View Full Version : Clip-on meters
rayfoxlee
12-05-2005, 14:17
Hi all
Does anyone have a take on the CV clip-on lightmeter? I have an M2 and shoot mainly B&W and whilst my Minolta Spotmeter F is my meter of choice, I want something a bit smaller when I want to travel light. I know that this will be a wider metering angle, it seems as convenient choice.
I have heard about the $399 US Pocket Spot, but this is a bit pricey, especially with shipping to the UK.
The ideal would be to learn how to judge light accurately without one.............. :rolleyes:
VCII meter is great - I have mine in my shirt pocket as I type this. Very small and unobtrusive, I usually use it off the camera, but it sits nicely on the Canon P or the M4 too. Easy to use and (for me) much more accurate than my estimates when the light is anything other than good.
I have and use a CV meter 2 and quite like it. You won't find a smaller meter. My only complaint is that the ISO setting is not stiff enough and it sometimes moves from my set value.
photogdave
12-05-2005, 17:21
I'm in the same boat and I'm looking seriously at the Gossen Digisix. I've held it in my hand and it's not terribly larger than the VC but much more versatile. If you Google it, there's lots of info and reviews.
I have an original VC clipon meter, and I'm very fond of it. Sometimes I clip it on the camera, but more often I carry it in my pocket. Solid and small.
Gene
I looked at the CV meter (both I and II) but before I could decide to buy one, I found out I still had an original Leica meter. It had been in the drk of a drawer for years, so it's still pretty accurate. On eBay these don't cost too much. I think you can buy almost 2 for the price of a new CV meter. Added bonus is, of course, that it matches perfectly with the M2. :)
I looked at the CV meter (both I and II) but before I could decide to buy one, I found out I still had an original Leica meter. It had been in the drk of a drawer for years, so it's still pretty accurate. On eBay these don't cost too much. I think you can buy almost 2 for the price of a new CV meter. Added bonus is, of course, that it matches perfectly with the M2. :)
How is this in anyway a helpful response?
PULEEZ!!!
The fellow RFF'er who posted this question obviously DOES NOT have an old Leica meter hanging around in the back of his drawer somewhere.
He's seeking advice on a modern product offering.
This kind of response is an all too typical RFF "gotcha - I've been around longer than you..." kind of answer.
SO WHAT?
You have a bigger "junk drawer" others of us!
As to the original query:
I find that the CV meter is great to work with. I like the mondern LCD indicator when mounted on my Nikon S2 because it "mirrors" my backup Bessa R2S so I don't have to do too many mental calesthenics with my aging brain cells!
In what way is your response useful?! I'm only suggesting a different route he can take, one that is cheaper and looks at least as nice on his M2. How is that wrong? Because you find it so? If so, than excuse me but I don't need your dictatorship. It's exactly this kind of **** that pissed off others in the past and is pissing me off right now. I'm outta here! :mad:
How is this in anyway a helpful response?
PULEEZ!!!
The fellow RFF'er who posted this question obviously DOES NOT have an old Leica meter hanging around in the back of his drawer somewhere.
He's seeking advice on a modern product offering.
This kind of response is an all too typical RFF "gotcha - I've been around longer than you..." kind of answer.
SO WHAT?
You have a bigger "junk drawer" others of us!
As to the original query:
I find that the CV meter is great to work with. I like the mondern LCD indicator when mounted on my Nikon S2 because it "mirrors" my backup Bessa R2S so I don't have to do too many mental calesthenics with my aging brain cells!
In what way is your response useful?! I'm only suggesting a different route he can take, one that is cheaper and looks at least as nice on his M2. How is that wrong? Because you find it so? If so, than excuse me but I don't need your dictatorship. It's exactly this kind of **** that pissed off others in the past and is pissing me off right now. I'm outta here! :mad:
Because you assume that one can just "click on eBay" and get an old school Leica meter at half the price of a new CV one. That's why.
eBay is an auction house of a mixed bag of old and new gear. The new stuff is usually "closeouts" the old stuff is "catch as catch can"!
If a guy needs (wants) a clip on meter and doesn't want the grief of hoping to: a) find it and; b) if he does - trust that it really works! Then he is better off to buy new gear.
