Sekonic 558 01 User Manual

DUALMASTER
L-558/L-558
Operating Manual
Blank page
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Sekonic DUALMASTER L-558/L-558CINE
Exposure Meter
The DUALMASTER L-558/L-558CINE is the latest addition to the extensive line of Sekonic Exposure Meters, which have been market leaders for over 50 years.
The DUALMASTER was designed to offer more of what today’s photographer needs, and less of what they don’t. It offers flash and ambient exposure metering in both spot and incident modes. The DUALMASTER is the first multi-function meter to offer a 1-degree (nine element camera-quality) spot that measures reflected flash output as low as f/2.0. Along with its many unique features, the L­558 is also capable of wireless flash triggering with an optional radio module.
Utilizing rubber seals throughout the housing and controls of the meter, the DualMaster is water and moisture resistant. Although the meter can be used in rainy or wet conditions, it should not be used underwater.
The large LCD panel makes reading the data easy and convenient; the panel illuminates automatically in low light surroundings.
In order to retain the simple stylish look of the DUALMASTER, less frequently used functions and controls are confined to custom software settings.
The DUALMASTER L-558 and L-558CINE is loaded with many features and control options. Since each of these features has a detailed explanation, this instruction booklet is extensive. We recommend that you read the manual to familiarize yourself with the potential of the meter. Once you have established which features and functions are important to you, refer to these sections only.
The DUALMASTER has undergone extensive quality control at every step of manufacture. Please read this instruction manual thoroughly, to be able to take advantage of its many features and to obtain the long service life that it was designed to offer you.
Thank you for investing in Sekonic.
Table of Contents
1. Parts Designation ................................................................................................................ 1
2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).................................................................. 2-4
3. Before Using ........................................................................................................................ 5-7
1. Attach the strap ......................................................................................................... 5
2. Inserting the battery ................................................................................................... 5
3. Checking battery capacity ......................................................................................... 5
4. Replacing battery during measurement
or when using the memory function .......................................................................... 6
5. Auto Power Off function............................................................................................. 6
6. Setting main ISO film speed ...................................................................................... 6
7. Setting second ISO film speed (ISO 2) ..................................................................... 6
8. Mode and setting Lock or Lock Off............................................................................ 7
4. Basic Operation ................................................................................................................... 8-11
1. Incident or reflected spot measuring ......................................................................... 8
2. Setting measuring mode ........................................................................................... 9
3. When set for incident light ......................................................................................... 10
4. When set for reflected light (spot metering) .............................................................. 11
5. Measurment ........................................................................................................................ 12-22
1. Measuring Ambient Light ........................................................................................... 12
1-1 Shutter Speed Priority mode ........................................................................... 12
1-2 Aperture Priority mode .................................................................................... 13
1-3 EV mode ......................................................................................................... 14
1-4 Cinematography .............................................................................................. 15
2. Measuring Flash Light ............................................................................................... 17
2-1 Cord Flash mode............................................................................................. 17
2-2 Auto Reset Cordless Flash mode ................................................................... 18
2-3 Cord Multiple Flash (cumulative) mode........................................................... 20
2-4 Cordless Multiple Flash (cumulative) mode .................................................... 21
6. Advanced Functions ............................................................................................................ 23-37
1. Memory function ........................................................................................................ 23
2. Averaging function..................................................................................................... 24
3. Brightness Difference function................................................................................... 24
4. How to use an incident Illuminance (LUX or FC) Meter ............................................ 26
5. How to use a reflected luminance (cd/m
6. How to use Exposure compensation function ........................................................... 28
7. How to use Calibration compensation function ......................................................... 29
8. Filter compensation ................................................................................................... 30
9. Flash analyzing function ............................................................................................ 31
10. Custom setting function ............................................................................................. 32
11. Wireless flash radio triggering system ....................................................................... 34
7. Accessories ........................................................................................................................ 37-38
8. Technical Data ..................................................................................................................... 39-40
9. Safety Guide ........................................................................................................................ 41
10. Care and Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 42
2
or FL) meter............................................. 27
1. Parts Designation
q Lumisphere retracting ring
w Lumisphere
@4 Spot Lens Protective Glass
u Memory button
!2 Power button
(ON/OFF switch)
!1 ISO 1 button (“b” in radio channel setting)
!0 Mode set button
o Strap eyelet
!008 Synchro Terminal Cap
!9 Strap
e Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
@2 Eyepiece (with Diopter Adjustment)
SEKONIC
r Average / ∆ EV (Brightness Difference) button (“A” in radio channel setting)
t Jog Wheel
A
V
/˘E
M EM
O RY
@5 Incident/Reflected Spot Selector Dial
E
V
A
R
E
W
O
P
ISO 2 c
R
A
ISO 1 b
E
L
C
.
