Old Sekonic Studio meters? (-S or L-28)

[mooge]

Hey guys,

I've been meterless for the past three months or so, and it sucks.

I know I really should just cut the crap and buy another Gossen Lunasix, but I've come to realize as well that I need a backup meter and I've been sort of thinking maybe a Sekonic Studio S or L-28 might work nice - it's incident and bonus, doesn't require batteries.

BUT - do those tend to die like most other selenium meters, with age? Or get inaccurate?

basically, is it worth the $30-40 ebay risk or not?

 

[Ranchu]

No. The later american made versions are what you want, C, M2. You can get them for under 20 dollars.

 

[agfa100]

I am still using the one I picked up at the PX in Saigon in 1970 without any problems. If I remember I think it was around 25 dollars new then. I really loved the slides I got after using that light meter.

 

[sevo]

The L-28 is the same device, in better build quality than the M2 (arguably made in the worst decline period of Brockway), and much younger than the (nicer) Director C and D. But a L-398 II or III is even better made, and yet another twenty to thirty years younger - and age does increase the risk that the selenium cell sealing fails.

That said, all my Director type meters still work perfectly well, except that the incident domes of the Norwood and Brockway have significantly yellowed.

 

[Rob-F]

I have the Norwood Director and Brockway versions (a small collection of them). I think they are great, as long as the photo cell holds out. Just check for accuracy using sunny 16. If it's good, buy it!

 

[Ranchu]

I went on a jag, I have six. L28c2, S, non linear. C, M2, identical, accurate, and linear. C 1/6 off the other two and linear. B has an intermittent contact somwhere, but 1/3 off and linear.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Like to gamble? What if you lose for first time?

...
basically, is it worth the $30-40 ebay risk or not?

On e-bay the L-208 is $88 in total (free shipping), new, doesn't eat the battery, accurate in low light and as cute and handy as old ones.

 

[sevo]

On e-bay the L-208 is $88 in total (free shipping), new, doesn't eat the battery, accurate in low light and as cute and handy as old ones.

It is a tiny incident meter that needs very little battery. But in low light it is just as limited as a good selenium meter. And I dislike its reflected mode directivity, and the fact that its needle will get deflected by static charges on the cover plastics.