Rating of the best exposure meters and flash meters in 2020

Among the necessary photographic equipment, a special place is occupied by exposure meters and flash meters. Those who are familiar with the art of photography more than noddingly may have heard of these devices. The article will focus on their purpose and functionality. Which company is better to buy? And how much are the best exposure meters and flash meters in 2020.

Exposure meters

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

A device that measures photographic exposure and determines the correct aperture number and shutter speed is called a light meter.

The conventional value "EV" is the reference point for exposure control. That is, if the photo is taken in the +1 EV mode, then there is a +1 exposure stop.

The exposure level indicator shows the rate at which light is supplied to the sensor to obtain the correct photo.

Dynamic range is the ability to convey distinguishable details in a single frame in light and dark places.

Exponometers of the company "Sekonic"

This company is the only one on the market of the photo and video industry selling modern type exposure meters. "Sekonic" presents a couple of devices, diverse in their functionality and cost. We will detail each model and find out their features and purpose.

"L-208 TwinMate"

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

Designed for beginner photographers or professionals as a fallback.

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

Specifications
Product code:	17578
Instrument dimensions (in mm):	width - 45, length - 65, thickness - 24
Item weight	40 g
Measurement range (in EV):	light - 3-17;
	exposure numbers - 3-17 in 1/2 stop increments;
	film sensitivity - ISO 12 -12500 with 1/2 step;
	exposure - one step from 30-1 / 8000 seconds;
	aperture - f / 1.4-f / 32;
	repeated error - ± 1/10 or less.
Battery:	removable, quantity - 1 pc., type - lithium, type - CR2032, voltage - 3 V, diameter - 20 mm, height - 3.2 mm
Measurement fixing time	15 seconds
Diffuser:	hemispherical "Lumisphere"
Addition:	battery status monitor; sensitivity indication
average price	6200 rubles

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

• "The view is undignified, reminiscent of a toy."

"L-398A Studio Deluxe III"

The peculiarity of this amorphous model lies in several points: a battery is not needed, it retains the previous measurement, and uses the attributes of devices of a compatible type.Measures light from a direct and reflected source.

This model has become popular among world photographers and cinematographers.

An analogue scale and an arrow reads out measurements of the full range of exposure values ​​for photographic photography (filming).

Light incidence 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 flat matt diffuser for outdoor or studio use.

The swivel head will allow you to measure the illumination across the shooting area in a continuous mode.

Complete set: mesh and flat diffuser, storage case, cord, “High Slide” mask.

Technical indicators
Vendor code:	NVF-7019.
Parameters (in millimeters):	width - 58, height - 112, thickness - 34.
Weight	190 g
Scale:	aperture - f 0.7-128 with a stop of 1, 1/2, 1/3;
	exposure - 60-1 / 8000 sec .;
	movie shooting speed: 8, 18, 24, 64, 128 fps;
	in "candles" from 0 to 1250 FC.
Range (EV unit):	ISO100;
	incident light - 4-17 with calibration C = 340;
	reflected - 9-17 with calibration K = 1.25;
	film sensitivity –ISO 6-12000 s 1/3;
	error - (+/-) 0.3 or less.
Nutrition	photocell on selenium, displayed by the power button and arrow-pointer.
Price device	about 11,500 rubles

• Power supply of the model;
• All features count;
• Small in size;
• Lightweight;
• Wide application;
• Efficiency;
• Design;
• High measurement accuracy;
• Popularity.

• Cost.

Exponometers of the company "Leningrad"

These devices are remnants of the USSR. They have been removed from sale, so they cannot be found in ordinary stores. The latest model is issued under the number “8”. People of the old school still use these models, but their number is too small.

You can buy an exposure meter only from private owners through advertisements 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 the devices starts from 300 rubles.

• Price;
• Some are in excellent condition.

• Measurement quality;
• Lack of characteristics;
• Lifetime;
• Limited edition;
• Discontinuation from production.

Flash meters

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

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

Flash meter of the manufacturer "Kenko"

Kenko KFM-2200 Ex

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

• Measure any of the values: exposure, aperture and sensitivity (the introduction of 2 indicators, calculates the remaining third);
• The lighting power in the Suites has improved;
• The amount of footage per time unit has increased;
• Backlighting;
• Spot brightness metering built-in type with an angular view of 1 degree;
• Two modes for reflected light - wired and wireless;
• There is a function of exposure metering navigation;
• The presence of a viewfinder for spot work.

The flash meter comes on sale packed in a cardboard box with a detailed manual and a warranty card.

