How many Nikonites use light meters
- Thread starter Krs_2007
- Start date
I use my Sekonic 478dr for flash work in my little home studio. For multi flash setups it's essential. I use pocket wizard triggers and the meter fires them wirelessly.
I've tried meters outdoors for landscape but find I get very similar results from my camera. Also modern sensors have plants of latitude on post.
I've tried meters outdoors for landscape but find I get very similar results from my camera. Also modern sensors have plants of latitude on post.
I guess I could have just sent you an email Wayne, you are the man when it comes to flash photography.
thanks everyone for answering so far. Been trying to figure out if I really need to get a hand held meter and it appears that its mostly used for studio shots, which I currently dont do.
thanks everyone for answering so far. Been trying to figure out if I really need to get a hand held meter and it appears that its mostly used for studio shots, which I currently dont do.
Well, the camera meter is generally excellent, but it has pros and cons.
Pros - it is a TTL meter, it sees and meters the same view whatever lens sees, be it narrow telephoto or wide angle.
Cons - it is a reflected meter - it only sees the light reflected from the subjects colors, which is a lot of light from light colored areas (tending to underexposure), or it is not much light from black or dark colors (tending to overexpose). Whatever issues you may have with it is probably this reason. See How light meters work
A hand held reflective meter would have two cons, the same reflected issues, plus it is always a fairly wide view, regardless of the view that the lens sees. The reason in-camera meters are so popular is because they are so effective (and convenient). Maybe not always precisely accurate (but it is not really about accuracy, more that your goal and their goal is not the same thing).
But a hand held incident meter sees and measures the actual direct light falling on the subject, it measures the light, not the subject. All pros, no cons. This is totally awesome for multiple flash, but it works anywhere, in continuous light too. Except an incident meter cannot be in the camera, we need to walk to the subject and meter the light aimed back at the camera, which is sometimes awkward outside the studio. There is just one Sun, so it really does not matter where we stand then, except if shadows are involved, we may need to get into the shadows.
Pros - it is a TTL meter, it sees and meters the same view whatever lens sees, be it narrow telephoto or wide angle.
Cons - it is a reflected meter - it only sees the light reflected from the subjects colors, which is a lot of light from light colored areas (tending to underexposure), or it is not much light from black or dark colors (tending to overexpose). Whatever issues you may have with it is probably this reason. See How light meters work
A hand held reflective meter would have two cons, the same reflected issues, plus it is always a fairly wide view, regardless of the view that the lens sees. The reason in-camera meters are so popular is because they are so effective (and convenient). Maybe not always precisely accurate (but it is not really about accuracy, more that your goal and their goal is not the same thing).
But a hand held incident meter sees and measures the actual direct light falling on the subject, it measures the light, not the subject. All pros, no cons. This is totally awesome for multiple flash, but it works anywhere, in continuous light too. Except an incident meter cannot be in the camera, we need to walk to the subject and meter the light aimed back at the camera, which is sometimes awkward outside the studio. There is just one Sun, so it really does not matter where we stand then, except if shadows are involved, we may need to get into the shadows.
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LouCioccio
Senior Member
I use it all the time (L358) when I use strobes and also outside I will use a flash with ambient (the flash at 30%) as the meter L358 tells. Flash with a diffuser and ambient. Although not taken with a Nikon but you get the idea.
Lou Cioccio
Lou Cioccio
RockyNH_RIP
Senior Member
Not sure how to answer.... chose Yes 25%... I use my Sekonic L358 for metering for flash work (studio type, not snaps). This is proably less than 10% overall of my shooting but 25% was the lowest choice... (It is probably 70% of my studio flash work)
Pat in NH
Pat in NH
If doing studio photography using monolights. Having a lightmeter is a must. How would you ever determine exposure except to spend wasted time doing trial and error. When setting up light ratio's between
strobes or between ambient and strobes. A light meter is the only way to get true readings.
strobes or between ambient and strobes. A light meter is the only way to get true readings.
I have no problems, just trying to see if one would be of value. All of my shots I use the built in meter and never had any issues. I guess I should read between the lines when articles say you need one.
RockyNH_RIP
Senior Member
No problem Kevin, it is hard to encompass all options in poll's... not a criticism either, I jsut wanted to explain my usage percentages...
It is an interesting poll with some interesting responses..
Pat in NH
Having and using a meter (properly) is one of those things you can't quantify until you actually use one. It's not a cure-all for every problem, but there are times having one on-hand (and knowing how to use it!!!!!!) can make all the difference in the world.