what handheld meter are you using?

Gary R

Student Photojournalist
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I am trying to decide what light meter to get. I would like to get a minolta autometer that does both flash and ambient light (I would use it for my flash work with my dslr as well)but I am afraid that it is too bulky/large for candid/street work. Anyone else use this meter for candid work? Thanks in advance for your opinions.
Gary
 
I've got a Minolta Autometer IVF I was using it for candid photography yesterday. It's absolutely the best piece of kit I own. The first thing I put in my bag after the camera!

I wouldn't even begin to worry about its size -it is 100% reliable and has a large (and therefore more accurate) dome sekonics tend to have smaller domes. I used to work in the film industry -cinematographers all used minoltas and they are fussy
 
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gossen pilot and luna pro along with a metrastar.

the luna pro is fast becoming a favourite.

none of them do flash.

the sekonic 308 (i think) is a great ambient/flash meter also, very nicely sized.

joe
 
I use a gossen digisix. It's tiny and goes in my pocket. For my needs, it's great.
 
I have a Sekonic L358. Not exactly pocketable, but I used to have a 308 which is very pocketable. If you shoot with flash, get the L358. It's very powerful.
 
backalley photo said:
gossen pilot and luna pro along with a metrastar.

the luna pro is fast becoming a favourite.
yeah, it's been a love affair with joe and the luna pro since day one.. LOL :rolleyes:

I've got a Luna Pro SBC (slightly different and newer model).. it's excellent.. doesn't do flash, tho (most handhelds don't).. my only real complaint about it is the size.. I'd consider picking up a Digisix if I found a deal on one
 
I also have a Minolta Autometer IIIF (the one before Toby's) but I don't use it any more. I use a Quantum Calcu-Light XP that essentially reads in the dark because I do a fair amount of shooting in restricted available light and hardly any flash. The XP reads down to -7EV at 100ASA.

 
I have the Sekonic 308 which Joe mentioned. It is a nice little meter, not too too expensive. Not tiny, but not too bulky either. It does ambient and flash metering. I bought it to use with my Hasselblad. The advise to me was to buy a meter with flash capabilities so that you will have that when you want it. I have never used it as a flash meter, but when I want to.....
 
Minolta AutoMeter IVf here too. I love it! I use it both for available and flash lighting. I also have the 5° spot attachment for it.
 
Gossen pilot 2. Small, simple selenium(=no batteries) match needle meter that takes reflective+incident readings. No good in low light though.

or

When carrying both film and digital, my canon G3 works quite well as a meter too.
 
Gossen Digisix. Very lightweight and tiny. Looks and feels like cheap plastic. Some people say they break and are inaccurate, but mine seems to be pretty tough and is spot on with the meter in my Leica M6. The readout is in EV (an advantage, IMHO), and a circular slide rule converts this to f-stops and shutter speeds. I think it was discontinued, the Digiflash being the next model, supposedly very similar.
 
For very little money, an olympus XA doubles as a pocketable meter.
 
The Gossen Digisix is my main meter. Tried all sorts of others but realised that the Digisix was just as accurate and could hang on a cord around my neck.
I also use a Weston EuroMaster and a CV II at various times, but the Digisix is the go-everywhere workhorse.
 
Sekonic Studio deluxe L398 for me. Bought it used and it uses no batteries. You can use it anywhere.

Bob
 
I use both a minolta IV and IVF . My preference is the IV . I also have an older Sekonic variable spot ambient / flash meter. I've used a number of the sekonic and owned a couple of Gossens over the years and find all to be fine meters. If you're looking to buy almost any from minolta, sekonic and gossen will do a fine job. Look at the features and pick the one that fits your needs and budget and go for it.
 
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