Minolta Flash Meters which one?

[pmrud]

OK first of all appologies if this subject has been covered before, I did search the forums but didnt get the answer to this specific question, I can see that s/h Minolta flash meters are plentiful and well regarded but whats the difference between them is there any I should avoid? Thinking of Flash meter III, IV, V and Autometer IVF. I want it primarily for studio flash, but its nice to have the option to use it for ambient too.

 

[pingu666]

There is a wiki page with the differences somewhere
I have the the III and for normal stuff its fine, the later ones have expanded range for ISO and shutter, the III is more setup for shutter speed, as you can adjust ISO and shutter, then it tells you apature

 

[pmrud]

Thanks. Yes I have seen the Wiki page but it doesnt give me much idea of actual use by real people! Just a list of specs, some of which are understandable some not (to me anyhow).
What do you call normal stuff?
I want something acurate and easy to use...if its not easy it probably won't get used!

 

[SpikeB]

Have both a Flashmeter IV & V both of which I've owned from when they came out as then shot medium & large format film so a decent meter was essential. Though I'm sure there are subtle technical differences between the 2 I never really noticed them in normal use.
Bought the IV originally its a great meter, It was getting a bit battered & bought the V simply so I had a spare if one broke/got left on a job.
Personally I prefer the feel of the V & use it most. (If I remember correctly I prefered the IV & V over the III or Autometer IVF though its too long ago to remember why)
Hope this is of help.

 

[pmrud]

Thanks Spike, all helps.
So probably not worht paying a lot more to get V as opposed to a IV?

 

[Paul-H]

Hi

IIRC one of the biggest differences was the Flashmeter 3 was realy just a flash meter with very limited Ambient usability as it's shutter speed range was limited to the common flash sync speeds, ie 1/30 to 1/250 sec and all the others covered the full ambient range. You can also add the Autometer 3F to you list as well which also had the full ambient usability.

The Flashmeter 3 is probably the cheapest of the lot to buy second hand and by a considerable margin as well.

Paul