[Summerleft]

Lots of choice, I really love the vintage ones and have my eye on a couple of fleabay however can I actually use them with the digital or will it just have to sit there to be admired?

[Charlotte]

Depends on the features each one has I would say that modern light meters would definitely have more useful features than a vintage one.

You can use any handheld light meter with any camera, be it SLR, compact, or DSLR, it makes no difference, since the light meter works independently of the camera. Although you can connect it to measure on board flash, if it has that facility. There are different types of light meter, some measure just ambient light, others measure ambient + flash. A spot meter is best, but these are more expensive.

[Les Meehan]

If you can find one, Soligor one degree digital spot is probably the best and least expensive of older models. The digital versions of meters are more robust than analogue since they don't have a moving needle but a digital readout which is usually easier to read anyway.

If you have the money try the Zone VI modified Pentax one degree spot.

If you definitely want flash and ambient the Gossen range are the best known or the Minolta range (I have had a Minolta Flashmeter III for over 20 yrs and still works a treat).

Like Charlotte, I would say the one-degree spot meters are the best since they allow smaller areas to be metered from the camera position. For analysing the SBR (Subject Brightness Range) of a scene or subject they cannot be beat.

However, due to their greater accuracy spot meters require greater knowledge from the photographer to make the most of them. A knowledge of the Zone System for determining exposure and scene contrast assessment is recommended and once learned really invaluable.

Cheers

Les

[Summerleft]

I have my eye on a Gossen at the moment but I have noticed a lot saying that needle is broken so how long it will last is anyones guess, partly I want it as one of my other little known hobbies is collecting vintage and for it to work as well would be a bonus, trying to find one with box and manual thats still working lol

[Dabhand16]

Whilst i would not disagree with Les's post, let's not forget the good old Weston Master V. If you can get one with the invercone that enables incident light measurement, they are able to give very reliable readings.

here is one going for £16 (current bid).

[Summerleft]

Ooo i have my eye on one of those Weston's aswell includes, box,case,invercone (no idea what that was til i googled!) and works! lol
Im going to keep my eye on that to see what it fetches as the one I'm watching is at 99p

[Les Meehan]

The problem with the Weston meters, I still have a fully working Weston Euromaster, is that the measuring cell isn't as good as modern meters and the angle of measurement of the cell is quite wide (about 30 degs). If you want a meter to actually use go for something more modern.

I personally would not recommend incident metering for serious work.

Flood gates just opened on that one...

Cheers

Les

[Dabhand16]

Originally Posted by Les Meehan

The problem with the Weston meters, I still have a fully working Weston Euromaster, is that the measuring cell isn't as good as modern meters and the angle of measurement of the cell is quite wide (about 30 degs). If you want a meter to actually use go for something more modern.

I personally would not recommend incident metering for serious work.

Flood gates just opened on that one...

Cheers

Les

Fair comment - in the depths of my memory, I seem to recall that incident light readings were better for transparencies, and direct readings for print film. However, they are reliable and cheap, so coupled with the instant view facilities on the LCD, and bracketing, I think they can still contribute.

Having said that I would not disagree with getting the latest possible technology.

[Charlotte]

To throw the cat among the pidgeons ....................... the best meter to use is your camera's meter

[Dave Canon]

I also have an old Weston Master V which I bought second hand decades ago but sadly the invercone was missing. At the time I assumed that I would readily find one but never did. However, I have not had call to use this light meter for a very long time. I have used the meter in my camera instead.

Dave

[Summerleft]

Well Spoke to my dad today and apparently they think they have my grandads up in the loft, wonder if it still works and what make it is hmmmm

All exciting, no idea why I seem to have a thing for them, theres two I quite fancy now on fleabay and if they work they goodstuff if not the collection is starting lol

[Les Meehan]

If you want old, try finding a Salford Electrical Instruments (SEI) one-half degree (you heard me) photometer.

Check this one:

Vintage Cased SEI Exposure Meter Photometer~UK c1947~NR - (eBay item 290171549752 end time Oct-22-07 07:15:46 PDT)

Les

[Dabhand16]

Originally Posted by Les Meehan

If you want old, try finding a Salford Electrical Instruments (SEI) one-half degree (you heard me) photometer.

Check this one:

Vintage Cased SEI Exposure Meter Photometer~UK c1947~NR - (eBay item 290171549752 end time Oct-22-07 07:15:46 PDT)

Les

Hey - that was made in the same year as me!

What do you mean, If you want old?.............