flash light meter (Page 3): I have a very old Minolta flashmeter III but it has ISO up to 3200. I don't think one would need to shoot flash at higher ISO than 3200.

BebuLamar

amfoto1 wrote:

$240 is one of the more affordable flash/incidence... (show quote)

I have a very old Minolta flashmeter III but it has ISO up to 3200. I don't think one would need to shoot flash at higher ISO than 3200.

Haydon

Notorious T.O.D. wrote:

TTL flash metering can work ok for using one or more Speedlites, especially if they are radio controlled.

Okay is the key word here. Unfortunately TTL doesn't offer consistent work. It really depends on the results you are looking for. Those working in TTL will often find the setting they like in TTL and then go to manual for consistent flash power. I know Profoto & Godox have that feature. I'm glad you tapped in Todd, you helped me in my early stages with metering and I'm grateful as always for your undivided assistance in my studio journey.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

CO wrote:

If you're using a speedlight, your camera and flash can do TTL metering. It's not absolutely necessary to have a light meter.

I use a Sekonic L-478DR ($379) with my studio strobes. I bought the model that has the built-in PocketWizard module. It's a great light meter - the first to have a touch screen. Sekonic has lower priced models as well such as the L-308 for $219.

Here are the ambient light and flash modes. For your speedlight you would use mode 7 or 8.

I use this same meter and find it very functional and accurate.

scg3

You pick up a Quantum Calcu-Flash II on eBay for less than $50 or a Gossen Ascor flash meter for under $100. Both are old but if they're in good shape they'll do the job and save you a bundle.

penndragonn

amfoto1 wrote:

$240 is one of the more affordable flash/incidence... (show quote)

Yes, I have a very long sync cord. I'll give it a try. Thanks for the reply as with others.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

You are right Haydon, TTL is an easy tool but not the same as using a good handheld meter. Glad to help you but I bet you are more advanced than me now... I have not been shooting a lot in the past 18 months...too much life going on to deal with lately... But I will get back to it...

Haydon wrote:

Okay is the key word here. Unfortunately TTL doesn't offer consistent work. It really depends on the results you are looking for. Those working in TTL will often find the setting they like in TTL and then go to manual for consistent flash power. I know Profoto & Godox have that feature. I'm glad you tapped in Todd, you helped me in my early stages with metering and I'm grateful as always for your undivided assistance in my studio journey.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I rely heavily on mine for portrait work, wedding work, and the occasional commercial work.

Unlike others, I just don't like the results with TTR, what the camera thinks I want as the final image, isn't always what I want to see in the final image. It's like the other modes on the camera, is it really easier if you have to keep fiddling with exposure compensation? I don't use manual everything because I'm smart or better than anyone, I just find it easier. Whatever works for you. The good thing is, an incident meter isn't fooled by a dark or light background.

Bill P

Over a 40 year pro career, I discovered that incident light metering is highly accurate, but reflective needs careful interpretation.

Get a good used Minolta.

Photocraig

If your flash photos and multi light work in particular is limited and as a favor, I think Babu (as usual) is correct. Chimping will nail your exposure, even with multiple manual lights in 3 or 4 tests. And, you can do the first 3 before the subjects are even in front of the camera. For general flashwork with a TTL dedicated flash, the exposures will come out very well.

I'd suggest spending the $200++ on modifiers or reflectors or V-flats (look it up).

All that said I wouldn't give up the flash meter I have--but would (and am) pressed to justify replacing it.

CO

cjc2 wrote:

I use this same meter and find it very functional and accurate.

I had mine re-calibrated once. It seemed pretty accurate but I thought I would go ahead and have it re-calibrated. They did a firmware update at the same time. It seems just a little more accurate now. I think I contacted Sekonic first. It turns out that Mamiya does the calibration. If you need to get yours re-calibrated and the firmware updated, here is where you want to send it.

(Download)

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

CO wrote:

I had mine re-calibrated once. It seemed pretty accurate but I thought I would go ahead and have it re-calibrated. They did a firmware update at the same time. It seems just a little more accurate now. I think I contacted Sekonic first. It turns out that Mamiya does the calibration. If you need to get yours re-calibrated and the firmware updated, here is where you want to send it.

Thanks. Years ago I sent a meter to them with a minor problem. They fixed it, quickly, no questions and no charge. Another very good company. Best of luck.

John Maher Loc: Northern Virginia

I am also looking for a reasonable light meter and appreciate all the comments.

I am looking at the Sekonic L208 at around $130 if anyone is familiar with it or similar meters

I will use it for plant macrophotography with Nikon AIS 105/f/4 micro with natural light.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

John Maher wrote:

I am also looking for a reasonable light meter and appreciate all the comments.

I am looking at the Sekonic L208 at around $130 if anyone is familiar with it or similar meters

I will use it for plant macrophotography with Nikon AIS 105/f/4 micro with natural light.

Check with KEH.com to see what they might have. Best of luck.

BebuLamar

John Maher wrote:

I am also looking for a reasonable light meter and appreciate all the comments.

I am looking at the Sekonic L208 at around $130 if anyone is familiar with it or similar meters

I will use it for plant macrophotography with Nikon AIS 105/f/4 micro with natural light.

If money is the problem I would buy a used one. The L208 I don't think is very useful. Besides what you want to do really doesn't need a meter.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

gofast wrote:

I went back to college to learn how to be better w... (show quote)

I don't use studio strobes or speedlight very much anymore. When I do, I use an old Gossen Lunapro SBC and it's flash attachment. Not fancy, but very accurate. You can pick one up on eBay for around $60. I bought an SBC w/flash attachment and a second old-style LunaPro that used mercury batteries for $60. I keep them around mostly for nostalgic reasons.