Recommend an exposure meter?

[suse]

Hi

I was wondering if someone could recommend a good light meter for someone who hasn't used one before??

many thanks
Sue

[Todd Jacobsen]

L358 Sekonics.

[etaf]

what camera do you have
will you be using a flash meter too ?
I have an exposure meter sekonic and i have rarely used it - I used to use for flash and the occasional incident meter reading

[Todd Jacobsen]

Etaf makes good points. Your use of the meter impacts your need. If you want an incident reading (light at subject), the light meter is the only way you can go.

If you are worried about reflective reading (light at camera), it's debatable whether or not the light meter provides a benefit. The only reflective metering benefit I see of a lightmeter over the Canon DSLR line is with Spot metering, which only the 1D line provides.

[suse]

Hi

I use a Canon 20D. I don't intend to use a flash meter just yet.

[etaf]

so you want to use incident meter readings - or/and have a spot meter facility on the meter?
as stated sekonic is the way to go.
http://www.sekonic.com/

[suse]

yes, incident and spot readings.

[etaf]

http://www.sekonic.com/Products/L-558R.html

[chtgrubbs]

I wouldn't recommend a spot meter until you are ready to get into the Zone System or other advanced system for evaluating exposure. Without some experience judging the brightness of objects in relation to the tonal scale of the medium a spotmeter is a guaranteed way of getting incorrect exposure. Get an incident meter to supplement your cameras reflected light metering. Most newer incident meters include flash metering which is a big plus. Larger meter such as the Minolta Autometer Vf and Sekonic 358 have swivelling heads and interchangeable sensor covers, but for field work I am partial to my Sekonic 308 Flashmate which is very accurate and only the size of a deck of cards. Very easy to fit into a small gadget bag or belt pouch.