Vincent Song , Nov 27, 2003; 12:18 a.m.
I recently purchased a new N80 and pretty soon I discovered that my
old AIS lens can not fully work with N80. In N80's manual mode, the
camera body helps determine whether the image is in focus, but it
doesn't have the light-metering coupler ring to understand what
current exposure setting the AIS lens specifies. I wasn't aware of
the camera's lack of light metering capability on AIS lens before
changing from a manual camera to an auto camera.
So I think I will need to use some light meter from now on. But
after a little reasearch, I found there are several types of light
meters for various applications -- ambient, flash, spot, etc. Based
on my needs, I can use ambient and flash metering functions. But I
also have some telephoto lens (up to 300mm) which I am not sure if
ambient meter would get the job done. Sometimes, I would like to
shoot city sky line pictures with zommed ranges. Zoomed scope spot
meters are available, but they are out of my budget.
The models I have in mind currently, are Minolta VF and Sekonic L-
358. In fact, I am not sure if I truly need a light meter to get my
AIS lens work with N80. I need you experts' advice in order to make
a wise choice.
Thanks, Vincent.
KL IX , Nov 27, 2003; 12:43 a.m.
Ivar Wind Skovgaard , Nov 27, 2003; 01:15 a.m.
If you have several AIS lenses, I'd get another camera body. Without TTL metering you lose a lot of the things that make the F80 interesting, and it doesn't sound like you're about to change your old lenses anytime soon.
David H. Hartman , Nov 27, 2003; 03:45 a.m.
I use a Pentax Digital Spotmeter, Minolta Spotmeter F (less than others) and a pair of Minolta Flash Meter III(s) with any camera, Linhof, Hasselblad or Nikon. You dont need any special light meter just one that fills your needs. I started with the lowly Gossen Pilot. The venerable Gossen Luna-Pro S is a fine choice. Dont by an old one that requires mercury batteries. The new ones run on S-76 batteries.
The best models will cost more than your camera. The Luna-Pro S is $285.00. Check them all out. If the price is too high do as I did when starting, buy a used, but good quality economy model.
Many folks like the Sekonic line. My experience is with the meters noted above.
Built in meters have not replaced hand held meters rather both are used side by side by knowledgeable photographers.
Regards,
Dave.
KL IX , Nov 27, 2003; 02:20 p.m.
"The venerable Gossen Luna-Pro S is a fine choice. Don’t by an old one that requires mercury batteries. The new ones run on S-76 batteries. The best models will cost more than your camera. The Luna-Pro S is $285.00." -- David Hartman.
This is what I have. IMO, the best light meter for low light situations.
KL
Vincent Song , Nov 30, 2003; 02:03 p.m.
Thanks for all who answered to this question. Your information is very instructive. I think I have got good directions for what to do. I realy appreciate the advice from you all.
Regards,
