Sekonic L-758D, L-758, L-758DR User Manual

DIGITALMASTER

L-758DR

L-758D

L-758  

Operating Manual

Blank page

Safety Precautions

Before using your light meter, please read this “Safety Precautions” carefully and
use it properly.

WARNING

CAUTION

NOTE: Indicates a caution or limitation that accompanies op-

Reference: Provides the reference information and related functions

Indicates hazard or unsafe use that can result in
personal injury or death.

Indicates hazard or unsafe use that can result in
personal injury or damage to your light meter.

eration. Please read the note to avoid incorrect opera­tion.

that are useful in operating. We recommend that you
read these references.

WARNING

• Please place light meter in a location where an infant cannot reach and
accidentally get the strap wrapped around his or her neck. There is dan­ger of strangulation.

• Keep the synchro terminal cap out of reach of young children, as swal­lowing such objects can cause suffocation.

• Never place batteries in fire, short, disassemble, heat or charge them.
The batteries might break down, and cause damage, injury or pollute
the environment.

ENGLISH

CAUTION

• There is a danger of electric shock and damage to product if your meter
is handled with wet hands, in the rain, near water or where there is a lot
of moisture, when you use cord flash mode. If you are using flash mode
in these conditions, we recommend Cordless Flash mode or Radio Trig­gering mode. Always attach the synchro terminal cap on to the synchro
connector when the light meter is exposed to wet or rainy conditions.

• Do not look directly at the sun through the viewfinder, because of poten­tial eye injury.

Table of Contents

Safety Precautions
Table of Contents

1. Parts Designation............................................................................................... 1

1. Light Meter Parts .............................................................................................. 1

2. Supplied Accessories ....................................................................................... 2

2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display(LCD) ............................................. 3

3. Before Using ....................................................................................................... 7

1. Attach the strap ................................................................................................ 7

2. Inserting the battery.......................................................................................... 7

3. Checking battery capacity ................................................................................ 7

4. Replacing the battery during measurement or when using the memory function .. 8

5. Auto Power Off function ................................................................................... 8

6. Setting ISO 1 sensitivity ................................................................................... 8

7. Setting ISO 2 sensitivity ................................................................................... 8

8. Jog Wheel Lock or Lock Off ............................................................................. 9

9. Setting the Measuring and Memory button configuration................................. 10

4. Basic Operation.................................................................................................. 11

1. Incident or reflected spot measuring ................................................................ 11

2. Setting measuring mode .................................................................................. 12

3. Incident Measurement Mode............................................................................ 13

4. Reflected Measurement Mode (spot metering) ................................................ 14

5. Measurement ...................................................................................................... 15

1. Measuring ambient light ................................................................................... 15

1-1Shutter Speed Priority mode ...................................................................... 15

1-2Aperture Priority mode................................................................................ 17

1-3EV mode ..................................................................................................... 18

1-4Cinematography ......................................................................................... 19

2. Measuring electronic flash................................................................................ 21

2-1Cord Flash mode ........................................................................................ 21

2-2Auto-reset cordless flash mode .................................................................. 22

Table of Contents

2-3Cord multiple flash (cumulative) mode ....................................................... 24

2-4Cordless multiple flash (cumulative) mode ................................................. 25

2-5Flash analyzing function ............................................................................. 27

2-6Wireless Flash Radio Triggering................................................................. 28

6. Advanced Functions .......................................................................................... 31

1. Memory function............................................................................................... 31

2. Averaging function............................................................................................ 32

3. Contrast Function ............................................................................................. 32

4. How to use an incident illuminance (LUX or FC) meter (L-758DR/758D) ........ 34

5. How to use a reflected luminance (cd/m2 or FL) meter (L-758DR/758D) ......... 35

6. How to use the Exposure compensation function ............................................ 36

7. How to use Calibration compensation function ................................................ 37

8. Filter compensation .......................................................................................... 38

8-1Filter compensation (1) ............................................................................... 38

8-2Filter factor number compensation (2) (L-758CINE only) ........................... 39

9. Custom setting function .................................................................................... 40

7. Camera Exposure Profiling ............................................................................... 42

1. Calibration testing for exposure profiling .......................................................... 42

2. Input test target data ........................................................................................ 44

2-1Sekonic Application software ...................................................................... 44

