Re: PHOTO-3D digest 1483

[P3D Bob Howard <bobh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

RE:Used selenium & spot meters! Hugues and Mike K.

While it is not rudimentary, a meter like a Weston IV or III or II
(these later ones  have ASA film speeds) is perfectly adaquate for
Stereo. Actually they are better meters than CdS types, lacking only
sensitiivy (no problem outdoors) and compactness (CdS can be built into
cameras..but large cell of selenium can't..small cell used in camera
needed delicate micrometer). By better I mean they measure light color
correctly. The cell never wears out either, only the contacts to it get
dirty of the meter movement is broken due to dropping etc. Any working
meter should be $5-$25.
 A one-degree spot meter is a horse of a different color. New ones are
quite expensive, so even the used ones command a good price. $50 would
be a bargain for a no name one. Brand name ones $90 and up. The mostest
was the SEI a 1/10 deg. spot comparison meter made in England. Once had
one, but too complicated to read scales, but could measure moonlight.
Last price I saw used $300. Minolta 1 deg. motorized "moon meter" is
quite a conversation piece with its rotation dials and illuminated
scales. Called moon meter as it was designed and used first on moon
landings. The Pentax spot meter digital is probably the nicest today.
NO spot meter gives a correct reading unless pointed at an 18% grey
target or equivalent reflection. (e.g. in one reading). They are
designed to read several parts of the scene and you calculate an average
of the differt exposures noted. (On read a shadow and give two stops
more exposure etc.) BobH


------------------------------