roscoetuff
Well-known
I've got a Sekonic 758 big, honking big-as-your-camera light meter that gives good service, but it's time to look for something a little more pocket-like where 1) battery drain ain't a problem, 2) pocket size, 3) reliable incident light meter, and 4) accurate...and 5) even might help with Zone system.
Camera has a reflected light meter and it works pretty decently. Looking for a complement - so don't need all the bells and whistles the big guy offers (758). Thanks!
Camera has a reflected light meter and it works pretty decently. Looking for a complement - so don't need all the bells and whistles the big guy offers (758). Thanks!
froyd
Veteran
Sekonick 208 with MANDATORY enhanchement shown on this Photo.net thread
The LV values enhancement make this little unit super fast to use.
Bonus points: attach it to a retractable laniard to clip on camera strap or belt loop.
The LV values enhancement make this little unit super fast to use.
Bonus points: attach it to a retractable laniard to clip on camera strap or belt loop.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Same as above or light meter app on iPhone (very convenient for zone metering).
Paul T.
Veteran
the 208 is a fantastic little meter.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
The Sekonic L208 is a lovely little reflected light meter, but isn't all that great when used in incident mode. The incident integrating dome is rather small and doesn't give the most accurate results. I have one, I use it in reflected mode exclusively. $125...
Other possibles:
The Gossen Digisix 2 has a much larger incident integrating dome and produces significantly better readings. $173 at B&H.
The Sekonic L398A is a superb, old-style meter with a superb incident integrating dome on a big swivel, no batteries, etc. I have the older, L398 model. It's a little limited on bottom end sensitivity but is a cracker for accurate results. $210 new... I bought mine used for $50 or so from Ebay, IIRC.
G
Other possibles:
The Gossen Digisix 2 has a much larger incident integrating dome and produces significantly better readings. $173 at B&H.
The Sekonic L398A is a superb, old-style meter with a superb incident integrating dome on a big swivel, no batteries, etc. I have the older, L398 model. It's a little limited on bottom end sensitivity but is a cracker for accurate results. $210 new... I bought mine used for $50 or so from Ebay, IIRC.
G
lawrence
Veteran
Another Sekonic worth looking at is the L-308S. Very versatile and pocketable. Also reads flash.
Spanik
Well-known
I use the same combo: L758 and L208. Rarely use reflective metering and no complaints, even when using slides.
froyd
Veteran
Many review I read indicated that the digisix is a battery hog. However, I have no first hand knowledge (because said reviews scared me away). It would be good to hear if RFF members had positive experiences with battery life, which is of primary importance to the OP.
giganova
Well-known
Gossen Digisix or Digiflash. No need for a hack, you press a button and see the measured EV value in the LCD display. Turn the white wheel so the matching EV value appears in the small window above, and you see all the f-stop/time combinations. Super easy, super accurate, a thing of beauty!
giganova
Well-known
The battery lasts between 1/2 year to a year (its always on, there is no OFF button). Not an issue at all.
giganova
Well-known
Gossen has been building light meters for 100 years now, and I think they are the best in the business in terms of accuracy, build quality and user interface. They are the Leicas of the light meters! 
______
Well-known
Why do you need too clutter up the meter area when the EV is clearly visible on the dial?
coelacanth
Ride, dive, shoot.
To see the EV in the window, you'll have to move the dial. The hack will skip that process. Push the button, and the needle will point at the EV right there and then.
I don't always use a light meter, but when I do, I use 208. (tho I don't have that mod)
AndersG
Well-known
The dial is set by manually matching the green needle with the red one (the measurement).
I guess a power user might only need the EV value and hence benefit from not having to rotate the dial.
I also have a 208 but without the mod.
I guess a power user might only need the EV value and hence benefit from not having to rotate the dial.
I also have a 208 but without the mod.
roscoetuff
Well-known
Thanks! You guys are amazing. Going to give the Gossen a shot. Sekonic's been a mainstay in my life for 44 years, but the bigger dome... and it's all about the dome for me, makes it worth a shot. Simple. Small. We'll see. WHEN I use a light meter... like Anders, I don't always... I like to have it handy on a belt, 'round my neck or somewhere easy. If it measures up, it'll be a keeper. Crossing my fingers it's not cheesy.
Slowhanded
Newbie
It's worth noting that the Sekonic L-308 also can do EV readings. It can't show you aperture/shutter speed readings at the same time, but for those who have the table memorized, it's just as good as the Gossen. It can also do third stops, in case you want more precise readings for half/third stops on apertures.
I think either the Gossen Digisix or Sekonic L-308 are definitely the best in their form factor. Older folk who are more familiar with EV will likely prefer the former, while younger individuals will tend towards the latter for its familiar handling. I don't think you can go wrong with either, it's merely preference.
I think either the Gossen Digisix or Sekonic L-308 are definitely the best in their form factor. Older folk who are more familiar with EV will likely prefer the former, while younger individuals will tend towards the latter for its familiar handling. I don't think you can go wrong with either, it's merely preference.
roscoetuff
Well-known
Slowhanded: Thanks! Given I've got 2 Sekonics (my original "Studio Deluxe" from the 1970's and 1-year-old 758), my decision to go for the Gossen Digiflash was based on size... and trying a Gossen as a brand I've known almost as far back as the 1st Sekonic. Sekonics are trusty friends, Gossens like folks "across the bar", and Weston's "the dear departed". To paraphrase MacArthur, "Old Light Meters never die, and they don't (even) fade out."
roscoetuff
Well-known
BTW, here's a review from Ken Rockwell of the Gossen Digisix... the cousin of the Digiflash. The thing is TINY and that's great!http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/gossen/digisix/index.htm
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
Gee, just get a nice little Gossen Pilot -- selenium, yes, but very accurate, I've found, and it has a built-in "roller blind" for incident work. Very inexpensive and pocketable.
tajart
ancien
light meters
light meters
I've had good luck with Gossen over the years. The one I have looks like what is currently called Gossen Sixtomat. While not small nor large, its form factor is about like a cell phone. Speaking of which, app Pocket Lightmeter has worked well for me, and even measures white balance/color temp.
I was with a friend who wanted to buy a new meter, and at a reputable camera store, the salesman wouldn't sell him one, insisting that the app did as good a job.
light meters
I've had good luck with Gossen over the years. The one I have looks like what is currently called Gossen Sixtomat. While not small nor large, its form factor is about like a cell phone. Speaking of which, app Pocket Lightmeter has worked well for me, and even measures white balance/color temp.
I was with a friend who wanted to buy a new meter, and at a reputable camera store, the salesman wouldn't sell him one, insisting that the app did as good a job.