A small, affordable incident meter

[alexz]

I'd be considering some kind of small yet affordable incident meter to back up my M6 metering when more precise metering is necessary. So far I used to either spot metering (shooting LF with Pentax digital spotmeter) or M6's own "wide-spot" metering, mostly all with my own zone system judgement for obtaining the correct exposure.
Shooting LF slides I found my zone judgement isn't that bad and I often manage to obtain at least acceptable exposures, though there are times (mostly in complex lighting) where incident metering would serve much better.
Whilst with LF in most cases the slow passion allows for thoughtfull scene contrast evaluation and educated judgement (and I'm never fast with that kind of thinking), once shooting with RF often a faster decisions must be drawn and here incident meter may indeed be a savior, in particular shooting slides.
I'd like one to be small, preferably pocketable or even able to fit my M6 shoe. I'm aware of Voightlender shoe-mounted devices, but they are reflective-metering type.
I thing even a legacy type (needle) may suit my needs well, especally given their presumed low pricing.

So, what would be your suggestions ?

 

[FrankS]

I recently got a used Sekonic 308b light meter for about $100. Small and light enough for my shirt pocket, something my Gossen LunaSix3 is too big for.

 

[JCT]

I've used both the Sekonic L-208 and the Gossen Digisix (well, and my dad's very old Luna Pro SBC 🙄 ).

They are both pocketable and I have found them to be quite accurate. I really like that you can read the whole spectrum as opposed to the digital approach where you have to cycle through.

Though is it a bit overpriced (IMHO) I prefer the Digisix by a slim margin.

Good luck,

JT

 

[ruben]

After owning some 8 different light meters, I second Frank without doubt. The L308 is the one, the fastest (because it is digital), the accurate and very light. But if you look for a meter to use not in a hurry, a CDS cell one from Gossen may suit (and I have one for sale: "Sixtar").

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[like2fiddle]

I've been happy with the Gossen Pilot II. It's cheap, doesn't need batteries, is both incident and reflective meter, and hangs on a string around your neck. It's all I had before purchasing a CV meter a couple of months ago. I compared the two just last week because I'm having trouble with color exposures and they matched exactly.

 

[FPjohn]

DigiSix

DigiSix

Hello:

I can second the choice of a DigiSix.

yours
Frank

 

[VinceC]

I use the Sekonic L-208 and love it. Very small. I can keep it in a shirt pocket or pants pocket. Match needle. Fast readings. However, it's not too sensitive down at the lower threshholds. If necessary, I can handhold a 50mm 1.4 lens at 1/8 second using 400 speed film, but the meter doesn't really register any movement on the needle at that level.

 

[Ken Ford]

I've preferred Gossen meters for many years - my Luna-Pro has been around the world twice. I picked up a Gossen DigiFlash a few years back and really like it. It's nice having a flashmeter for the rare times I need it.

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I picked up a used Gossen Sixomat about a year and a half ago, very light, pocketable, easy to use and very accurate in incident mode. For discreet off-camera reflective readings, the mark 2 version of the tiny VC meter is very good.