Meter suggestions, please

[BNF]

I need a meter for my IIIc.

I shoot indoors 75%, and 50% of that in restaurants or cafes. I don't have the desire / skill / money to expirement with to guesstimate.

I've also learned through the years, that if it (the accessory, the kit and so on) is not small and convenient, that I won't use it.

I'm thinking about the Voigtlander Speed Meter II. It is small and camera mountable. The problem, though, is this:

Apparently, Cameraquest no longer has the correct dual hot shoe adapter for an LTM. I will eventually shoot 35 and 90 and will use accesory finders. Does mounting the VC Speed Meter II off to the side AND more than 3mm too high present any special problems?

(I'm willing, but a bit skeptical that I'll use, a handheld meter, like the Gossen Digiflash if you guys recommend it. But it adds a whole new series of movements to my picture taking - retrieving from pocket or bag, fiddling with it, metering, placing back in pocket / bag and then setting the camera - it seems a shoe mounted device eliminates all of that extra "work". And that work will never feel right to me, I think.)

 

[Gary Sandhu]

Sekonic L-208 Twin Mate

Handheld and shoe mountable, small, needle is easier to read (you get a "feel" at a glance for the exposure), and does incident readings. I use mine handheld as mounted on the camera it ruins the aesthetics of the M3 or contax iiia. The more you practice, the less you need it and it ends up being LESS work than constantly adjusting exposure compensation, or locking exposure and reframing. The battery lasts forever, it seems. Cheap (about $100). You can slip it in your pocket or hand it around your neck.

 

[David Murphy]

I've owned and used a lot of meters, but I just keep falling back on my Gossen Luna Pro. By all rights I shouldn't like it so much as it's a large-to-handle, pre-digital beast, but it just seems to be there and be right when I need it. Mine has been converted to use alkaline cells and was carefully calibrated.

If I didn't have the Luna Pro I'd probably be using a Sekonic incident meter like the L-328 or one of it's earlier cousins (going back to Brockway).

 

[David Murphy]

Oh yes, if you shoot indoors under natural light, you'll most certainly need a meter that's battery powered -- most are these days, the Sekonic L328 being a notable exception.

 

[FPjohn]

A DigiSix used in incident mode will serve you well IMHO. It can prevent over-metering interference with seeing.

yours
FPJ

 

[bean_counter]

I started with a Sekonic L-208 twin-mate. Still use it some - it's small and handy, and has marks for the IIIc/IIIf shutter/aperature series. BUT, as I found myself using a finder at all times (SBOOI or VIOOH), the L-208 was always in my pocket or on a neck strap. It's kind of chunky/clutzy that way - particularly if the shoe attachment is installed. I never trusted it in incident mode.

My wife bought me a L-308S for my birthday; my exposures improved immediately. Slips nicely into a shirt pocket. I use mostly incident mode. Doesn't fit on a shoe, but fits my needs very well.

 

[BNF]

So, no votes for a camera mounted meter then?

I am trying to remain as practical as possible with my IIIc.

I like the price savings of the 208 idea, but am concerned about the extra step in my already glacial pace workflow.

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

Also i suggest a Sekonic L-208, that allow also the old shutter times.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[John Shriver]

Screwmount Leicas are deliberate.

I love my Gossen Luna-Pro. The plus is the superb ergonomics. The minus is the size.

I am tempted by both the L-208 and the Gossen DigiSix on the size basis, but they seem so small that they would be hard to use one-handed.

 

[oftheherd]

I don't own a Leica or other expensive camera. I have made do with things such as Yashica and Fujica SLRs, Super Press 23s, and recently a Kiev. However, from my experience, I would first of all second the Gossen Luna Pro. Wonderful, and not really that large. I trust mine for reflective readings, but for some reason prefer the Luna Pro SBC for incident. I used to use a Sekonic L28c2, and although it also isn't a small meter. it seems not to get in the way or be cumbersome. It is a wonderful incident meter! I am sure the latter Sekonics are also.

In line with your objectives, you might want to try the 'bay for a Sekonic Auto Leader in good shape. That was my first hand held meter. It is small, has both normal and low light possibilities (not as low as the Luna Pro of course), and is, or at least was, accurate. It can easily be used one handed. Of course, so can the L28c2 and the Gossen Luna Pro, but not as easily. They aren't as easy to find, but you might at least try for a while.

Good luck in your search.

 

[grainhound]

I bought a Luna Six years ago & still use it, re-calibrated for new batteries. My son made me a holster for it; slips on my belt, & I loop the strap around my belt as well in case I drop it. Despite the size of the meter, with the holster I find it very convenient in use.

 

[payasam]

BNF, when I think about the likely lighting in the places in which you work, it seems to me that incident readings will be more reliable than reflected ones. With a hand held meter you may be slow to begin with, but you'll soon get used to it.

 

[Rogrund]

If you only can sort the dual cold shoe adapter problem out, go for the VC Meter II. I bought one for my M2 a few weeks ago and I must say it's the best accessory I've ever had!

 

[brachal]

I also use the VC Meter II with my IIIf. It delivers good results and doesn't look too out of place. Mounting the meter 3mm too high and off to the side won't be a problem. You may have slight framing issues if the external finder is too high, but only close up. I wouldn't worry about it. I don't have a double shoe. When I use an external finder, I just carry the meter in my pocket and use it hand-held.