M
E
D
O
M
R
TE
S
A
LM
A
8
U
D
5
-5
L
y ISO 2 button (“c” in radio channel setting)
d
@3 Memory Clear button (“d” in radio channel setting)
i Flash Synchro terminal
!4 Measuring button
!5 Battery Compartment Cover
!6 Battery Cover Latch
@1 Lens Cap
@6 1/4” Tripod Socket
@0 Connector cover
!3 RT-32 Radio transmitter
module compartment
!7 Battery Compartment
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2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display L-558
o
i
L-558CINE
o
i
qw e
!0
u
qw e
!0
y
r
t
r !1
t
NOTE:
For explanation purposes, the display illustrated here shows all icons and readouts simultaneously. Actual display will never show as above.
Auto Electro-Luminescent Display (EL)
In low light (EV 6 or less), a green backlight will automatically illuminate the entire LCD.
The LCD will not be automatically illuminated during measuring, in Cordless Flash mode or Wire­less flash radio triggering mode.
The Electro-luminescent backlight will automatically turn off 20 seconds after last operation.
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yu
Display in viewfinder
In setting : i Flash analyzing : r Luminance : / (Only L-558CINE)
2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display
ty
q Measuring Mode Icons
w Incident / Reflected Spot Function Icons (see page 8)
e ISO Display (see page 6)
r Flash Analyzing indicator (see page 31)
t +/- Compensation Indicator (see page 28)
y Digital aperture value, Aperture Priority, EV Brightness Difference, Average function, EV display
u Analog Scale
Displays marks at apertures or shutter speed indicating full or half stop values (558),or full or 1/3 stop values (558 CINE) for measurement, also displays memory and average values
Ambient (see page 12) Auto-Reset Cordless Flash (see page 18) Cord Flash (see page 17) Wireless flash radio triggering mode (see page 34)
Appears when in Incident mode Appears when in Reflected Spot mode
Displays ISO film setting Displays second ISO film setting when ISO 2 button is pressed
0 to 100% in 10% increments (percentage of the flash in the total exposure)
Appears when +/- Compensation is set
Appears when in Aperture Priority (f/stop) mode (see page 13) Appears when using brightness difference function (See Page 24) Appears when using Averaging function and brighness dif ference function (see page 24) Appears when using EV mode (see page 14)
Appears when below display range Blinks when under exposed below measurement range Appears when above display range Blinks when over exposed above measurement range
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2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display
i Shutter priority indicator, shutter speed display for still photography or frames per second (f/s) for
cinematography
o Battery Power Indicator (see page 5) !0 Memory / Multiple Flash Indicator Display
!1 Illuminance mark / Luminance mark (558 CINE)
Appears when Shutter Priority (T) mode (see page 12) Appears when shutter speed is in minutes Appears when shutter speed is in full seconds Appears when cine speed is set in frames per second (see page 15) Appears when shutter angle is set to a value other than 180 degrees (558 CINE)(see page 16)
Appears when Multi (cumulative) flash measurement mode and shows the cumulated number of measurements (see page 20) Appears when reading is memorized and shows the number in memory (see page 23)
Appears when Foot-Candle is selected Appears when Lux is selected Appears when Foot-Lambert is selected Appears when Cd/m
2
is selected
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3. Before Using
1. Attach the strap
Attach the Strap !9 by passing the small end loop through the eyelet o and passing the other end of strap through it.
WARNING
• Please place in a location where an infant cannot reach and accidentally get the strap wrapped around his or her neck. There is danger of strangulation.
2. Inserting the battery
1. Requires one 3.0 v CR123A lithium battery.
2. Open the Battery compartment cover latch !6, and re­move the Battery compartment cover !5.
3. Insert the battery, observing the polarity with the +,- marks in the battery compartment !7.
4. Align the tabs of the Battery compartment cover with the notches in the back of the meter, and press down to close the Battery cover latch.
NOTE:
• To prevent loss of All-weather seal, be careful that dirt does not get stuck on the rubber seal and that the seal is not damaged.
• Remove battery if meter is not used for an extended period. Batteries can leak and damage the exposure meter. Dispose of used batteries properly.
• If the LCD does not light, check that the battery capacity is sufficient, and check that the battery positive and negative terminals are not reversed.
• The meter has a connector for a plug-in radio transmitter module. Do not remove the connector cover unless you are installing the radio module, failure to do so could cause the electronic circuit board to be exposed to damaging static electricity.