2-1-1Outline of software............................................................................. 44

2-2Manual Exposure Profile Input ................................................................... 45

3. How to use Exposure Profiling mode ............................................................... 48

3-1Selecting Camera Exposure Profiling ......................................................... 48

3-2Analog scale ............................................................................................... 48

3-2-1Aperture scale.................................................................................... 48

3-2-2EV scale............................................................................................. 48

3-2-3MID.TONE button .............................................................................. 49

8. Optional Accessories......................................................................................... 52

9. Technical Data .................................................................................................... 54

ENGLISH

Table of Contents

10.Care and Maintenance ...................................................................................... 56

FCC & IC compliance information ........................................................................ 57

1. Light Meter Parts

1. Parts Designation

①Lumisphere retracting ring

②Lumisphere

!8Spot Lens

⑦Memory button*

⑫Power button

(ON/OFF switch)

@1USB Port

⑪ISO 1 button
(“A” in radio channel setting)

⑳Mid-Tone button
("C" in radio channel setting)

⑩Mode button
⑨Strap eyelet

@41/4” Tripod Socket

!9Incident/Reflected Spot

Selector Dial
@2Eyepiece (with Diopter

Adjustment)

⑭Measuring button*

⑮Battery Compartment Cover

⑯Battery Cover Latch

③Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

④Average / ∆ EV (Brightness Difference)

button

⑤Jog Wheel

⑥ISO 2 button (“B” in radio channel setting)

@3Memory Clear button
(“D” in radio channel setting)

⑧Flash Synchro terminal

ENGLISH

⑬RT-32FCC/CE Radio
transmitter module

⑰Battery Compartment

L-758DR

*Measuring button and memory button can be
swithced in Custom settings.

@5Connector cover

L-758D/L-758CINE

-1-

1. Parts Designation

2. Supplied Accessories

@6Synchro Terminal Cap
(Attached to meter)

@8Lens Cap
(Attached to meter)

#0CD-ROM for Software
(Data Transfer Software, USB driver,
Operating manual and Software guide)

#2Quick Guide (in Japanese/English) #3Operating Manual

@7Strap

@9USB Cable

#1Sticker for Multi-key Operation and CS

(Custom Setting)

−

#4Battery (CR-123A) #5Soft Case

-2-

2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

LCD for L-758DR/L-758D

LCD for L-758CINE

ENGLISH

NOTE:

For explanation purposes, the display illustrated here shows all icons and readouts
simultaneously. Actual LCD screen will not show all icon as above during normal
use.

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 measurements, in Cordless Flash or Wireless
flash radio triggering mode.

• The Electro-luminescent backlight will automatically turn off 20 seconds after last operation.

-3-

2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display
Display in viewfinder

In setting : ⑧
Flash analyzing : ④
Luminance : / (Only L-758CINE)

① Measuring Mode Icons

Ambient (see page 15)
Auto-Reset Cordless Flash (see page 22)
Cord Flash (see page 21)
Wireless flash radio triggering mode (see page 28)

② Incident / Reflected Spot Mode Icons (see page 11)

Appears when in Incident mode
Appears when in Reflected Spot mode

③ ISO Display (see page 8)

Displays ISO 1 setting
Displays second ISO setting when ISO 2 button is pressed

④ Flash Analyzing indicator (see page 27)

0 to 100% in 10% increments (percentage of the flash in the total exposure)

⑤ +/- Exposure/Calibration Compensation display (see page 36)

Exposure compensation--- appears on the upper side of the main LCD.
Calibration compensation--- appears only in the calibration setting mode.

⑥ Digital aperture value, Aperture Priority, EV Brightness Difference, Average function, EV display

Appears when Aperture Priority (f/stop) mode is selected (see page 17)
Appears when using Contrast function (see Page 32)
Appears when using Averaging function and Contrast function (see page 32)
Appears when using EV mode (see page 18)

⑤⑥

-4-

2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display

⑦ Analog Scale

Displays measured values as icons along the apertures or Latitude EV scale. The scale is graduated
in full or 1/3 stop increments for measurements. Memorized and averaged values are also display
along the scale.

