Lightmeter

I'm still new to this and needs a lot to learn. But how much do you use your lightmeter? If I'm going to buy one, what should I look for. Anyone want to suggest a budget worthy lightmeter? Where do you usually use it? budget is up to $150 but stretchable! Or just be cheap and get a grey card...Thanks for the replies!

If you are at all serious about your photography, especially if you intend to do work with manually controlled flash lighting, a good handheld light meter will be invaluable.

I and many others here use and highly recommend the Sekonic L-358. I use mine far more than the meter built into my camera.

I always use my light meter. I've bought two light meters (sold one) and they cost me $150 and $165. Both were very mint and came with everything. I'd say your budget can buy you a nice Sekonic L-358 just like I did.

Thanks! I will check out Sekonic L-358.

I purchased my Sekonic L 608cine late 2001, to replace a unit I acquired years prior from my Grampa ( it just stopped working).

Long story short, you can't go wrong by using a good light meter properly.
Before digital cameras stepped into the commercial workflow, a lightmeter was a photographers only device for chimping. Used to judge the light falloff all around the subject you would shoot, helped in placement of lights, bounce cards, flags, the list is endless. Well sorta.

Once you get the hang of the lightmeter you chose and start seeing in the photograph, what the lightmeter told you. The lightbulb will go off and

The 358 will serve you well!

http://www.sekonic.com …-358%20FLASH%20MASTER.a​sp

Also looks like they have tutorials on there site too.

I'm using Sekonic L-358 too, if you do want it, don't foget the Sekonic - RT-32 Digital Radio Transmitter Module for future use with Pocket Wizard, wireless all the way.

Sekonic L-358 is a great meter for your purposes. Its a bit over your budget new, but worth the reach. You might find it used on the forum here. Some have reported success with the L-308 as well.

i nabbed a used (but looks new) Sekonic L-358 off eBay last month for $175, so not a far stretch from your budget.

before that, I had grabbed a used Sekonic L-308B from eBay for around $80

I have a Minolta autometer IV and it works great. Tested next to my buddies more expensive meter and I get the same readings. I bought it used for $80.

how or if does the lightmeter work with the RF-602 triggers?

I use mine constantly anytime I am using flash, great for knowing what you will get before you fire a shot, balancing flash and ambient, also if you ever shoot tethered with a client watching nothing instills confidence like seeing that first shot pop up and it being spot on. I would also recommend the the Sekonic L358 great meter for the price. If you ever want to test your skills and see if you really understand what your doing shoot a roll of chrome and see how it comes out

k.CHU wrote in post #11332911
how or if does the lightmeter work with the RF-602 triggers?

There are a couple ways to do it. You can plug your RF-602 transmitter into the sync port of the meter and use the "cable" mode, or you can use the"non cable" mode. In the non cable mode you press the test button, then you have a few seconds to trigger the flash manually.

k.CHU wrote in post #11332911
how or if does the lightmeter work with the RF-602 triggers?

If you read this thread (https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=438957), you can just substitute Skyports for RF-602 transmitters and it will work exactly the same way.

The world seems to have forgotten that there are other quality lightmeters available, like the Sekonic L-308 or the Gossen DigiPro F or Kenko 1100 (Minolta Autometer Vf)

And the used market is there for meters like the Minolta Autometer IIIf or IVf, too, as well as Sekonic models.

Wilt wrote in post #11333137
The world seems to have forgotten that there are other quality lightmeters available, like the Sekonik L308 or the Gossen DigiPro F

And the used market is there for meters like the Minolta Autometer III or IV, too.

Lol. It does seem that way, doesn't it? When I was looking for a meter, everyone also recommended the L-358. I did my research and looked for the very best bang for the buck that I know I won't have any excuses to upgrade from in the near future. That's how I ended up with the L-358. But you're right, all other meters out there (depending on your needs) will work just fine. Some need a flash meter only and don't need to meter the ambient light or vice versa.