Light Meter

[rlorenz2]

I am looking to get an external light meter. I am looking for one that will work for super 8 as well as standard 35mm photography. What are some good ones under 100.00 USD?
Thanks

[BMasson]

I have used a Gossen Luna Pro for a number of years, and it is a very good istrument. Mine has a spot attachment which I use obout 90% of the time. This allows me to meter an area of 7.5deg, 15 and 30 deg. Recently in International Movie Making, they had an article on the Weston meters. I was so intriqued that I bought one on ebay in mint condition. It was a Weston Master V, complete with invercone, leather case, carrying strap, origional box and instructions. $30.00. Of course the selenium cell was no longer working, so I sent it off to: Quality Light Metric in Hollywood California. For $80.00, they put in a new cell, tested and recalibrated the meter, and it is like brand new--Good for another 18-20 years. The Weston is easy to carry and very accurate; I just love it. If you do choose a Weston, anything from a model 4 on up should work out quite well. I wish you the best. Brad M.

[rlorenz2]

Does the Weston Master V do spot metering as well? I like the price. I am looking to get accurate reading for peoples faces as well as general lighting.

[etimh]

Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III.

Classic, analog, and a beautiful thing. Maybe a little over $100 for a brand new one but there are lots of used ones around.

Tim

[mauka]

Sekonic L-208 Twinmaster is great, especially when travelling, as it is small, simple and cheap.

[BMasson]

The Weston does not have a spot meter function, but it does have a "C" marking on the dial that you use for taking a reflective reading off of a persons face. You hold the meter about 6 inches from the subjects face, and set the dial to the C mark. I assume this only works with caucasian people. (That is my guess as to what the C means). Lots of choices out there. Good luck.

[rlorenz2]

I have used a Gossen Luna Pro for a number of years, and it is a very good istrument. Mine has a spot attachment which I use obout 90% of the time. This allows me to meter an area of 7.5deg, 15 and 30 deg. Recently in International Movie Making, they had an article on the Weston meters. I was so intriqued that I bought one on ebay in mint condition. It was a Weston Master V, complete with invercone, leather case, carrying strap, origional box and instructions. $30.00. Of course the selenium cell was no longer working, so I sent it off to: Quality Light Metric in Hollywood California. For $80.00, they put in a new cell, tested and recalibrated the meter, and it is like brand new--Good for another 18-20 years. The Weston is easy to carry and very accurate; I just love it. If you do choose a Weston, anything from a model 4 on up should work out quite well. I wish you the best. Brad M.

Hey just picked up a Gossen Luna Pro with the spot meter attachment. I am new to external light meters and am wondering if you can help me on how to use it. First off I don't see a 18 fps setting only a small line between 16 and 32. Also which way do I press the lever on the side up or down?

[BAC]

You can get a copy of the manual here:

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/flashes_me ... na-pro.htm

[jpolzfuss]

First off I don't see a 18 fps setting only a small line between 16 and 32.

You should keep in mind that those "cine-settings" are only for cameras with a 180°-shutter. However most cameras do have a smaller or larger shutter-degree. So the "16fps"-setting might fit your camera's 18fps. In doubt ignore the "cine-settings" on the gossen and use the shutter-speeds as listed in your camera's manual.

When there's no "24fps" on the meter, then the small line is normally for "24fps". When there's a "24fps" on the meter, then the small line is normally for "16fps" or "18fps" (depending on which of the two fps-rates isn't mentioned on your meter).

Jörg

[StoneBuilder]

On this meter just put a dot of nail varnish or a tiny triangle of masking tape on the top ring, where 1/50 sec should be. That'll get you started at least, if you're filming at 24fps. It's a good meter but keep an eye on the voltage coming from the battery. As it runs down it tends to ever-expose, which is sort of counter-intuitive. It's a great meter ...

[rlorenz2]

So If I am shooting 18 fps (1/43 sec) is it just a guess between the 1/30 and 1/60 sec marks on the dial? and will this still give me a usable f-stop reading?

[StoneBuilder]

Yes !