Is a light meter really neccessary?

Whappers

Whappers

Whappers

Soldato
Joined
4 Nov 2003
Posts
4,496
Location
Belfast, Northern Ireland
As title really and is the whole point of a light meter not to guage the F Number, shuter speed and exposure?

How many of your photographers out there own one? If you do, which make and model do you own?

Thanks.

Whappers.
 
Whappers said:
As title really and is the whole point of a light meter not to guage the F Number, shuter speed and exposure?
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Yep, and your camera has one built in. You only need an external meter if you're somehow finding your camera's meter inaccurate or limiting, which 98% of people don't.
 
robmiller said:
Yep, and your camera has one built in. You only need an external meter if you're somehow finding your camera's meter inaccurate or limiting, which 98% of people don't.
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I see. Thanks for that! :)
 
It makes you look more professional. That makes it a must have along with a battery grip and a big white lens.

Asides from that, most of the time your camera will be sufficient.
 
Whappers said:
As title really and is the whole point of a light meter not to guage the F Number, shuter speed and exposure?

How many of your photographers out there own one? If you do, which make and model do you own?

Thanks.

Whappers.
Click to expand...

Almost all pro have one, it gives you an accurate light reading rather than one off a "colour".
 
I have one and use it regularly. Mostly used for tricky outdoor light situations where i want to expose a particular place with low light levels, or studio work to make sure that my model is exposed correctly in comparison to the background. it has a flash adapter.
But this is very important because 50% of the time im using film.

I have a Sekonic L-308, its very simple to use. Just set the iso and aperture you are using, and press the button next to the source. It gives you a speed, or alternatively the other way round.
 
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I have the sekonic L558-R.

its a great piece of kit. I originally got it for two main scenarios.

1) to meter conditions with very strong backlighting...this is where inbiult dslr's really have trouble. Sure you could try using spot metering, but try this for a some tricky situations and its so hit & miss.

2) If I am shooting portraits. Incident light readings are critical for accurate exposure. Whilst many modern slrs have good reflected metering systems, they are far too easiy affected.

I dont use it everytime I get my camera out but if the work it critical then I will definately use it. I think they are great.
I havent used it as a flash meter (havent had a chance to really learn about this function).
 
A light meter reads light from the direct source. A camera meters light bounced from the subject.

So, if you're photographing something reflective or shiny; for example a building or car, a light meter is the way to go :)
 
Its not neccessary for everything no. If you want to take a fully professional approch to a shot then yes.

Most people set up their bodies on a tripod on location and move the scene around the frame. If this was modeling then a model will be moved into position and a light meter will be used wherever the photographer wants to correctly expose a specific area.
 
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