Why use light meters?

Sekonic Flashmate  Exposure meter L-308X. A legacy of accuracy pocket-sized and exceptionally accurate, the Sekonic Flashmate L-308X-U light meter from Sekonic is a compact tool for metering both ambient and flash lighting as well as working in video with dedicated Cine and HD Cine modes. Equipped with a sliding lumisphere, the L-308X-U is able to measure ambient light as well as reflected light via a lens with a 40° reception angle. This meter also has a wide metering range; from 0 to 19.9 EV at ISO 100, and can work with flash within a range of f/1.0 to f/90.9 at ISO 100. Repeat accuracy is also important when metering, which the L-308X-U delivers with a rating of <0.1 EV on repeat exposures. Maximum versatility last year, Sekonic introduced their groundbreaking flag ship light meter, the Speedmaster L-858D-U. By merging functionality for both photography and cinematography into one light meter, Sekonic created a powerful and invaluable tool for image makers of every kind. Now Sekonic is bringing that philosophy to the immensely popular L-308 series with the new Flashmate L-308X-U.

Three Meters in One

Keeping pace with the demands of modern image creators that move from assignment to assignment, the L-308X-U keeps pace with the demands of modern image creators by featuring three metering modes:

Photo Mode

The L-308X-U offers full exposure control for photographers on-location or in the studio. Measurement data for flash and ambient light readings are clearly displayed on screen, as well as ambient EV measurement. In addition to Shutter Priority Mode, the new Aperture Priority Mode offers photographers care free measurements where depth-of-field is critical.

HD Cine Mode

Gives cinematographers a compact solution for scouting locations or as a quick go-to solution while they are on set. The 308X-U lets users select from a range of frame rates and shutter angles, while measuring accurately, to within one-tenth of a stop. Also, the addition of ISO 850 greatly assists cinematographers by giving them the option of taking measurements in the native ISOs of many of today's professional cinema cameras.

Cine Mode

Designed with the professional in mind, the FLASHMATE L-308X can take on the challenges of digital cinematography. Select from the right combination of frame rates and shutter angles to achieve the exposure control necessary with one-tenth stop accuracy. Truly universal, the FLASHMATE L-308X offers Lux (lx) and foot-candle (fc) readout enabling a quick set up of lighting in a compact, affordable and easy-to use design.

Three Ways to Measure Light

Slide the built-in lumisphere to the right and insert the lumidisc (optional) into the provided slot over the light receiver. The L-308X is now ready to measure flat subjects or lighting contrast with precision.

Lumishpere -The Lumisphere provides incident light readings for nearly foolproof exposure readings and enables lighting that scene before talent arrives.

Lens - The Lumidisc is perfect for lighting green screens, adjusting ratios and taking lux and foot-candle measurements.

Lumidisc -  (optional) - Reflected light readings enable measuring the brightness of subject tones, gray cards, light sources or window light.

Updated Available ISO

Now includes ISO 850 the native ISO of some of today’s most popular video cameras.

lluminated display

Backlight LCD turns on automatically under EV5.

Calibration compensation

Adjust the L-308X-U to your Film or Digital camera’s exposure or matching the L-308X to other hand-held meters. (+/-1.0EV in 0.1 step)

Custom setting

Three custom settings are available to select display mode, increment of measurement and unit of illuminance (lx or fc) to fit to your camera and metering requirements.

Illuminance Measurement

Lux(lx) and foot-candle(fc) display is especially used for cinematogaraphy, theatrical and other applications that require precise control of light source brightness. Either no display, lux or foot-candle is selectable in custom setting.

What's included:

• Sekonic L-308X Exposure Meter
• Case
• Strap
• Sync contact protection

Sekonic makes tools such as light meters, color meters and illuminometers to help photographers and cinematographers measure and control light for the perfect exposure.

Sekonic... Because it's all about controlling the light.

SEKONIC Litemaster Pro L-478D Exposure Meter. Litemaster Pro Light meteter is equipped with a large and intuitive 2.7" color touchscreen LCD which makes incident metering for ambient and flash light super simple. The major ability of this system enables complete control of the flash's power in 0.1-step increments. The large color touchscreen allows for fast control over settings for both ambient and flash metering. The meter is very capable and able to function within a range of -2 to 22.9 EV at ISO 100. Additionally, for the current crop of hybrid shooters this model expands on its standard stills functions with two distinct video modes: Cine and HD Cine.

