Hi what would be a good spotmeter to use along with the M6. I want to use it for metering difficult situations and as a backup. Thanx

-- Rene Fix (renefix@gmx.net), June 20, 2001

Answers

The cheapest spotmeter with the M6 is a 135mm lens. After that, I can recommend only the Sekonic L-408 zoom-master. It is the only spotmeter (albeit a 5-deg not a 1-deg)that doesn't dwarf the M6 by size comparison. It also measures incident light, and also is a flashmeter. Also it is weather-sealed. Not cheap, though you can sometimes find a good used one for just under $300.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), June 20, 2001.

If you are going to really learn to use a spot meter, you will want a 1 degree version, not a 5 degree attachment, and the best one by far is the Pentax digital. It is also fairly compact relative to the others. However, it will set you back $300 to $350 for a used one. (The Zone VI modified version is even better, but will cost you an extra $150 or so.) The next in line is the older non-digital Pentax, which you should be able to pick up for around $225. My experience with the combo do-everything meters is that while they are fine for incident and flash readings but they do not provide very accurate 1 degree spot readings. Apparantly has to do with the way they utilize the metering cell for spot readings.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), June 20, 2001.

I agree with Jack. If you've gone to the trouble to buy all of these German optics and indestructible cameras - buy the best spot meter you can find. I felt a distinct pinch in my wallet when I bought the Zone VI Calibrated Pentax meter; now I don't leave home without it if the day's photos are likely to be important. Learn to use this meter and you will never regret it - spot on all the time.

best regards

bert

-- bert mcclure (fuzbat@tiscalinet.fr), July 01, 2001.