I have been thinking of getting a light meter and I think I want the Sekonic L-508, since it provide incident, reflective and zoom spot metering. I don't use flash that much, so flash metering is just an added bonus. Anyone has used this meter? Any pros and cons? I have never used a light meter before. Any information is appreciated.
I don't have a 508 but have heard good things about it. Since you don't use flash that much you probably won't have to worry too much about Pocket Wizard expandability.
If I recall correctly, one con may be that the meter doesn't show the exposure inside the spot meter viewfinder. You'll have to look at the external LCD display. Sekonic has since "fixed" this problem in its latest models.
Once you get your meter use your camera's histogram and a gray card in order in to dial-in a proper exposure. On my 1d I normally have to open up 1/3 from the reading off my Sekonic 358.
You basically want to fill the frame with the gray card and adjust the exposure until there's a "blip" in the middle of your histogram.
Jasono wrote:
If I recall correctly, one con may be that the meter doesn't show the exposure inside the spot meter viewfinder. You'll have to look at the external LCD display. Sekonic has since "fixed" this problem in its latest models.
That's right.
Not having the display internally is inconvenient. When I use a spot meter, I often want to meter several things in the scene. That would be accomplished a lot faster with a meter which displayed internally. I believe the L-558 and L-608 both have internal displays (but both are more expensive).
Having said all that, I actually ended up skipping the spot meter all together and bought an L-358 instead. I don't find spot metering as critical with digital. The immediate feedback shows me the histogram. As long as I avoid blown highlights, I can adjust RAW files +/- 2 stops in post processing and actually see how that changes the results.
So far I have been relying on the built in meter of the camera. But Canon 10D lacks a true spot meter and reflective metering can be deceiving for a complex scene. I want to be able to determine exposures using incident light which is more reliable. L558 would be nice, but quite expensive. I am not a pro and I spent way too much on my gears already. I like to use mid range teles for most of my shooting (50mm to 300mm, 80mm to 480mm equivalent on 10D). I am sure I can get away with not having a light meter at all giving I am shooting all digital. Basically I want to have a tool that can give me incident and spot metering. Any other less expensive models that deserve my consideration? Minolta maybe?
I have a L508, and have to say that I don't use it much. No, I'm not interested in selling it. ;-{)
It's true that the exposure is not visible through the spot meter window. To me, this is not much of an issue. Now that I see that this feature is available in other meters, I'm a little jealous, but not enough to make me trade up.
Things I don't like about the 508 are: it does not have a 1/3 stop setting and it also does not have the granularity in shutter speeds that the newer meters have. These are ALMOST enough to make me trade up. The jury is still out.
The longer I write, the more I MIGHT be interested in trading up. Mine's in PERFECT condition with case and manual. Wanna make me an offer I can't refuse? ;-{)
I just got one and what a bargain. Ebayed for Sekonic L-358 meter at a good price $199. They were Mamiya returns that were reconditioned. Delivery never came from supplier so the seller sent me an L- 508. WOW! a $400+ meter at half price with manufacturers warranty for a year. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=708&item=3805446958
Check out this ebay purchase and watch to see if the seller offers anymore. Better yet, email him and see what he has that may not be listed. He will work with you and he is trustworthy.
Buy the most meter you can afford. It will be a good investment. And this is a very good meter.
It is a great meter. It's only drawback maybe the size. It is a little bit too big for a pocket. However, Mamiya Corp supplies a belt holster for it that works terrific. VERY ACCURATE meter, SPOT metering, INCIDENT metering, AMBIENT and FLASH metering and works on one AA battery.
I have a 508 and have used all the modes quite a bit.
- The lack of a display inside is definitely a pain.
- It is easy to have it set to spot and take an incident reading. They need to improve the "interface" for this. Sure my stupid mistake, but an easy one.
- It would be nice to have some preset compensation for when you pop on a polarizer or other filter. There is an ISO2 but it is a bit of a pain.
- It would be nice to have a highlight reading or shadow reading; eg meter for highlights it it reads the midtone exposure. Of course this can be accomplished by using a "wrong" ISO reading...but stil..ok, a minor complaint.
- Mine gets erratic on occasion (goes into cinema mode) when you kinda spin the dial way too quick (usually by mistake)
- The low-EV sensitivity could be a lot better, for the price.
All in all, an excellent meter, but IMO the 608 should be sold for the 508 price. I guess the market is not competitive enough.
Paul Kierstead wrote:
I have a 508 and have used all the modes quite a bit.
- The lack of a display inside is definitely a pain.
- It is easy to have it set to spot and take an incident reading. They need to improve the "interface" for this. Sure my stupid mistake, but an easy one.
- It would be nice to have some preset compensation for when you pop on a polarizer or other filter. There is an ISO2 but it is a bit of a pain.
- It would be nice to have a highlight reading or shadow reading; eg meter for highlights it it reads the midtone exposure. Of course this can be accomplished by using a "wrong" ISO reading...but stil..ok, a minor complaint.
- Mine gets erratic on occasion (goes into cinema mode) when you kinda spin the dial way too quick (usually by mistake)
- The low-EV sensitivity could be a lot better, for the price.
All in all, an excellent meter, but IMO the 608 should be sold for the 508 price. I guess the market is not competitive enough....Show more →
1 What means?? Lack of display inside?? provides F/stop and shutter ?
2 Re: incident/reflective mistake? How is this possible with protective cover over the spot finder?
3 ISO 2 function-push the button and it displays exposure ?? how is this dificult?
4. Never heard of pointing a meter and getting Highlight and shadow readings?? If you turn the dome, you can get both readings like any other meter.
5 regarding cinema mode/erratic- maybe a meter failure- under warranty?
6 sensitivity is personal needs. Should have checked that out before purchase. I have no problem with it.
Sorry to sound a little flip, but I don't understand these so called shortcomings. Can't argue price though, that why I paid $199 for mine and not $400 +. Always look for a deal.
You seem to have taken my disappointments a little more seriously then warranted.
1) Inside the viewfinder
2) My plastic cover is rarely on. As I said, my stupid mistake, but they could still make it better.
3) Why do I have to hold the button? Especially when I already often have enough on my hands. And it takes two hands to change the ISO. This may not be an issue for you, but it is a inconvenience for me.
4) You did not understand the issue. On some meters, you can set them for highlight. You can then meter the highlight and it will *read* the correct exposure (i.e. already adjusted, typically 2 stops).
5) It is no longer under warranty. I am not the only one to experience this. Quite a few people have.
6) I said I would like it to be more sensitive, especially considering the price.
I don't understand your level of aggression. Are you the designer or something? It is not a perfect tool. I have used this meter a *lot*. I still do. As I said, it is excellent. I think Sektonic erred when they choose to continue manufacturing the 508 and charged more for the 608; incidently I bought my 508 before the 558 or the 608 was available.
Perhaps you thing one should not have any issues with a tool?
Paul Kierstead wrote:
You seem to have taken my disappointments a little more seriously then warranted.
I don't understand your level of aggression. Are you the designer or something? It is not a perfect tool.
Perhaps you thing one should not have any issues with a tool?
bluebomberx wrote:
Is there a way to turn off cine mode in the 508? It can be turned off by dip switches on the 358.
I am gonna have to look that up; probably a manual around here somewhere. IIRC, there is a cine *version* of the 508, so I never really understood why mine would go in that mode anyway. Basically what seems to happen sometimes the wheel slightly malfunctions and jumps many many steps ahead instead of the few you wished it too.
, we all take it too seriously occasionally, me included. I should have just answered without the smarta** add-on.