Rating of the best exposure meters and flashmeters in 2022

Among the necessary photographic equipment, a special place is occupied by exposure meters and flashmeters. Those who are more than a little familiar with the art of photography may have heard of these devices. The article will focus on their purpose and functionality. Which company is better to buy? And how much do the best exposure meters and flashmeters cost in 2022.

exposure meters

To understand the essence of this product, it is worth giving basic concepts that will help guide novice photographers or amateurs who want to shoot high-quality and beautiful photos.

A device that measures photographic exposure and determines the correct aperture value and exposure time is called a exposure meter.

The conventional value "EV" is the reference point for exposure control.That is, if photography takes place in the +1 EV mode, then there is +1 exposure level.

The exposure level indicator shows how much light is allowed into the sensor to produce a correct photograph.

Dynamic range - the ability to convey discernible details in a single frame in bright and dark places.

Sekonic exposure meters

This company is the only one in the market of the photo and video industry that sells modern-type light meters. Sekonic presents a couple of devices that are diverse in their functionality and cost. We will detail each model and find out their features and purpose.

L-208 TwinMate

Product description. Portable analog device, black, small size. It can measure exposure by incident light - a matte hemisphere and reflected - a flat diffuser (33 degrees). The existing light receiver is powered by silicon photodiodes.

Exposure meter "L-208 TwinMate"

Designed for beginner photographers or professionals as a fallback.

Equipment: device, soft case, battery, strap, hot shoe adapter, one year warranty.

• Compact;
• Inexpensive;
• Comfortable;
• Easy installation on camera or bracket;
• Accurate;
• Fixes the position after measurement;
• There is a connecting element for the "hot shoe" in the case of rangefinder cameras.

• "The view is undignified, it resembles a toy."

L-398A Studio Deluxe III

The peculiarity of this amorphous model lies in several points: no battery is needed, it saves the previous measurement, it uses the attributes of devices of a compatible type. Performs measurements of direct and reflected light sources.

Exposure meter "L-398A Studio Deluxe III"

This model has become popular among world photographers and cinematographers.

The analog scale and arrow read measurements of the full range of exposure values ​​for photographic (film) photography.

The light fall of volumetric objects is carried out thanks to the "Lumisphere" (measurement angle 180 degrees). In addition, it is needed: to measure the contrast and illumination of objects (flat). The Lumidisc model is a matte flat diffuser used outdoors or in a studio.

The swivel head will allow you to measure the illumination on the set in continuous mode.

Complete set: mesh and flat diffuser, storage case, lanyard, "High Slide" mask.

Package "L-398A Studio Deluxe III"

• Power model;
• All features count;
• Small sizes;
• Lightweight;
• Wide application;
• Efficiency;
• Design;
• High measurement accuracy;
• Popularity.

• Price.

Exposure meters of the company "Leningrad"

These devices are remnants of the USSR. They have been discontinued, so you can't find them in regular stores. The latest model is released under the number "8". People of the old school still use these models, but their number is too small.

Exposure meter "Leningrad - 8"

You can buy a light meter only from private owners through ads on social networks or from other information sources.

As for the state of the devices, there are several options: not working, functioning, working with errors. Every year they are a rarity for collectors.

The owners of the models do not say anything about the technical side, but in the case of working options, they share practical tips for use.

The cost of devices starts from 300 rubles.

• Price;
• Some are in excellent condition.

• The quality of measurements;
• Lack of characteristics;
• Lifetime;
• Limited edition;
• Removal from production.

Flashmeters

This device is considered an improved version of the exposure meter, as it performs all the functions that its "brother" does, but with a small addition - it captures measurements of impulsive light. While the exposure meter is only for constant light is used.

Flashmeters, due to their peculiarity, are more common. The filming market of devices is replete with both products and the number of manufacturers. Consider the most popular models among the proposed list.

Flashmeter manufacturer "Kenko"

Kenko KFM-2200 Ex

Flashmeter «KFM-2200 Ex»

Model "KFM-2200 Ex" with an integrated spotmeter is a new version of the previous release (2100) of a Japanese company. The functionality of the device and its features:

• Measure any of the values: exposure, aperture and sensitivity (introduction of 2 indicators, calculates the remaining third);
• Lighting power in Lux has improved;
• The number of video sequences per time unit has increased;
• The presence of a backlight;
• Built-in spot brightness metering with 1 degree angle of view;
• Two modes for reflected light - wired and wireless;
• There is a function of exposure meter navigation;
• Presence of a viewfinder for point work.

