My nifty idea:

[einolu]

I was just thinking about this on the way back from work. What if someone made a light meter that you could carry on your keychain? I dont know if anything like this exists but if it was around $50-$75 I know I would buy, would you? I dont need something extremely accurate but just something that gives you a good hint of the light conditions, since shadows and indoor scenes always hurt my guesstimation. It would help if it was made out of metal, was very compact, and stylish.

The only people I can think of that might have a chance at making or selling this are those kooky LOMO people, does anybody else know could build this dream gadget of mine? An email to the right person certainly wouldnt hurt.

I would have fun playing around with it even when Im not taking pictures, heh.

 

[FrankS]

I have 2 that sort of qualify: the larger plastic Gossen Sixtino is well within your budget, while the smaller, metal C/V Meter II is about triple the budget.

 

[dominicLF]

Wow, I didn't know the CV meter was so small. That makes me think anew about it. I carry the Gossen DigiFlash in my pocket and it is only a little bigger, but it is also a pocket watch, timer, digital thermometer, and light meter with every possible function. I wish they would build lightmeters into wristwatches--wouldn't that be great! Or, how 'bout a cell phone light meter; that would be so much more useful than those stupid digital cameras.

 

[einolu]

I might have to think about getting the CV. Thats not terribly expensive for something as nifty as that. And there is the advantage that its NEW. Thanks for all the info guys!

 

[solane]

The only people I can think of that might have a chance at making or selling this are those kooky LOMO people, does anybody else know could build this dream gadget of mine? An email to the right person certainly wouldnt hurt.

having been an ambassador (for the short-lived chicago embassy) for the LOMO society, i have to say, i resemble that remark! 😀

 

[Sumo_du_Jour]

A few years ago I looked at the idea of software that would turn a mobile phone camera into a basic light meter.
The concept is not complex and applicable to any portable communicator device with an "eyeball". It could switch between spot and multi-point measures, and feature lens and film profiles to recommend shot settings and keep a diary of exposure details.

Most corporate slaves like me, have one of these leashes attached.

 

[Kevin]

Hi Frank, just how accurate is that C/V Meter II ? I was thinking about buying one to replace my Luna-Pro, which is simply too cumbersome for me.