What is this device?

[Jamesino]

What is the device that this assistant is holding in front of the model in this photo?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:The_Game_by_Mikko_Koponen.jpg

Is it a light meter? If so, why is it needed?

[tim]

Yes, it's a light meter. they're used with studio strobes to work out what iso and aperture to set the camera to. You can't use auto modes with studio strobes, plus using manual gives you good exposures and consistency.

[Dawn U]

Yes, it's a light meter.

From what I've gathered from classes so far (and my lighting class is this semester, so forgive me if I'm wrong!), they're probably using studio strobes in that shot and therefore need to know the lighting ratio between 2 strobes. The meter will tell you if your key light is set to, for example, f/16 and your fill is f/11 for a 1:2 ratio (I think...I had issues with those last semester). This tells you what aperture to set your camera at for proper exposure.

[yogestee]

Check out the white dome on the front.. Its an incident light meter measuring the light falling on the subject not the light being reflected.. This is the most accurate method of metering..

[timmyeatchips]

Check out the white dome on the front.. Its an incident light meter measuring the light falling on the subject not the light being reflected.. This is the most accurate method of metering..

On a related note, is there a decent quick fix for replacing those diffuser domes if they fall off?

[tim]

I'd email the manufacturer if the dome falls off. I think the Sekonic ones are removable.

[DigitalSpecialist]

It appears to be a SEkonic Lightmeter, 358 from the looks of it!

[yogestee]

On a related note, is there a decent quick fix for replacing those diffuser domes if they fall off?

Timmy,, the diffuser domes are removable so a reflected light measurement can be taken with most handheld meters..

Is your damaged??

[timmyeatchips]

Timmy,, the diffuser domes are removable so a reflected light measurement can be taken with most handheld meters..

Is your damaged??

It's one I inherited along with an old 35mm Nikon a while back. Don't have it to hand but I think it's a Sekonic of some kind. IIRC the dome was able to slide to reveal the sensor for reflected light but it seemed to have come loose in the other direction, in fact it was held on with a bit of tape.

[SkipD]

It appears to be a SEkonic Lightmeter, 358 from the looks of it!The meter looks like a Sekonic L-358 at first glance, but it's not. After a bit of research, I've found that it is a Minolta Auto Meter VF.