Flash meter question$

Montec · October 22, 2006

I have been looking for a flash or light meter for a reasonable price...like $50 or so...

Anyone know of any inexpensive models? They all seem to be $200+

Thanks

AntoineD · October 22, 2006

Montec wrote:

I have been looking for a flash or light meter for a reasonable price...like $50 or so...

Anyone know of any inexpensive models? They all seem to be $200+

Thanks

Well, fresh & news are mainly around $200 or so

But, try ebay.

What are you looking for ? A flashmeter exactly ? Not just a light meter. Well, you can try searching for cheap occasions but,when you buy a flashmeter, you rarely sell it quickly, so… well, try ebay.

Or buy a sekonic, something like the L308S which I own. Maybe something like $160 or so at B&H. If you can't afford it, tell it your family when Xmas comes

Art Scott · October 22, 2006

here is a LINK to anice little Sekonic on ebay

There are several on ebay as I did a search for "light flash meters"....

if 120 is actually too much...I have a great working flash incident meter made by shepherd...a FM1000 that I would part with for $85.00 this will include shipping by USPS priority mail..have not taken the time to put it on the Flea Market yet.

Good luck.

Shane422 · October 23, 2006

I bought this Interfit Flash Meter from adorama for $54 new. I still want a Sekonic, but this one keeps me from guessing and relying on the LCD and or Histogram.

ziggy53 · October 23, 2006

The caution I have for folks entering the low end of flash photography is that there is often too much variablity for much reliable use.

For instance, a low-end meter, rated for +- 1/3 stop means that, in a two light setup, one light could be 1/3 stop low and the other 1/3 stop high, amounting to a 2/3 stop variance. If you are shooting a portrait expecting 1:3 lighting (the key light should be twice the fill), you may really be getting closer to 1:2 (balanced) or 1:4 lighting instead. Add in the variability from inexpensive flashes (If they don't emit consistant light at the same setting, or if they flash before full recycle) and you really don't have control over the lighting.

I am only saying that inexpensive flash meters can get you close, but don't expect them to replace verification of accurate exposure or to help at all with flash variability.

ziggy53

pathfinder · October 23, 2006

Good point Ziggy,

Pros pay for good tools for good reasons, not just to throw money away, or because they have money to burn. Good tools work, reliablely, and do not break.

I can't list all the cheap tools I have purchased in my life that I ultimately just replaced with what I really wanted in the first place.

I suggest renting good tools before buying cheap tools. You will know what a good tools is capable of, and what to expect with its use. You then may find the cheaper tool no longer appealing at all.

Flash meter question$

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