FLASH METERING

[merv]

I have just bought studio lights and a Sekonic L308S meter. Can someone give me guidance on how to use the meter with 2 lights, main and fill, to get aperture. Is it done with both lights on or each one separately. :bang::bonk:

 

[r_enhy]

merv,

I'm a beginner myself, so you might want to way for an expert to reply, however i would...

Use the meter with one light at a time to set the ratio between the lights (i.e 2:1 (key:fill))

Then take a reading with both lights and use that to set your aperture, remember to position the meter facing where you plan on taking the photo.

I hope that helps

 

[Garry Edwards]

With any meter fitted with a dome reflector...

Set the ISO on the meter (same as on the camera, obviously)
Place the meter immediately in front of the subject, pointing at where the camera will be
Take the meter reading and set the aperture shown on the camera.

This will be a reading of the total amount of light incident upon (reaching) the subject so will be accurate.

Some people like to set a 'ratio' of fill to main light. If you feel that's important you'll need to meter each light separately, with all other flashes turned off so they don't influence the reading. Measure your key light by pointing the meter directly at it from the subject position, then repeat with the hairlight, fill light or whatever

 

[LJR]

When setting the ISO on the Flash Meter does one have to cater for the fact digital camera ISO's are never quite what they advertise? For example, my Nikon D300, DX0 claim that when the camera is at ISO 200 it's actually ISO 145. (link)

 

[Garry Edwards]

When setting the ISO on the Flash Meter does one have to cater for the fact digital camera ISO's are never quite what they advertise? For example, my Nikon D300, DX0 claim that when the camera is at ISO 200 it's actually ISO 145. (link)

Yes, if it really is different