Re: [Largeformat] Welcome to Largeformat@onelist.com

[Clive Warren <cocam@cableinet.co.uk>]

From: Clive Warren <cocam@cableinet.co.uk>

>From: "kristin viviane" <faerygirl@chickmail.com>
>
>Hi.  Although i'm very interested in large-format photography, i haven't
>actually tried it yet (but i'm taking a course on it next fall semester.)
>I do own a pinhole camera that i built for another class, but i haven't
>gotten around to using it yet.
>What I'd like to know is, I have to buy a hand-held incident light meter
>and I'd like some recommendations--brands, features that are useful, where
>i actually buy one of these things at, stuff like that.  Thanks


Kristin,

A lot of people like the digital meters, however analogue is more
compatible with the way that we think and visualise exposures.

If you're on a budget try picking up a 35mm camera with a good spot
metering system and a handheld incident meter.

For the 35mm camera I highly recommend the Olympus OM4 and OM4T models
which have a superb metering system - the added advantage is that you can
take a 35mm photo of the same scene you are recording in LF :-)  Best to
find one used from a reputable dealer so that you have some guarantee.

For the handheld meter I very highly recommend the most recent version of
the Gossen Lunasix F - which does incident, reflected, and flash.  It is
very accurate, runs on a commonly available 9v battery and comes in a great
leather case which protects it against most misadventures.  They may still
be available new and are definitely available on the used marketplace as
people have "upgraded" to digital.....

You can get an attachment which gives you a 5 degree spot - these are again
available secondhand for reasonable prices.

I have always been tempted by one of the Pentax spot meters but not so much
as to spend the money on the meter rather than film or another lens :-)



All the best,

              Clive     http://clive.bel-epa.com