Waterproof light meter to use in POURING rain

[Hjortsberg]

looking for a waterproof light meter (digital preferred) for use in street photography is serious rainstorms.

I'm looking at the Sekonic L-308S.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[presspass]

A good choice. Put it in a Ziplock or similar bag and work it through the plastic. Works like a charm.

 

[sevo]

Incident meters work perfectly well inside any regular zip loc bag. For reflective, you need some perfectly clear plastics bag (tablet/smartphone rain protectors will do and are cheaper than explicit camera grade ones).

 

[Hjortsberg]

The Sekonic meter listed in my first post claims to be "weather resistant." didn't know if anyone had any first hand experience.

 

[Hjortsberg]

I guess what I'm asking is this: is there a waterproof digital ambient meter that I can use in the rain without worrying about putting/using it in a plastic bag?

 

[madNbad]

Sekonic makes a protective cover for the 308 to cover the back and sides. If you cover the front with a piece of plastic it should protect it.

 

[Hjortsberg]

Sekonic makes a protective cover for the 308 to cover the back and sides. If you cover the front with a piece of plastic it should protect it.

hmm. I'll look for that. Do you have a link? Thanks

 

[sevo]

I guess what I'm asking is this: is there a waterproof digital ambient meter that I can use in the rain without worrying about putting/using it in a plastic bag?

There used to be a Sekonic diving meter (selenium cell operated).

 

[Hjortsberg]

There used to be a Sekonic diving meter (selenium cell operated).

yeah, I just found one on ebay. wonder if George at Quality Light and Metric can calibrate something like that. I'll give him a call. thanks.

 

[Hjortsberg]

Just called George. He said don't buy one. No more parts. The hunt continues….

 

[presspass]

Just an update - I suspect you can use the Sekonic in a driving rain if you don't let it hang out there when you're not using it. I've done that with no ill effects. As with any non-waterproof electronic item, keeping it wet may pose a problem.

 

[Hjortsberg]

Hydroflex makes housing for Minolta Auto IV. Wonder if that would fit the Auto V F which I own. They appear to be same size/configuration.

 

[rbsinto]

Since any incident meter will work well if placed in a ziplock bag, why not consider one of the Minolta meters that now go for a song?
I've used my original Flashmeter III purchased back in the middle 1980s all this time without any problems. It is still accurate and is an incredibly versatile instrument, and today can be purchased for nickles and dimes on ebay or from KEH.

 

[Hjortsberg]

Since any incident meter will work well if placed in a ziplock bag, why not consider one of the Minolta meters that now go for a song?
I've used my original Flashmeter III purchased back in the middle 1980s all this time without any problems. It is still accurate and is an incredibly versatile instrument, and today can be purchased for nickles and dimes on ebay or from KEH.

I already own the Minolta Auto VF along with a digital Spectra Profession IV-A and the sekonic L398A analogue.

I'm pretty good at not buying many camera bodies (own 3) and lenses (own 3) but when it comes to light meters I've got an acquisition disorder on the highest level. I just love light meters. They are so beautiful. Weird, I know.

there's a slight chance I may take the meter scuba diving, also. I have the Nikon Nikonos underwater camera. Soo plastic bag might not work

I'll try the plastic bag in the mean time.

Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[Out to Lunch]

Download a light meter onto your smartphone and see how that goes.

 

[Huss]

If you are looking for a waterproof lightmeter, shouldn't your camera be waterproof too?

One solution is to use a waterproof camera with a built in lightmeter. Like a Nikonos V.
You can get a really nice one with lens for about $120-$180. Waterproof camera AND lightmeter all rolled into one! Or just use it as a lightmeter only if you must..

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I have a Sekonic L-758DR, which is claimed to be rainproof (but not so water proof that you can submerge it). I've taken it out in heavy rain with no problems. Sekonic makes some other models that are sealed against rain; I expect any of them would work well, too.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Nikonos V

Excellent solution and highly recommended.
Shoot unafraid even in a downpour! 🙂

Chris