• Aperture scale (upper scale) displays in all mode except Aperture priority mode.

f 0.7 to f 90 in full stops appears in all modes except aperture priority mode (L-758)
f 0.5 to f 64 in full stops appears in all modes except aperture priority mode (L-758CINE)

• EV scale (lower scale) displays in all mode except Multiple flash cumulative mode.

+/-7 stops from Mid.Tone (0) appears in aperture priority mode, or other modes if selected.

• Value display scale

Appear to indicate last measured/ memorized/ averaged values and brightness differ­ence value below the aperture scale or above the latitude scale depending on which
scale has been selected.
Appears when measurement is below display range
Blinks when measurement is below measurement range
Appears when measurement is above display range
Blinks when measurement is above measurement range
Dynamic range/clipping point icons
Indicates dynamic range and clipping point of a selected camera exposure profiling.

⑧ Shutter priority indicator, shutter speed display for still photography or frames per second (f/s) for

cinematography

Appears when Shutter Priority (T) is selected mode (see page 15)
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 19)

⑨ Battery Power Indicator (see page 7)
⑩ Memory / Multiple Flash Indicator Display

Appears when Multi (cumulative) flash measurement mode is selected and shows the
cumulated number of flash measurements (see page 24)
Appears when reading is memorized and shows the number in memory (see page 31)

⑪ Radio triggering channel and Quad-triggering zone display (see page 28)

Triggering Channel Numbers
Selective Quad-Triggering Zone

⑫ Camera profile selector display
⑬ USB icon

Appears when a USB cable is connected to the light meter and a computer.

ENGLISH

-5-

2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display

⑭ Shutter angle (L-758CINE)

Appears when shutter angle is set to a value other than 180 degrees (see page 19)

⑮ Illuminance mark / Luminance mark (L-758CINE)

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

O

D

1. Attach the strap

Attach the Strap @7 by passing the small loop end through the
eyelet ⑨ and passing the other end of strap through it.

WARNING

• To avoid a danger of strangulation, please keep the strap in a location where an infant
cannot reach it and accidentally get the strap wrapped around his or her neck.

2. Inserting the battery

1. Requires one 3.0 v CR123A lithium battery (included).

2. Open the Battery compartment cover latch ⑯ , and re­move the Battery compartment cover ⑮.

3. Insert the battery, observing the polarity with the +,- marks
in the battery compartment ⑰.

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 compartment 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 light 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 L-758D/L-758CINE 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.

O

M

3. Checking battery capacity

• When the Power button ⑫ 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:

• If the LCD screen turns off immediately after the display appears when power is first
applied, that is an indication that the battery is dead. Please promptly replace the battery.
We recommend you always have a spare battery on hand.

• A spare battery can be stored in a provided compartment of the L-758DR's case (see
sticker "OPEN END TO BACK".

• Under our testing condition, the battery life is approximately 60 hours with continuous
use under normal temperature.

• The battery supplied with this light meter, may not be able to meet battery life mentioned
above because of undetermined shelf life or storage condition.

-7-

3. Before Using

4. Replacing the battery during measurement or when using the memory function

1. Always turn the power OFF before replacing the battery. If the battery is 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 on 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.

NOTE:

• A three second pause between power on and off is recommended to avoid damage to
the meter.

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 ⑫ 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.

• Auto power off time is adjustable in Custom settings. (See page 40 for details)

6. Setting ISO 1 sensitivity

1. Hold down the ISO1 button ⑪ and turn the Jog wheel
⑤ to select the desired ISO sensitivity.

2. You can also change the ISO sensitivity after taking
measurements. The new value is automatically
displayed.

7. Setting ISO 2 sensitivity

1. This feature is useful when using a different ISO
sensitivity (film or digital), Polaroid proofing film, or for
exposure correction (when using a filter, extension
tubes, bellows factor or another camera etc.).

2. Hold down the ISO 2 button ⑥ and turn the Jog wheel
to select the desired ISO sensitivity.

3. Once this is set, after taking a measurement, the mea­sured value for the second ISO sensitivity will be dis­played when the ISO 2 button is pressed.

4. You can also change the second ISO sensitivity after
taking measurements. The new value is automatically
displayed.

Reference:

• The following settings are possible when using custom setting function P40.

