| Author | Thread |
|
|
07/24/2004 09:06:42 AM · #1 |
| Hi everybody! I've been reading a book about lighting and it talks about using a light meter. Made me curious to know who here uses one? How has it helped your photography? What model do you have? What features should you look for? Basically, share your wisdom folks - inquiring minds want to know! Thanks :-D |
|
|
|
07/24/2004 09:19:48 AM · #2 |
| Ellen: you can see my reply in this thread. |
|
|
|
07/24/2004 10:17:39 AM · #3 |
| Read that, Eddy, and it is a good start. Looking for more info though :-) |
|
|
|
07/24/2004 04:14:10 PM · #4 |
|
|
|
07/24/2004 04:24:59 PM · #5 |
I went to a seminar once, we got to use a light meter when we set up a small studio, one studio (flash/strobe not sure about the english name for it) and some reflectors.
The light meter was connected to the flash/strobe and we read the apeture from the light meter for the correct exposure. With digital I could have just done trial and error to find the correct apeture but this way it was much easyer and if you where using film it was the only whay to know the correct exposure.
If your camera is not controling the power of your flahs then I guess you could use one.
All my pictures came out very good from that shoot.
Message edited by author 2004-07-24 16:26:01. |
|
|
|
07/24/2004 05:00:17 PM · #6 |
That's interesting, Siggi. I guess in a way, I'm asking why one might use a light meter when doing digital photography. Would using a grey card yield the same results?
As you can tell, I have only learned enough to become further confused :-o |
|
|
|
07/24/2004 05:29:26 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by digistoune:
As you can tell, I have only learned enough to become further confused :-o |
Right there with ya! :)
|
|
|
|
07/24/2004 06:32:59 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by zmaerd:
Originally posted by digistoune:
As you can tell, I have only learned enough to become further confused :-o |
Right there with ya! :) |
Well where's all our hot-shot know-it-alls when you really need them ;-) |
|
|
|
07/24/2004 10:09:23 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by digistoune:
That's interesting, Siggi. I guess in a way, I'm asking why one might use a light meter when doing digital photography. Would using a grey card yield the same results?
As you can tell, I have only learned enough to become further confused :-o |
LOL!
Well if I where to choose I would want a light meter when using these studio lights (strobes?/flash?(still don't know what to call them)). The one I used had a constat small modeling light, so you could see the shadows on the model and then flash when you took the picture.
The light meter was connected to the studio lights and flashed them also when metering so you dont have to do trial and error saveing lots time. Guess you dont need one if you and the model(s) have enough time.
You could not realy use a gray card with studio "flashes" if you are ueing the light meater in the camera. Also these light meters are much more accurate than the once in camera since they meter the light falling on the subject instead of the light reflected from it.
Message edited by author 2004-07-24 22:13:29. |
|
|
|
07/25/2004 07:09:20 PM · #10 |
... still curious to know who here uses one? How has it helped your photography? What model do you have? What features should you look for? Basically, share your wisdom folks - inquiring minds want to know! Thanks :-D
Message edited by author 2004-07-26 08:49:57. |
|
|
|
07/26/2004 08:50:06 AM · #11 |
| Ok, I'll make you folks a deal... Help me out with some info on this topic and I'll stop bumping it. Any takers? |
|
|
|
07/26/2004 11:42:30 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by digistoune:
... still curious to know who here uses one? How has it helped your photography? What model do you have? What features should you look for? Basically, share your wisdom folks - inquiring minds want to know! Thanks :-D |
I used to use one extensively for studio work and outdoor work in mixed light. I no longer have one, but that is only because I no longer have studio strobes and I find FEC and a couple of test shots to work well for outdoor fill flash.
Honestly, if you are not using studio strobes, or multiple manual flash units, you really don't need one. If you are doing a lot of studio work, with 3, 4 or more lights, it is indispensible to get your lighting right. If you aren't sure whether you need one or not, you probably don't.
I prefer the Minolta meters (I had a Flashmeter IV), but the Sekonic or Gossen should have good models too. Look for one with a PC terminal so you can fire the strobes with it and not have to trip the shutter. Another good feature is one that will combine strobe and ambient readings to give you an overall exposure as well as the ambient and strobe exposures. Also desirable if you are doing a lot of still life work is one that will meter multiple pops of the strobes. This is a common way to get more light on your subject without resorting to a more powerful lighting system.
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/12/2025 03:12:00 AM EDT.
