low light metering

[40oz]

I'd like to get a light meter, preferably used and cheap. I need some help finding what I need, however.

I mostly want it for low light shots, at night under streetlights, in bars, etc. I would prefer a small, clip-on style, but anything pocketable would be acceptable. Does such an animal exist? Would a Gossen Digisix work? I am currently estimating exposure, but it would be nice to have a tool that would let me me know how much I am under-exposing my film.

Is there any reason to avoid older used meters found online for under $50? I'm not too concerned about accuracy as long as the readings are consistent for low light.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[Hibbs]

I can highly recommend the Quantum Calc-U-Lite XP for very low light.

~hibbs

[Crasis]

Depends on what you mean by 'low light' The gossen digisix, with 1600 iso film, will give a minimum reading of 1EV before being too dim for the sensor to detect. 1EV at 1600 iso is f/1.4 at 1 second.

Of course, this means at 400 iso, you'd be doing /f1.4 at 4 seconds. That's way way lower lighting than I need for shooting at night. I don't know how dim you're willing to go.

Let's put it this way; 12500 iso film has a minimum of 4 EV for the digisix which is f/1.4 at 1/8th of a second which is the slowest shutter speed I am willing to shoot at.

[peter_n]

I second the Calcu-light XP. It reads down to -7EV at 100ASA. Nothing can match it for low light sensitivity. There is one for sale on eBay at the moment, if you live in Australia it could be a good buy but the seller is requiring rather high shipping to the US. link

[40oz]

Thank you for the help. Sounds like something like the digisix would work.

As a follow-up, do the Petri and Leica shoe-mounted meters, or any "vintage" ones I haven't seen, meter enough for 800 or 1600 iso at 1/30 at f2? Basically, I want a meter I can take with me to the bar or campfire, and shoot in low ambient light. Age really is more of a plus than a minus, as long as it can do the job. I'd prefer something smaller than a pack of cigarettes. Shoe mount isn't a requirement, but certainly my first choice.

Is this a realistic goal, exluding the gossen digisix and sekonic L208? I'm not cheap, I'm living hand to mouth -) so if there is some old GE meter that would work, please share.