Lightmeter.

[krnt]

I´m planing to buy a used Gossen lunasix 3 lightmeter.
Is that a good dessision or shuld I look at an other brand.
I´m new in the lightmeter trade.
Please give me your best edvice.

[GeneW]

krnt, there's currently a long thread on external meters you may want to read so others don't have to repeat themselves here:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=17818#post17818

There are many factors: size, sensitivity, type of sensor (selenium vs battery-powered), battery type, weight, incident, reflected, or spot.

I own both a Sekonic Studio Deluxe II incident selenium and a rather small VC clipon reflected meter that is powered by a battery. For convenience, the VC wins every time. I've quit taking my Sekonic with me on trips even though it's an excellent meter.

But everyone has a different take on this.

Gene

[Nikon Bob]

Here is a site that may help http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index.html I have used a Sekonic Studio Deluxe 398, a couple of Gossens and a spot meter. All have worked well for me as I use print film. From the little experience I have with them I prefer to take incident readings where possible.

[Film dino]

If you're planning on a battery-dependent older meter (e.g. Lunasix 3) I'd check (1) battery voltage & current availability (2) the meter's accuracy.

IMHO the older pro-spec analogue (scale reading) Lunasixs are v. reliable & probably more robust that the current plastic-cased Gossens with digital readouts. I've had a Sixtomat digital & a Variosix F2 for about 8 years without problems but the Sixtomat is a bit flimsy.

http://www.gossen-photo.de/english/

[Film dino]

http://www.diaxa.com/weston/index.htm

Site with useful info about Weston selenium cell (battery-independent) meters.