Handheld meter question

[tkluck]

Go with the best you can get. The Luna Pro sounds pretty good for the low light stuff. Me, I never could stand using the Gossen. Checked a couple out at the local stockist but just did't like them based on the wheel and then transfer the number after the reading and then yadda, yadda, yadda. I like digital readouts anyway soooo, I went with a Sekonic L-558. It only goes down to -2 EV but anything lower then that and I start getting scared of the dark. One thing though, the Sekonic meters feel big and they look big which does not go along with the rangefinder mentallity. Frigging light meter as big if not bigger then your camera! OH well. Works for me.

Transfering the number is a pain. That's why I use a Luna Pro F. Simple match needle, and uses a 9v. battery. The flash meter function is a nice bonus.
The later Luna Pro SBC uses the same null meter and may be a bit more sensitive.
They are both a bit bulky, but you don't need a reading on every shot. What you realu need is an eye out for lamp posts, mail boxes, fire hydrants and any other thing you can brace your self against! A monopod is great (and handy against things that go bump in the night...) but that adds real bulk.

 

[egpj]

The other Gossen meters are just plain fugly. I know it does not say anything about their performance but it does say something about how ergonomic they are. That is another reason that I went with the Sekonic. Rounded corners and buttons that are well placed. If you want a small meter that is good for walk around for the day then the L-208 is nice. Talk about simple to use, you just line up the needle with the reading needle and there is all the information on shutter speeds and aperatures. No transfering numbers and such, simple and elegant. Although you can tell it is a cheaper model I like how smooth the wheel turns for getting your needles lined up unlike Gossens small digital readout unit (Digisix) that has a wheel as well. It clicks along and just feels cheap. Just a perception thing possibly though.