second hand spot meters

[James Hudson]

I want a spot meter but cannot afford a spot meter because I don't really need a spot meter because I am not a proffesional.

 

I'm going to start some super 8 filming soon in order to learn the techniques of lighting and exposure and stuff and the internal, averaging lightmeter won't be of much help, because I want to learn the zone system.

 

Spotmeters a bloody expensive but some pop-up on ebay priced within my meager financial reach- but are they worth it? Do they deteriorate? (my instinct says yes). If yes, are they unusable for my amature trainning needs?

[Michael Nash]

Forget the bit about "amateur" vs. "professional." If you want to use the zone system, you need a spot meter.

 

Meters don't "deteriorate," they just get broken. Doesn't make any difference if it's a reflectance or incidence meter. Try looking for an old Minolta or Pentax spot meter and make sure it's working properly. It's a bit like buying a used car -- you have to trust the seller and have it checked out by your own "mechanic."

[James Hudson]

Things are looking up! I've got my eye on an old pentax. Thanks for the info.