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I wonder if it's possible to replace the selenium cell in the Kiev with a solar cell.
 
There's enough space in there to fit some kind of meter circuitry and small battery switched by the flap - perhaps redesigning the control/calculator panel/rewind area - possibly utilising the analogue meter or maybe (leaving plenty of space for circuit) LED +0- on the top panel, controlled from a cds cell from a scrap camera ?
The meter only needs to give a ballpark figure - let's face it, the shutter's probably not 100% accurate anyway.
 
Now I could attach for comparizon, both the classic circular top cast of the Gossen light meters and that of the Westons. I will spare it just in order not to further embarass Gossen company.

Thanks for not doing that again. I'm sure someone would be embarassed, I'm just not sure who. :D

I'm glad you found a meter that suits your needs. Some of us (lots of us, it appears from the Gossen product longevity) actually understand the "complications" and take advantage of that information. Some of the complication is because LunaPro supports a number of accessories. If you never use them then the information seems extraneous. :)

Like you, I like simpler-reading "stupid little meters" for some applications. :rolleyes:

p.s. I assume that you are a graphics designer. If not, you'd make a good one becuase you think like one. Believe it or not, I found it more difficult to use the Weston than LunaPro. It's funny how individual differences often drive design acceptance, isn't it?
 
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Hi Gumby,

I own two Weston meters and a Sixtar, but I don't use neither of them. I alternate between two digital Sekonics.

I forgot to say on behalf of Gossen that their convex small dome is much more practical than the monster size invercome of the Westons.

Your are also right in that the Gossen line of accesories may be appealing, specially the small spot like one I always found something very nice to have, but just never happened to come across one, just by chance.

Now, one thing I would like to forward for consideration: should be a contradiction between bringing a lot of info and doing it in the most simplistic way ?

Cheers,
Ruben
 
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Now, one thing I would like to forward for consideration: should be a contradiction between bringing a lot of info and doing it in the most simplistic way ?

I suppose it depends upon what the "it" is that one is doing, doesn't it! Not everyone works in the same way, nor does everyone do the same thing(s). That is why there are both single-purpose and multi-purpose tools for similar "its" on the market. In general I agree... simplicity is good and as a design philosophy often supports improved performance time, error reduction, and reliability.

My "it" is fully supported by the Luna Pro: for quick street shooting I like and use the EV readout or a incident reading, both of which I can get faster with the Gossen than with Weston. For other kinds of photography I like a spot reading, which can be done with the Gossen attachemnt... but can't be done at all with Weston. For my photographic "it" I find the complication acceptable.

But in general, you have an excellent point about simplicity... it's just not generally a good idea to assume that the simplist needs are everyones needs.

By the way... if you really want to see complicated, look at the Sekonic L-508/558/758 series: all of the Gossen-style complexity whic is further accentuated by multiple reading and averaging, and flash metering capability. It would pobably blow your mind!
 
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