Re: [Leica] Basic light meter recommendation?

[Kip Babington <cbabing3@swbell.net>]

One of my personal favorites is the Quantum CalcuLight (not the flash 
model) which, although no longer made is usually available on the auction 
site and elsewhere for under $100.  Simple, light weight but rugged, and 
uses a calculator dial which I happen to prefer.  And although it takes 4 
S76 batteries, they seem to last forever.

Now if you like to be retro, consider a selenium meter that never needs a 
battery - just like your preferred cameras.  The Sekonic Studio Deluxe 
(L-398 or older L-28) is a rugged and reliable classic that's been around 
for decades.  I think it is best as an incident meter but it can be used 
for reflected work (by replacing the incident dome with a different disk - 
which comes with the meter when new,) and also has a flat diffuser suited 
for copy board measurement.  (There is also an interesting set of 
calibrated slides for this meter - it uses a slide in baffle to switch 
between low and high light conditions - that let you read shutter speed 
directly off the meter needle.)  While still made, these meters are also 
available used for $100 or less.  If you get a used one, be sure it 
includes the High slide, or you'll be stuck to metering low light only.

If you decide to go with one of the newer digital meters, of which there 
are many wonderful models, let me give you one bit of experience I've had 
with them.  I had a Sekonic L-308, which is a model of compact 
design.  Like most battery powered meters it turned off automatically after 
a short while, to preserve the battery.  As I recall you could turn it back 
on just by pressing the metering button, BUT it had a self-test that it ran 
every time it came on.  Now while the test only took a second or so, it 
meant that you couldn't just leave it hung around your neck, pick it up and 
press the metering button - you had to wait for it to do its test and then 
press the button again for a reading.  It sounds like a little thing when I 
describe it, but it drove me absolutely nuts in use, to the point where I 
sold the meter and replaced it with a Luna Pro Digital F, which is 
superb.  You may not have the same reaction as I did, but keep it in mind 
if you look at digitals.

Hope this helps.  Meters are one of my favorite tools - I think I have 7 of 
them now.

Cheers,
Kip

>Matthew Powell wrote:
>
>>Can anyone recommend a good, basic handheld light meter?
>>It'll be used with my future (planned, subject to change) M4-P and
>>Rolleiflex. I've never used a handheld meter, and don't really know what to
>>look for. The ones I see getting rave reviews are often in the $400 range or
>>better - which is kinda rough on a student.

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