Re: Spot Meters

[dlevy@xxxxxxxxxx]

At 09:14  07/10/96 +0100, you wrote:
>Does anyone have any comments about their preference for 1 degree spot
>meters, comparing the Pentax digital spotmeter with the Minolta digital
>spotmeter.      This is not just an infrared question, but a general
>question about your likes/dislikes about each of the meters.
>
>Dr. Robert A. Cassanova
>Director, GTRI Aerospace & Transportation Lab
>Phone: (404)528-7826    FAX: (404)528-7019
>EMAIL:    bob.cassanova@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
>
If you can stand 1/2 degree, look for the SEI photometer. They are scarce,
but I find it superior to the spotmeters, especially for b&w work where I am
woring to place tones with the zone system. Also, it is great to use with
transparancies for placing the highlights. It works with a D cell battery
and is heavier. 

Recently, I had a friend who purchased a Zone VI modified Pentax spot meter.
WHen we both went to do nature shots thereafter we used our respective
meters. Because we were metering areas between layers of bark the 1/2 degree
difference made a big difference.

I was given mine several years ago by a friend who loves to give me puzzles.
It took almost a year to rebuilt if because it was irratic. It does not
meter for zone v, but you actually meter to place black tone with detail or
highlight. Once I retrained myself to think this way, it improved my
exposure evaluation technique.  The meter was discussed by Ansel Adams in
his trilogy (if I remember, the 1st volume) and was used by both he and
Adams. Fred Picker of Zone VI several years ago wrote a paper on its use,
but I could never figure it out.

SEI was the manufacturer from Britian and I understand Ilford sold it under
its name for several years.

A couple of years ago I saw one for sale in The Shutterbug, but it was sold
before the publication had ever hit the stands. It sold for about $200.00.
It was sold to a gentleman who had another and would not consider selling
either. I have located another one which is not for sale either. Those that
have them use them for dark room work also.
Brian Levy, J.D.
Toronto, Ont.
dlevy@xxxxxxxxxx


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Topic No. 22