light meter

ccastro

ccastro

Well-known member
Do you guys use light meters for the 5d when shooting video ?

I'd like to get one that I can use for video purposes primarily, any recommendations ?
 
ccastro said:
Do you guys use light meters for the 5d when shooting video ?

I'd like to get one that I can use for video purposes primarily, any recommendations ?
Click to expand...

I've been using Gossen. I started out with a Luna-Lux and had 2 of them, one sort of died for a while when I left it in the rain for a week then found it, but still actually works/ then a Luna-Pro / and I've been using my current Luna-Star F2 for the past 10 years.
You will love the Luna-Star, don't have to think so hard, it just tells you all the choices. I never leave home without it.
I also have a Minolta digi spot meter, but after years, never really needed it. Gonna put it on ebay soon.
 
I use a light meter any time I am shooting with any camera. But I use it a TON with the 5D.

I couldn't find good info on the Gossen Luna-Star that ROCKMORE mentioned, but Gossen is an excellent brand of photographic meter.

In Cinema, I've generally seen two meters used more than any. And that is the line of Sekonic Cinema meters (which tend to be very pricey but very thorough) and the less expensive SpectraCine. I have the SpectraCine, and find it to be exceptionally accurate. In fact, I was able to build an table of illumination for the 5D just from measured readings with the meter, and it was no more than 1/8 stop off. Absolutely remarkable tool.

I did not see where the Gossen moder meters like the Star Lite did lighting ratios, which is somewhat important for film use. Be sure that whatever meter you buy has CINEMA frame rates and shutter speeds. This is not something typically on a meter designed for photography. Frame rates don't exist in still photography, and the frame rates are based on a set of fractions that are different than cinema.
 
PerroneFord said:
I use a light meter any time I am shooting with any camera. But I use it a TON with the 5D.

I couldn't find good info on the Gossen Luna-Star that ROCKMORE mentioned, but Gossen is an excellent brand of photographic meter.

In Cinema, I've generally seen two meters used more than any. And that is the line of Sekonic Cinema meters (which tend to be very pricey but very thorough) and the less expensive SpectraCine. I have the SpectraCine, and find it to be exceptionally accurate. In fact, I was able to build an table of illumination for the 5D just from measured readings with the meter, and it was no more than 1/8 stop off. Absolutely remarkable tool.

I did not see where the Gossen moder meters like the Star Lite did lighting ratios, which is somewhat important for film use. Be sure that whatever meter you buy has CINEMA frame rates and shutter speeds. This is not something typically on a meter designed for photography. Frame rates don't exist in still photography, and the frame rates are based on a set of fractions that are different than cinema.
Click to expand...

The Luna-Star F2 has readings from 60 minutes to 1/8000 sec at the 8000 mark you hold down the control button for a few seconds and it moves into cine mode. There it has 8fps, 12, 16, 18, 24, 25, 28, 30, 32, 36, 48, 64fps. It's very accurate and very fast for your brain to process and translate to the camera when you get tired after 18 hours of shooting.
Here is a link.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/20971-REG/Gossen_GO_4032_Luna_Star_F2_Meter.html
 
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Thanks for the info guys

Thanks for the info guys

I don't have a mint of money to work with but I do want a quality meter. I will start researching the brands and models you all mentioned, I agree I think it is a must.
 
ccastro said:
So is the going rate for a decent light meter $400-$600 ?
Click to expand...

You can start with any light meter. Maybe a good idea to learn with one where you have to do some of the calculations in your head if your learning and not under time pressure.
All light meters perform the same function.
Here is a Luna Pro on Ebay for 6 bucks right now. I got through 15 years of work with one. Just get something like that to start, learn it and when you have more cash trade up for a better one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gossen-Luna-Pro...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a6017051

Here is a mint Luna Star buy it now for $150

http://cgi.ebay.com/GOSSEN-LUNA-STA...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item58845ea167
 
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As a stills guy new to video, why is a light meter for stills not a good solution for use with a DSLR shooting video?
 
I use the SpectraCine when shooting film and will sometimes use when shooting digitally. I find it useful when you know you want to match shots up...but with digital I usually rely on scopes.

I think the SpectraCine is an absolute great piece of kit...simple and accurate, very accurate.
 
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