Which new (spot-) exposure meter?

[Martin Aislabie]

I too am pondering this question

The two meters I have narrowed it down to are the Kenko 2100 and the Sekonic 758.

Both seem to be superb meters.

I ignored the Gossen because of the price premium.

Having read the specifications and the user manuals of the Kenko and Sekonic, the only real difference I can find between the two meters is the Kenko results seem to based around a nominated shutter speed and the display will give you the appropriate aperture (shutter priority mode?)

However, as Large Format user, I know what aperture I want to use (usually f/22 or there abouts) and adjust the shutter speed, so the Kenko output would require adjustment to show the displayed values I would choose.

However, with the Sekonic, you can choose between aperture or speed priority.

This might be important to you

Just my $0.02

Good luck

Martin

[Poisson Du Jour]

I too am pondering this question

The two meters I have narrowed it down to are the Kenko 2100 and the Sekonic 758.

Both seem to be superb meters.

[...]
However, with the Sekonic, you can choose between aperture or speed priority.[...]

and/or/with EV, additional to Tv or Av, in clear, easily read numerals.
The auto-backlight on the Sekonic's display is also very handy (on at <EV6), particularly in a contrasty rainforest environment.

[largeformat pat]

Sekonic L358, Does all that you require.

[Sim2]

and/or/with EV, additional to Tv or Av, in clear, easily read numerals.
The auto-backlight on the Sekonic's display is also very handy (on at <EV6), particularly in a contrasty rainforest environment.

The Kenko can do readouts in EV if one wants - I have one and use it in spot mode all the time. It is a rebadged Minolta meter, which in someways makes it old technology as it is from the '90's but was designed when film ruled the roost & is none the worse for that. The newer Sekonic ones seem to be biased for "dig" or is that just marketing hype !!!! Was tempted with a Sekonic but couldn't justify the extra £150 for a similar model.
That said, I will admit that I would like a backlight display on the Kenko - I have a mini-maglite to illuminate the screen, but if I need to use this I also need it to see inside the camera bag so would have it with me anyway.
Agree that the best thing is to try them out in a shop first, I did and based my decision on that comparison.
Sim2.

[Poisson Du Jour]

"biased for dig"!?
That's just one very small application (and a mightily tedious one at that!). Besides, digital is dead, remember. Think positive.

[benjiboy]

If you decide on the Kenko 2100 Martin Robert White is the cheapest place in the UK to buy it they are a huge £68 cheaper than my local pro dealer.

[benjiboy]

Sekonic L358, Does all that you require.

He wants one with a spot meter.

[TSSPro]

I've been pining over the mac-daddy Sekonic 758 for a while. I just havent run into a situation where I absolutely, undeniably NEED that meter. It sure would make my life easier, and I think I will give in one day, but I just grab a spare 35mm with a spot meter function and base exposures from there. For flash and incident I have perpetually borrowed a minolta III from a friend.

[Perpetually Borrowed is not = to stealing, its the same guy I shoot weddings with and he has more meters than he knows what to do with, and condoned me using it]

But from all reports and my drooling over the fancy Sekonic, I'de go with the 758. It fits the billl.

All the best.

[Thingy]

I use the aforementioned Sekonic and it offers almost everything I could ever want (a built in colour meter would be nice ) including the option of EV readings, which I am in the process of trying out.

Data on Sekonic L758D below
http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/product...1139&PT_ID=179

Data on Kenko KFM-2100 below
http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/product...1886&PT_ID=439

[hadeer]

Posted wirelessly.. (Palm TX)

The Kenko KFM 2100 does 1° spotmetering, ambient and flash.
It has all the bells and whistles one can think of, but in turn
you have to read the manual and use it a lot to get used to it.
Once you know the buttons it´s a nice meter. Not really suited for
the zone system.

Gossen Starlite does 1°and 5° spotmetering, ambient and flash.
Simpler to operate than the Kenko, but I found the lens prone
to flare, measure the heap of coal in a snowfield and you will
get stunning results (i.e. something like 2 stops between coal and snow),
don´t know if the new Starlite 2 still has this problem. There´s a zone
system mode. Expensive !

Considering the costs, if this is possible for you, it would really
be a good idea to have a look at them to find out which one your
comfortable with.

The zone system feature would be of interest to me, thanks for the hint. I will certainly consider the Gossen.