Good Light meter studio and outdoor

Size is what is holding me back from an L-358 as well. For the times I'm not using flash (most of it) I just want a small, quick meter. It would be nice not to have to own two different ones... the L-358 seems unnecessarily large for electronics in this day.

TheHoff wrote in post #5961226
Size is what is holding me back from an L-358 as well. For the times I'm not using flash (most of it) I just want a small, quick meter. It would be nice not to have to own two different ones... the L-358 seems unnecessarily large for electronics in this day.

Look into gossen luna pro meters.

They're small, robust and cheap. I've seen them on craigslist for 60 bucks or so, but they're not digital. I believe they're great value for the money and the digital photo community didn't catch up as to what a great value they are, so they're like the zeiss jena lenses 5 years ago. What you can pick up for 300 bucks today was selling for 50.

I haven't had a meter since an original Flashmeter IV (I think they cost $400 in the day?)... the Gossens were the main competition back then. I'll have to check it out, they certainly are smaller. Thanks for the reminder!

martinsmith wrote in post #5916110
There are a few cheap Minolta meters on ebay. Which are the ones to buy for studio use?

Flashmeter V or VI, Autometer Vf.
I'd take the Sekonic 358 over the Autometer IVF any day, at any price.

Wilt wrote in post #5928149
One Kenko is based upon the 'Autometer V' and the other is based upon the high end 'Flashmeter IV' !

The Kenko FM2100 looks like it's based on the Flashmeter VI. So that would make it a competitor to the Sekonic L 758, not 358.
FM 1100 looks like an Autometer Vf, so could be compared with the L-358.
Almost the same options, except PW compatibility.

I've never liked Gossen meters.
Also, when looking for a Gossen, make sure it can measure ambient to flash ratio. Not all models can AFAIK.

Thanks, RD. I think if I bought a Gossen it would be an ambient model only with the purpose being that it is as small as possible for street shooting.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #5961252
Look into gossen luna pro meters. They're small, robust and cheap. I've seen them on craigslist for 60 bucks or so, but they're not digital.

I have a Gossen Luna Pro F. It's my main meter and I'm dearly fond of it. I never considered it to be "small", but I guess it's what one compares it to. I payed almost $400 or so for mine many years ago and have seen them on eBay in the $150-$200 range (mint) now and then.But $60?, someone better grab it. Not digital? The advantages of a needle meter are, easy to see in all different light, can see several aperture and speed combos at a single glance and the battery seems to last almost forever.

TheHoff wrote in post #5961705
...if I bought a Gossen it would be an ambient model...

The Sekonic L-398 (I have one, for the very purpose you mention) is small and light, also, no batteries.

jr_senator wrote in post #5962411
I have a Gossen Luna Pro F. It's my main meter and I'm dearly fond of it. I never considered it to be "small", but I guess it's what one compares it to. I payed almost $400 or so for mine many years ago and have seen them on eBay in the $150-$200 range (mint) now and then.But $60?, someone better grab it. Not digital? The advantages of a needle meter are, easy to see in all different light, can see several aperture and speed combos at a single glance and the battery seems to last almost forever.

Maybe I got lucky. I've seen one for 60, one for 80... One guy wanted 200 for it, so I wrote him off as a deviant.

jr_senator wrote in post #5962411
The Sekonic L-398 (I have one, for the very purpose you mention) is small and light, also, no batteries.

Thanks, I just picked up an L-398A, LNIB for $120 off the b&s. I could've used it last night at the fireworks / crowd at the beach... I was rockin M and guessing by dialing down 1/3 stop every few minutes as the sun set. That was still more accurate than Av.

I've seen one on CL for 45 bucks again:
Reply to: sale-783005122@craigslist.o​rg
Date: 2008-08-04, 5:24PM EDT


I have 2 Exposure Meters for sale:

Gossen Luna Pro

- Good condition, light wear
- Leather case shows some wear but is very sound
- No manual


... $45

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #6045984
I've seen one on CL for 45 bucks again:
Reply to: ale-783005122@craigslist.o​rg
Date: 2008-08-04, 5:24PM EDT

Gossen Luna Pro

- Good condition, light wear
- Leather case shows some wear but is very sound
- No manual

... $45

I wonder if it's the Luna Pro or Luna Pro F (which also does flash metering)?

jr_senator wrote in post #6046677
I wonder if it's the Luna Pro or Luna Pro F (which also does flash metering)?

No clue.

But if you don't shoot flash, it's a pretty cool deal IMO

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #6046790
But if you don't shoot flash, it's a pretty cool deal IMO

Yep, but it would explain the price. The non-F was discontinued when the L model was introduced.

I just landed a Gossen Lunasix on eBay in prime shape with the case for $15... and it is supposedly one of the lowest-light measuring meters around. I like the Sekonic L-398 and will keep it but take out the Gossen for lower light work.

TheHoff wrote in post #6047140
I just landed a Gossen Lunasix on eBay in prime shape with the case for $15... and it is supposedly one of the lowest-light measuring meters around. I like the Sekonic L-398 and will keep it but take out the Gossen for lower light work.

Glad to see you got your problem solved.

what sold me on my L-358 was that I could install a PW transmitter into the back of it for when I finally upgraded to PW's for my radio triggering system. Ironically, I haven't done either yet... but I still love my L-358