General characteristics
Dimensions (in mm):	height - 175; length - 66; thickness - 31
Net weight	185 g
Light exposure range in steps of 1, 1/2, 1/3 from 30 min:	for constant - up to 1/16000 sec .; pulse - up to 1/1000 sec
Simple measurement:	illumination intensity - 0.6- 2,600,000 lx, brightness - 0.28- 830,000 cd / m2
Film sensitivity in 1/3 steps:	11.01.1900
Memory	10 cells
EV-dependent values:	repeatability - +/- 0.1;
	spot metering F of constant light - 2-24.5, pulse - 2.8-128 + 0.9 step;
	incident light and aperture numbers (with 0.1 stop) F - 1-128 + 0.9;
	exposure numbers - from -17 to 40.8 in 0.1 increments.
Nutrition:	AA battery
Frame rate measurement	from 2 to 360 frames per second
Average device cost	40,000 rubles

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• Multiple 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 steps of correspondence of pulsed and constant electric lighting;
• Spotmeter 1 degree;
• All product features are a huge plus.

• Expensive.

Flash meters "Sekonic"

This manufacturer holds the leading bar 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 touchscreen model with a color display that transmits cinematic parameters, lighting indicators and other numerical characteristics.

Calibration for the equipment is carried out by the "Data Transfer" program, 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 (cine-) video shooting.

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

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

Specifications
Parameters (in cm, protrusions are not taken into account):	height - 14; width - 5.7; thickness - 2.6
Weight with food	140 g
Voltage of one battery	1.5V; temperature for work from 0-50 degrees
Hemispherical head rotations (in degrees):	to the right - 90, to the left - 180
Reflected light	optional nozzle 5 degrees
Light receiver	silicon photodiode (2 pcs.)
Display:	size - 2.7 inches, type - LCD
Housing	black plastic
Number of measurement intervals	4 things
Flash modes:	With and Without synchro cord
Pulsed light has the following measurement options:	wireless, sync cable, radio synchronization
Diagnostics of a permanent light source:	sensitivity, shutter speed, shutter angle, scene rate, brightness, illumination, aperture and EV
Light values ​​in EV for ISO 100:	continuously falling - 2-22.9; reflected - 3-19.9
Pulsed Light Measurements for ISO 100 to f / 128.9:	falling - from f / 1.0; reflected - from f / 2.8
Illumination:	0.63 - 2000000 lux (0.10-180000 fc)
Brightness indicators:	1 - 980,000 candelas per square meter (0.29 - 290,000 ft-lamberts)
Price	28,500 rubles

• Touchscreen color display;
• Adapts to any camera;
• The technical side;
• Appearance;
• Equipment;
• Functionality;
• Easy to customize;
• Remote control launch;
• Powerful external flashes;
• Suitable for any kind of shooting.

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

Sekonic L-758DR Flash Master

The programmable flash meter for photography has a robust (water-) dustproof housing, a large LCD screen with blue backlight, light detectors (2 pcs.) And a connector for a synchronous cable.

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

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

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

Specifications
Model dimensions (in cm.):	length - 17; width - 9.7; thickness - 4.8
Net weight	270 gram
Charge:	lithium battery, type - CR123A, 3 V
Diffuser:	hemispherical with a constant 340; flat with C = 250, calibration - K = 12.5.
Measurements (for ISO 100) of constant light (in EV):	-2-22.9 - falling; 1-24.4 - reflected
Frames for ISO 100 pulsed light:	f / 0.5- f / 161.2 - falling; f / 2.0- f / 161.2 - reflected
Film sensitivity:	ISO 3 to 8000 (1/3 step)
Waterproof type	4 JIS (splashing)
Flash:	from 0 to 100% with an increasing step of 10%
Aperture scale	f / 0.7-f / 90 in 1 and 1/3 steps
Exposure numbers (EV)	from -7 to 7 step 1/3
Endurance (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps):	with constant light - from 30 minutes to 1/8000 seconds + 1/200, 1/400;
	with impulsive - from 30 minutes to 1/1000 seconds + 1/75, 1/80, 1/90, 1/100, 1/200, 1/400.
Frame rate for filming	2 to 360 frames per second when rotated 180 degrees
Supplements:	14 custom functions, 9 memory functions, primitive radio transmission channels 1 to 16
Price	44500 rubles

• Customization to any camera;
• Light-sensitive sensor;
• Strong protection case;
• LCD screen;
• List of ongoing filming;
• Quite good performance;
• Broadcast;
• Functional;
• Guarantee;
• Shooting quality.

• Device cost;
• Battery operated.

Selection rules

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

Main selection criteria:

• Purpose;

The first step is to decide for what purpose 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 there are various ways of purchasing and promotions are regularly held.

• 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 find such devices in ordinary stores, especially exposure meters.

Output

The popularity of the presented models, as can be seen from the description of the devices, depends on the novelty and the 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 for sale, the number of manufacturers and their selection line.

There are single forums for discussing these devices, in which a maximum of 5 users participate. Therefore: "Which manufacturers are the best in the production of flash meters (exposure meters)?" - the question is not entirely correct.

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

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

If you choose a device for a studio, then it is better to stop at flash meters. For a beginner photographer, it makes no sense to pay a lot of money; for the first stages, exposure meters are suitable. They are inexpensive and accurate. "L-208 TwinMate" is a budget option, and its receiver practically costs 2 times more.

How much does it cost to buy a flash meter? Product prices range in the middle segment from 30,000 rubles.

Where is it profitable to buy a 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.