Most modern cameras have a built-in metering system but they have their limitations in high or low light situations. A light meter will help you calibrate your shots with a range of good lighting settings. A modern digital light meter will do the trick but they cost $200+. Are there inexpensive vintage options like a vintage Sekonic light meter a good bet?
A benefit of vintage Sekonic light meters is that they don’t use batteries. They use photoelectric cells that are arranged in a cool glassy spherical grid. It converts light to electricity which moves the meter. Decades old models are still surprisingly accurate next to their modern counterparts.
How to use a vintage Sekonic L6 light meter (or similar dial based meters)
- Set ISO (the ability to increase the amount of light of the image. For film cameras, you buy film with a certain ISO. For digital cameras, a setting increases the amount of light on the image.) by turning the inner dial (i.e. 200)
- Aim meter at light or object and take note of meter number. If you’re using then “open” setting turn the outer dial until the f-stop how wide the aperture opens to light the image and light in. F-stops are measured in fractions) number aligns with the “open” word notches ( “closed” setting gets aligned with “closed” word)
- You now have your light value (how bright something is in absolute terms and not being affected by the previous variables) and combinations for f-stop and shutter speed! With this information you have a ratio and range for beautifully exposed shooting.
What to consider before buying a vintage light meter
The photoelectric cells contain selenium. Some selenium cells (as they are decades old and don’t use batteries) deteriorate or die. Be mindful that if you buy a vintage Sekonic light meter that in the description that it is a working model (or “for display only” if that’s what you want).
Must vintage meters go for $20-$40 on ebay. At a much cheaper price than a new digital one, why not get one? Put it on your coffee table for a nice conversation starter if it ends up not working very well,.