Basic run down on Luna Pro models

[2F/2F]

I have been tasked with finding a Gossen Luna Pro or Luna Six by an instructor I assist. He is not good with E-Bay, as he has a busy schedule and is always outbid at the last minute.

He is aware that there is a battery issue on some if not all models. As usual, 625 batteries causing problems for us......

I have used them before, but I am not familiar with the specifics of these meters. Before I start scouring the 'net for one to purchase, what is the basic difference between models, and what is required to power them properly? I am finding reference to the F, S, SBC....

Is there a model I can look for that does not need a $40 adapter?

Thanks in advance.

[jd callow]

The F and SBC use common 6volt bateries.

[benjiboy]

There are all the Gossen meter instruction books on this site http://www.butkus.org/chinon/flashes_meters.htm
the SBC denotes that it uses a Silicon Blue Cell,(not a Cds Cadmium Sulphide one) that is more sensitive, and has a better spectral response.
I would recommend you look for a Lunapro SBC it uses a PP3 9volt battery you can get anywhere, I've used one for more than twenty years,and it's a first class meter. I have owned a Gossen Lunalite, and Lunasix in the past, but because of it's null method reading dial I find this one the best to use.

[Ole]

Gossen have the relevant manuals available for download, so why go throug Butkus?

[bdial]

I'll second Ben's recommendation of the SBC, no battery worries, very versatile. Some people don't like the way the scale works, (you center the needle, then the dial shows the exposure). But I find it very fast to use, and comparative readings very easy.

FWIW, a Luna Pro F showed up this morning in the local Craigslist for $50.00; http://nh.craigslist.org/pho/883790754.html

[jnanian]

The F and SBC use common 6volt bateries.

i think you mean 9 volt battery ...

[benjiboy]

I'll second Ben's recommendation of the SBC, no battery worries, very versatile. Some people don't like the way the scale works, (you center the needle, then the dial shows the exposure). But I find it very fast to use, and comparative readings very easy.

The beauty of the null reading dial I find in actual use is it is calibrated in actual stops, and is very easy to see at a glance what the subjects contrast range is by watching the swing of the needle, also to adjust exposure by giving a stop more or less etc.
I bought mine new about twenty years ago and they were very expensive, you can buy them for silly prices nowadays that bear no relation to their value as a lightmeter.

[papagene]

I use the Luna Pro F and like it quite a lot for the reasons stated above about the null reading. It is a very accurate meter, easy to use. The only two features (or lack of) that I don't like is that it doesn't take the 1 degree adapter and it doesn't have a connector for the flash feature.

gene

[mikebarger]

I bought an SBC at a garage sale years ago, great meter. Although it has been moved to back up for the Pentax V.

Mike

[MattKing]

The SBC is also known as the Profisix in Canada and many other parts of the world.

The instruction manuals for many of the Gossen meters can be found on the Gossen site:

http://www.gossen-photo.de/english/foto_sammler.html

I've had my Profisix for almost 30 years, and it is a great meter.

I now have a Gossen Digiflash as well, for those times when I need something tiny.

Matt