Light Meter "YES,NO,MAYBE, That is the Question

[diver46]

Hi,
I am trying to determine whether or not to purchase a light meter. I currently use a Nikon D70, usually with a Nikon 18-200mm len. I have been told that a spot meter is necessary to really take better photo's since you can have better control of light. I take a lot of landscape and nature photo's, with candid people shots as well. I really like B&W, so I am reading about the Zone System where a spot meter is used a lot. Is the metering in the camera good enough or do you need a hand held meter? Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Jim Jones]

Remember, Edward Weston didn't use a spot meter, and still managed to make great photos. Much early Zone System photography was done with ordinary meters. However, a spot meter is certainly a valuable asset in using the zone system. If your camera has accurate spot meter capability, it should suffice.

[Lorek]

Sorry I have never used a light meter so can't tell you if it is a plus. The only thing I know is that you can make nice shots without.

[dlew308]

Your camera's spot meter will suffice just fine.

This is a good book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081...lance&n=283155

[J.A.F. Doorhof]

If you use natural light only the camera will do just well.
When you are working a lot with flash or mix light from flash and nature a good flash/light meter is a valuable tool.