Sekonic L-398A Light Meter

by Sekonic
DISCONTINUED
Sekonic L-398A Light Meter
Inexpensive light meters need not be "cheap" light meters. When it comes to accuracy and durability, the Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III has been a mainstay of working photographers and cinematographers for four decades running. Small, compact, and easy to use, the Sekonic L-398A incorporates a battery-less amorphous photocell, which enables you to take accurate ambient light readings anywhere, anytime.

The Sekonic L-398A's swivel head allows you to hold down the metering button and "walk the set" to check light levels. Release the button, and the needle locks down the meter's analog display needle for easy-to-read exposure calculations. Exposures are displayed for both still and cine applications.

Incident measurements can be taken with the over 180-degree Lumisphere for general readings of three-dimensional objects, or with the Lumidisc selective area readings, measuring the lighting ratios between highlights and shadow areas or light falling on flat-field objects such as artwork, measurements outdoors or under bright studio lights.

For reflected readings, a flat Lumigrid replaces the Lumisphere. If you plan on shooting with a fixed ISO and shutter speed, an optional Slide Set (Direct Reading Slides) that make it easier to take readings in fast-paced shooting scenarios. The Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III makes an ideal prime or back-up meter for still or motion picture shooters.

Features

# Accurate ambient light readings in an inexpensive, compact, rugged package
# Incident or Reflected measurement capabilities
# Swivel head with lock needle indicator for easy "set walking"
# Single or continuous reading ability.
# Amorphous photocell requires no batteries or external power source.

# Ideal prime or back-up meter for still photography and cinematography use
# Direct readings with optional Direct Reading Slides
# ISO range 6 to 12,000 in 1/3 step increments
# 60-seconds to 1/8000th, f/0.7 to f/128, 8-fps to 128-fps
# EV 4 to EV 17 in incident mode, EV 9 to EV 17 in reflected mode (ISO 100)
# Memory pointer for referencing a previous exposure reading
# Includes case, neck strap, Lumidisc, Lumisphere, Lumigrid, and High Slide

Specifications

Type: Analog exposure meter for ambient light
Light receiving method: Incident light and reflected light
Incident light: Interchangeable Lumisphere and Lumidisc
Reflected light: Interchangeable Lumigrid
Light receptor element: Amorphous silicon photocell

Measuring Range (ISO 100)
Ambient light: Incident light: EV 4 to EV 17
Reflected light: EV 9 to EV 17
Repeat Accuracy: +/- 0.3 EV or less
Calibration Constant: Incident light metering: Lumisphere C = 340
Reflected light metering: K = 12.5

Display Range
Film speed: ISO 6 to 12000 (in 1/3 steps)
Shutter Speeds: Ambient light: 60 seconds to 1/8000 second (in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 stop)
Cine speeds: 8, 16, 18, 24, 64, 128 frames per second
Aperture: f/0.7 to f/128 (in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 stop)
Light Receptors EV 1 to EV 20

Other features
Self-powered: Selenium photocell eliminates need for batteries
Dimensions: 4.4"W x 2.3"H x 1.3"D (112mmW x 58mmH x 34mmD)
Weight: 6.8oz (190gm)

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