Sekonic L-398M User Manual

SEKONIC

STUDIO DELUXE II L-398M

Operating Instructions

Features........................................................................................................2

Handling Cautions........................................................................................34

Specifications................................................................................................4

Part Designations.........................................................................................5

Accessories..................................................................................................6

Basic Operation of Meter Unit.....................................................................7

1. Stopper Button Operation.............................................................7

2. Zero Position Check and Adjustment...........................................7

Standard Accessory Operation....................................................................8

Incident Light Measurement.........................................................................8

1. Lumisphere ......................................................................................8

2. Lumidisc..........................................................................................11

Reflected Light Measurement......................................................................12

1. Lumigrid..........................................................................................12

Other Operations..........................................................................................13

1. Exposure Value (EV number) Readout..........................................13

2. Employing Cine Scale .....................................................................14

3. Using Exposure Multipliers(-2,-1,+1,+2) .....................................15

Employing Special Accessories..................................................................15

1. Direct Reading Slides.....................................................................15

2. Direct Reading Slide Application...................................................16

Measurement Examples with Various Subjects..........................................17

1. Portrait Photography ......................................................................17

2. Typical Scenery .............................................................................18

3. Observatorial Scenes....................................................................18

4. Snow Scenes..................................................................................20

5. Scenes with Side or Back Lighting ...............................................21

6. Silhouette Photography .................................................................22

Applications Summary..................................................................................23

1. Special Features of the Studio Deluxe ...........................................23

2. Illumination Contrast.......................................................................24

3. Reflected Light Measurement........................................................26

4. Illumination Adjustment....................................................................29

5. Close-ups.........................................................................................31

Nearly all photographic subjects combine complex variations of strongly reflecting surfaces (high reflectivity) and weakly reflecting surfaces (low reflectivity). These variations delicately influence exposure determination and to which portion the exposure is set becomes a vital factor that considerably affects the appearance of the finished

photograph. Although risk of failure can be minimized by taking maximum and minimum readings of all portions of the subject, then averaging the values, such an approach is both time consuming and tedious. The Studio Deluxe II is the answer to this problem. It is designed around a standard reflectivity of 18%, which has been derived through measurements of various subjects throughout the seasons of the year. Consequently, high effectiveness is displayed with subjects possessing reflectivities in the neighborhood of 18% (people, buildings, etc.) and when this can be considered the average value (street snapshots, trees, forest scenes, etc.).

1. Optimum exposure meter for incident light measuring method (also applicable for reflected light method).

2. Freely rotatable light sensor section for very easily performed measurements.

3. Meter stopper mechanism allows operation while hand is released from meter.

4. Meter release mechanism is also included which allows the needle to deflect freely. This provides greater convenience when determining light balance.

5. Memo pointer enables easier light balance setting.

6. Lumisphere detects the same light as strikes the subject. Since subjects are normally 3-dimensional, according to the lighting conditions, brighter surfaces (highlights) and darker surfaces (shadows) are produced (illumination contrast). The Studio Deluxe II mechanism automatically takes into account the strength of light from all directions, causing the meter to indicate a value applicable to photography. It is thus most convenient for determining typical exposures.

7. After combining film sensitivity and shutter speed, direct reading slides

(optional) can be used for directly determining the aperture value.

8. Selenium photocell is employed as light sensing element, eliminating need for

battery.

9. Wide selection of available accessories allows numerous photographic

techniques to be enjoyed.

Measuring System Incident light (reflected light system also capable) Measuring Range At ISO 100, EV 4-1 7 Measuring Accuracy Within ± 0.3 EV (1/3f stop) ISO Scale 6 - 12000 Shutter Scale 60 - 1 /8000 second Aperture Scale 0.7-128 Cine Scale 8 fps - 128 fps EV Scale 1 20 (exposure value) Calibration Constant C = 340 K = 1 2.5 Dimensions 112 x 58 x 34 mm Weight Approx. 190 grams

(NOTE) The outlooks and specifications described in this booklet shall be

changed without pre -advice, if necessary.

PART DESIGNATIONS

Fror’

pointer

Lumlsphera

Light sensorm

Footcandle scale

,;nrirlan+ linb.+\ P \

Aperture value (for direct reading) @

Meter

scale

-1

xopper button mat

Rear

___ ---. - w ,

wne

A -__...“^

scale 44 I

^^^I^ /-

Dial scale

Lumisphere

Lumidisc

Lumigrid

High (H) slide

Optional Accessories

(sold separately).

Direct reading slides.

Total of 11 direct reading slides (set of 11 slides in case). e;

1. Stopper Button Operation

If the stopper button

is press-

ed when the stopper button mark

is set to

the meter needle

deflects according to bright -

ness. Then when the button is released,

position becomes

the needle is released.

mark is positioned

With stopper button in released

position, cover light sensor

block light. Check that

meter needle

to turn the

rear zero adjust screw

and

adjust for zero indication.

the needle remains fixed at the indicated

position. By holding the stopper button depressed and turning it clockwise so that the mark

At this time, the meter will deflect freely even if the stopper button is released. To fix the needle, turn the stopper but ton counter-clockwise to where the

with hand or black cloth to com pletely

cates zero position. If the indication

deviates from zero, while observing

meter indication, use a coin or similar tool

correctly indi-

Incident Light Measurement

b. Set film sensitivity knob

side ISO mark

to be measured, point Lumi-

sphere

in direction of

camera. (Light sensor

1. Lumisphere

a. Mount Lumisphere

sensor white dots of Lumisphere frame and light sensor, then turn Lumisphere carefully clockwise to secure.

to sensitivity value of employed film. Set ISO value to right

Photo shows setting for ISO 100.

c. From position where subject is

be turned freely.)

d. Hold meter erect and press

stopper button Meter

needle

to brightness. When the stopper button is

e. Read the footcandle indication

of the meter needle.

scale mark. If the High slide

released, the meter needle becomes fixed at the deflected position. If the location is excessively bright and the meter needle deflects beyond scale, insert the High

slide

deflects according

f. Transfer footcandle value to

the dial scale dial ring and set the

has been inserted, set the mark.

g. At this time, the shutter speed scale

and aperture scale

combination becomes the correct exposure.

Example: With High slide inserted, meter indicates 80 footcandles At ISO 100, the proper exposure becomes 1, 250 sec at F 5.6, 1; 30 sec at F!16 and 1 sec at F-90. h. By changing ISO setting, the set combination of shutter speed and aperture scale is automatically altered to the appropriate one corresponding to the changed ISO value.

* Meter scale intermediate values

intermediate values for shutter speed and aperture scale

* Film sensitivity intermediate values

Note: When no slide is inserted, strong light directly striking the slide slot may enter through the slot. Although this does not seriously affect exposure, if more accurate exposure is required, cover slot with hand.

1 c'.

+ 25 hidden pages

Sekonic L-398M User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Incident Light Measurement