Good affordable light meter?

M

mixer28

Active member
I am looking to get an affordable light meter to help with lighting sets and subject etc

I do not know that much about the various brands to be honest - any recomendations for a light meter a relative newbie could get going with?

Any advice most welcome

thanks
 
A Sekonic L-398 is a tried and true meter. $ 80 bucks used-$ 150 newer in mint condition on Ebay.
 
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When looking at the price difference there must be a big difference between what these two light meters can do for me as a newbie...

Sekonic Digital Cine Master versus the pentax spotmeter V

Do I really need to start with the Sekonic or will the pentax (or something comparable like the Sekonic L 398) be good enough resource to assist in post production. I only ask as I am afraid i will end up with a major learning curve (with both of course) especially with the Sekonic. Is this true?

I have read many threads on this however, being the newbie that I am.. Im still uncertain which light meter is best without a major learning curve (As there are so many other learning curves) or is it best to start off getting the best meter possible.... Any suggestions are appreciated.
 
You don't need a Cadillac to learn how to drive.. The L398 is a perfect meter, if calibrated correctly. Perfect for video work.. With use, and experience, this meter will serve you well. Don't get into the mode of having the cash registar tell you how much change to give, all the time..With experience, you will be able to determine the nuances and differences in shutter angle, and determining the math if you make supple changes in light.
Add a spotmeter down the road, for quick reference from a distance..
 
I read somewher the candella is just as good and even at a better price. For starting out is the candella probably better for me? Sorry for nitpicking this subject it just seems the candella may be easier to learn at first. TIA
 
What's your budget exactely.. ? What are you willing to spend on a meter ?
I have seen several of the type I mentioned on EBAY for a very decent price.
The L398 really holds it's value.( depending on who you talk to)
It is very easy to learn how to use.
I am not familiar with the operation,construction or accuracy of the Candella meter, so I can not vouch for it...Good Luck... $ 80 bucks seems like a great price to me for the L398.. I might even go $ 100 bucks if it's in mint shape...
 
I've also liked the Minolta Auto Meter VF. It is a reasonably priced digital light meter. I started with an anologue Sekonic meter, which was great, and more affordable. But I decided to switch to a digital meter just for ease of use.

Either way, I would highly recommend going down to your local pro photo shop and taking a look at what they have to offer. I ended up buying mine from my local shop, and it was only $5 - $15 more then what I was seeing on ebay. And when I got it from the shop, they were able to talk to me about the meter, show me how to use it, answer questions, etc. Well worth the extra money, IMO.
 
Thanks guys for your response.... much of my price budget is totally reflective on what will make things easier in the long run. I seriously don't want to go over 500 though. Im kinding of leaning towards the Sekonic 758C. I found a new one on ebay for a little under 500.00 I know its the cost of a semi good light but if i dont totally understand light to its fullest... id be better of purchasing a tool that will help me. In fact reading on light, and spot meters has really helped me put a few pieces of the puzzle together.

I like your idea Ryan.. I will just have to find a shop around town that has meters for sale. At least, if anything else, I can get some hands on experience before making a purchase.
 
I just picked up a Sekonic 758 Cine in Hong Kong last time I was there for $415.00. I don't know what they'd charge for postage but it may be less than the difference to $500. You can also catch these hong kong specials on Ebay as well. The place I bought from was union camera ltd. at www.unioncameraltd.com. The light meter isn't on their website though but they carry far more things than they show there.
 
speaking of the 758 cine, I recently got one. Does anyone knows where to find exposure profile dowloadable from the net regarding video camera (DVX? HVX..profiles) ...?
 
I just bought the L-398, perfect condition, including shipping for $62.00. Read this post and litteraly 2 minutes and 12 seconds later, it was on order on ebay.
 
Good luck with your meter....It will serve you well . Experiment before you shoot your next feature or commercial..
 
will do, thanks to you i got it. I have money, thanks to god, so I can spend, I just need the names to the products, and the moment you put the name down and how much you trust the product through experience, I bought it. thats all i needed to here.
 
timtorpedo said:
speaking of the 758 cine, I recently got one. Does anyone knows where to find exposure profile dowloadable from the net regarding video camera (DVX? HVX..profiles) ...?
Click to expand...

I believe when i last remember the DVX is 320 ASA. Don't know about the HVX but on my Canon A1 I find it closer to 400 ASA. While others have said it was also 320. I use a Spectra lightmeter with the inserts.
 
The Exposure profiling is a function that allows you to program in the light meter the peaks, the dynamic range... of digital cameras, and that is through USB port and the Sekonic software. There are not (too many) profiles available on the Sekonic website, but only for digital still cameras. the more it goes, the more I feel that exposure profling thing is only for digital still...:Drogar-Thinking(DBG
 
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