kcuf2 said:dun think need la, if just for normal hobby play play, a light meter alone cost a few $k and u can easily buy a good lens and play
A light meter does not cost a few $k. It is about $600-800 for a Sekonic, which in my opinion makes one of the best light meters around. (I think they are more accurate than Minolta).kcuf2 said:dun think need la, if just for normal hobby play play, a light meter alone cost a few $k and u can easily buy a good lens and play
I agree with this statement to a certain extent. It is ok for shots which are not that critical. I see most studio photographers using this approach also, just guesstimate the power settings and shoot away. But if you want to create the exact effect, then it may not be adequate.catchlights said:Initially you may use light meter more often in the studio, but when you get more and more experience and familiar with your studio lighting equipments, you can set up a lighting set and shoot without a light meter.
Cheesecake said:u do not need a light meter for studio photography *if u're using digital cameras*.
''lsisaxon said:Let me rephrase that once more.
u do not _necessarily_ need a light meter for studio photography *if u're using digital cameras*
lsisaxon said:I agree with this statement to a certain extent. It is ok for shots which are not that critical. I see most studio photographers using this approach also, just the power settings and shoot away. But if you want to create the exact effect, then it may not be adequate.
Then again, with digital, it may not be that critical to use a light meter. The shots are basically free anyway. So there is no motivation at all. Before digital, each test shot cost about $1.50 on instant print. Getting your exposure right the first time is a big deal.
Yeah. I agree with this that is provided that your flash head comes with click stops for the power setting (not all flash heads do) or you do not adjust the power at all. Then again, I am someone who is quite bad at estimating distances. At 1m, 40cm more will be 1 stop under and 30cm less will be 1 stop over.catchlights said:During the days I shoot mostly 120 transparecy only, I sometime take the meter reading is just to confirm my F stop are correct, before I shoot a test shot.
Is not guesstimate, if you set the light 3' away from the subjest, it give you f11, double the distant is f5.6, the meter tell you so, tomorrow you set the light at the some spot, it still give you f11 or f5.6, if everyday you are doing the same thing, will you still need to take meter reading everytime you set the lights?
Even that you have a taken a metering, you still have to adjust accordingly base on certain subjects, that's why photographers prefer to shot a test print first, and also for billing reference or for client to approve.
Of couse every photographers still have a meter with them, but not always take out and use.
vince123123 said:I concur with Astin's opinion on the use of a light meter.