Selenium Light Meter

DCB

DCB

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Looking for the best all around Selenium Light Meter. Looking to get one for my 6X9.

Thanks

Peace
 
I have a Sekonic L 398 which is a classic selenium incident meter. Works very well and I use it often with my IIIc. Works better than many in camera meters. Joe
 
I don't own one yet however the Weston series have a pretty good reputation both for reliability and accuracy. I can think of a couple of built in camera selenium meters that are superb (that installed in my Bessamatic is excellent, I've exposed Kodachrome in reliance on it with good results), but "best all round" hand held depends on your definition of "best" and what you want to do with it. How do you want to meter? Incident? Reflective?

Zeiss Ikon's Ikophot meters are often found in working order and are reasonably accurate, and can provide incident and reflective metering. I have one that works well and it generally agrees with my much newer Minolta. This doesn't necessarily mean it is ideal for your needs though. Selenium cells struggle with lower light levels, needing booster cells (if available) or simply losing sensitivity as light falls. This is where newer CdS or silicon cells come into their own (although CdS cells are often much slower to settle on an accurate reading). Selenium and CdS cells are both influenced by colour more than silicon cells, too.

I still use a few of my selenium meters from time to time, because they make nice companion pieces to the old cameras I often use, and using them helps me learn about metering technique, and the strengths and weaknesses of different equipment and, of course, being honest, simply because sometimes it can be fun using them (as it can be using older cameras). But I'm most often found with my (still not particularly new) digital Minolta Auto Meter III, simply because it does the job every time and never lets me down.

You will have gathered that I don't share the opinions some may have, Ie. that selenium cells are always inaccurate, never reliable etc. etc. because my experience informs me that there is a lot of variation, from "DOA" to "as good as new". And I will say that in general, German kit has a better chance of still working well than, say, older Japanese selenium cell powered meters. But I still wouldn't choose one as my sole metering reference. Is there a particular reason you prefer a selenium meter?
Cheers
Brett
 
My argus L3 made in germany 1961 or so still works perfect. I have another one of the same kind that didnt work and I put a cell from a solar calculator in there and it works perfect. Reads same as the other and same as the FE.
 
A Weston Master V if you can get one is a good bet. I understand that they can be refurbished in Europe, but do not have details. I have one which corks perfectly and another which is a great paper weight.
 
Weston Meter V is a good one. The meter dial also has the older f/stop markings that very old lenses have, e.g. f/12.5. The selenium cell may be dead, but Quality Light Metric can replace and recalibrate for about $90.
 
I have a Brockway incident meter that's the 60's version of the L398. My brother has our dad's Norwood Director that's the mid 50's version. Both work perfect and have never needed service.
 
I have a Gossen Pilot that was serviced by George at Quality Light Metric a few years ago and it still works great...it uses a Selenium cell...the only drawback is it isn't the best in low light...unless recently service a meter that uses a selenium cell will need servicing as most of them are very old...
 
My *Weston from oh 1946 still confirms what the batteried Luna Pro says. But best to test one yourself in person with another meter you trust.

(* currently offered as a freebie with a Bessa 6x9 in RFF classies).
 
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