There is nothing wrong with finding an old piece of useful gear in YOUR drawer for YOUR usage - but how does that help a guy who needs something for HIMSELF?
If you were willing to offer your Leica meter to him at a fair price then your answer would be helpful. Elsewise, I don't see how it is.
I don't see in his original posting ANYTHING about wanting a modern meter!
Does anyone have a take on the CV clip-on lightmeter? I have an M2 and shoot mainly B&W and whilst my Minolta Spotmeter F is my meter of choice, I want something a bit smaller when I want to travel light. I know that this will be a wider metering angle, it seems as convenient choice.
Just something smaller than his Spotmeter F.
Seems to me suggesting a Leica meter is an option. And since there's no way knowing whether he considered that route already or not, I did suggest it.
Dumbass remarks like that I should offer my Leica meter for sale is just trolling.
I've heard enough. Suggestions are not wanted here, just canned answers. I'm out of here. :mad:
Because you assume that one can just "click on eBay" and get an old school Leica meter at half the price of a new CV one. That's why.
eBay is an auction house of a mixed bag of old and new gear. The new stuff is usually "closeouts" the old stuff is "catch as catch can"!
If a guy needs (wants) a clip on meter and doesn't want the grief of hoping to: a) find it and; b) if he does - trust that it really works! Then he is better off to buy new gear.
There is nothing wrong with finding an old piece of useful gear in YOUR drawer for YOUR usage - but how does that help a guy who needs something for HIMSELF?
If you were willing to offer your Leica meter to him at a fair price then your answer would be helpful. Elsewise, I don't see how it is.
back alley
12-06-2005, 06:30
How is this in anyway a helpful response?
PULEEZ!!!
The fellow RFF'er who posted this question obviously DOES NOT have an old Leica meter hanging around in the back of his drawer somewhere.
He's seeking advice on a modern product offering.
This kind of response is an all too typical RFF "gotcha - I've been around longer than you..." kind of answer.
SO WHAT?
You have a bigger "junk drawer" others of us!
As to the original query:
I find that the CV meter is great to work with. I like the mondern LCD indicator when mounted on my Nikon S2 because it "mirrors" my backup Bessa R2S so I don't have to do too many mental calesthenics with my aging brain cells!
what the hell is your problem, have a fight with the wife?
was this post useful to you?
and now a little more serious and to the point...george, calm down. you are way out of line here.
i'm not sure how you come to these conclusions but they seem way off base to me.
joe
Hello:
The DigiSix has an optional accessory shoe foot and it works well. I find that i use it as a pocket/handheld incident meter most of the time. A precise one hand meter for relatively little!
CV11 looks attractive.
yours
Frank
rayfoxlee
12-06-2005, 09:47
Guys, thanks for all your helpful comments! I didn't want to start an all-out slanging verbal fisticuffs, though.
Ray
klas.buren
12-06-2005, 10:25
I too was in your situation and needed a small meter. My two main alternatives was the VCII or the Digisix. Ultimately I went with a Digisix for its (to me) more versatile display. I like to be able to see the difference between two readings without having to turn any dials. As a clip-on though, I think the VCII looks much more at home on any camera.
Klas
Guys, thanks for all your helpful comments! I didn't want to start an all-out slanging verbal fisticuffs, though.
Ray
Well, I'm back. But I'm still grumbling. I get enough ****e at work not to need to get it here as well. But you guys and gals are mostly swell people and I can't just walk away from a bunch of good eggs like you.
Remy, I remember that your pink (then Japanese gold) Leica M2 was the first thing I saw here at RFF after I found it by accident. While it is true that you are straying farther afield these days with the digital darkside, I still wouldn't want to have to say goodbye. :)
Remy, I remember that your pink (then Japanese gold) Leica M2 was the first thing I saw here at RFF after I found it by accident. While it is true that you are straying farther afield these days with the digital darkside, I still wouldn't want to have to say goodbye. :)
Frank, the Dark Side is strong. Both Leica and the dRF are tempting beasts. I got tempted and for now I can't go back. But RFF is like Ariadne's thread to me. As long as it doesn't snap I'll be fine, someday. :)
BTW, the M2 still has its gloriously golden jacket. :p
The digisix is nice and small (feel a little cheap though ...) but only takes reading in EV. You then have to make the conversion ...
