Clip-on meters

[rayfoxlee]

Hi all

Does anyone have a take on the CV clip-on lightmeter? I have an M2 and shoot mainly B&W and whilst my Minolta Spotmeter F is my meter of choice, I want something a bit smaller when I want to travel light. I know that this will be a wider metering angle, it seems as convenient choice.

I have heard about the $399 US Pocket Spot, but this is a bit pricey, especially with shipping to the UK.

The ideal would be to learn how to judge light accurately without one.............. 🙄

 

[ChrisN]

VCII meter is great - I have mine in my shirt pocket as I type this. Very small and unobtrusive, I usually use it off the camera, but it sits nicely on the Canon P or the M4 too. Easy to use and (for me) much more accurate than my estimates when the light is anything other than good.

 

[FrankS]

I have and use a CV meter 2 and quite like it. You won't find a smaller meter. My only complaint is that the ISO setting is not stiff enough and it sometimes moves from my set value.

 

[photogdave]

I'm in the same boat and I'm looking seriously at the Gossen Digisix. I've held it in my hand and it's not terribly larger than the VC but much more versatile. If you Google it, there's lots of info and reviews.

 

[GeneW]

I have an original VC clipon meter, and I'm very fond of it. Sometimes I clip it on the camera, but more often I carry it in my pocket. Solid and small.

Gene

 

[RML]

I looked at the CV meter (both I and II) but before I could decide to buy one, I found out I still had an original Leica meter. It had been in the drk of a drawer for years, so it's still pretty accurate. On eBay these don't cost too much. I think you can buy almost 2 for the price of a new CV meter. Added bonus is, of course, that it matches perfectly with the M2. 🙂

 

[ch1]

I looked at the CV meter (both I and II) but before I could decide to buy one, I found out I still had an original Leica meter. It had been in the drk of a drawer for years, so it's still pretty accurate. On eBay these don't cost too much. I think you can buy almost 2 for the price of a new CV meter. Added bonus is, of course, that it matches perfectly with the M2. 🙂

How is this in anyway a helpful response?

PULEEZ!!!

The fellow RFF'er who posted this question obviously DOES NOT have an old Leica meter hanging around in the back of his drawer somewhere.

He's seeking advice on a modern product offering.

This kind of response is an all too typical RFF "gotcha - I've been around longer than you..." kind of answer.

SO WHAT?

You have a bigger "junk drawer" others of us!

As to the original query:

I find that the CV meter is great to work with. I like the mondern LCD indicator when mounted on my Nikon S2 because it "mirrors" my backup Bessa R2S so I don't have to do too many mental calesthenics with my aging brain cells!

 

[RML]

In what way is your response useful?! I'm only suggesting a different route he can take, one that is cheaper and looks at least as nice on his M2. How is that wrong? Because you find it so? If so, than excuse me but I don't need your dictatorship. It's exactly this kind of shit that pissed off others in the past and is pissing me off right now. I'm outta here! 😡

How is this in anyway a helpful response?

PULEEZ!!!

The fellow RFF'er who posted this question obviously DOES NOT have an old Leica meter hanging around in the back of his drawer somewhere.

He's seeking advice on a modern product offering.

This kind of response is an all too typical RFF "gotcha - I've been around longer than you..." kind of answer.

SO WHAT?

You have a bigger "junk drawer" others of us!

As to the original query:

I find that the CV meter is great to work with. I like the mondern LCD indicator when mounted on my Nikon S2 because it "mirrors" my backup Bessa R2S so I don't have to do too many mental calesthenics with my aging brain cells!

 

[ch1]

In what way is your response useful?! I'm only suggesting a different route he can take, one that is cheaper and looks at least as nice on his M2. How is that wrong? Because you find it so? If so, than excuse me but I don't need your dictatorship. It's exactly this kind of shit that pissed off others in the past and is pissing me off right now. I'm outta here! 😡

Because you assume that one can just "click on eBay" and get an old school Leica meter at half the price of a new CV one. That's why.

eBay is an auction house of a mixed bag of old and new gear. The new stuff is usually "closeouts" the old stuff is "catch as catch can"!

If a guy needs (wants) a clip on meter and doesn't want the grief of hoping to: a) find it and; b) if he does - trust that it really works! Then he is better off to buy new gear.

There is nothing wrong with finding an old piece of useful gear in YOUR drawer for YOUR usage - but how does that help a guy who needs something for HIMSELF?

If you were willing to offer your Leica meter to him at a fair price then your answer would be helpful. Elsewise, I don't see how it is.

 

[RML]

I don't see in his original posting ANYTHING about wanting a modern meter!

