assistants. Getting the model to hold the meter just how you want it is sometimes easier said than done, and may make them feel uncomfortable. Just take the meter and the triggering device, hold the meter where you want to and set off your flashes with the SU 800. I've had the chance to use the Sekonic meters and they are extremely accurate.

[Hawk911]

I disagree- I think if you are taking the time to make good images, you should/could use him/her to help in that effort. I don't usually shoot with an assistant.

[00silvergt]

Originally Posted by nightspirit

Just my opinion, but unless they're family or friends, models are models, not assistants. Getting the model to hold the meter just how you want it is sometimes easier said than done, and may make them feel uncomfortable. Just take the meter and the triggering device, hold the meter where you want to and set off your flashes with the SU 800. I've had the chance to use the Sekonic meters and they are extremely accurate.

Originally Posted by Hawk911

I disagree- I think if you are taking the time to make good images, you should/could use him/her to help in that effort. I don't usually shoot with an assistant.

I think it depends on your relationship with the model and the model themselves. If they are some sort of premadonna, then I would advise against asking them to do anything other than pose. If they are starting out and is willing to help, then by all means. However, professional etiquette of course dictates that all each profession stick with what they should be concerned with. In other words, technically, to be completely, text book, professional, holding the meter is your responsibility as a photographer and not having or having an assistant for it is also yours. Imagine, the what if they held it and dropped it and broke it...what then?

[nightspirit]

Originally Posted by 00silvergt

I think it depends on your relationship with the model and the model themselves. If they are some sort of premadonna, then I would advise against asking them to do anything other than pose. If they are starting out and is willing to help, then by all means. However, professional etiquette of course dictates that all each profession stick with what they should be concerned with. In other words, technically, to be completely, text book, professional, holding the meter is your responsibility as a photographer and not having or having an assistant for it is also yours. Imagine, the what if they held it and dropped it and broke it...what then?

Exactly my point about making them feel uncomfortable. Most models know that our equpment is expensive, and they may not feel right handling it. If the model accidentally drops, and breaks your meter. They're upset, You're upset, and the shoot is probably ruined. The model tells other models, who then may be reluctant to work with you. I believe whether your a beginner or seasoned pro, You should always appear at your most professional. Learn all you can about your equipment and practice using it until it is second nature. I've also learned alot here on Photocamel and it has made me a better photographer.

[00silvergt]

Originally Posted by nightspirit

Exactly my point about making them feel uncomfortable. Most models know that our equpment is expensive, and they may not feel right handling it. If the model accidentally drops, and breaks your meter. They're upset, You're upset, and the shoot is probably ruined. The model tells other models, who then may be reluctant to work with you. I believe whether your a beginner or seasoned pro, You should always appear at your most professional. Learn all you can about your equipment and practice using it until it is second nature. I've also learned alot here on Photocamel and it has made me a better photographer.

I was being, pragmatic.