Fred
Remy,
Ialso remember your Japanese gold Leica M2 . I liked it so well I got ahold of Akai and had him cut one for one of my Kiev 4 cameras. I still have it and use it, with many comments by people. Hang in there, I value your ideas.
leo
I saw both VC meters at the recent Toronto RF fest, and they look great. I am also interested in the Sekonic Twinmate (http://www.sekonic.com/Products/L-208.html) , which has the advantage of also doing incident readings. From reading on the net it probably isn't as well constructed as the VC, but I haven't actually handled one.
Earl
KoNickon
12-06-2005, 15:56
I for one am anxiously awaiting the arrival of an MR meter for my newly acquired M3. (I paid about 40%of the price of a new VC II meter; an excellent deal but not ridiculously so.) Based on the comments I've heard about the VC's being rather easily knocked off its settings, and its relatively high price, I thought that if the MR could be found for a decent price I'd go with that. It's made for the non-metered Leicas, and the fact its metering area corresponds to the 90mm framelines makes it pretty easy to know what you're metering. I have some 625 batteries, so no need at the moment to adjust it.
Nice reply, Joe -- right on.
I also have a VC meter, first version I believe. I like it very much. Small. Accurate. Only one complaint, I tend to press the "on" button whenever I make an exposure. No big deal, I assume the batteries won't last as long.
richard_l
12-06-2005, 16:26
I like a meter which can take both incident and reflected readings. In dicey lighting I may take several readings of each type. If I can get an incident and reflected reading to agree, than I feel pretty confident that it's nailed. (I'm not this anal about exposure unless I'm shooting slide film.) Anyhow, the only thing I have against the CV meters is that they only do reflected. The Digisix does both, but it looks kinda goofy clipped to the top of the camera, and it's more convenient to use it handheld anyhow.
Another vote for the digisix. I have not handled the VC, but personally, I like the ability to take incident readings as well as reflected. I got mine with the shoemount, but I have never used it on the camera. I prefer to just keep it in my pocket. When I raise the camera to my eye, the only thing left is to release the shutter.
As regards the EV values, you really just need to turn the wheel to set the aperture/speed combo on the initial reading. From there, adjusting by one or two EV in either direction, when the light changes, is pretty intuitive.
schmoozit
12-06-2005, 17:48
Edited after a straight-up apology was offered.
MCTuomey
12-06-2005, 17:59
Trius, I have the sekonic twinmate, but i'm looking at the VCII as well. The twinmate is a nice one-hand meter that reads quickly. It is very small and nothing to carry along. The ISO setting sometimes slips, though - it needs to be a tighter dial. Otherwise I like mine quite a bit. It handles incident and spot one-handed, too.
Remy, glad you're back. It would be a shame to lose your good humor and insights here.
I liked the Sekonic Twinmate too, especially because I need to switch my "seeing far away glasses" for reading glasses when looking at small numbers and letters like those on my VC meter 2.
Frank, the Dark Side is strong. Both Leica and the dRF are tempting beasts. I got tempted and for now I can't go back. But RFF is like Ariadne's thread to me. As long as it doesn't snap I'll be fine, someday. :)
BTW, the M2 still has its gloriously golden jacket. :p
Please post a picture of that M2. I see something like that and I will bow down and say "we're not worthy, we're not worthy!" :D
By the way, sorry I went OT on you guys.
wlewisiii
12-06-2005, 19:18
I really like my VC Meter II for it's simplicity and accuracy. It only does reflective, but it does it well and has been the most consistant meter I've ever owned. It fit's on the top of classic cameras beautifully too ;) just look to my current avatar for an idea of that. Yes, the ISO slips rather easily and if it gets cold the batteries will croak a whole lot sooner than I expected (actually getting winter this year, for a change... :) )
I use it with all of my meter-less cameras and with some of the ones with meters too :eek: as I trust it more than the ones in those cameras. One of the important things about metering is not so much the meter or the technique or anything else like that - the key is to be consistant. If you know that "x" light that is always at 1/60@f16 on your meter and prints right then you can ignore any other meters giving you a different reading. Stick to one. Get to know it as well as you learn your emulsions - that will help more than anything else I've learned in the last year.
