Basic Light Meter: Is there a good basic light meter -- shutter, aperture, ISO for incident and reflected? For use with Nikon 105mm f/4 AIS macro lens on D5600. Outdoor, natural light...

John Maher Loc: Northern Virginia

Is there a good basic light meter -- shutter, aperture, ISO for incident and reflected?

For use with Nikon 105mm f/4 AIS macro lens on D5600. Outdoor, natural light, plants/mushrooms.

Seems that light meters now cost as much as lenses

BebuLamar

Now? Back in the early 80's I paid $300 for the meter and that was more than a lens. But you can buy a good used one for something like $50.

bleirer

I believe there is a smartphone attachment that is diffuse dome over the selfie camera to read incident light. Haven't tried it.

Jerry G Loc: Waterford, Michigan and Florida

There is an app for several apps for phones, no dome required. I use one, it seems to work well.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I've used an app called Pocket Light Meter on my iPhone successfully doing night time shots.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

I never tried one of the phone apps but many on here seem to use them with satisfaction and they’re much less expensive than axhand held meter. If you shop for an older meter used beware the battery issue. Many used batteries that are no longer made. There are ways around that but read carefully if considering an older used meter. You’ve lots of choices.

BebuLamar

pesfls wrote:

I never tried one of the phone apps but many on here seem to use them with satisfaction and they’re much less expensive than axhand held meter. If you shop for an older meter used beware the battery issue. Many used batteries that are no longer made. There are ways around that but read carefully if considering an older used meter. You’ve lots of choices.

I would want to chime in on this. If the old meter needs obsolete battery don't buy it. There are substitution but rather expensive.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

BebuLamar wrote:

I would want to chime in on this. If the old meter needs obsolete battery don't buy it. There are substitution but rather expensive.

Sort of. I still use my old Luna Pro. I bought a resistor for it to go in the battery compartment and then hearing aid batteries. Works fine by creating the proper voltage for the Luna Pro. Cost $16. And yes Wein cells will work but they are a spendy pia. Assume that may be what you're referring to. I have a newer Gossen that takes modern batteries but did the above for some nostalgia purpose I guess.

BebuLamar

pesfls wrote:

Sort of. I still use my old Luna Pro. I bought a resistor for it to go in the battery compartment and then hearing aid batteries. Works fine by creating the proper voltage for the Luna Pro. Cost $16. And yes Wein cells will work but they are a spendy pia. Assume that may be what you're referring to. I have a newer Gossen that takes modern batteries but did the above for some nostalgia purpose I guess.

I love nostalgia but as you would know the newer meter takes inexpensive batteries and works better. So if you buy one to use (not for nostalgia) then don't pick the one that needs batteries no longer made.

bleirer

Jerry G wrote:

There is an app for several apps for phones, no dome required. I use one, it seems to work well.

The apps would likely be reflected light meters, I'm guessing, I think the dome attachments would be for incident light.

https://luxiforall.com/

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

John Maher wrote:

Is there a good basic light meter -- shutter, aperture, ISO for incident and reflected?

For use with Nikon 105mm f/4 AIS macro lens on D5600. Outdoor, natural light, plants/mushrooms.

Seems that light meters now cost as much as lenses

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gossen-Super-Pilot-SBC-Light-Meter-971/202958005492?hash=item2f413d64f4:g:CaAAAOSwItFei5KF
.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

BebuLamar wrote:

I love nostalgia but as you would know the newer meter takes inexpensive batteries and works better. So if you buy one to use (not for nostalgia) then don't pick the one that needs batteries no longer made.

Fair point. I have checked for any difference in the Luna Pro with the resistor versus the new Gossen with modern batteries. No meaningful difference that I saw.

Lots of ways to skin a cat I guess. I’ve just enjoyed my old, familiar meter. Makes me smile to be able to use it.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

pesfls wrote:

Fair point. I have checked for any difference in the Luna Pro with the resistor versus the new Gossen with modern batteries. No meaningful difference that I saw.

Lots of ways to skin a cat I guess. I’ve just enjoyed my old, familiar meter. Makes me smile to be able to use it.

I have four Luna Pros. Reflective and spot readings are accurate on all. And the spot attachment, good for 5 degree fields, is also good. The Wein cells last longer when you only use them while taking a reading, which is the case when using this meter. The hearing aid cells are super cheap and easily adapted with a ten cent o-ring from the hardware store. I have many meters but my Luna Pros are my favorites.

John Maher Loc: Northern Virginia

Thanks. I guess "there's an app for that"

Pocket Light Meter looked good, but I have android and it is for iphones only.

I will try "Light Meter application is by WBPhoto. It’s free and offers a reflected light meter with spot metering (which uses the device’s camera) and an incident light meter (using the device’s light sensor)." Sounds interesting.

Then look at the vintage meters is that does not work.

What kind of battery do I need to avoid?

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

John Maher wrote:

Is there a good basic light meter -- shutter, aperture, ISO for incident and reflected?

For use with Nikon 105mm f/4 AIS macro lens on D5600. Outdoor, natural light, plants/mushrooms.

Seems that light meters now cost as much as lenses

If you understand how the zone system works and you have a camera that offers spot meter mode, an incident meter is unnecessary. If you are balancing light in a studio, the incident/flash meter is your friend.