[Leica] Meter Choices, anyone?

["Gib Robinson" <robinson@sfsu.edu>]

Annie wrote:

> I'm fairly new to photography.  I took the plunge and invested on a
> second-hand Leica M6 Classic.  I am very pleased with it.  But I'd prefer
to
> use a separate meter.  I'd appreciate if you can share some suggestions.

Unless your camera meter is out of adjustment, I think you will find the
internal meter is very accurate. Unless I'm being very picky with slide film
or checking black & white zones, I use that wonderful metering system.

Beyond that, the choice of a meter depends on what kind of metering you want
to do, how much you want to spend, etc.  I've used a simple incident meter
as a backup for most circumstances. There are many models. I've used a
Minolta Auto Meter III for years. It's quite cheap on the used market,
accurate, virtually indestructible, easy to carry.

Spot meters are wonderful but, in my experience, delicate, large, and
pricey. Pentax makes an elegant one.

If you want spot metering AND incident metering, consider the Sekonic L508
C. (The "C" refers to the "Cine" version which allows the user to calibrate
the incident and spot meters so they read the same. The non-cine version has
to be calibrated by a light-meter repair shop. )

Good luck,

- --Gib