P3D Anti-meter sentiment in photo-3d?

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greg Wageman wants an explanation for the anti-meter sentiment
in photo-3d.  Simply stated:  There isn't any.  We all have
agreed that light meters are useful instruments of great 
value to our photography.  

But we do seem to have different opinions on two specific issues:

1. How useful is a lightmeter when photographic Christmas lights?

2. Is a lightmeter necessary to get started in stereo photography?

Issue # 1 is unimportant. If the lightmeter helps you get a good
exposure, then use it.  If you feel that relying in rules of
thumb is better, then use those too or instead.  It is your film 
and your pictures.  Period.  (Same logic applies to using a
light meter for any situation, not just Christmas lights.)

Issue # 2 is, I feel, very important.  Stereo photography is not
only for those who have money.  I have been telling people that
they can get a Stereo Realist and get started for $100.  Some people
(especially younger ones, students, etc.) find that even the $100-$150 
investment is a lot of money.  Now if you tell those people that they 
ABSOLUTELY NEED a light meter to get started then you add an extra 
amount to their budget.

Light meters are not cheap.  My Porter's catalog lists the Sekonic
L-158 (about the simplest and cheapest light meter you can get)
for $75.  I know you can buy it cheaper at B&H or get it used
for $25 or so, but while looking for one you could be shooting
your first rolls.  But even that Sekonic will not help you with
Christmas lights or low light situations.  And how about flash?
We are already up to $200 for a good meter...

Greg and others have said that a light meter is necessary for a
beginner because if they get bad results in the first rolls then
they might get disappointed and quit stereo photography.  My
personal experience tells me that this is not likely to happen.  
I went for a year without a light meter.  I have friends (two of 
them are officers of our stereo club) that have been taking stereo 
pictures for years and do not have light meters.  They rely on 
empirical rules and they are doing well.  Another new member of 
our club used a spot-meter in his first roll and got the entire 
roll 2-3 stops overexposed.

Light meters are useful to fine-tune your exposures but you can
start (and keep going) without them.  Stereo photography does
not have to be expensive to get good pictures.  But if you want 
a spot meter with your Custom Realist w/Seton polarizers, then it 
is going to be expensive and there is still not warranty that
you will get better pictures.

That has ALWAYS been my opinion :-) -- George Themelis


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