Flash Meters

Of all the equipment that I use and recommend, the flash meter is right there at the top of the list in importance to me. To me, the meter is the weak link and therefore must be considered carefully before being purchased. If you think about it, there is not another item that contributes to your exposures more than the flash meter. With this in mind, let me recommend that you consider spending more on a flash meter than you may have thought necessary. In fact, I strongly recommend that you have two flash meters. A primary and a lesser expensive unit that will function as backup. Imagine being out on a large commercial job or even a location bridal sitting and your meter fails. You have no real way to continue with anything other than guesswork unless you have a backup meter.

Now about the meters that I recommend. The market is full of good looking meters that will just about do the dishes for you in some cases. Most modern meters will probably do an adequate job. There is one line of meters however that has stood head and shoulders above all of the competition for many years. Minolta. Their line of Minolta flash meters are very well designed, with the current model being the Minolta Flash Meter V. I own the Minolta Flash Meter III and the Minolta Flash Meter IV. I may one day own the V but I see little need to get one when the current ones I own work like a dream. I do not usually recommend the Minolta Auto Meters. My opinion is that they are not quite the quality of the Flash Meter series of meters. Some of the older models also only read in 1/3rd stop increments. This is not a good thing.

I don’t suggest getting a meter because of it’s ability to calculate all sorts of different multiple flash scenarios. It is too easy to rely on a device to calculate an exposure and make a slight mistake in the way you use it and have no usable images to show for it. Learning to make simple exposure calculations yourself will provide a reliable method when you need to make multiple pops with your strobes to achieve a desired aperture. This usually happens only with product or interior photography so may be of little consequence to the portrait photographer anyway. In the vast majority of cases, all you will be doing with your meter is reading incident (strobe) light or ambient (available) light. That is all.

The current model from Minolta is the Flash Meter V. It is fairly expensive but has useful features that make life a little more efficient. It distinguishes flash light from ambient light, and cord/non-cord operation automatically. If you cannot afford one, then you may wish to consider a second hand IV or III. They are in good supply at some camera stores and internet auctions. You will save money and as long as the meter checks out to work correctly, you made a good decision. You will then enjoy having a first class meter at a more comfortable price. When buying any used piece of equipment be sure you can have it checked out by a qualified technician and then return it if it is not in good condition.

You can visit the Minolta web site at: www.minoltausa.com

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