Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/04/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jim, there are 2 categories of meter cells.... the CDS ( cadmium sulfide) Cells and the silicon photodiode cells. What 's the difference? CDS Cells generate their own electricity, and do not need a battery. However, the cell ( contacts) eventually oxidizes, and when that happens, the cell loses accuracy and the only way to fix it is to replace the cell. Examples very familiar to all of us ( old farts) is the Weston Master meters and some of the Sekonics. One big advantage is that they are very much in tune with film color sensitivity. More so than the Silicon cell meters. Silicon photodiode cells need a battery to work. They are basically bulletproof from anything other than dropping them. They will last for years and years before they need any repair. ( Calibration is another issue... once in a while they do age a bit and need a tweak). Lunasix, and most of the meters made today are of this variety. The Weston Ranger meter is also of this type. You want reliability and longevity? get a Silicon cell meter that requires a battery. I saw a few Gossens at the store the other day.... digital readout and really small... About $125. But back to my question... reflected or incident use? Frank Filippone red735i@earthlink.net As I understand it, the Sekonics don't need batteries.