Exposure Meters

[metoyou]

With the sophisticated exposure systems we now have built into our DSLR's, I'm curious to know if anybody still uses a separate exposure meter to take reading. I do not mean studio reading but rather in the field readings.

[lmitch6]

I still do. I find it still helps out alot in really difficult lighting situations. There are times when you can't bean a good incident light reading!

[SkipD]

Me too. Almost always when in a studio or similar situation.

[FlashZebra]

With the sophisticated exposure systems we now have built into our DSLR's, I'm curious to know if anybody still uses a separate exposure meter to take reading. I do not mean studio reading but rather in the field readings.
Unless you can affect the light in some manner, like with complicated flash, reflectors, or artificial illumination, I think the in camera histogram and a test exposure has negated the need for a hand held meter for many photographers.

But, if you just show up and work with the light that is present, I think you can easily do without a hand held meter. But, you will need to use test exposures and check the histogram in tricky lighting. A test exposure, histogram check, and exposure correction is likely to be as fast or faster than using a hand held meter. And, you already own the histogram feature.

If you anticipate studio work, buy a meter with flashmeter function.

Enjoy! Lon

[Carzee]

I'm using a Sek Flashmate 308 and thats for sorting shots using Nikon manual flash units.

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=190075

[metoyou]

Thanks for the answers to my original question.
I still use a separate hand held meter and find it invaluable for incident light readings. It also allows me to 'scan' a scene for differing exposure levels while leaving my camera in position on the tripod. My studio work amounts to still life and I only use available light for such.

Cheers,

Martin