Originally posted by Flylooper I am looking closely at a Sekonic L-3085, which is affordable and seems to do all the things I'd like it to do. But the marketing copy on it suggests it is perfect for digital photography, while of course not mentioning a word about film.
My question is: Is measuring light for digital cameras different than for film?
Your thoughts? Also, if you have a good feeling about a particular light meter that's under $150-175
Bob,
In your price range a new Sekonic L-308S is the ideal choice considering the reputation, features (including flash metering), etc.
The marketing is to send a message to digital shooters that a light meter isn't just for film cameras, but no, there is no difference other than most film cameras didn't use 1/3 EV readings. But with this light meter you also have the option of whole EVs or 1/2 EVs.
The only thing that I have always been annoyed with is the aperture being broken down to 1/10 of the aperture indicated. So if you have it set to whole EVs, instead of f/6.7, it will read f/5.6
5. Or if you have it set to 1/2 EVs, and the reading is 9/10ths hotter than f/6.7, it will read f/6.7
9 although it is really just 1/10 away from f/8. You get used to it after awhile, but I've made a few minor aperture setting mistakes because of it.
Oh, and then there are smart phone lightmeter and flashmeter apps. Here's an article about someone that tested their viability:
http://www.ryanewalters.com/Blog/blog.php?id=1222011888909495377
Last edited by Alex645; 03-01-2016 at 02:19 PM.