fer_fdi
Well-known
Hi all,
I'd like to know about options for a clip-on (shoe) exposure meter for a IIIc.
I know there are the Voigtlander meters that many of you like, specially the VC II (I'd love to get one) but I have to look for a cheaper option right now.
Ideally small and light, but the main restriction is price for now.
Which are my options? Coupled or uncoupled (no idea if there are coupled meters for the IIIc)
And as a side question, can a Walz "Micro-Meter" (selenium) be usable? I can get one locally at a good price (around 25 euros and it works, theoretically)
I'd like to know about options for a clip-on (shoe) exposure meter for a IIIc.
I know there are the Voigtlander meters that many of you like, specially the VC II (I'd love to get one) but I have to look for a cheaper option right now.
Ideally small and light, but the main restriction is price for now.
Which are my options? Coupled or uncoupled (no idea if there are coupled meters for the IIIc)
And as a side question, can a Walz "Micro-Meter" (selenium) be usable? I can get one locally at a good price (around 25 euros and it works, theoretically)
FrankS
Registered User
If you have a smart phone, a light meter app is the cheapest (free) solution while you save for the CV unit, which I think is the best option.
fer_fdi
Well-known
Thank you Frank. I consider that option, of course
(I'm downloading one right now and will try my best
but I love to forget about the phone (and everything)
while using the camera, so I'm trying to find a hardware one : )
But would like to know which are the options below the price of the Voigtlander VC meters.
The most integrated on the IIIc the better, that's why I'm looking for a shoe mounted one.
Are the Leica MC selenium meters usable? "working" but ugly condition are around $40
Same question about the Walz micro-meter I said before, which I can get for $25
(I'm downloading one right now and will try my best
but I love to forget about the phone (and everything)
while using the camera, so I'm trying to find a hardware one : )
But would like to know which are the options below the price of the Voigtlander VC meters.
The most integrated on the IIIc the better, that's why I'm looking for a shoe mounted one.
Are the Leica MC selenium meters usable? "working" but ugly condition are around $40
Same question about the Walz micro-meter I said before, which I can get for $25
nikonosguy
Well-known
the mc meters will NOT fit on a iiic -- they are designed for M leicas
nikonosguy
Well-known
the mc meters attatch to the shutter speed dials on the m's -- no way it would ever fit on a barnack
madNbad
Well-known
There really isn't a meter to couple with your IIIc in the same way as a M camera. Even the newest of the Leicameters are at least fifty years old and most considerably older leaving the problem of dead selenium cells or no longer available batteries. If you find a selenium meter in working condition they become unreliable in dim lighting situations. If you are willing to take a chance, compare the Waltz to a working modern meter or a phone app and see how it compares. Best bang for the buck is the little Sekonic L-208 Twinmate, analog takes a modern battery and comes with a shoe attachment. Good luck and have fun with your IIIc, I still kick myself for trading mine away.
lynnb
Veteran
I make do with a small hand held Zeiss Ikophot or Sekonic L208 as I often use the shoe for an accessory finder..
fer_fdi
Well-known
thank you nikonosguy, madNbad and Lynn (and once again to Frank)
I take good note
I take good note
Blind_spark
Established
I agree with Frank that the VC is the best - if for nothing else that you can adjust the shoe to fit your camera. The main thing with the IIIc is you make sure that you can still adjust and see the shutter speed dial. The Walz you mention, which is a nice little meter if it's working, has this shortcoming...if you are careful you can try to move the shoe over so you can see. Might not bother you though.
I picked up a Yashica YEM-35 recently. It's got the plus of being CdS rather than Selenium, so it's a little better in low light. Good little meter..ON/OFF switch that captures the needle so you can take your reading.
You can also adapt various small meters for the purpose by attaching shoes to the bottom. I've done so with my Gossen Pilot...makes for a nice reflective/incident setup on top of my Contax.
I picked up a Yashica YEM-35 recently. It's got the plus of being CdS rather than Selenium, so it's a little better in low light. Good little meter..ON/OFF switch that captures the needle so you can take your reading.
You can also adapt various small meters for the purpose by attaching shoes to the bottom. I've done so with my Gossen Pilot...makes for a nice reflective/incident setup on top of my Contax.
fer_fdi
Well-known
thank you blind_spark, yes the Walz may cover slightly the shutter speed dial...
I take note of the YEM-35.
btw, that lightmeter website is a great resource, thanks.
I take note of the YEM-35.
btw, that lightmeter website is a great resource, thanks.
