Light meter
- Thread starter Cris_L
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Garry Edwards
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getnoticed
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Absolutely.
Makes setting up lights/flashguns easy and quick too
You can pretty much nail the first image if you've taken the time to plan your shot and a few test fires of the flash/lights
Makes setting up lights/flashguns easy and quick too
You can pretty much nail the first image if you've taken the time to plan your shot and a few test fires of the flash/lights
getnoticed
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I picked up a Sekonic L-358 second hand for under £100 (perfect as new condition)
Check the For Sale sections or post a wanted advert for one
The Sekonic L-308s is also usually well below £100
Check the For Sale sections or post a wanted advert for one
The Sekonic L-308s is also usually well below £100
dazzajl
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Actually, you really don't need a meter for flash work anymore if you can shoot tethered. Which I'm guessing since you're on the internet, you probably can. 
Being able to see the exposure values on any given part of the frame and more importantly, the variation of exposure levels across the frame will do the same for you as a meter.
Once you get used to your kit, knowing the power and distance to the subject will tell pretty much all you need to know to get close to the setup you're looking for.
All that said, there is lots to be learnt by metering when you start out and just as importantly, it feels good and doesn't have to cost the earth
Being able to see the exposure values on any given part of the frame and more importantly, the variation of exposure levels across the frame will do the same for you as a meter.
Once you get used to your kit, knowing the power and distance to the subject will tell pretty much all you need to know to get close to the setup you're looking for.
All that said, there is lots to be learnt by metering when you start out and just as importantly, it feels good and doesn't have to cost the earth
Cris - have a look at the Gossen Digipro F. Not as sophisticated as some of the Sekonic models but it's relatively cheap and does the job.
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Gossen-Digipro-F-13261
http://lightmetering.co.uk/Gossen-Digipro-F-Light-Meter.html
NB. Glenn's L-358 is a good 'un - about £50 more than the £150-ish Digipro F (new prices).
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Gossen-Digipro-F-13261
http://lightmetering.co.uk/Gossen-Digipro-F-Light-Meter.html
NB. Glenn's L-358 is a good 'un - about £50 more than the £150-ish Digipro F (new prices).
HoppyUK
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Of course a meter is always nice to have, but I think it's got more to do with the number of lights you're using than anything else, and for setting up the lighting ratios and balance.
With one light, a meter is a waste of time. Two lights, not really necessary. Three lights, you'll get very confused without a meter.
The other thing is how you like to work. A lot of folks have just one or two basic set ups, and once you've sorted that, then you'll know what to do without a meter anyway. But if you like to try different things, or need to set up in different locations, a meter will get you on the money much more quickly.
The other thing is I never use a meter to set the final exposure - set the ratios, yes absolutely, but for the actual exposure I work off the LCD/histogram/blinkies.
With one light, a meter is a waste of time. Two lights, not really necessary. Three lights, you'll get very confused without a meter.
The other thing is how you like to work. A lot of folks have just one or two basic set ups, and once you've sorted that, then you'll know what to do without a meter anyway. But if you like to try different things, or need to set up in different locations, a meter will get you on the money much more quickly.
The other thing is I never use a meter to set the final exposure - set the ratios, yes absolutely, but for the actual exposure I work off the LCD/histogram/blinkies.