Sorry for the slow response. I just had time to really start investigating the whole meter discussion a bit more, in particular regarding external light meters. Thanks both for your helpful comments—I think at this point I have to research more before I buy. I don’t really understand what the differences and what not are among light meters well enough. Ideally, I want something tiny that can reflect and incident meter that is under $200—not sure how practical that is/if that product exists.
The basic concepts I understand well. And I have used and am familiar with both the zone system and the Sunny16 recently. I do think I need more precise control regarding reading the light for optimally exposed photos—I don’t often shoot slide films. When I have in the past, I just used the spot meter on my digital camera and with a +/- EV.
And the XG-1 is cheap SR mount camera from Minolta. It was actually gifted to me with a Mino 50/1.7 from a pawnshop. The light seals were shot, so I ordered some off eBay and it’s been fine once replaced. The metering is forced (that's the only option) average, which for scenes with high contrast tends to be poor/lead to missed exposures. Which is why I Sunny 16 that camera as well, getting better but not pinpoint results. It takes my Mino 58/1.2 which I love on film even more than digital.
Any recs or further input regarding light meters for film are welcome as well.
Sorry for the slow response. I just had time to really start investigating the whole meter discussion a bit more, in particular regarding external light meters. Thanks both for your helpful comments—I think at this point I have to research more before I buy. I don’t really understand what the differences and what not are among light meters well enough. Ideally, I want something tiny that can reflect and incident meter that is under $200—not sure how practical that is/if that product exists.
The basic concepts I understand well. And I have used and am familiar with both the zone system and the Sunny16 recently. I do think I need more precise control regarding reading the light for optimally exposed photos—I don’t often shoot slide films. When I have in the past, I just used the spot meter on my digital camera and with a +/- EV.
And the XG-1 is cheap SR mount camera from Minolta. It was actually gifted to me with a Mino 50/1.7 from a pawnshop. The light seals were shot, so I ordered some off eBay and it’s been fine once replaced. The metering is forced (that's the only option) average, which for scenes with high contrast tends to be poor/lead to missed exposures. Which is why I Sunny 16 that camera as well, getting better but not pinpoint results. It takes my Mino 58/1.2 which I love on film even more than digital.
Any recs or further input regarding light meters for film are welcome as well.
Sorry for the slow response. I just had time to really start investigating the whole meter discussion a bit more, in particular regarding external light meters. Thanks both for your helpful comments—I think at this point I have to research more before I buy. I don’t really understand what the differences and what not are among light meters well enough. Ideally, I want something tiny that can reflect and incident meter that is under $200—not sure how practical that is/if that product exists.
The basic concepts I understand well. And I have used and am familiar with both the zone system and the Sunny16 recently. I do think I need more precise control regarding reading the light for optimally exposed photos—I don’t often shoot slide films. When I have in the past, I just used the spot meter on my digital camera and with a +/- EV.
And the XG-1 is cheap SR mount camera from Minolta. It was actually gifted to me with a Mino 50/1.7 from a pawnshop. The light seals were shot, so I ordered some off eBay and it’s been fine once replaced. The metering is forced (that's the only option) average, which for scenes with high contrast tends to be poor/lead to missed exposures. Which is why I Sunny 16 that camera as well, getting better but not pinpoint results. It takes my Mino 58/1.2 which I love on film even more than digital.
Any recs or further input regarding light meters for film are welcome as well.
Mar 15, 2026 at 06:42 PM
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