Does anyone have a take on the CV clip-on lightmeter? I have an M2 and shoot mainly B&W and whilst my Minolta Spotmeter F is my meter of choice, I want something a bit smaller when I want to travel light. I know that this will be a wider metering angle, it seems as convenient choice.

Just something smaller than his Spotmeter F.
Seems to me suggesting a Leica meter is an option. And since there's no way knowing whether he considered that route already or not, I did suggest it.

Dumbass remarks like that I should offer my Leica meter for sale is just trolling.

I've heard enough. Suggestions are not wanted here, just canned answers. I'm out of here. 😡

Because you assume that one can just "click on eBay" and get an old school Leica meter at half the price of a new CV one. That's why.

eBay is an auction house of a mixed bag of old and new gear. The new stuff is usually "closeouts" the old stuff is "catch as catch can"!

If a guy needs (wants) a clip on meter and doesn't want the grief of hoping to: a) find it and; b) if he does - trust that it really works! Then he is better off to buy new gear.

There is nothing wrong with finding an old piece of useful gear in YOUR drawer for YOUR usage - but how does that help a guy who needs something for HIMSELF?

If you were willing to offer your Leica meter to him at a fair price then your answer would be helpful. Elsewise, I don't see how it is.

 

[back alley]

How is this in anyway a helpful response?

PULEEZ!!!

The fellow RFF'er who posted this question obviously DOES NOT have an old Leica meter hanging around in the back of his drawer somewhere.

He's seeking advice on a modern product offering.

This kind of response is an all too typical RFF "gotcha - I've been around longer than you..." kind of answer.

SO WHAT?

You have a bigger "junk drawer" others of us!

As to the original query:

I find that the CV meter is great to work with. I like the mondern LCD indicator when mounted on my Nikon S2 because it "mirrors" my backup Bessa R2S so I don't have to do too many mental calesthenics with my aging brain cells!

what the hell is your problem, have a fight with the wife?

was this post useful to you?

and now a little more serious and to the point...george, calm down. you are way out of line here.
i'm not sure how you come to these conclusions but they seem way off base to me.

joe

 

[FPjohn]

Digisix

Digisix

Hello:

The DigiSix has an optional accessory shoe foot and it works well. I find that i use it as a pocket/handheld incident meter most of the time. A precise one hand meter for relatively little!

CV11 looks attractive.

yours
Frank

 

[rayfoxlee]

Guys, thanks for all your helpful comments! I didn't want to start an all-out slanging verbal fisticuffs, though.

Ray

 

[klas.buren]

I too was in your situation and needed a small meter. My two main alternatives was the VCII or the Digisix. Ultimately I went with a Digisix for its (to me) more versatile display. I like to be able to see the difference between two readings without having to turn any dials. As a clip-on though, I think the VCII looks much more at home on any camera.

Klas

 

[RML]

Guys, thanks for all your helpful comments! I didn't want to start an all-out slanging verbal fisticuffs, though.

Ray

Well, I'm back. But I'm still grumbling. I get enough shite at work not to need to get it here as well. But you guys and gals are mostly swell people and I can't just walk away from a bunch of good eggs like you.

 

[FrankS]

Remy, I remember that your pink (then Japanese gold) Leica M2 was the first thing I saw here at RFF after I found it by accident. While it is true that you are straying farther afield these days with the digital darkside, I still wouldn't want to have to say goodbye. 🙂

 

[RML]

Remy, I remember that your pink (then Japanese gold) Leica M2 was the first thing I saw here at RFF after I found it by accident. While it is true that you are straying farther afield these days with the digital darkside, I still wouldn't want to have to say goodbye. 🙂

Frank, the Dark Side is strong. Both Leica and the dRF are tempting beasts. I got tempted and for now I can't go back. But RFF is like Ariadne's thread to me. As long as it doesn't snap I'll be fine, someday. 🙂

BTW, the M2 still has its gloriously golden jacket. 😛

 

[fredus]

The digisix is nice and small (feel a little cheap though ...) but only takes reading in EV. You then have to make the conversion ...

Fred

 

[lkgroup]

Remy,

Ialso remember your Japanese gold Leica M2 . I liked it so well I got ahold of Akai and had him cut one for one of my Kiev 4 cameras. I still have it and use it, with many comments by people. Hang in there, I value your ideas.

leo

 

[Trius]

I saw both VC meters at the recent Toronto RF fest, and they look great. I am also interested in the Sekonic Twinmate , which has the advantage of also doing incident readings. From reading on the net it probably isn't as well constructed as the VC, but I haven't actually handled one.

Earl