Light meters does anybody use them any more

[peter]

Ok so of course I know people still use them. Does anyone here use them and what are the pros and cons.

[Ian]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

I do use one in the test lab to ensure even lighting across the test charts, but not generally for normal photography. The camera's meter is dependable enough as long as you're used to its characteristics.

Ian

[kennykodak]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

Ok so of course I know people still use them. Does anyone here use them and what are the pros and cons.

yes and a grey card.

[peter]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

I do use one in the test lab to ensure even lighting across the test charts, but not generally for normal photography. The camera's meter is dependable enough as long as you're used to its characteristics.

Ian

Hi Ian

I have been looking at getting one just a small cheap one. I seem to talk myself in and out of getting one. On the one hand I have seen how useful they can be and on the other it just seems to be something else to learn and carry around. I was thinking it maybe useful for me with my flash units .

[peter]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

yes and a grey card.

Just the man. can we have your pros and cons.

[Ian]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

The use of grey cards always sparks a debate. In theory if you shoot RAW, it's not essential to use a grey card. But I would agree that it can speed up the workflow, which is important for pros like Kenny.

I don't personally see the need to use an external meter these days. The meter in the camera is probably more sophisticated than most hand-held meters; you have the ability to examine a histogram on the camera and highlights and shadows. But that's not to say that using an external meter is wrong - certainly not. Do what you feel is best for you.

Ian

[kennykodak]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

i treat digital photography as though i was shooting 4x5 transparencies. i do products and large groups of people with multiple flash. it is vital that the exposure be consistent from edge to edge. a histogram or viewing a crappy LCD on the back of the camera just doesn't cut it. i use a gray card on everything, raw or jpeg. lightroom is my editor of choice.

[peter]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

I don't personally see the need to use an external meter these days. The meter in the camera is probably more sophisticated than most hand-held meters; you have the ability to examine a histogram on the camera and highlights and shadows. But that's not to say that using an external meter is wrong - certainly not. Do what you feel is best for you.

Ian

I always shoot in raw have done for years. Always been told the histogram takes it info from the jpeg file ? so it will not give you a true reading ?. thats just the thing I do not know what is best may have to see if I can get my hands on one and test it out. Just to see how I get on before spending the money only to find it is something else that does not very often see the light of day no pun intended

[peter]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

i treat digital photography as though i was shooting 4x5 transparencies. i do products and large groups of people with multiple flash. it is vital that the exposure be consistent from edge to edge. a histogram or viewing a crappy LCD on the back of the camera just doesn't cut it. i use a gray card on everything, raw or jpeg. lightroom is my editor of choice.

I will hold my hand up here and say I have never used a gray card . But I do love lightroom and would not be without it .

[kennykodak]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

never too late to start.

[peter]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

never too late to start.

So very true. I do have something planed for the weekend so may well give it a go. I am sure I have one around here somewhere. I had it free with a mag a few years ago.

[Ian]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

So very true. I do have something planed for the weekend so may well give it a go. I am sure I have one around here somewhere. I had it free with a mag a few years ago.

So, would you use a grey card to set the camera's white balance, or to use as a calibration area on a test shot that you could reference later in post-processing?

Ian

[peter]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

So, would you use a grey card to set the camera's white balance, or to use as a calibration area on a test shot that you could reference later in post-processing?

Ian

Good point. I think I would go with the latter on that one. Having said that I will try out a few tests on Friday seeing as I will have the day off. Will have to fit it around the F1 programs you understand. Sorry that last bit was for Mo if he is reading this. He says I cannot go a full post without bringing in F1 lol.

[Bob Ross]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

I have a collection of handheld meters, but seldom use them. One thing to watch is calibration. Meter ISOs and digital camera ISOs most likely wont match. The one meter that I have use is the incident light meter, which is, in essence, an electronic gray card.
Bob

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Light meters does anybody use them any more

I use a meter when setting up for flash or mixed light. I also use it in situations when I want the subject to be correctly exposed and the subject will likely influence the cameras meter

Here is a very good example of this:

http://www.sekonic.com/classroom/classroom_2.asp