Polaris light meter v Sekonic

scottduffy

scottduffy

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Hi folks I was wondering if anyone would recommend one of these over the other and why? It's the L308s from Sekonic and the Solaris one I haven't got the model number but it's a the only one I can find on ebay. Both around 60-70 pounds used.
 
This a question a number of people wonder about.
However the Sekonic is the bottom of the range of a top maker. It is as well made and accurate as any of their range.
Though it has nothing like the convenience and bells and whistles as their others.

The solaris is what you would expect from a minor manufacturer. Those that have them realise that they do not profess to be a topline product. But they are excellent value and have a similar range of abilities and accuracy as the 308.
neither will do much different to the other but the sekonic has a pedigree.

It could come down to a matter of what sort of bargain you can get.....
 
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If you're after a bargain, look for a Minolta, the Sekonic holds it's value brilliantly just because it's the best value 'new' meter, which is daft.
 
I was given a Polaris once, I promptly gave it away to someone I didn't like...
 
I'm not Phil but...
I've had a couple of Minolta F meters, they are pro tools built to last. The first one I had (and still keep as a spare) was one of the first, its only fault is that it takes a strip of button cells which are expensive and nowhere near as easy to find as the AA used in the later ones.
In other words, you can't go wrong with any Minolta meter.
 
Auto meter IIIf is the cheapest decent one I think?

I certainly know a few of us have bought them for less than £30.

Up from that is a IVf, flash meter III and others
 
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I have a Polaris that I bought second-hand some years ago.
It's consistent, accurate and reliable, and does absolutely everything I have personally ever needed from a flash meter.
Best sixty quid I've spent on flash gear.
 
In your shoes I'd buy whichever came up cheapest first, for basic usage I never noticed any real difference between the following: Sekonic 308, 508, Minolta IV and a Polaris.

I'm currently using a Minolta IV simply because it was free, if there's no difference in price I'd probably go for a Sekonic. I say this only because they have more resale value as people only care about brand names which is stupid but there you go.
 
simonbarker said:
I'm currently using a Minolta IV simply because it was free, if there's no difference in price I'd probably go for a Sekonic. I say this only because they have more resale value as people only care about brand names which is stupid but there you go.
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This ^^^. :)
Sekonic cost more to buy for an equivalent model (where an equivalent model is available) - not because the Sekonic model is better but merely because of the brand name. The same happens with cars and many other things.
If you're the kind of person who keeps gear (or cars) for a short while and then sells them, brand names (not actual quality or fitness for purpose) are probably important for resale price.
If, on the other hand, you want something that just does what you need it to do and are not too concerned about selling it on then do not get blinded by the brand name alone.
 
Garry Edwards said:
I'm not Phil but...
I've had a couple of Minolta F meters, they are pro tools built to last. The first one I had (and still keep as a spare) was one of the first, its only fault is that it takes a strip of button cells which are expensive and nowhere near as easy to find as the AA used in the later ones.
In other words, you can't go wrong with any Minolta meter.
Click to expand...
I'm know haha but he told me to get the Minolta so I was killing two birds with one stone.
Cheers not Phil. I'll keep looking on ebay for a bargain.
 
Thanks guys. The polaris I looked at is £60 second hand so I'll see if the others are around the same price then decide. Thanks again.
 
simonbarker said:
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I'm currently using a Minolta IV simply because it was free, --- clip ---
Click to expand...

That's probably mine that I lost then :( miss that meter, bought a Gossens the other day. Not as good as the Minolta but a worthy addition to the 'family'.
 
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