Spot Meter

[Phil K]

Hay guys..

I'm looking to purchase my first spot meter.. I wanna try keep it under
the 200.00 mark. I'm trying to decide between a pentax V and a Minolta
auto spot II..

I dont know much about either of them.

does anybody know the pro's and cons of
both spot meters?

[Fragomeni]

Pentax V is pretty very much a standard to go by. Just make sure you buy the grey one, the brown/tan one has an older style selenium meter (I believe its selenium) I believe and its not as accurate due to requiring adjustment time when changing lighting conditions. Its like how your eyes need time to adjust to bright light after leaving a dark room. If you pull a selenium meter out of a bag in bright daylight and try to use it right away the reading will likely be off slightly. The grey Pentax V uses the updated metering technology and works perfectly. Its a beautiful device. I've had one by my side for years and when it goes I won't hesitate to buy another even if the price goes up significantly.

[Poisson Du Jour]

Either and any will be fine as a beginner.
Nothing will teach you more about a spot meter, or your own strengths and failings with one, than getting your hands on one and actively using it in situations to build up a skill foundation. Spot meters have few cons as opposed to many pros: they are very, very accurate when used competently and the results are understood and you know when to apply judgement. True, they take a bit more time to scoot around the scene evaluating luminance, highlights, shadow and mid-tones — the locations of which have to be ascertained by you. It is very stimulating and perhaps even addictive. Practice makes perfect, but maybe don't expect fantastic results on your first outing with one, but over time the results will speak for themselves based on active experience.