Cheapest Light Meter?

[briancmo]

I have a sekonic 398 (analogue) and I would like to get one with a digital display...but am slightly broke after putting some money in reserve for a hasselblad. I don't shoot any studio stuff, mainly outdoor landscape. I'm trying to find something used on ebay for around $100...suggestions?

I was looking at the Minolta IV but haven't heard too much about it or comparable models.

[DocFrankenstein]

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/pho/700985868.html

I've also seen an L358 which is more suitable for hassy shooting (size wise) for 150 bucks yesterday, I think it might be gone.

[fjgindy]

Sekonic L308 or Polaris SPD100. You can usually find both used right at $100. Flip a coin..both units are very similar.

[Bill Roberts]

I've used a Minolta Auto meter IVF for years now. No problems at all and built like a tank. You can often find them on ebay quite cheaply. However Minolta aren't around now (I think they were taken over by Sony) so getting one fixed if it did go wrong may be more of a problem than if you went with Sekonic.

[DC Fan]

Least expensive and smallest "digital" meter is a Gossen Digiflash (http://www.adorama.com/GSDF.html) for around $250 U.S.

[DocFrankenstein]

Least expensive and smallest "digital" meter is a Gossen Digiflash (http://www.adorama.com/GSDF.html) for around $250 U.S.
Is the L-308 larger than the gossen?

I think it might be a better meter overall and it's only 189 new (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/368226-REG/Sekonic_401309_L_308S_Flashmate_Light_Meter.html)

[Moonjo]

I've used a Minolta Auto meter IVF for years now. No problems at all and built like a tank. You can often find them on ebay quite cheaply. However Minolta aren't around now (I think they were taken over by Sony) so getting one fixed if it did go wrong may be more of a problem than if you went with Sekonic.

FYI... Kenko now makes the Minolta Auto meter, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/514614-REG/Kenko_KFM_1100_KFM_1100_Auto_Digi_Meter.html

The Sekonic L-308S is still cheaper and probably your best bet.

[Bill Roberts]

Thanks for the info Moonjo, it's appreciated.

[jr_senator]

I have a sekonic 398 (analogue) and I would like to get one with a digital display...

May I ask why? The last meter I bought, a few years ago, was a Gossen Luna-Pro F. It is my primary meter. Just wondering why a digital meter?

[briancmo]

May I ask why? The last meter I bought, a few years ago, was a Gossen Luna-Pro F. It is my primary meter. Just wondering why a digital meter?

the one i have is pretty slow to move all the dials and set up. It's also a bit broken so it needs a lot of coddling. So rather then buying another 398 i figured why not just get a cheap digital.

[René Damkot]

For landscapes, I'd prefer a spot meter.
Pentax and Minolta used to make decent ones...

[DocFrankenstein]

For landscapes, I'd prefer a spot meter.
Pentax and Minolta used to make decent ones...
Oh yeah, I missed that part. For landscapes you need a spotmeter... ambient is about as useful as the sunny 16 rule.

[Moonjo]

One of the cool things about the Sekonic (over the old Minoltas and current Kenkos) is that they can be configured to measure in 1/3 f stops as well as 1/10th increments. So, for digital cameras the 1/3 stops is a nice feature.

[briancmo]

I know this is a stupid question...but...

Whats a spot meter? And is there any advantage of having a digital meter vs my analogue meter via the quality 'needle'?

And lastly, all this is so cool! Why did DSLR's kill the art and process of the whole photography thing :(

[jr_senator]

I know this is a stupid question...but...Whats a spot meter? And is there any advantage of having a digital meter vs my analogue meter...?

A spot meter is a reflective meter reading that covers a very small area, maybe even only one degree. I find the advantages with an analogue meter to be; one can see several setting options at a glance, easier to read in bright light and the battery seems to last forever.

Why did DSLR's kill the art and process of the whole photography thing :(

Didn't kill it for me but opened a whole new world of art and process.