View Full Version : Which hand-held meter are you using?
Which hand-held meters are people using with their meterless Leicas?
Recently, I had a Weston Ranger (a CdS meter by Weston) refurbished by Quality Light Metric and find I like using it. It is relatively large but a very well built piece of equipment.
Not sure why the robot chose to append:
"Just learning to focus a rangefinder camera"
to my name. I've been using Leicas since 1962 and can truthfully claim to have mastered rangefinder focus.
Can the forum moderator correct this?
Pherdinand
10-04-2004, 13:00
scoop:) probably our categorizations should be switched. I am far from a "pro"...
Sekonic L508 ambient/flash meter, with spot, averaging, memory, etc. Very versatile meter. I've also got a Weston Master IV for nostalgic use.
Pherdinand
10-04-2004, 13:05
By the way, if I can get in the discussion while not using (or owning, FWiW) a Leica - i use a capital D-1 handheld meter :))
I bought it for 10 euro (used), when I realized my old little sekonic L-8(?) with its selenium cell is not good enough for low light (below EV6 it's dead).
My first "real" meter was a Sekonic Studio DeLuxe (incident), which I got for using with my Speed Graphic. I also had a Weston V, but with a dead cell, which I finally got replaced recently - I got a new cell from Megatron in UK, and replaced the dead one. Now it works great - and in lower light than Sekonic.
I also have a Weston II and III. A recent addition, just as a curiosity, is a clip-on Bewi meter - small and not very reliable or sensitive.
I'm quite happy with my Weston V.
Scoop, your Weston Ranger should be an excellent meter! However, if you're looking at something smaller, an MR meter for your Leica should be more practical - I know I'm thinking of getting one.
Denis
back alley
10-04-2004, 14:27
i'm using a pilot 2 with my meterless CANON P.
works pretty good so far. and cheap too.
scoop, the phrase under your name has been programmed in by our fearless leader.
howevr you can change it to a phrase or word of your choosing by going to cp (control panel) and clicking on edit profile.
joe
Originally posted by scoop
Not sure why the robot chose to append:
"Just learning to focus a rangefinder camera"
to my name. I've been using Leicas since 1962 and can truthfully claim to have mastered rangefinder focus.
Can the forum moderator correct this?
Everyone can go into their User CP from the tablet at the top of the page when signed in and enter their profile. There you can change your title to what ever you wish. Right now you guys are working on the defaults based on # of posts.
Sekonic 308bII by the way.
My exposure meter is a Megatron Euro-MASTER II (http://www.megatron.co.uk/euromaster2/). :)
Originally posted by backalley photo
... scoop, the phrase under your name has been programmed in by our fearless leader.
howevr you can change it to a phrase or word of your choosing by going to cp (control panel) and clicking on edit profile.
joe
I noticed mine had also inexplicably changed from 'Member' or something neutral to rangefinder camera pro, from which I am far, so I did the above and changed it to something more appropriate.
BTW, what does LOL stand for? I've seen it all over the place.
Cheers, John
Forget the Leica - you can use a handheld light meter with any camera that is capable of adjustment. :eek:
I use two meters - the Norwood Super Director (a classic incident meter) and the Gossen Pilot (very compact, and able to make both reflected and incident readings). I would not use a meter that cannot make incident readings - this is a superior method of metering in my view.
Weston Master II when using a meterless camera (IIIf or Contax IIA). I have a CV meter on back order, guess I'll get one of the new ones when they finally come out.....
Tend to use the internal meter on the camera when it's available, I know all the theory about good external meters etc etc etc, however one of the things that really attracted me to rangefinders was the small size and bulk - which carrying all sorts of kit like an external meter tends to obviate, yes?
tim
hjfischer
10-04-2004, 16:46
With my Nikon F, a meterless, flashless, overweight but wonderful cam, I use a $69 Adorama meter. It is very precise and a snap to use. But don't forget to carry a spare battery. Also, it recently confirmed the accuracy of my new Bessa R2's meter.
merciful
10-04-2004, 16:50
Sekonic L-508: never fails. I might...
hoppinghippos
10-04-2004, 17:18
I"m using Sekonic 358! easier to use nice to hold meter!
Gossen Scout 3 here, although no Leica to go with it.
Doug K.
Honu-Hugger
10-04-2004, 18:15
Minolta "Spotmeter F" and a Minolta Auto-Meter IIIF (flash meter, also incident light meter).
D2
I learned with the meter my dad bought for his argus c3 and used that for mmany years. Currently using a Pilot2.
Rob
I keep an old Weston selenium meter in the car, and a Gossen Lunisix w/ spotmeter attachment for when the light gets low.
Of course, 1/2 my camera's have good light meters, but only my GIII, Canonet 28, GSN, Konica Auto S and Kiev 3a rangefinders have good working meters. The rest of my RF's either have dead meters (Auto S2's) or none at all.
Gossen Sixtino. Small, lightweight. Does reflective as well as ambient metering (by covering the cell with a translucent slider). Needs no batteries (selenium cell). Only drawback is that it doesn't meter accurately below approx. 1/30-f2 @100ISO (because of the selenium cell).
Rich Silfver
10-04-2004, 23:02
Sekonic L-308B II
My fav meter for many years has been a Gossen Super Pilot SBC, and I used to have a Sekonic 398 Studio Deluxe... which still may be stashed on a shelf somewhere around here. Should look for it. Recently picked up a used Gossen Luna Star F digital, pretty nice!
Oh, and I think I still have a Wein flash meter, and not to forget a Pentax digital spot meter I never use.
What is the Weston II like to use?
