Light meter opinions

[ggrantly]

Hello Listers,

I am planning the purchase of a mid-level light meter in the 3-400$ range. Mostly I am interested in using this for location scouting and ratios. The meter would be mostly intended for video, though flash functions would be useful since I do some still work also. Quality of construction is important to me, and it seems that all the new meters have some negative comments about being fragile. The Spectra is interesting since a spot accessory can be added later. In no particular order, is what I have considered so far:

Spectra Cine IV-A
Sekonic 308 Cine
Something else new, Gossen, Kenko, ??
Something else used, older but higher quality?

Any opinions other than spending more, would be very appreciated

Grant

 

[Greg Smith]

I like the Sekonic L-308DC and think it has the following advantages over the Spectra:

- It's small, light, fairly cheap, and simple to use
- The "lumidisc" (flat disc as opposed to dome shaped diffuser) is a better tool for measuring individual lights to set ratios
- Uses a common, single AA battery
- Has flash mode (although I never use this personally and can't judge its value)

I haven't used the Spectra but from looking at listings online I like the following:

- Computes lighting ratios for you
- Rotating head (but does this make it more fragile?)
- Spectra reputation & quality

I've had Sekonic meters for 35 years now and they've always been solid workhorses for me. I still use my original L28C-2 selenium cell meter that I bought when I was a student in 1976. Admittedly, the construction was a lot more rugged back then than the modern electronic models, but I don't think the L-308DC is particularly fragile compared with other comparably priced electronic equipment I own. Treat it as well as your cell phone and it will probably do OK.

- Greg

 

[ggrantly]

Thanks Greg,

The comment about it being in the same case quality as a cell phone is greatly appreciated. The pros and cons of the rotating head are interesting. I watched a vid about the 308dc produced by AbleCine, which was a bit pedantic but never the less informative. If I understand correctly, the 308 has no memory and or lit display?

Grant