The flashmeter goes on sale packed in a cardboard box with a detailed manual and a warranty card.

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• Several display backlight modes;
• LCD screen;
• Reliable;
• Automatic shutdown;
• Replacing the light receiver;
• The presence of a flat nozzle for the ratio of lighting measurements;
• 5 levels of correspondence between pulsed and constant electric lighting;
• Spotmeter at 1 degree;
• All the features of the product are a huge plus.

• Expensive.

Flash meters «Sekonic»

This manufacturer holds the bar of leadership in the production of flash meters. Therefore, it is worth stopping at several options, among them there are new items.

Sekonic L-478D

It is the first touch-screen model with a color display that transmits film parameters, lighting indicators and other numerical characteristics.

Flashmeter «L-478D»

Calibration for equipment is carried out by the program "Data Transfer", targets (exposure) "Sekonic" or "X-Rite Brand". There is manual data entry.

The L-478D is considered one of the professional measuring instruments as it has functions for (cinema) video recording.

The set for sale includes: the device itself, a case and a cord, two AAA batteries, instructions and manufacturer's warranty, CD.

Measures incident and reflected light. To change the contrast, remove the head of the device.

• Touch color display;
• Adapts to any camera;
• Technical side;
• Appearance;
• Equipment;
• Functionality;
• Easy to set up;
• Remote launch control;
• Powerful external flashes;
• Suitable for any shoot.

• "Bad spotmeter";
• Interface language (English);
• Expensive.

Sekonic L-758DR Flash Master

The programmable flashmeter for photography has a rugged (water-) dust-resistant housing, a large LCD screen with blue backlight, light sensors (2 pcs.) and a connector for a synchronous cable.

Flashmeter «L-758DR Flash Master»

Purpose: for spot metering of brightness, wireless flash control, creating profiles, determining photographic exposure.

Recommendations for types of shooting: studio, reportage and landscape.

Flashmeter complete set: storage case (soft), warranty card for 1 year, cord, battery, disk, belt, stickers, cover for the synchronization connector.

Package "L-758DR Flash Master"

• Adjustment to any camera;
• light sensor;
• Rugged body protection;
• LCD screen;
• List of filming;
• Good indicators;
• Broadcast;
• Functional;
• Guarantee;
• Shooting quality.

• The cost of the device;
• Battery operation.

Selection rules

How to choose the right exposure meter (flashmeter)? What to look for when buying? Which firm is better? The answers to these questions will help guide the client and purchase a quality device.

Main selection criteria:

• Purpose;

The first step is to decide for what purposes the device will be used.

• Detailed study of the technical description of the goods;

The functionality of the goods is different, so the study should be treated more scrupulously.

• Price segment of the device;

In case of a shortage of funds for an expensive model, you should not be upset, since now various methods of acquisition are provided and promotions are held regularly.

• Manufacturer's choice;

Unfortunately, the choice of manufacturers is not as huge as we would like, but such an opportunity is provided.

• Purchase method.

The easiest way is to make a purchase online. It is very difficult to meet such devices in ordinary stores, especially exposure meters.

Conclusion

The popularity of the presented models, as can be seen from the description of the devices, depends on the novelty and introduction of improved technologies in the creation of exposure meters and flash meters.

A narrow circle of users knows about these devices, so there is no demand, as such, for them. This fact is confirmed by the absence of any reviews under the exhibits put up for sale, the number of manufacturers and their line of choice.

There are sporadic discussion forums for these devices with up to a maximum of 5 users. Therefore: “Which manufacturers are the best in the production of flashmeters (exposure meters)?” - the question is not entirely correct.

The position of the leader was assigned to the Sekonic company, although there are other manufacturers in this market, but with a model of 1-2 types produced or discontinued (Leningrad, Sverdlovsk, Kenko).

The rating of quality devices is headed by the models: "KFM-2200 Ex", "L-478D" and "L-758DR Flash Master". According to its indications and modernity, a flash meter with a touch display - the L-758DR Flash Master brand - is put in the first place.

If you choose a device for the studio, then it is better to stop at flashmeters. For novice photographers, it makes no sense to pay a lot of money; exposure meters are suitable for work in the early stages. They are inexpensive and give accurate readings."L-208 TwinMate" is a budget option, and its receiver, in fact, costs 2 times more.

An example of using a flashmeter

How much does it cost to buy a flashmeter? Prices for goods fluctuate in the middle segment from 30,000 rubles.

Where is the best place to buy the device? The answer to this question is not fundamental, since the manufacturer's warranty is given for any method of purchase. The most common is the purchase through the online store.