Meter?

[Stephanie Brim]

I've probably mentioned in other threads (or to some individuals) that I'm looking for a meter. I'm looking for something that would give me up to at least ISO 3200. The Luna-Six does this, doesn't it? Also, what is the TOP ISO speed of the Luna Pro F?

Choices, choices.

Ideally, I'd like something that would be around $50, go up to ISO 12,800, and can be converted to using silver cell batteries easily. The one I have is one someone from here sent that works well, but only goes up to ISO 800. I'd be happy to give that one out to someone who needs a meter after I find one.

I placed a want ad just in case anyone has a spare that would fit my needs, but I'm not betting on it. People having a meter like that they DON'T use seems unlikely.

HELP! 😕 :bang: :bang: 😀

 

[HuubL]

Weston Master V. Big and beautiful, no batteries needed and going well with a classic RF! They can be had for around $50 on the bay.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I'd actually rather something with batteries...heh. It'll be used with all my cameras as well, so it doesn't have to be too retro. At first I thought about waiting for another couple of weeks and splurging on the Gossen Luna Pro Digital, which is going for around $100 on the 'bay, but I decided that since all my cameras are hopelessly analog that I should stick to a simpler meter as well.

Does the Weston use the normal ASA scale?

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

The Weston is well-worth considering.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I shall. I'm looking at various options.

Anything besides the Luna Pro, Luna-Six, and the Weston that I should also consider?

 

[rxmd]

Actually it's pretty irrelevant if the meter's ASA scale goes to 1600 or 64.000, because you can always remember to add a few f-stops. It's much more important that the metering circuit is sensitive enough for low lighting.

I've got a Gossen Profisix (I'm not sure if it's called that in the US), and it goes down to EV -4 reliably, meaning I have no problem setting up shots out at night. It cost me 50 EUR on eBay and runs off one 9V block. On the other hand it's pretty bulky, you get to appreciate a compact meter eventually.

Philipp

 

[HuubL]

I'd actually rather something with batteries...heh. It'll be used with all my cameras as well, so it doesn't have to be too retro. At first I thought about waiting for another couple of weeks and splurging on the Gossen Luna Pro Digital, which is going for around $100 on the 'bay, but I decided that since all my cameras are hopelessly analog that I should stick to a simpler meter as well.

Does the Weston use the normal ASA scale?

Yes it has an ASA scale, goes to 16000. But it isn't a simple meter. I can email the address of an online manual if you like.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

The Weston is a little on the large size. About the same as a pack of 20 cigaretttes. But put it on a neckcord and look like Spielberg.

The last model was the 'Euro Master' and you can see them all the time on eBay well below your budget.

You'll need the Invercone extra to do incident light metering. It looks like half a golf ball and sometimes it's included and sometimes not.

Before that they had the models 1,2,3,4 and 5, although they wrote them in Roman numerals.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Hehe, I think I found one. Gossen Luna Pro F. Runs off a 9 volt battery so it isn't small, but I won't have to worry about trying to find replacements for mercury cells. I may look for one of these. 🙂

 

[Abbazz]

Hehe, I think I found one. Gossen Luna Pro F. Runs off a 9 volt battery so it isn't small, but I won't have to worry about trying to find replacements for mercury cells. I may look for one of these. 🙂

Stephanie,

Good choice. Luna Pro F are very reliable light/flashmeters. Their sillicon cell is very sensitive and doesn't suffer from memory effect.

Weston Master selenium lightmeters are less sensitive, but they have many devotees. These meters are still made today by Megatron in the UK. Here is the link. I just checked the site, and it seems that the current model, the Euro-MASTER II, is currently not available from Megatron. But you can order it new here.

Cheers,

Abbazz

 

[Finder]

Luna Pro F is a very good meter. I have its brother, Luna Pro SBC. It has been a faithful friend since I bought it new in 1984. I also have the spot attachment and that makes it a very versatile unit.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Still available after 40 years? Yes. But the prices are way way too high.

 

[oscroft]

My Leningrad 8 goes to 3200 (36 DIN), and they cost almost nothing.

 

[Ash]

Alan, you got there before I did! 😀

Also with Leningrads you can simply rotate past the dial for a guestimation of 3200, as all the film speeds are at even intervals. if you want to tinker then you can disassemble and mark on the faster speeds.

I use a Leningrad-4, but it only goes to 800. I'm still not sure why my Leningrad 8, which is a better meter, is stuck in the draw unused! They both give the same, accurate results

 

[kully]

These Leningrads, Stitz, Ikophot &c. meters - I've tried them and they do indeed have ASA settings going stupidly high - but they're only effective down to about EV5,6,7 - which is pretty useless for 12,500 speed film.

I'd work out what EV you're wanting to shoot down to and then pick up a meter which is effective down to that level. As Phillipp said - you can simply adjust the reading you get for the actual speed you're rating your film at (I'm doing this now for 6400 on my VCII).

 

[Chris Lynch]

as numerous people have stated in other threads- what you REALLY want is the Quantum Calcu-Light XP. Meters down to -7EV, and has ASA settings up to 800,000 i believe... too bad there are few of them around than the amount of people who want them! I just lost one on the bay.
When you find them, they usually go for under a hundred.

 

[FPjohn]

Hello:

A DigiSix goes to iso3200 and mine has superseded (not replaced) a Weston EuroMaster and LunaLux SBC as my routine meter. The Calculite is often recommended.

Best of light.
Frank

 

[venchka]

Weston Master V + Invercone. Don't leave home without them. Mine is sitting on the table behind me at work. In the bag with my VI-T + 135/3.5 & 50/1.4. When the sun comes up we are going out to play. Seriously, the Weston dial is a fabulous exposure calculater. ASA -1 to 16k, f:1, 150 second shutter speed. Of course we all remember that Ansel Adams devised the Zone System using Weston Meters. Batteries not required. 🙂

 

[eli griggs]

Stephanie, the Lunar Pro is a great meter.

I just had Quality Light Metric replace the cells on two Weston V meters and am very pleased with the results. I've still a couple of Weston IV meters I'm thinking about sending in latter on, so I can barter them for other gear, but prices are up on the repair/replacment cells and at about $75@, I'm not sure the demand is there to justify the expense.

The IV is basically the same as the V but the dials are different. Some people prefer them to the V. Either way, they are well thought out tools and with new cells, I've read that they should be good for about another 20+ years. I wonder how much the batteries for 20 years would run?

On the other hand, If I didn't already have the Westons, A Lunar Pro F was the other meter I was interested in. Chances are I'll pick one up if the right deal comes a' knocking, I've already got the manual. 🙂

Buyers should careful on eB*y, a lot of the Westons, the 5 or 6 I've picked up, have a dead or nearly so cell. If you do try bid on one, try to get it from a source that has had one recently CLA/replacement by QLM or Megatron. Otherwise it's a crap shoot and the odds don't look good.

Just be sure to get one WITH the Intercone, in good condition.

Cheers,
Eli

 

[lmd91343]

Hehe, I think I found one. Gossen Luna Pro F. Runs off a 9 volt battery so it isn't small, but I won't have to worry about trying to find replacements for mercury cells. I may look for one of these. 🙂

Good choice. It's my favorite non-spot meter. You'll like that the calculator dial will adjust exposure for filters.

You can also get via eBay the 7.5*/15* spot attachment. I have it. It works well with mine.