Larry Cloetta
Veteran
There is also the Kopil Cds clip on light meter, one on eBay right now, which might be the quickest place to find a photo. Takes available batteries, and reputed to be accurate in low light. I don't know if it is as good as some people have said; I just ordered one myself to find out. Closer to the price range you are looking for, and somewhat, kind of, almost period correct. There is a little bit of information out there if you do an Internet search. Just one more option, and there are not really that many viable alternatives to the VC meter. The Digisix works, but kind of looks like the Starship Enterprise landed on your camera.
fer_fdi
Well-known
I saw the Kopil before, very cool. Thanks
cassel
Well-known
How about the Sekonic L-136 ? It's chrome- small -accurate- and it's Cds !
Somewhat hard to find... Fits the look of a classic camera with modern accuarcy
Somewhat hard to find... Fits the look of a classic camera with modern accuarcy
Mr_Flibble
In Tabulas Argenteas Refero
The Kopil is pretty big, but it does leave room to adjust the dials. I'm pretty sure they take PX-625 batteries, But I suppose you can calibrate them to P-625A batteries with the screw underneath.
Another option similar to the Sekonic L-208 is the Gossen Digisix and Digisix 2.
Another option similar to the Sekonic L-208 is the Gossen Digisix and Digisix 2.
Dralowid
Michael
The little selenium one that Kodak used to make for Retinettes etc is tidy if you can find one that works, very well made. Called Kodalux?
Dralowid
Michael
Like this one:
http://www.rockycameras.com/index.a...odalux-l-cased-light-meter-nice-17.99-28841-p[ekm]499x374[ekm].jpg
Kodalux L shoe lightmeter. by Steve Chatfield, on Flickr
http://www.rockycameras.com/index.a...odalux-l-cased-light-meter-nice-17.99-28841-p[ekm]499x374[ekm].jpg
Kodalux L shoe lightmeter. by Steve Chatfield, on Flickr
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Paul T.
Veteran
I had the Voigtlander VCII, which looked great, but in the end I swapped for the sekonic 208.
The VC is slow in operation, and the little wheels often get knocked out of position. I also used a selenium shoe-mount one, but they're less reliable in low light, and also tried a Weston, of course. The Sekonic is tiny, takes up no room in your pocket or you can hang it around your neck, and I found it simply less hassle than any of the other options.
The VC is slow in operation, and the little wheels often get knocked out of position. I also used a selenium shoe-mount one, but they're less reliable in low light, and also tried a Weston, of course. The Sekonic is tiny, takes up no room in your pocket or you can hang it around your neck, and I found it simply less hassle than any of the other options.
fer_fdi
Well-known
Thanks a lot for the new suggestions!!
I will research all of them, thanks again to all
Meanwhile, as Frank suggested, I tried an app on my (i)phone, it seems to work well, but I can only check against my Fuji X-E1 digital and sometimes they read 1 stop apart, sometimes same reading, so I'm confused (due to my unexperience)
If any of you is using it I'd like to have your feedback so I know if it gives good measurements.
It has extensive good feedback about it's reliability but who knows.
It's made in Spain and cool looking! haha:
I will research all of them, thanks again to all
Meanwhile, as Frank suggested, I tried an app on my (i)phone, it seems to work well, but I can only check against my Fuji X-E1 digital and sometimes they read 1 stop apart, sometimes same reading, so I'm confused (due to my unexperience)
If any of you is using it I'd like to have your feedback so I know if it gives good measurements.
It has extensive good feedback about it's reliability but who knows.
It's made in Spain and cool looking! haha:
Attachments
Larry Cloetta
Veteran
This app is very reliable, but to get the most out of it, please read and download the extensive directions from his site. It also works well as an incident meter if you have a diffuser, but that is another story.
I am guessing the variation you are finding from the Fuji has more to do with the exact area being metered than anything else. Just as likely, if the variance is constant, it's the Fuji metering that is off one stop. Built in meters are not the ultimate, I've gradually figured out.
David Hughes
David Hughes
Hi,
The Walz one gets around under a lot of names and anon.
Look for one of those little square things used to turn a hot-shoe into a 3mm flash socket. They have a cold shoe on top and put the Walz in it. It lifts it clear of the shutter speed dial but it just isn't a neat solution but the old long upright RF was as bad if not worse.
Regards, David
The Walz one gets around under a lot of names and anon.
Look for one of those little square things used to turn a hot-shoe into a 3mm flash socket. They have a cold shoe on top and put the Walz in it. It lifts it clear of the shutter speed dial but it just isn't a neat solution but the old long upright RF was as bad if not worse.
Regards, David