Performance guaranteed

Guaranteeing the best possible performance is a suite of functions and features that will ensure users have the best tools available to them. Among these is a flash analyzing function that uses ambient and flash simultaneously to allow for shooters to dial in their preferred mix. Also, using the included Data Transfer Software users will be able to do Exposure Profiling for their camera by using the optional 5° viewfinder, showing dynamic range limits and knowing that you will have an accurate exposure. Alongside this is a Filtration Compensation Mode that allows for the meter to account for filter factor, which can now be done at up to 12 EV for landscape shooters using high-density ND filters. Other features include a contrast function for comparing brightness, a memory mode for 8 readings, and illuminance or luminance measurement.

Features

• Lumisphere receptor head rotates 90° right and 180° left and retracts for conversion to a flat diffuser
• Optional 5° viewfinder for spot metering
• Ambient light measuring modes include aperture priority, shutter speed priority, TF priority, CINE, HD Cine, illuminance, and luminance
• Flash can be measured with PC sync terminal connection or cordlessly
• Measuring range at ISO 100 of -2 to 22.9 EV with incident light or 3 to 19.9 EV with reflected light
• ISO range of 3 to 409,600 in 1/3 steps, including 850 for Canon cinema cameras
• Other functions: exposure profile, mid tone function, exposure compensation, filter compensation, multiple cumulative function, memory/clear/recall function, average function, contrast function, auto power off, touch panel lock
• 2x AAA batteries
• Firmware upgradeable via mini-USB port

Specifications

• Meter Type: Ambient / Flash / Cine
• Spot Metering: 5° Spot with optional attachment
• Flash Metering: Cordless

Metering

• Light Reading Method: Incident / Reflected
• Light Readings:
  Candelas per Meter Squared (cd/m²)
  Foot Lamberts (fl)
  Footcandle
  Lux
• Measuring Modes:
  Aperture Priority
  EV Metering
  FPS Metering
  ISO Priority
  Shutter Priority
• Aperture Range:
  Flash, Incident: f/1 to 128.9 at ISO 100
  Flash, Reflected: f/2.8 to 128.9 at ISO 100
  f/0.5 to 161.2 (1, 1/2, 1/3-Step Increments) at ISO 100
• EV Range:
  Ambient, Incident: -2 to 22.9 EV at ISO 100
  Ambient, Reflected: 3 to 19.9 EV at ISO 100
• ISO Range: 3 to 409,600 (1/3-Step Increments), Plus 850 Shutter
• Speed Range: 1/64,000 to 30 Minutes (1, 1/2, 1/3-Step Increments), Plus 1/400, 1/200
• Max Flash Sync Speed: 1/1000 Cine Speed / Shutter Angle 1 to 1000 fps at 1 to 358°
• Illuminance Range: 0.63 to 2,000,000 Lux / 0.1 to 180,000 fc
• Luminance Range: 0.3 to 290,000 fL / 1 to 980,000 cd/m²
• Exposure Memory: Yes, 9 Readings

Physical

• Receptor Element: Silicon Photodiode
• Diffuser: Adjustable Spherical to Flat
• Display: 2.7" / 6.9 cm Color Touchscreen LCD
• Interface: PC Sync Terminal / Mini-USB Port
• Environmental Operating Temperature: -10 to 50°C
• Storage Temperature: -20 to 60°C
• Battery: 2x AAA (Alkaline, Lithium, Manganese, NiMH)
• Dimensions: 57 x 140 x 26 mm
• Weight: 130 g (without Batteries)

Sekonic makes tools such as light meters, color meters and illuminometers to help photographers and cinematographers measure and control light for the perfect exposure.

Sekonic... Because it's all about controlling the light.

Sekonic Exposure meter Litemaster Pro L-478DR Elinchrom are the world's first touch-screen-operated light meters. They have an array of unique, must-have features for both still and motion story tellers. Their compact size is both instantly familiar and comfortable to use. A large LCD (2.7") displays ambient, flash, cine and a host of other information in a clear and understandable way. Settings are made by simply touching or sliding a finger over the screen.

• Measurement of Flash and Ambient Light
• Color touchscreen
• Control & Trigger Elinchrom Wireless
• Rotatable Sensor
• Perfect for Stills and Cine

Mastery of Light

The L-478-series takes the mystery out of mixing ambient light and flash. Touch to select the measurement mode that fits your shooting style. Measure the brightness of a single light or the exposure for all. Read flash with a cord or cordlessly. Touch to compare, analyze and display for the very best results.

