Light meters... How many other here still use them?
Feb 17, 2013 12:43:31 #
OKay.... With that heading ... I was wondering as to how many other Photographers still make use of these "time tested" tools of Photography???
I do, almost every shot I think about capturing as an image in the camera(s)... Chemical And Digital..
Yea!!! It's okay to call me "old school".. But I still like to BE the PHOTOGRAPHER behind the camera... I make use of a Weston "Master II" meter, a Honeywell 1 degree Spot meter and I still have a 1/2 degree SEI Meter (but I think that I do get my best readings from the Honeywell)... And too, I have the "more modern" incident meter as well.
I think that the Meter(s) help me think about what I am doing and doing IT for the best image I can try to get INTO that little "box".
((Or am I just being "Old School"??))
Just curious here ;-)
I do, almost every shot I think about capturing as an image in the camera(s)... Chemical And Digital..
Yea!!! It's okay to call me "old school".. But I still like to BE the PHOTOGRAPHER behind the camera... I make use of a Weston "Master II" meter, a Honeywell 1 degree Spot meter and I still have a 1/2 degree SEI Meter (but I think that I do get my best readings from the Honeywell)... And too, I have the "more modern" incident meter as well.
I think that the Meter(s) help me think about what I am doing and doing IT for the best image I can try to get INTO that little "box".
((Or am I just being "Old School"??))
Just curious here ;-)
Feb 17, 2013 13:00:04 #
James R wrote:
OKay.... With that heading ... I was wondering a... (show quote)
You're not "old school"....I prefer to call you "smarter than many"...lol...
I use a light meter also. I have a semi-pro photog friend who's very very good and he hounded me ever since I got a camera to get a meter...and I didn't want to...chimping is good enough...or so I thought.
I bought his meter and saw the light. There is no substitute for knowing what you have and not being a slave to the idiot-needle in the camera :)
I've also learned more about lighting ( and have gotten much better) by using it than I ever did just "winging it..."
I know that we are in the minority, but most opinions are from those who've never used one or just don't get the difference.
PS: I use an L-358
Feb 17, 2013 13:02:05 #
All the time. In-camera meters are darned good in many situations, but not as good ALL the time as a good incident meter.
Feb 17, 2013 13:02:09 #
I don't have the actual physical meter i downloaded couple free apps. To phone but can't remember to use them. Just wonder how actual they are.
Feb 17, 2013 13:45:33 #
Feb 17, 2013 13:46:50 #
I don't have a light meter. I would like one, but right now it's not in the budget. I usually spot meter off skin and adjust my exposure as needed. I also check my histogram as I'm shooting to make sure I'm not blowing anything. It's worked for me but a light meter would work better I'm sure :)
Feb 17, 2013 14:09:04 #
ohallboyz wrote:
I don't have a light meter. I would like one, but right now it's not in the budget. I usually spot meter off skin and adjust my exposure as needed. I also check my histogram as I'm shooting to make sure I'm not blowing anything. It's worked for me but a light meter would work better I'm sure :)
============
Well -- You are making use of the "In-CAMERA" 'light-metering system' as Your light meter... CooL.... Time will come when You will get the Off-Camera meter.. ;-) You might check e-bay .. But you are smart and you are most likely doing that as I type this LOL!!!
One bit of Advice -- Keep track of your settings in the different Light - Two way of doing this...
1.) Check the extended files that come with each photo (multimedia files)..
2.) And this IS 'old school'= keep a "Fieldbook" daybook - or whatever you wish to call it...
ALSO you can keep your Thoughts in a daybook (the FEELINGS you had about making this image into a Print)... Remember... Ansel said it best... "The negative is the composer's Score.. The Print is the performance."
May the LIGHT be with You... ;-)
Feb 17, 2013 14:17:42 #
I stopped worrying about trying to outsmart the in camera metering when I had a Nikon F5 and was shooting Fuji Velvia. 90% of the time, the camera got it dead on right. You just have to know when it won't. With digital there is more latitude. I bet I haven't even used the spot meter in a modern DSLR in years. Matrix metering, or the equivalent, is extremely accurate, from my experience, and it's not like you're wasting film anymore...immediate feedback via the Histogram is all I need to ensure proper exposure, and if in any doubt, I just use the compensation dial and bracket a couple of shots. Nothing wrong with using a light meter, and it's particularly useful in studio photography, but for outdoor stuff it's just something else to tote around.
Feb 17, 2013 21:08:09 #
I thought I died and went to heaven when I replaced my Minolta SR 1 with a SRT 101. It had behind the lens metering. It would meter what the lens saw not what I did. Now I have three meters in my camera. The Matrix setting is like the Zone System without all the work. The center weighted is like my old Minolta don't use it the Matrix is so much better. The spot meter is great I have it on my func button so I can switch to it without taking my camera from my eye. You do not have a flash meter in your camera so a hand held would be great. And of course there are times the meter just wont work like shooting the moon. I still keep my Gossen Luna Pro in my bag and use it a few times a year. I am also a "Chimper" and check the first few shots in each new lighting situation. If using a meter works for you do it but don't take the attitude that is is better for everyone. = Dave
Feb 17, 2013 21:11:31 #
James R wrote:
OKay.... With that heading ... I was wondering a... (show quote)
I meter almost every shot to begin with... then check the histogram....
Feb 17, 2013 21:43:27 #
wilsondl2 wrote:
I thought I died and went to heaven when I replace... (show quote)
=================
Dave... Great point there ;-) I still have my Minolta SR-T 101... ((It was a gift from a friend who brought it back from "Nam".. Not getting rid of it as he is not with US any more))... And too there is my Still working ARGUS C-3 "Brick".... That was my first 35mm camera.. And I still make use of that one from time to time....
YES! TOO .. If carting around a Light Meter is what You want.. good -- If Not.. Good for you as well.. Whatever floats Your "boat".... Is very cool with me. :-)
Feb 18, 2013 06:01:23 #
I use a meter - especially for flash. The Sekonic L358 may not be the best but it works and with the pocket wizard transmitter set up is quick and accurate. They are readily available used so you can get set up for not a lot of money.
Feb 18, 2013 06:02:31 #
I use one quite often when shooting outdoors on a bright day. I was having a problem getting the exposure right when shooting Great egrets, a large pure white bird. It was recommended I try one and now I don't go out without it.
Jim D
Jim D
Feb 18, 2013 06:21:19 #
Although this was asked awhile back and to my recollection, went on for pages...
Still use the my Ol' Gossen Luna Pro for incident metering.
Still use the my Ol' Gossen Luna Pro for incident metering.
Feb 18, 2013 07:04:11 #
Roger D Salls
Loc: Stratford, CT
I couldn't have said it better myself.
CaptainC wrote:
All the time. In-camera meters are darned good in many situations, but not as good ALL the time as a good incident meter.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.