What meter for old style shutter speeds? (1/5th, 1/10th etc)

StuartR · 10-27-2004

Hello all,
I have recently acquired an M3 that uses the old-style shutter speeds, and I was wondering what people liked for a meter for this style of shutter speeds. Are there any modern meters that can be set to read for these speeds? I know that they are not far off from the modern speeds, but I was wondering if just exposing for the newer speeds made a noticeable difference in slide film. I am fairly certain that it would be negligible in negative film.

For on camera meters in general , how do people like the Voigtlander meter? It seems rather nice, as does the Euromaster (does this fit on a hotshoe?).

Thanks for the advice.

Stuart

denishr · 10-27-2004

Stuart,

Euromaster won't fit on a hot shoe. Otherwise, it's an excellent meter. See www.westonmaster.com.

Rob · 10-28-2004

This old Sekonic auto lumi I just picked up has normal speeds
and markers for the older speeds too. The marks are very
close to the new speeds. I think with print film the slight
difference is not a problem. Shutters may not be running at
the correct speeds also..

Honu-Hugger · 10-28-2004

I encounter the same problem with the Contax; speeds of 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, and 1/50 (and the all perplexing 1/1250 -- read that was a marketing edge over Leica at the time, so that Zeiss could have "bragging rights" to the fastest shutter -- but now more a PITA). I use the Minolta FlashMeter most often and it provides a linear graphic display -- from there I estimate the difference and it seems to come close.

I moved away from reflected light meters years ago, but have now once again become interested in something very small (along with the FlashMeter I also use a Minolta Spot, neither are very compact). The Voightlander seems appealing: any "hands-on" experience by any of the members? If not the Voightlander are there other extremely small but accurate meters that can be shoe mounted that anyone recommends? Thanks.

D2

GeneW · 10-28-2004

D2, I have the VC clipon meter and use it on my Canonet, Zorki and Fed. It's a great little meter. The new VC II looks to be a bit smaller yet. I like the way the VC meter is set up. One dial for shutter speed and one dial for aperture. Makes it quick and easy to use in either shutter priority or aperture priority mode. I've been getting very accurate exposures with it.

Gene

StuartR · 10-28-2004

Thanks for the responses guys.
Gene -- how does the VC work? Is it more like a spot, partial or full frame meter? Do you point it at dark or light areas of the scene and go from there, or do you just shoot and trust it, making adjustments if you know the lighting situation is problematic?

peter_n · 10-28-2004

Stuart you can get the Euromaster directly from the manufacturer (Megatron) for £141.00 plus shipping. Takes about 10 days to arrive.

The Euromaster does not clip on to the camera but comes with a lanyard that allows you to hang it around your neck - very useful as it is also an incredibly accurate incident light meter as well.

GeneW · 10-28-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by StuartR
Thanks for the responses guys.
Gene -- how does the VC work? Is it more like a spot, partial or full frame meter? Do you point it at dark or light areas of the scene and go from there, or do you just shoot and trust it, making adjustments if you know the lighting situation is problematic?

Here are the specs on the VC II from Stephen Gandy's site. I think the VC I is pretty much the same:
- EV 1 to EV 20
- Meter angle approximately 30 degrees
- Silicon Metering Cell
- Powered by two LR 44 alkaline or SR44 silver oxide batteries
- ISO 25 to 3200

I use it pretty much the same way I always use reflected metering. On overcast days I simply point & read, lowering the meter a bit so I don't get too much sky. If the lighting is tricker, I either go up close to the subject (if possible), or I take a reading off the palm of my hand and decrease one f-stop to get approx 18% grey. If shooting towards the sun, I take the reading and open up 1-2 stops, depending on the situation, or use as is if I want silhouetted foreground.

BTW, the little neck strap you can get for the meter is nice too. If you don't want to carry it in your hot shoe you can wear it around your neck and tuck it into your shirt pocket. It's so light you won't even notice the weight.

Gene

StuartR · 10-28-2004

Hey Peter, while it is tempting, I think I will stick with the VC meter unless there is another good shoe meter. I have a sekonic l-358, so if I need a fully-functional incedent meter, I can certainly use that. I just want something that is small and fits on the camera. I guess that mostly leaves me with the VC and the leica meters...perhaps the gossen digisix.

Gene -- thanks for the response. It makes me feel a bit more comfortable deciding in favor of the VC II meter. I am going to have the Photovillage call me when it comes in...

peter_n · 10-28-2004

Doesn't the VC II have a lock on the reading? As far as I know the first version of that meter doesn't. A very useful feature...

Honu-Hugger · 10-28-2004

I just went to Gandy's site to look at the VCII -- looks like a pretty nice meter, should fill the bill for what I'm looking for and the price seems reasonable. Thank you for the lead!

D2