Touchscreen Light Meter

Call it a dashboard for light. From the first touch of your fingertip, you know something different and exciting is about to happen. The Litemaster Pro L-478 series powers-up with the world's first* colorful, touchscreen display that invites you to explore the significant capabilities and encourage exploring the possibilities of light. Exposure information large and easy to read. Want to change something? Simply touch or move your finger. Already own a touchscreen device? We're sure you'll feel like you've been using it for years.

Flash Power Control with Elinchrom Skyport products

The L-478DR-EL’s power screen enables separate selection of any of the four lighting Groups, 1,2,3,4, for flash brightness adjustment in 0.1 increments by simply tapping buttons on the meter’s touch screen. The F-number value for the light being measured appears in a central area on the screen as well as over respective group selection button. The measured value for each group is maintained as a visual record of the brightness difference of the lights in use so that lighting ratios can be easily determined. Once flash adjustment is made for each group, ALL flashes can be triggered for a total reading for exposure. The L-478DR-EL can also be used to measure and adjust modeling light brightness of Elinchrom flashes for cine/video lighting applications. The L-478DR-EL triggering and power control is compatible with all Elinchrom flashes that use the EL- Skyport triggering system.

Joe Brady - Using the Sekonic 478DR for Elinchrom

Calibrated to your camera

Have you ever looked the highlights and shadow details in a scene with your naked eye and then were disappointed that something was missing when you processed your RAW or JPG files? We have the solution.
The range your camera can capture from dark to light is called dynamic range. Some cameras only capture five stops of information from dark to light, some up to nine or ten. Do you know what yours can capture? Did you also know different lenses may affect your dynamic range? Taking control is done via a process called exposure profiling. We've made it easy in the L-478 Series! Photograph a target, load it into our software and then upload it to your meter via USB. Now you can know if you have all the detail you desire before you press the shutter button. Why is that important? First and foremost, this saves you time by doing less post-processing. Shooting is more fun than editing files, right? It could also prevent costly reshoots when essential areas are under- or overexposed. Secondly, you look like a rock star in front of your clients and models because you are affirmatively exposing with knowledge, plus setups take less trial-and-error. Lastly, the less time you spend chimping your LCD on the camera, the more opportunities you have to capture those elusive perfect moments. Designed for today’s DSLR cameras, we've expanded our exposure profiling capabilities with a +/– 10-stop range, assuring it will work well with the camera you own today and also be ready for future cameras with even wider dynamic range. Other great features you will enjoy include comparing lights to set ratios, and average measurements for the best exposure. Further expanding your capability to profile cameras, you can create and store up to ten profiles made with Sekonic® or X-Rite® brand targets or even use the touch display to enter profile information obtained from other sources. Take control with Sekonic's Data Transfer Software system — built-in to the L-478 Series.

Cine

Did you know that the L-478DR and L-478D are also full-fledged filmmaking meters? Yes, they are! Learn more about cine functions here. If you are both a photographer and a filmmaker, then this is your dream meter. Or, if you plan on growing into making films, then the meter will grow with you! Please consider the L-478DR if you do use wireless triggering. The wireless technology is built in, and not a post-purchase user-installable option. If you don't use wireless triggering and do not plan to, then the L-478D is the ideal meter for you - perfect for both photography and filmmaking!

Specification

Sekonic makes tools such as light meters, color meters and illuminometers to help photographers and cinematographers measure and control light for the perfect exposure.

Sekonic... Because it's all about controlling the light.

Sekonic L-858D Speedmaster Flashmeter & Exposure meter. Sekonic L-858D Speedmaster Light Meter. With it's 2.7" color touch screen and truly innovative and sophisticated features, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D leads the way to the next generation of light measurement control as the world's first multi-function light meter for photographers and filmmakers. Leveraging over 60 years of experience in the image-making world with cutting-edge technology, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D has undergone a significant design change and boasts a comprehensive feature set sure to meet and exceed the demands of today's photographers and filmmakers. The first meter of its kind capable of measuring flash, while also being able to achieve an accurate ambient exposure reading in dimly lit scenes as low as 0.1 lx, the Sekonic L-858d provides image-makers of all levels with the critical exposure data they need to create stunning and beautiful imagery. The first to provide wireless compatibility with Elinchrom, Phottix, and PocketWizard products, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D also provides ultimate control to photographers seeking a faster and more streamlined workflow. Limitless creative possibilities are within reach through the meter’s ability to measure High Speed Sync (HSS) and calculate proper ambient-flash exposure for precision flash exposure control. With an increased light-sensitivity and extended ISO and Shutter Speed Ranges, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D enables all image-makers to obtain measurements in extremely low light and turn those readings into creative decisions. Finally, matching the high-ISO capabilities of today’s cameras, by accurately metering in low-light, is finally possible.

