Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/12/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Bill, I use the Sekonic 308 and also a Gossen Spot meter. The latter is big and rather clumsy to use, the Sekonic is small and precise and uses AA batteries. An alternative is the MR meter that couples to the M4-2 shutterspeed dial, although they are getting a bit scarce in good, working shape. It also uses the 625 battery and they are now regarded as toxic waste by some governments. The new 'kid" on the block is the just released Cosina VC meter. Slightly smaller than the MR meter and it uses a 3 diode display to indicate correct exposure (reflected only). It slides into the shoe on the camera, the cell has the same acceptance angle as the 90mm lens but it does not couple to the shutterspeed dial. On top are two 'wheels," the one on the left is shutterspeed (with clickstops) and to the right is aperture. You aim at the scene or subject. press the button on the back and turn the aperture dial until the green diodes light up and transfer the reading to the lens. This later thing is important — after 40 years of using MC and MR meters I keep finding myself adjusting the shutterspeed on the meter and forgetting to transfer it to the camera! Not very bright, but one of these days I will get the hang of it. The meter is tiny and you can also use it as a handheld meter — aim, read and transfer to camera. The diodes really baffle people, they think it is an extremely small cellphone you are carrying. I have had mine for about 3 weeks now and is getting used to it. It is remarkably precise in its reading and I now use it as a scanning meter for contrast too. Do a highlight reading, remember the setting, do a shadow and if it stays within 5-6 stops of each other all is well and no extra push or pull of film. I dont know what the price of the Voigtlander VC meter is, probably around $175 (at least it is less than a used, black MR meter).It is not a substitute for a "proper" handheld meter, but it is small, light and can be kept on top of your M4-2 (try that with your Gossen Spot)! Tom A