What is the difference between Sekonic Light Meters models, L-478 DR & L-478DR-U ? There is a significant price difference on Amazon: $329.98 vs. 399.00 for the recently discontinued...

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

There is a significant price difference on Amazon: $329.98 vs. 399.00 for the recently discontinued Sekonic L-478 DR vs. the current model, L-478 DR-U (U.S.A. model). Is the "U" model better than the other?

What is the actual difference between these two models, in terms of their actual functionality?

Does it pay to purchase the much more expensive version of this light meter, while the older version is still available, and is still currently available, for $70.00 less? Please comment on this. Thank you.

Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.

BIG ROB wrote:

There is a significant price difference on Amazon:... (show quote)

The service center in New York won't service or sell you parts for the non US version. I know this because I bought the grey market one and the reading button popped off just after I opened it. Called Sekonic, the first thing they asked for was the model #. They then told me they can not service non US models. They also informed me that Amazon has been removed from their authorized distributor list for selling this model and all US models. Buy it from B+H or Adorama, same price.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I really wish I knew what the difference is between the U.S. and non U.S. models. The same company is manufacturing them. What are the legal, moral, financial reasons for not servicing a model made "for" another country? This goes for any equipment, not just this particular meter.
--Bob

Carl D wrote:

The service center in New York won't service or sell you parts for the non US version. I know this because I bought the grey market one and the reading button popped off just after I opened it. Called Sekonic, the first thing they asked for was the model #. They then told me they can not service non US models. They also informed me that Amazon has been removed from their authorized distributor list for selling this model and all US models. Buy it from B+H or Adorama, same price.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Search engine

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

BIG ROB wrote:

There is a significant price difference on Amazon:... (show quote)

It has to do with the wireless flash transmitter that is built into the meter and its conforming to U.S FCC regulations.

Fotoserj Loc: St calixte Qc Ca

I think it as mot do with protecting their market against Chinese stolen technology and dump in the world market, not just US, if every company would do the same, it's likely, notwithstanding greed, that price would come down some how

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Fotoserj wrote:

I think it as mot do with protecting their market against Chinese stolen technology and dump in the world market, not just US, if every company would do the same, it's likely, notwithstanding greed, that price would come down some how

As I stated above the Sekonic L-758DR light meter, which I own, states on page 60 of the users manual that it complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules in order to use the built in wireless flash transmitter here in the U.S.

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

Carl D wrote:

The service center in New York won't service or sell you parts for the non US version. I know this because I bought the grey market one and the reading button popped off just after I opened it. Called Sekonic, the first thing they asked for was the model #. They then told me they can not service non US models. They also informed me that Amazon has been removed from their authorized distributor list for selling this model and all US models. Buy it from B+H or Adorama, same price.

So the NON U model is a grey market unit with no USA warranty or USA service available? However, B&H is selling that exact same model for $339.00. The L-478 DR model.

Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.

BIG ROB wrote:

So the NON U model is a grey market unit with no USA warranty or USA service available? However, B&H is selling that exact same model for $339.00. The L-478 DR model.

I understand that the non U model is grey market. What the service center said that due to Amazon substituting the models and not telling the customers, they suspended their right to be an authorized distributor.

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

Carl D wrote:

The service center in New York won't service or sell you parts for the non US version. I know this because I bought the grey market one and the reading button popped off just after I opened it. Called Sekonic, the first thing they asked for was the model #. They then told me they can not service non US models. They also informed me that Amazon has been removed from their authorized distributor list for selling this model and all US models. Buy it from B+H or Adorama, same price.

Not saying much for the integrity of the product: "the reading button popped off just after I opened it."

(AND) A STRICT & CUSTOMER UNFRIENDLY Company...("They told me they can not service the non US models.)

(****They informed you that Amazon has been removed from their authorized distributor list for selling this model...
NOT ONLY AMAZON, BUT ALSO B&H PHOTO VIDEO and ADORAMA sell the Sekonic L-478 DR model.
Are they also going to remove them, from their "authorized dealer list, for selling this, non-U.S. model?)

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

Carl D wrote:

The service center in New York won't service or sell you parts for the non US version. I know this because I bought the grey market one and the reading button popped off just after I opened it. Called Sekonic, the first thing they asked for was the model #. They then told me they can not service non US models. They also informed me that Amazon has been removed from their authorized distributor list for selling this model and all US models. Buy it from B+H or Adorama, same price.

NEITHER AMAZON, B&H, NOR ADORAMA MAKES ANY MENTION OF THE SEKONIC L-478 DR BEING A GREY MARKET ITEM; OR THAT IT IS NOT A U.S.A. PRODUCT.

Bobbee

So i purchased the Sekonic L-478 DR a few months back. I am seeing by this thread I got a non-US model. Hummm, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame one me. I know this crap goes on with cameras, never thought it was the same for Sekonic. If this is true, I hope my meter never breaks. </sigh>

Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.

Bobbee wrote:

So i purchased the Sekonic L-478 DR a few months back. I am seeing by this thread I got a non-US model. Hummm, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame one me. I know this crap goes on with cameras, never thought it was the same for Sekonic. If this is true, I hope my meter never breaks. </sigh>

The button problem was noted on a few reviews that I read online. The grey market part was noted several months ago when I bought mine.

garygrafic Loc: South Florida

What about my very old Minolta auto meter IVf #81211413......? KEH offered me a pittance, said it needed to be re-
calibrated. I have lived abroad for many years and traveled
back and forth to the States many times. I have no idea where I bought it. Any ideas?

golferbob Loc: Kerrville, TX

I have the L478-DR and when powered on, the screen identified the meter as a DR. I updated the firmware recently and it now identifies the meter as a DR-U. Have had no button problems.