Light Meter Question

[rp1600]

I'm looking to buy a light meter to use both for outdoor shooting and with a two light studio setup. The setup is not elaborate as I'm just starting out using strobes. But I'd like a meter that's affordable and something that wil get the job done. I'm shooting primarily with a Canon F-1 and Digial Rebel secondary.

Any advice and/or input is appreciated.

 

[Big Mike]

You will need a flash meter for the studio set up (if they are strobes). Most flash meters will also act as a regular light meter.

I recently bought my first light/flash meter on E-bay...a Vivtar 230 LX
it's a bit old but the price was pretty good. Typically, modern flash meters are not very cheap...but you can occasionally find a good deal on a used one.

Minolta and Sekonic make several models and seem to be the leaders in this field.

 

[KevinR]

If you go with either of the big 2, Sekonic or Gossen, you'll get a great product. This is an item that I would maybe look at used. Even a Minolta Auto Meter IV would be a good choice.
Shutterbug just had a review of JTL's LM-8. Might be something to look at also.

 

[rp1600]

Thanks guys. so mike, the vivtar you bought .. does it work as a regular light meter as well?

 

[Christie Photo]

I haven't touched my meters in years... but I did pull out the ol' gray cards. I find reading the histogram more benificail in my work.

Pete

 

[rp1600]

I shoot film primarily therefore no histogram, but I have read quiet a bit where using an 18% gray and my camera's meter will yield similar results as that of an incident meter.

 

[Big Mike]

Thanks guys. so mike, the vivtar you bought .. does it work as a regular light meter as well?

Yes it does.

I got my meter two weeks ago and last week I got a studio strobe. I quickly realized that I can very easily use the histogram to find a good exposure when using the strobe. The meter should still come in hand when I try to figure out lighting ratios...I think :scratch: