6 Best Light Meters for Film Photography in 2024
Film photography is held to a high standard because of film’s ability to capture grain detail, color depth, and is generally held as more “authentic” medium. Mastering this craft requires not just skill but also the right tools, and a light meter is indispensable for capturing the perfect exposure. In this blog, we’ll explore the six best light meters for film photography in 2024, delve into the essence of what a light meter is, and discuss why every film photographer should consider using one.
What is a Light Meter?
A light meter is a device used by photographers to measure the intensity of light. This film tool is crucial for 35mm color film photography and black and white film photography alike , to determine the correct exposure settings (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) needed to achieve a well-exposed film photo. While digital cameras often come with built-in light meters, standalone light meters offer more accuracy and versatility, especially in complex lighting situations.
Why is a Light Meter Important for Film Photography?
Film photographers cannot see their results immediately and adjust exposure after the fact as digital photographers can. A light meter provides the precision and reliability needed to ensure that each shot is exposed correctly according to the film's sensitivity, saving both time and costly film from exposure errors. Using a light meter for your shots is a way to push your craft past the beginner stage and start creating shots that are exposed like a pro. You’ll be stunned looking at the difference in your film photos and film negatives when you switch from using the built in camera metering/auto settings to a hand held meter and manual exposure settings.
Light Meter vs. Camera's Built-in Meter
While many modern cameras, including film cameras, come with built-in light meters, these are typically reflective meters which measure the light bounced off the subject. Standalone light meters often offer more options, such as incident metering, which measures the light falling on the subject, providing a more accurate reading for complex lighting scenarios.
Incident vs. Spot Metering
Incident Metering
Incident metering measures the light that falls onto the subject. This is done using a dome on the light meter that captures the light from the scene without being influenced by the subject's color or reflectivity. This method provides an objective measurement of exposure, reflecting how much light is actually present in any given scene.
Ideal Use Cases for Incident Metering:
Portrait Photography: When shooting portraits, especially in controlled lighting environments (like say a studio), incident metering helps achieve consistent exposure across different skin tones and clothing types, often eliminating strange color casts you’d get otherwise.
Landscape Photography during Golden Hours: During sunrise or sunset, the light can vary significantly across the scene and change rapidly as the time goes by. Using incident metering gives a general exposure setting that is more likely to capture the delicate nuances of the changing light, avoiding underexposure of darker areas or avoiding the very common overexposed, blown out sky.
Spot Metering
Spot metering measures the light reflected from a very small area of the scene, typically 1-5% of the total viewfinder area. This precision allows 35mm film photographers to expose specifically for that one area, which is extremely useful in high contrast or backlit situations.
Ideal Use Cases for Spot Metering:
High Contrast Scenes: In scenes with high contrast, such as a sunset with dark foreground elements, spot metering can be used to expose specifically for the brightest part of the sky without blowing out the details.
Backlit Subjects: When photographing a subject with the light source behind them, such as a person standing in front of a bright window, spot metering allows the photographer to measure the light reflecting off the subject, ensuring that the subject is well-exposed instead of turning into a silhouette. (Overexposure is another very helpful measure to avoid washed out, backlit subjects).
Concert Photography: Capturing performers in a concert setting often involves complex lighting that can confuse average metering methods. Spot metering can be used to meter for a performer's face or a really vibrant costume, ensuring that these crucial elements are neither underexposed in dim light nor overexposed under the harsh stage lights.
Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate
Price Point: $230
Notable Specs:
Exposure times ranging from 1/8000 to 60 seconds
Offers three specialized metering modes: a Photo mode for still shooting with aperture and shutter priority, a Cine mode for selecting frame rates between 8-128 fps with one-tenth of a stop accuracy, and an HD Cine mode (for those shooting video with DSLR or mirrorless cameras)
Flash measuring range of f/1.0 to f/90.9 at ISO 100; flash can be measured with PC sync terminal connection or cordlessly
Pros: Offers good value with a balance between functionality and portability. Versatile for both new and experienced photographers.
Cons: Does not support spot metering, which can be a drawback in complex lighting scenarios.
This is the light meter I use and can personally recommend. Extremely accurate, portable, and user friendly.
2. Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III
Price: $230
Unique Features: Analog operation (no batteries required), ambient light readings via a selenium photocell.
Notable Specs:
Type: Analog ambient light meter
Metering Methods: Incident and reflected light
ISO Range: 6 to 12,000 in 1/3 stops
Aperture Range: f/0.7 to f/128
Shutter Speeds: 1/8000 sec to 30 minutes
Pros:
Classic design beloved by traditional photographers.
Extremely reliable and durable due to the lack of electronic components.
Ideal for educational purposes and those learning the fundamentals of light measurement.
Cons:
Lack of digital display may not appeal to those accustomed to modern digital meters.
Selenium cell degrades over time and under heavy sunlight exposure, which could affect measurement accuracy in the long term.
Does not measure flash lighting, limiting its utility in studio settings that use strobe lights.
3. Gossen DIGISIX 2
Price: $230
Unique Features: Compact design, integrated contrast measurement, and enhanced battery life.
Notable Specs:
Type: Digital ambient light meter
Metering Methods: Incident light with optional attachment for reflected light
ISO Range: 3 to 8000
Aperture Range: f/1.0 to f/90
Shutter Speeds: 1/8000 sec to 60 minutes
Additional Features: Cine mode for videographers, stopwatch function, and alarm!
Pros: Portable and easy to use, making it ideal for street film photographers. Good for general ambient light measurements.
Cons: Lacks advanced features like flash metering and spot metering which limits its use in professional settings.
The Gossen DIGISIX 2 is a great budget option for 35mm film photographers who need a reliable yet simple light meter for basic exposure calculations. It’s especially appealing for film photographers new to using external meters, offering just enough functionality to improve film photo outcomes without really overwhelming the user.
4. Lumu Power 2
Price: $300
Unique Features: Many film photographers will say that that a light meter is too expensive, and they would rather just use an iPhone app. This attachment maintains the ease and portability of using an iPhone while adding a pro touch that moces beyond just an app. This light meter Integrates with iPhone via Lightning connector, measures light, color temperature, and chromaticity.
Notable Specs:
Type: Digital incident light meter
Metering Methods: Incident light for exposure, color temperature, and illuminance
ISO Range: 3 to 409600
Aperture Range: f/0.5 to f/128
Shutter Speeds: 1/64000 sec to 30 minutes
Additional Features: Works with a dedicated app for real-time color and light recording, exposure calculation, and chromaticity charting.
Pros: Highly portable and innovative, turning an iPhone into a sophisticated light and color meter. Also offers modern connectivity features.
Cons: Reliant on iPhone compatibility so no Android version is available. Performance is dependent on the the specific phone capabilities and battery life. If your phone dies so does your light meter!
5. Gossen Luna Pro Light Meter
Price: $20 - $60
Unique Features: This is a great light meter for 35mm film photographers looking for a classic, very aesthetically pleasing design at a very affordable price! Equipped with a selenium photocell that does not require batteries.
Notable Specs:
Type: Analog ambient light meter
Metering Methods: Both incident and reflected light
ISO Range: 1.5 to 3200
Aperture Range: f/1 to f/45
Shutter Speeds: 1 sec to 1/2000 sec
Additional Features: Memory pointer to recall previous measurements, ability to measure continuous light or flash.
Pros:
Renowned for its durability and precision, even many years after its initial release.
Battery-free operation makes it highly reliable in various conditions.
Versatile metering options suitable for both studio and field use.
Cons:
As an older model, it may require calibration and careful handling due to age.
The selenium cell, while not needing batteries, can degrade over time, especially with heavy use or exposure to strong light.
Lacks modern digital features, which might not appeal to 35mm film photographers accustomed to digital displays and more automated functionalities.
6. Sekonic L-858D-U Speedmaster
Unique Features: This is a high end light meter for 35mm film photographers looking for a master tool that does it all. This meter has ultra high speed sync modes, flash duration measurement, and a 2.7-inch color touch screen.
Notable Specs:
Type: Digital hybrid light meter for ambient and flash light
Metering Methods: Incident and spot metering
ISO Range: 3 to 13,107,200 with extended ISO range
Aperture Range: f/0.5 to f/161
Shutter Speeds: 30 minutes to 1/16000 sec for ambient light, 30 minutes to 1/1000 sec for flash light
Additional Features: High speed sync flash measurement, flash analysis function, cinema and HD video modes, wireless triggering, and radio triggering compatibility.
Pros:
Extremely versatile and comprehensive, ideal for both professional 35mm film photographers and cinematographers.
Advanced capabilities like measuring flash duration and high-speed sync make it perfect for complex lighting setups.
Robust construction and intuitive touchscreen interface.
Cons:
The high cost makes it less accessible for hobbyists or beginners.
The complexity of features might be overwhelming for those not requiring advanced functionalities.
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