lightmeters

[silver163]

i always heard of them but dont know much about them. a search on google gives me a lot of results explaining what they are and different ones but its all so technical and complicated. All I want to know what is a lightmeter and what is it purpose? Thanks in advance.

 

[GwagDesigns]

a light meter is used to determine the proper exposure for a photograph which allows the photographer to determine which shutter speed and f number should be selected for an optimum exposure, given a certain lighting situation and film speed.

 

[deanimator]

If you have to ask, then you probably don´t need one.

Ok...seriously, do you need one, or just want to know what they are for?

Simplest answer is: they measure how much light there is.
You need this information so that you can set the exposure for your camera correctly for the situation.
Sure, most cameras also have built-in meters, but in many situations it is wiser to take a specific hand-held reading.