Brian Sweeney
10-05-2004, 02:04
I also use a Weston Master II for the Nikon RF's and the M3. The selenium meter is accurate in two of my Canon 7 cameras. I replaced the selenium meter on my Retina IIIS with one from a badly jammed Retina Reflex-S. I love things that are as old as I am that still work...
The Master II is easy: use ASA speed directly with the old Weston scale. Under bright light, a mask is left in place over the large Selenium cell. For heavy shade and indoors, flip the mask down to reveal the entire (sealed) selenium cell. A second scale comes into place. Read the linear scale, match a dial to the value, and the shutter speed/f-stop combinations are given.
Gossen DigiFlash and various Leningrad models.
Originally posted by mourges
What is the Weston II like to use?
It's OK - but the scale (times) engravings are bit crowded and too small for me, so I prefer my Weston V - the scale is much more to my taste, with color-coded full stop differences, etc.
Otherwise, the handling is the same. Westons are *good* meters, surprisingly accurate and sensitive, provided the cell is OK.
Denis
Originally posted by Rich Silfver
Sekonic L-308B II
Richard, what happened to your MR meter for Leica?
I seem to remember reading that you did something to it, and it stopped working? What gives?
Denis
oftheherd
10-05-2004, 03:47
I have had a Sekonic L28c2 for about 30 years, and it worked superly until I dropped it about 10 months ago. Now it only works if held horizontally on its side. :bang: But what a meter, especially with all the slides. Since then I bought a great Gossen Luna Pro off ebay for less than $50.
I prefer to use both as incident meters when possible, but am not afraid to use reflected when I think it is to my advantage. Especially in low light. Both are very sensitive, but obviously, the Gossen is more so with its battery.
Neither has yet been used with a Leica. :( :D
Westons are *good* meters, surprisingly accurate and sensitive, provided the cell is OK.
Agree with you on that one Denis. My Megatron is essentially a brand-new Weston Master V, but without the color coding. I just love seeing all the f stop and shutter combinations on that scale for me to read.
I took a pic of it this morning with my coffee so if it turns out OK I'll post it tonight. Great meter!
Gossen Sixtomat digital and Guestimation.
SolaresLarrave
10-05-2004, 09:17
For my medium format games, a small Sekonic L-208, incident and reflected light meter you can carry around your neck. Kinda cute... :)
I'm using the VC meter, usually clipped onto the accessory shoe. It's so tiny it's easy to pocket as well.
I see there's an even sleeker VC II just being released. Sweet!
Gene
So here's my Megatron. It has a shutter speed scale that goes from 1/4000sec to 15min, and an aperture scale that runs from f0.5 to f45. That takes care of most situations... ;)
Borghesia
10-05-2004, 12:56
I use a Gossen Starlite which gives me very reliable readings and also has a 1 degree spotmeter.
I which my little Sixtino worked, 'cause I like the tiny handy design, bought it secondhand d.o.a.
Currently a Sekonic L-358
Minolta VF with various add-on's-
5º and 40º Spot attachments, two different diffusers and the probe for LF work.
One thing I love about this light meter is how accurate it is and th magic zone system button. Take highlight reading, take a shadow reading, punch in your prefered ISO, do a mid tone reading and develop your film at N-0! Works everytime! No more gazing at 8x10 FP4+ negs thinking "six minutes wasn't right... grrr"
Stu :)
I also use a Sekonic Studio deLuxe that I purchased in 1970, plus have just added
a Weston master V.
Gordon Coale
10-13-2004, 19:29
My main light meter is a Gossen Luna Pro and sometimes I use a Gossen Pilot.
Honu-Hugger
10-13-2004, 20:21
Hi Gang,
I've been a dedicated Minolta incident light (IIIF) and Minolta Spot meter user for many years with no misgivings. However, as those of you that are familiar with these meters know they are not especially compact. I'm not looking to replace them, because I trust their readings without question, but as a result of this thread I'm now considering an ultra compact reflected light meter and the VC may be perfect. Any other suggestions?
To help put my situation into perspective I do not own any cameras with meters. So now, after twenty-plus years of incident/spot metering I am once again willing to consider a reflected light meter (during my teens I use to use my Dad's Gossen Pilot). If I decide to acquire a small reflected light meter I will be looking for a combination of extremely small size and top-notch accuracy -- any suggestions other than the VC or soon to be available VCII?
Thank you in advance for any forthcoming recommendations.
D2
back alley
10-13-2004, 20:47
shooting only b&w film, i find the gossen pilot 2 works just fine for me.
joe
Rich Silfver
10-13-2004, 20:53
Originally posted by denishr
Richard, what happened to your MR meter for Leica?
I seem to remember reading that you did something to it, and it stopped working? What gives?
Denis
Yeah...I decided to...'adjust it'...and did what you are never supposed to do with fine camera equipment..I forced it.
:bang:
Kinda broken now. For 100 dollars or less for a replacement unit I won't look at repair it right now but rather look at a good find on eBay down the road. For now I'm back to handheld meter and guesstimating :)
jfbell20
10-14-2004, 02:39
Jessops CDS meter.
Although with classic cameras, I sometimes use a card exposure guide (Black Cat Extended Range Exposure Guide - http://www.blackcatphotoproducts.com/guide.html)
I bought mine on E-bay.
Originally posted by jfbell20
Jessops CDS meter.
Although with classic cameras, I sometimes use a card exposure guide (Black Cat Extended Range Exposure Guide - http://www.blackcatphotoproducts.com/guide.html)
I bought mine on E-bay.
That looks like a great Exposure Guide. The steady strap looks cool too. I am thinking the strap would be good to use with a Hasselblad when handholding.
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