Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Dear All: I would like to purchase a Light Meter? However, I have seen some meters over $100 and up to $2000. That seems like a large price differential. I might buy a light meter but don’t want to break the bank. Does anyone have a suggestion on a particular manufacturer and model number?

Ourspolair

The choice will depend on whether you are using them for reading flash or natural light/constant light sources. The studio units seem to be more expensive.

CO

Sekonic manufactures a lot of different light meters from $219 to $649. What will you be using the light meter for? Are you doing incident light readings or reflected light readings? I have the Sekonic L-478DR with the PocketWizard module. I use it for incident light readings when doing studio photography. The touch screen works great.

An attachment is available for doing reflected light readings

(Download)

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I use Sekonic meters. I have had several models over the years and I have always been satisfied with the accuracy, versatility and longevity under hard use.

My favourite mode features both incident and spot (refected Light) measurements. It can be used for ambient, continuous or flash illumination. The adjustable/retractable sensor dom is a great feature for computing lighting ratios.

This particular model is in the $600 range. There are other modes that are free incident light measurement only at a lesser cost.

You may find an older model on the used market as well. One of mine is 12 years old and works perfectly.

B&H is advertising a Black Friday Sale on the Sekonic line.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Meters/ci/8146/N/3542834891

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

A light meter for what? Your digital camera is plenty qualified as a meter for photography.

hcmcdole

I agree with CHG_CANON. What are you going to do with a dedicated light meter? You can download free light meters to your "smart phone" as well if you just want to get an idea of lumens, luxes, EV values. I have a Sekonic meter that I rarely ever use and find the light meter I downloaded is pretty much what the dedicated meter reads.

https://www.photoworkout.com/best-light-meter-apps/

Haydon

For incident meter readings the best balance of features between the top end and low end is the Sekonic L-478DR. The touchscreen is responsive, easy to understand and read. I have used a friends extensively and was surprised of it's capabilities. I've owned a L758DR for several years now. It was top of line before being replaced by the 858 but in all honesty it's overkill for most uses. The 758 & 858 allows to store multiple combinations of cameras profiles. One extra feature the 858 has is the ability to perform light metering in HSS. No other meter that feature.

If you're willing to buy used, a Sekonic L-478D Litemaster Pro is listed in excellent condition on mpb.com for $214.00.

https://www.mpb.com/en-us/used-equipment/used-accessories/used-photo-and-video-accessories/used-other-photo-and-video-accessories/sekonic-l-478d-litemaster-pro/sku-1081739/

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I mostly agree but if you use multiple flash they sure come in handy.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

My favorite meter of all time is the Minolta Autometer IVF.

No longer made, but I bought a used one locally for $75 a few years ago to replace my old one.
KEH has some available HERE and there are less expensive options on eBay.
Keko makees them now, if you want a new one
The Kenko KFM-1100.

Specs here https://www.outsidetheshot.com/konica-minolta-auto-meter-vf-review/

I mostly use it to measure flash as I’m often using more than one light or for balancing ambient with flash.
It’s also useful for doing things like copy work to make sure your continuous or ambient lighting is even, something an in-camera meter can’t do.

Jim Bianco

True reply, cameras today have great meters built in them already.

BebuLamar

Light meter to measure light! Not necessarily for photography.

agillot

light meters start around $ 50 , it depend if you just want to measure direct sun light or overall reflected light , or fancy spot .i have a basic Gossen pilot .[ $ 50 ] does the job .

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Thereis nothing wrong with or deficient in built-in exposure meter systems, however, a hand-held meter has many applications that the camera's system can not address or would be cumbersome to perform.

Cameras do not have an independently operable flash meter. If you use your Speedlight, on-camera, in one of the TTL modes, you don't necessarily need a hand-held meter. Some camera systems will integrate flash and ambient light. If, however you want to precisely calculate light ratios between ambient and flash illumination or between multiple flash units, a hand-held meter is indispensable,

An incident light reading does not factor in the reflectivity of the subject so it is easier to measure pure light in determining evenness across a scene or when doing copy work.

In multiple flash usages, the use of a so-called command system will not necessarily produce the ratio you want to establish- it's much easier and efficient to make individual readings of each light. Of course, you can shoot and chimp endlessly but it is faster and more efficient to establish your lighting, shoot once, chimp- tweak, and continue on to the next setup.

If you employ the zone system or an updated digital adaptation, an independent spot meter is much more convenient in analyzing a scene.

In my opinion- a good and accurate exposure meter is an essential tool for serious photograher.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I’m toying with the idea of going back to film. I just recently purchased a film camera like I did more than 40 years ago. I would like to experiment with several different types of film to create unique effects. I also have a digital camera. While satisfied with its overall performance, I Would like to up my game so to speak and use it on several different shoots. I am not in need to break the bank. Perhaps a used meter may be best.

Since I became digital about 20 years ago, I feel I may have gotten “rusty.” I would like to recall the ability to do lighting ratios. It took about 2 months of almost daily shooting but I did accomplish that skill. The light meter that I was using belonged to the high school photography club. I really don’t wish to spend a great deal on a meter

BebuLamar

To help you on choosing a meter you need to tell us what kind of light measurement you would need. Incident, wide angle reflective (about 40 degrees), spot reflective (1 degree) and of the 3 which measurements you would also need for flash?