Looking for Quantum meter...

[denishr]

I'm looking for a used Quantum Calcu-Light XP light meter. It's virtually impossible to find here in Europe, and they do pop up now and then on US eBay. There's one on ebay right now, but the seller won't ship outside USA (#3860142373). Bummer!
Anyway, the auction is nearing the end, so there's no time left to arrange anything, even if there are any good souls willing to help...

Which leads me to another idea: has anyone seen a used Quantum Calcu-Light XP for sale anywhere?
I'd like to get one, since I already have a Calcu-Flash - which is a good meter, but not sensitive enough for the use I have in mind... 🙂
Basically, Calcu-light is a *VERY* sensitive light meter, for the times I'll be pushing my TMax 400 up to 1600.... My Weston is not nearly sensitive enough for such situations.

Denis

 

[Roman]

If you are not absolutely set on getting that light-meter, for good sensitivity in very low light you could choose among a lot of Gossen models (the ones with SBC cell, like Profi-Six or the inexpensive Luna-Lite).

Roman

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I'll bet the reserve is several hundred the way the seller is playing up the cost of the fiber optic probe; which I suspect you do not need.

How about looking at used optical power meters in the test and measurement sections? They are extremely sensitive and often come with Photogrammatic filters and Visible-light filters. They give absolute readings of the amount of light hitting the (usually) large detectors. You would have to make your own scale, but that should not be hard. The T+E market is overrun with fiber-optc test gear, you may get lucky at the surplus places.

 

[denishr]

Roman, I've thought about Gossens already. Easier to get, about the same price, but rather large and not as sensitive as this one. Also, they usually have issues with old mercury batteries.

Brian, I know that this one looks like the seller want to pump up the price... Others I've seen were usually in $50-$80 (USD) range. Those are really good meters.
As for adapting something else, I don't think so. This is not really an area where I'd resort to DIY solutions 🙂 I need something relatively small and portable, which I can hang around my neck or stuff into a small pocket. No point in having a meter which is lager than a Leica 😉
I've thought about MR meters, but I really don't need one. Those are not any better than my Weston, and the only benefit is that you put it on the camera (making it bigger, heavier and clumsier).

Maybe in the end I'll get a Gossen Sixtomat digital - a friend has one, and it's very sensitive. Not small, though 🙁

Denis