And if you really want incident metering, it really shouldn't be that difficult to make a dome for it out of a styrofoam coffee cup :D
William
Please post a picture of that M2. I see something like that and I will bow down and say "we're not worthy, we're not worthy!" :D
ROFL!
The M2 used to be pink before I gave it a golden jacket. Now, if you still want to see it... http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=16655&cat=4934 .
I'm bringing it to the Leica Challenge coming weekend here in Amsterdam. I hope to get some stares. :D
RObert Budding
12-07-2005, 01:17
How is this in anyway a helpful response?
PULEEZ!!!
The fellow RFF'er who posted this question obviously DOES NOT have an old Leica meter hanging around in the back of his drawer somewhere.
He's seeking advice on a modern product offering.
This kind of response is an all too typical RFF "gotcha - I've been around longer than you..." kind of answer.
SO WHAT?
You have a bigger "junk drawer" others of us!
As to the original query:
I find that the CV meter is great to work with. I like the mondern LCD indicator when mounted on my Nikon S2 because it "mirrors" my backup Bessa R2S so I don't have to do too many mental calesthenics with my aging brain cells!
Oh! I thought I was on pnet for a moment! Really rude and awful behavior!
I find that I'm coming here less often lately. Too many rude remarks cropping up these days. And this one was completely off base. People were staying on topic, and even if they weren't, why be rude?
If I wanted rude, I'd look for a pnet film vs. digital thread.
Robert
bobofish
12-07-2005, 02:39
RML,
Despite my better judgement, I'm going to admit that I think that's a cool looking camera.
Not exactly discreet, we'll say, but cool nonetheless. Unique is probablly a good word.
Cheers!
Because you assume that one can just "click on eBay" and get an old school Leica meter at half the price of a new CV one. That's why.
eBay is an auction house of a mixed bag of old and new gear. The new stuff is usually "closeouts" the old stuff is "catch as catch can"!
If a guy needs (wants) a clip on meter and doesn't want the grief of hoping to: a) find it and; b) if he does - trust that it really works! Then he is better off to buy new gear.
There is nothing wrong with finding an old piece of useful gear in YOUR drawer for YOUR usage - but how does that help a guy who needs something for HIMSELF?
If you were willing to offer your Leica meter to him at a fair price then your answer would be helpful. Elsewise, I don't see how it is.
Either way, your original response was way too agressive, man.
hmmm.
on specs alone the Twin Mate is more sensitive on the low end of the spectrum while the VC Meter II is more sensitive on the high end.
The angle of measurement is about the same (around 30 degrees)
The Twin Mate holds the reading for 15 seconds vs 10 seconds for the VC Meter II.
The sekonic has those special "Leica-ized" speeds :D 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50 etc. for the M3 :D
Interesting, it will also measure upwards of 12,500 vs 3,200 for the VC Meter II.
Earl, thanks for posting about this one - I hadn't even considered it but I will now. I'll take a look at it in NYC this weekend and do a physical comparison of the two as well.
The bonus is the Sekonic is 1/2 the cost of the VC Meter II as well.
Dave
Yep, I was surprised to see this photo.net behavior here, too. I'm tempted to bring out the pancake bunny.
I didn't weigh in because even though I know clip-on meters are popular, I'm still accustomed to hand-held. I just have to have the option of an incident meter.
Brian Sweeney
12-07-2005, 03:18
Please note that on the related thread,
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=177499#post177499
George publicly apologized to Remy and that it was accepted.
That is a big difference between RFF and Photo.net.
Brian, thanks for pointing that out. Once again, RFF pulls through. I'll put that pan cake bunny away.
zuikologist
12-07-2005, 03:44
Robert - I have the same thoughts sometimes, but please hang in there and keep coming back. Like all things that grow and change, newcomers do not necessarily have an understanding of the culture of this online community, and sometimes the *rules* such as they are, need to be reinforced. RFF is a remarkably tolerant place 99% of the time. Having said all that, there is no excuse for rudeness.
vBulletin® v3.6.8, Copyright ©2000-2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.