Quote:
Originally Posted by djmcmath
I've owned a couple of light meters. It's absolutely essential when you're doing large format stuff. You get one frame, it'll take you 15 minutes to set up, and you won't know until tomorrow whether you got it right or not -- you better at least make sure the exposure is right.
I wasted some money on cheap light meters in my early days -- and "wasted" is not too strong of a word. I finally invested in a good quality Gossen unit and have never looked back.
If I was you, I'd either prepare to spend $200-250 to get a good tool, or don't do anything at all. How would you feel if she knew you wanted that $500 Snap On impact wrench, but she got you the Harbor Freight one instead? You'd think it was neat, and thoughtful, but you'd still want the right tool, right?
Good luck,
Dan
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Dan,
I don't think it's as dire as you state it. One can check the accuracy of a light meter by comparing with known sources (other meters, other cameras, exposure tests, etc.). As long as the meter display is consistent and calibrated to a specific camera, it doesn't really matter what the true light level is (e.g. 1/125 sec. @f5.6 with ISO 200). That said, I would purchase a brand name unit (e.g. Sekonic, Pentax, Minolta and Gossen as you suggested). Purchasing the top of the line product is up to you, but not mandatory for good pics - bracketing is a time-honored strategy and no one questioned the brushes that Picasso used. If you wife has an itch to do Zone system, I have a Pentax Spotmeter (and a 4x5 system) if she's interested.
Sherwood