MOODE
8
5
DUALMASTER
-5
L
3. Checking battery capacity
• When the Power button !2 is ON, the battery power indicator on the LCD is displayed. (Displayed) Battery power level is good. (Displayed) Battery power level is low. Have a spare battery ready. (Blinking) Replace battery immediately.
Reference:
• We recommend you always have a spare battery on hand.
• If the liquid crystal display extinguishes immediately after the display appears when power is first applied, that is an indication that the battery is dead. Please promptly replace the battery.
• A three second pause between power on and off is recommended to avoid damage to the meter.
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3. Before Using
4. Replacing battery during measurement or when using the memory function
1. Always turn the power OFF before replacing batteries. If batteries are removed with the power ON, measurements and settings in memory can no longer be recalled.
2. If after replacing the battery, or during measurements, strange screens (displays that have not been set) appear in the LCD, or nothing happens, no matter what button is pushed, remove the battery and wait at least ten seconds and then replace the battery. This allows the software to automatically reset.
WARNING:
Never place batteries in fire, short, disassemble, or heat them. The batteries might break down, and cause an accident, injury or pollute the environment.
5. Auto Power Off function
1. To conserve battery power, the meter will turn off about twenty minutes after last use.
2. Whether the Auto Power Saving feature turns the power off or the Power button !2 is pressed, the settings and measured values remain stored in memory. When the Power button is pressed again the last settings are displayed.
Reference:
The power shuts off automatically after 1 minute when the power button is pressed and held.
6. Setting main ISO film speed
1. Hold down the ISO1 button !1 and turn the Jog wheel t to select ISO film speed for the film being used.
2. You can also change the ISO film speed after taking measurements. The new value is automatically displayed.
ISO 1 b
7. Setting second ISO film speed (ISO 2)
1. This feature is useful when using a second film with different ISO film speed, using Polaroid
TM
proofing film, or for exposure correction (when using a filter, close­up photography, etc.).
2. Hold down the ISO 2 button y and turn the Jog wheel to select ISO film speed of the film being used.
3. Once this is set, after taking a measurement, the mea­sured value for the second film speed will be displayed when the ISO 2 button is pressed.
4. You can also change the second ISO film speed after taking measurements. The new value is automatically displayed.
Reference:
The following settings are possible when using custom setting function P32.
1. It is possible to set the Filter compensation within a range of ±5 EV in 1/10 steps.
2. Filter factor number compensation enables you to set seven types of filters frequently used in the CINE industry. (Kodak Wratten Filters)(558 CINE only)
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ISO 2 c
8. Mode and Setting Lock or Lock Off
1. Hold down the Mode set button !0 and ISO1 button !1 and LOC will appear to indicate that the Settings are locked. The last measurement is held until the lock is released, even if the Jog wheel t is accidentally moved.
However, if the measurement button !4 is pressed, a new measurement is displayed with the same locked settings.
2. To release the Measurement lock, perform the same operation for the Measurement lock, Hold down the Mode set button and ISO1 button and Off will appear to indicate that the Measurement lock is released.
3. Before Using
ISO 1 b
MODE
ISO 1 b
MODE
Reference:
If power to the meter is turned off or auto off is activated when in the locked position, the dial lock function will continue operating when the meter is turned on again.
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4. Basic Operation
1. Incident or reflected spot measuring
1. To set for either incident or reflected light operation, turn the Incident / Reflected Spot Selector Dial @5 on the eye piece, to the desired position ( or mark) until it clicks.
Incident operation Reflected Spot operation
2. When incident operation is selected, the Spot operation is selected the
Incident operation Reflected Spot operation
NOTE:
Before taking measurements, always make sure that the desired measurement mode or ) is chosen by checking the LCD or that the Incident/Reflected Spot Selector
( Dial is clicked in proper position.
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mark will blink for three seconds and when Reflected
mark will blink for three seconds on the LCD.
2. Setting measuring mode
1. Hold down the Mode set button !0 and turn the Jog wheel t to select the desired mode. The mode switching sequence
is shown in the chart below:
4. Basic Operation
MODE
Shutter Speed Priority mode (Ambient light)
See page 12
Aperture Priority mode (Ambient light)
See page 13
EV mode (Ambient light) See page 14
LUX, FC
2
FL, Cd/m See page 26,27
Auto Reset Cordless Flash mode
See page 18
Cordless Multiple Flash (Cumulative) mode
See page 21
Modes enclosed in dotted lines (See page 32)
Modes enclosed in ule is installed.
