Test strips or print lightmeter

[tho60]

Some guys use print lightmeter (e.g. Gossen Luasix with lab attachment). Is it worth buying such a device?
Test strips are inconvenient and in long time, expensive. Might or might not return the investment ?

 

[Bill Clark]

I use test strips. Use a paper cutter keeps it cheap per time.

 

[Livesteamer]

I used to use a Luna Pro as an enlarging meter back in college when I ran lots of prints, did 75 prints one all nighter. If you print a lot then the meter may work well but for just a little or high quality printing I would prefer test strips. Joe

 

[tho60]

I used to use a Luna Pro as an enlarging meter back in college when I ran lots of prints, did 75 prints one all nighter. If you print a lot then the meter may work well but for just a little or high quality printing I would prefer test strips. Joe

The oddest thing is that the manual requires setting film speed at 36 DIN- hardly can I believe why. Did you find that this speed is right for actual work?

 

[Livesteamer]

I don't remember what ASA I had it set at. That was back in the 1970's. The problem is much like using a meter when taking pictures. What part of the view do you meter off of? If you do a lot of printing, you will get to know your metering and it will speed things along. If you are just doing a few prints and/or looking for best quality, I would use test strips. Joe

 

[presspass]

Heiland splitgrade system. Been using this for nearly 15 years. It may not give the perfect print the first time, but it will be close enough to make adjustments. Another advantage is it can give a number of burn times - I've never used more than six - with different times and paper grades. I do about 100 prints a month, so the time and money saved has more than paid for the system.

 

[Merlijn53]

+1 for the Heiland system.
Using it for a few months now and it is perfect.

 

[skibeerr]

I use a meter to get a starting point from then on I strip all the way.

 

[Dwig]

I use a meter to get a starting point from then on I strip all the way.

+1

In the darkroom that I grew up in, we (dad & I) used a meter first and then usually fine tuned the exposure with a test strip. Later when I was getting really skilled and doing "art" prints there would be a 3rd test, a full image print used for judging what localized adjustments (dodging, burning in, ...) would be needed.

I never upgraded dad's old meter. It was an extinction meter. It was branded "Spot-o-Matic". Dad bought it sometime in the very late '40s or very early '50s. It never failed or required service and I was still using it when I retired my darkroom in the early '90s.