Minolta Auto Meter IV F

[venchka]

I was offered one of these recently, with spot attachment, for $150. I have always heard & read that they are fine meters. What is the consensus here? I know that Konica-Minolta bailed out of the camera business. I also know that some company (name escapes me) picked up the meter line. I saw their ad in a magazine recently so I could find them. I wonder if these new folks will support the older models? I will check the price against KEH if I get serious about the meter. I will use the meter primarily for ambient light. I suppose I would use it for flash. I've never done that. What say ye?

Thanks!

 

[venchka]

One question answered already.

One question answered already.

Earl knows some stuff, EH! Wayne Scott too. Regarding Minolta Auto Meter repair:

If it's not under warranty, then I would consider Quality Light Metric in LA/Hollywood, or maybe even have a look yourself before making a final decision.

 

[venchka]

Bueller? Bueller? Anybody?

 

[Rod Fung]

They are wonderful meters; when I was a dp many years ago I used an Auto III when most of the rest of the DP's used a Spectra pro.

 

[venchka]

Thanks Rod. I may look into this further.

 

[Toby]

An autometer ivf has been my main lightmeter for about 10 years. It hasn't missed a beat in all this time and I've never had to have it re-calibrated, I hope that speaks for itself.

 

[Tom Harrell]

I bought one several years ago and used it faithfully until it broke. When you turn it on it goes to a certain value and will not take a reading. I think something in it is shorted. I contacted Sony and they gave me a quote of $185 to fix it. I said no thanks. I do think it is a good meter though. Very easy to use and dead on.

Regards,
Tom

 

[Rafael]

I use this meter on a daily basis. It is dead accurate and very user-friendly. I recommend it highly.

 

[venchka]

Thanks everyone

Thanks everyone

I use this meter on a daily basis. It is dead accurate and very user-friendly. I recommend it highly.

I can buy the same meter that you use. I wish I could borrow your eyes & brain. 🙂

Being old and vision challenged is really a drag. Trying to use my old Luna Pro or the slightly better Weston Master V is a drag. I'm really looking for a meter that has a big digital display. I can work my lenses and shutter speeds from memory. Or more or less make out the numbers without my glasses. I always take my glasses off for framing and composing. The light meters are driving me crazy. Glasses on. Glasses off. Glasses on. Glasses off. You get the idea. I think I shall pursue the Minolta meter when I get back to Houston next week.

I guess I like my metered bodies because they all show exposure information in the viewfinder. Without my glasses.

 

[venchka]

One more question

One more question

I don't need the flash capabilites. Is the Minolta meter good for ambient light? I guess if I had flash metering I might learn how to use it.

 

[Rafael]

The Autometer IVf can meter flash either corded or not. While I do use the flash metering capabilities some of the time, I mostly use the meter for ambient readings. I think it performs very well in this regard. Also, the digital display is big and easy to read. So I think this meter will meet your requirements well.

 

[Rafael]

I can buy the same meter that you use. I wish I could borrow your eyes & brain. 🙂

I'm looking at a pretty hefty repair bill for my M6 right now. So you never know, eyes and brain may be posted in the classifieds soon. Do I hear $75... 😀

 

[venchka]

Grinning. Sorry to hear that.

Thanks for the extra information.

 

[Doug]

Being old and vision challenged is really a drag. Trying to use my old Luna Pro or the slightly better Weston Master V is a drag. I'm really looking for a meter that has a big digital display. I can work my lenses and shutter speeds from memory.

Take a look at the Gossen Luna Star F; I got one of these off eBay a couple years ago at pretty modest cost.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/20971-REG/Gossen_GO4032_Luna_Star_F2_Meter.html

I see one on eBay now but mine was only $153...
http://cgi.ebay.com/GOSSEN-LUNA-STA...goryZ708QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[venchka]

Thanks Doug. I totally missed this yesterday. I'm on it.