In addition to exposure reading, L-558CINE displays FC or LUX in incident light mode, and FL
2
in reflected light mode.
or Cd/m
CINE only
can only be selected with custom setting.
lines can only be selected when Optional Radio Transmitter Mod-
Wireless Multiple Flash Radio Triggering mode
See page 37
Wireless Flash Radio Triggering mode
See page 37
Wireless Flash Sub/channel Setting mode
See page 35
Cord Multiple Flash (Cumulative) mode
See page 20
Cord Flash mode See page 17
with Radio transmitter module
with Radio transmitter module
with Radio transmitter module
Reference:
Ambient light is continuous light like natural light (sunlight), fluorescent lamps or tungsten lamps.
Flash light is a brief, intense burst of light made by such as electronic flash units or flash bulbs.
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4. Basic Operation
3. When set for incident light
1. You can select extended or retracted lumisphere measuring positions by firmly rotating the lumisphere retracting ring (UP/DOWN) until it clicks into position.
Extended Lumisphere
2. When the Lumisphere is extended. (3-D Light Measurement) This is used to photograph people, buildings, and other three dimensional objects. Measurements are basically made by the method of measuring with the lumisphere aimed in the camera direction (more precisely, in the direction of the lens axis) at the position of the subject.
3. When the Lumisphere is retracted (flat diffuser function) This is used to photograph manuscripts, paintings or other flat copy. It can also be used for measuring illumination levels (see page 26), or brightness difference (see page 24).
NOTE:
If the device is used with the Lumisphere retracting ring in a middle position, distributed light quality will change, and suitable measurements cannot be made.
Do not push the Lumisphere down manually. Always use the Lumisphere retracting ring.
If the lumisphere becomes soiled, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Organic solutions (paint
thinner, benzene, etc.) must not be used under any circumstances.
Retracted Lumisphere
(Lumidisc)
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4. Basic Operation
4. When set for reflected light (spot metering)
1. This method measures the brightness (luminance) of the light reflected from the subject. It is useful for distant objects such as landscapes, when you cannot go to the position of the subject, or for metering subjects that generate light (neon signs, etc.), highly reflective surfaces or translucent subjects (stained glass, etc.).
2. Take the measurement by aligning the circle inside the viewfinder with the subject area to be measured.
M e
m o
ry
3. The black circle A in the finder indicates the measure­ment range. The light receiving angle is 1 degree .
< Diopter Adjustment >
Turn the eyepiece @2 and adjust the diopter so that the circle in the finder is clearly visible when
(Display in spot viewfinder)
you look into the finder.
< Step-Up Ring (Lens Hood)> (optional)
The step-up ring (30.5mm 40.5mm), available as an optional accessory, makes it possible to mount step-up rings and filters. This simplifies the setting of exposure without the troublesome correction calculation of polarizing filters, etc. The step-up ring can also be used as a hood to protect the zoom lens from scratching, soiling, etc.
< 2x Angle Converter > (optional)
Mounting the 2x angle converter to the objective lens unit enables spot measurements at a light receiving angle of 2°.
A
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5. Measurement
1. Measuring ambient light
In this measurement mode, we have the choice of shutter priority mode, aperture priority mode and EV mode. Hold down the Mode set button !0 and turn the Jog wheel t to select ambient measurement
.
mode
1-1 Shutter Speed Priority mode
1. Hold down the Mode set button !0 and turn the
Jog wheel to select Shutter Speed Priority mode
.
2. Turn the Jog wheel to set the desired shutter
speed.
3. Press the Measuring button !4 to make a
measurement. Release the Measuring button to complete the measurement. The measured value (aperture value) at that time will be displayed.
While pressing the Measuring button, the meter measures continuously until it is released.
Reference:
It is possible to switch between full, 1/2 and 1/3 shutter speeds with custom setting (see page 32).
Y ou can set shutter speeds from 30 minutes to 1/8000 seconds. After 1/8000 the shutter speeds of 1/200 and 1/400 can be set.
After measurement, the F stop value corresponding to the shutter speed is displayed when the shutter speed is changed.
The L-558 displays the measured aperture value in either full or half stop increments on the analog scale, while L-558 CINE displays it in either full or 1/3 stop increments.
•“E.u (Exposure under) or E.o (Exposure over) appears when the combination of shutter speed and aperture is outside the display range. Changing the shutter speed or aperture with the Jog wheel will allow you to find a combination that is possible.
If the E.u or E.o readout blinks, this indicates that the light level is beyond the measurement range of the light meter. Adjust lighting in this case.
POWER
ISO 1 b
Set shutter speed
Measured f stop
AVE./EV A
ISO 2 c
MODE
MEMORY d
Measured f stop value
1/10 f stop
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