Lightmeter suggestions?

Hey guys, i'm in the market for a lightmeter.

I've heard great things on the Sekonic I-358 unit. But being a amateur hobbyist, $260 is a pretty hefty amount for a light meter. Was wondering if there are cheaper yet just as good/ reliable unit.

My budget is $100-$150 max.

Thanks

Minolta dominated the handheld meter business for both pros and amateurs in the 1990's and Sekonic was like Avis was to Hertz...#2 and trying harder! Look for a used Autometer IVf or Vf. The Flashmeter V and VI are usually way too expensive, as they were top of the heap back then.

Wilt wrote in post #10011005
Minolta dominated the handheld meter business for both pros and amateurs in the 1990's and Sekonic was like Avis was to Hertz...#2 and trying harder! Look for a used Autometer IVf or Vf. The Flashmeter V and VI are usually way too expensive, as they were top of the heap back then.

Times change, Wilt. Where's Minolta now-a-days?

PacAce wrote in post #10012523
Times change, Wilt. Where's Minolta now-a-days?

Sadly they have fallen by the wayside. I grew up with a Minolta 35mm my dad bought when I was a baby. I loved that camera! I was born with a chip on my should against Nikon for some reason... Never liked how much they tried to overprice their gear. Still a problem with them. I was very glad to see Canon come up and push them out a bit.

OP: Try to get a Sekonic used. They really are the most used now and are very good units! I have owned the L-358 and now the L-758DR and I have been very pleases with both! Save a little longer and go for the good one the first time around. Save yourself some headache later...

Jdmhood wrote in post #10009675
Hey guys, i'm in the market for a lightmeter.

I've heard great things on the Sekonic I-358 unit. But being a amateur hobbyist, $260 is a pretty hefty amount for a light meter. Was wondering if there are cheaper yet just as good/ reliable unit.

My budget is $100-$150 max.

Thanks

Why not a Sekonic 308?

Jdmhood wrote in post #10009675
Hey guys, i'm in the market for a lightmeter.

I've heard great things on the Sekonic I-358 unit. But being a amateur hobbyist, $260 is a pretty hefty amount for a light meter. Was wondering if there are cheaper yet just as good/ reliable unit.

My budget is $100-$150 max.

Thanks

After using the Sekonic L308, L358, and L758, I've come to the conclusion that the L358 seems to be the best deal of the three. I'd highly suggest you to save up or find one used on CL. The L758DR is nice as well but it's too expensive for me to reach with my limited budget.

The L-358 has several added features that you may or may not be of interest:

It is weather sealed.
It has the rotating head.
It has the flash analyzing function. (Measures the difference between ambient light and flash.)
It has a memory function.
It has calibration compensation.
It has an illuminated display.
It has an optional pocketwizard module
It has optional VF attachments.

The weather sealing, rotating head, flash analyzing function, and illuminated display forced me to go with the l358. Pay the difference of 80 dollars, and you'll soon forget it.

PacAce wrote in post #10012523
Times change, Wilt. Where's Minolta now-a-days?

My point was merely a professional caliber product of 15 years ago would still be a pro caliber product today. But at lower price on the used market, than a brand new Sekonic. A lot of brands have disappeared over the years, unfortunately. And since so many young photographers know only the Sekonic name, the price is not sustained as high as a used Sekonic.