Seconic light meters yes or no ?? (Page 2): Have to agree with rpavich on this one.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

rpavich wrote:

this isn't even close to being a true statement.

Have to agree with rpavich on this one.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

CaptainC wrote:

Do you need a meter? Of course not.

Will it improve your keeper rate? Yes.

It is not fooled by subjects of varying reflectance.

+1

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Hankwt wrote:

Ok first i will admit i am a bit of a gear junkie ......... Just curious as what others think of Exposure meters I have a chance to pick up a seconic L-358 meter at a good price. Im using a Nikon D7000 are the meters in the cam as good as dedicated meter ? I do post process in light room so I can adjust - however if i can get even closer less to process. Thoughts ??

My camera is a Nikon D-700. However, when I really want to get a precise exposure, especially with studio strobes, difficult lighting situations, etc., I use a Sekonic L-758DR. This is especially useful for studio work.

However, my most accurate and favorite meter to use is the SEI.

--Bob

nitrophil Loc: Dayton, Ohio

I still have a Gossen cds Super Pilot. It still good for film, but since switching to digital, I am a little unsure how to adjust the camera using the meter. It's still a good meter. :lol:

markg

I too have a 7000 and find the meter good. Why carry extra gear

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

In camera meters will not do incident lighting measurements only reflected lighting measurements and hand held meters are a must when doing portrait lighting photography.

markg wrote:

I too have a 7000 and find the meter good. Why carry extra gear

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Brucej67 wrote:

In camera meters will not do incident lighting measurements only reflected lighting measurements and hand held meters are a must when doing portrait lighting photography.

I think (after reading the comments in this thread) that we should rephrase this...

Incident meters aren't a "must" in any situation nor are they "not necessary" either...they are a tool. (pipe wrenches aren't a "must" in plumbing....I've taken more than a few pipes apart with vice grips...however...that's not the best way to do it but it CAN be done.)

The fact is...it's possible to chimp your way to a properly exposed photo, be it portrait or otherwise....shoot, chimp, adjust, shoot, chimp, adjust, etc.

Incident meters make things:

1.) Controlled
2.) Understandable
3.) Perfectly repeatable
4.) Faster and more efficient

But they are an "option" only....however, they are an option that I strongly encourage :)

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

simple answer. Get one. If you didn't already want one, you wouldn't have asked. As noted above by the best photogs on the HOG, better to have one than not. I'd listen to them.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Yes you are right, but I find my subjects in portrait work are to impatient for me to chimp my way to a perfect portrait. I believe that the more tools you have available in your arsenal the more choices you have to get things the way you want, provided you can use them correctly. I have marred more pipes with a wrench than if I had just broke down and purchased a pipe wrench, but the drain still worked after I finished the job, did I look like a professional plumber "NO" but it did the job.

rpavich wrote:

I think (after reading the comments in this thread... (show quote)

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Brucej67 wrote:

Yes you are right, but I find my subjects in portr... (show quote)

I fully agree...this was my point.

Sure...we can "get 'er done" many ways but in my opinion...this is the best way. :)

kenworthman Loc: alabama

I'm new to photography pretty much and was having trouble with my settings I bought the l-358 and I swear by it now lol awesome pics every time if I can just get the wireless adapter to work in it with my strobes I'll be good lol

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

wilsondl2 wrote:

I would buy one and see what you think and go from there. - Dave

Why not? It's only 350 bucks. :roll:

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Sekonic has a lot of learning opportunities available on their website...even if you don't have one of their meters:

http://www.sekonic.com/classroom/meteringtechniques/incidentvsreflected.aspx

http://www.sekonic.com/classroom/fillflashtutorial.aspx

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Yes I know what you mean. When I purchased mine I got the wireless adapter which only works with the PocketWizard so I purchased three PW for my Nikon strobes and cameras then I had to purchase the correct cables for the cameras and it becomes a never ending expense.

kenworthman wrote:

I'm new to photography pretty much and was having trouble with my settings I bought the l-358 and I swear by it now lol awesome pics every time if I can just get the wireless adapter to work in it with my strobes I'll be good lol

emmons267 Loc: Arizona, Valley of the Sun

Hankwt wrote:

Ok first i will admit i am a bit of a gear junkie ......... Just curious as what others think of Exposure meters I have a chance to pick up a seconic L-358 meter at a good price. Im using a Nikon D7000 are the meters in the cam as good as dedicated meter ? I do post process in light room so I can adjust - however if i can get even closer less to process. Thoughts ??

One thing to think about; if you will be doing more reflective spot metering then incident, you might want to consider the comments on this review - "...If you frequently switch between 1, 5, or 10 degree spot metering, consider instead a different light meter that has these builtin, as exchanging different heads on the L-358 is a bit cumbersome."