• Dual Metering System
• High-Speed Sync Support
• Wireless Flash Power Control
• Ultra-Fast Flash Duration Measurements

Features Sekonic L-858D Speedmaster Light Meter

Flash Duration Measurements

Understanding flash duration is the first step in freezing fast-moving subjects. Since all cameras are limited to relatively low sync speeds, stopping motion in a single image is often achieved by leveraging short flash durations with the camera’s max sync speed. A long-held secret of some of the world’s most talented photographers, the key to freezing action consistently is found in being able to measure flash duration. Photographers are now able to do this easily for the first time, demystifying one of photography’s most challenging techniques.

Radio Control Modules for Wireless Triggering

Having pioneered wireless exposure measurement, the L-858 Speedmaster Pro expands upon this ground-breaking innovation by adding functionality for Elinchrom Skyport and Phottix Strato II/ Ares II users allowing more photographers to experience the benefits of wireless freedom. With the Combined Elinchrom & Phottix Module, photographers have full Skyport triggering and power-control capabilities, while Phottix users have Strato II and Ares II triggering capabilities.

Video

Increased Light Sensitivity

Increased ISO capabilities in today’s cameras have created a need for light meters to increase their ability to measure light in the dimmest of settings. With an additional 3-stops of light sensitivity for incident light, 2-stops of light sensitivity for reflected light (spot), and an ability to capture a reading down to 0.1 lx of Illuminance, accurately metering scenes lit by candlelight or getting the right measurement for long-exposure night photography is now a possibility.

HSS Flash Measurements

The L-858D is the first meter of its kind that can measure the stroboscopic pulses fired from strobes when they are used for Hi-Speed Sync. Finally, photographers now have an accurate way of measuring their lights when they want to overpower the sun or achieve a very shallow depth of field through using HSS.

Flash Analyzing Function

The L-858D is especially useful for on-location shooting to lighten shadows or reduce background detail. That's because it measures ambient and flash simultaneously and automatically indicates the percentage of flash in the total exposure. You can easily adjust the ambient flash mix by turning the Jog Wheel. The digital display indicates the camera settings and an analog display shows the relationship between ambient and flash and the total exposure.

Determining the Dynamic Range of your camera

Shoot with the equipment you use most. Make tests under daylight and studio lighting. Exposure Profile Target requires an 11-shot bracket (0, +/- 5EV). Exposure Profile Target II shown at the right requires a 3-shot bracket (-3EV, 0,+3EV). Make a spot reading of 18% reflectance tone and incident reading in front of target and record data. Shoot the bracketed shots based on incident light measurement.

Entering Data

Download test images into computer. If shot in RAW, convert to TIFF for computation. Enter ISO, incident, and reflected light shooting data. Then select images and press OK to watch the Sekonic Data Transfer Software program graph the dynamic range of your DSLR camera. Save the data for transfer to the L-858D.

Full information Spot Viewfinder

The 1-degree spot meter has a broad reading range from EV 1 to EV 24.4 for ambient light and measures flash down to an amazing f/2.0. Its large, bright viewfinder with diopter correction and full-information data display give you everything you need to make the right exposure decisions without having to take your eye from the eyepiece.

Additional Features

• Expanded Shutter Speed Range for Ambient Light
  Measure ambient light for shutter speeds between 30 min. to 1/64,000s
• Expanded Shutter Speed Range for Strobe
  Measure strobes for shutter speeds between 30 min. to 1/16,000s
• Extended ISO Range
  Additional ISO range from ISO 3 to ISO 13,107,200, with ISO 850 for cinema cameras
• Full HD Cine and CINE modes
  Measure from 1 to 1000 fps or shutter angles of 1 to 358 degrees
• Filter Compensation Mode
  Photographers and filmmakers using high-density ND filters now have a filter factor of up to 12EV. Save up to 30 “favorites,” to instantly know what exposure compensation needs to be considered.
• 2.7” Color dot‐matrix touch screen
  Allows users to quickly and easily change settings and read important information
• Connectivity with MAC/PC DTS Software
  Upgrade firmware, apply custom settings, and utilize exposure profiling
• All-Weather Design
  Dust-proof and Splash proof (JIS Standard Water Resistance Class 4, Splash-Proof Type) for continued reliability and durability on-set, in any location.

Sekonic makes tools such as light meters, color meters and illuminometers to help photographers and cinematographers measure and control light for the perfect exposure.

Sekonic... Because it's all about controlling the light.