flash meter question for a newbie

stumac

stumac

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as ive just bought my studio lights and im learning slowly but enjoying it,i have come to realize i need a flash meter, so i plan to go to my local calumet store today. i was just wondering when i watch videos of people using them i notice there is no sync cable from the meter to the flash head so how do you get the flash to fire when you hit the button on the meter.
forgive me if this is a silly question.
 
Some meters have a built in flash trigger that fires the flashes. That's what you're seeing.

I it doesn't have that (and it doesn't need to) then either connect a sync cable (the old fashioned way), or have your camera round your neck and press the test button on the radio trigger, or have a spare radio trigger.
 
I just use the button on a spare trigger. You just need to press the "im going to measure a flash" button on the meter and then press the button on the trigger. If you don't have a spare trigger, either fire off the camera shutter or press the button on the trigger on your camera
 
No such thing as a silly question here!

Often the metre has a built in device to trigger the flash, but most do not. I Have the Sekonic L358, which can have this facility, but it is an 'extra' and expensive. Although there is a time delay on some metres, when using a model, I get him/her to hold and press the meter and can then fire the camera. However if I am using triggers with my studio lights, I have an additional trigger that I can fire the lights with, therefore no problem. Suggest you check this out with the seller so that you will be aware of your requirements. Good luck.

Malcolm

Looks like we were all typing at the same time! lol
 
thank you all for the help,what threw me was that i though the meter and the flash had to operate at exactly the same time,(for the flash duration)so am i right in thinking that the meter still will take a light reading even after you press the button on it.
 
The meter sits there waiting for a bright flash. Some meters continually meter as they "see" flashes and remeasure.
 
ok understand now,thanks all for your help
 
stumac said:
as ive just bought my studio lights and im learning slowly but enjoying it,i have come to realize i need a flash meter, so i plan to go to my local calumet store today. i was just wondering when i watch videos of people using them i notice there is no sync cable from the meter to the flash head so how do you get the flash to fire when you hit the button on the meter.
forgive me if this is a silly question.
Click to expand...

WHY buy new, blimy, the very best I would say is get your hands on the meter of all time, Minilta flashmeter IV, or V.
 
They were out of stock so never bought it and yes happy to buy used
 
When I'm setting up my studio lights , I have my radio trigger in my hand, metering my lights individually, it's only when I think I'm ready, do I put the trigger on camera :), happy hunting!
 
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