1. It is possible to set ISO 2 for Filter compensation. These values can be set within a range of
±5 EV in 1/10 steps and are display in the ISO 2 area.

2. Filter factor number compensation enables you to set seven types of filters frequently used
in the CINE industry. (Kodak Wratten Filters)(L-758CINE only)

-8-

3. Before Using

8. Jog Wheel Lock or Lock Off

1. Hold down the Mode button ⑩ and ISO1 button ⑪
and “LOC” will appear to indicate that the Jog Wheel is
locked. The last measurement is held until the lock is
released, even if the Jog wheel ⑤ is accidentally
moved.

However, if the measurement button ⑭ is pressed, a
new measurement is displayed with the same locked
settings.

2. To release the Jog Wheel lock, perform the same op­eration for the Jog Wheel lock, Hold down the Mode
set button and ISO1 button and “Off” will appear to
indicate that the Jog Wheel lock is released.

Reference:

• If power of the meter is turned off or auto off is activated when in the Jog Wheel locked position,
the lock function will continue operating when the meter is turned on again.

-9-

3. Before Using

9. Setting the Measuring and Memory button configuration

In the custom settings mode (refer to P40), the Measuring
button and the Memory button can be set as follows.

1. For Incident measuring
The Measuring button and Memory button is set in the
standard configuration. (Described on Page 1 in Light
Meter Parts) Please make sure that the default value
in the Custom settings mode is set to .(Custom No.17,
Item No. 0)

Memory
button

Configuration 1)

2. For Reflected (Spot) measuring
If the standard buttons configuration is inconvenient
for spot metering, the Measuring button and Memory
button can be switched. Set the Custom settings mode
to Custom No. 17, Item No. 1

Measuring
button

Configuration 2)

3. For both Incident/Reflected (Spot) measuring simultaneously
You can set the buttons configuration automatically according to light measuring method. In
incident mode, the buttons configuration is 1), but in reflected mode, the buttons configuration
is 2). For this setting, please set (Custom settings mode No. 17 and Item No 2).

Automatically

switched

ReflectedIncident

Measuring
button

Memory
button

-10-

Memory
button

Measuring
button

Configuration 3)

Measuring
button

Memory
button

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 ⑲ 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.

• Do not rotate the Spot lens ring. There is danger of damage.

mark will blink for ten seconds on the LCD.

mark will blink for ten seconds and when Reflected

-11-

4. Basic Operation

2. Setting measuring mode

1. Hold down the Mode button ⑩ and turn the Jog wheel ⑤ to
select the desired mode. The mode switching sequence is
shown in the chart below:

Shutter Speed Priority mode
(Available light)

See page 15

Aperture Priority mode
(Available light)

See page 17

EV mode (Available light)
See page 18

LUX, FC

2

FL, cd/m
See page 34,35

Auto Reset Cordless Flash
mode

See page 22

Cordless Multiple Flash
(Cumulative) mode

See page 25

→ CINE only

2. Modes enclosed in dotted lines

Wireless Multiple Flash
Radio Triggering mode

See page 28

Wireless Flash Radio
Triggering mode

See page 28

Wireless Flash channel
Setting mode

See page 28

Cord Multiple Flash
(Cumulative) mode

See page 24

Cord Flash mode
See page 21

with Radio
transmitter module

with Radio
transmitter module

with Radio
transmitter module

can only be selected with custom setting.

(See page 40)

3. Modes enclosed in
they can be selected when Optional Radio Transmitter Module is installed. (See page 28)

4. In addition to exposure reading, L-758CINE displays FC or LUX in incident light mode, and FL

2

in reflected light mode.(See page 34)

or cd/m

lines can only be selected with L-758DR. For L-758D and L-758CINE,

Reference:

• Available light is continuous light like natural light (sunlight) or tungsten lamps and florescent
lamps like pulsing light sources.

• Flash light is a brief, intense burst of light made by such as electronic flash units or flash bulbs.

-12-

4. Basic Operation

3. Incident Measurement Mode

Incident light measuring is the measurement method that
employs either the Lumisphere or Lumidisc functions.
Measurements should be with the Lumisphere aimed
towards the camera direction from the subject position.

1. You can select extended or retracted lumisphere measuring positions by rotating the Lumisphere
retracting ring ① (clockwise or counter-clockwise) until it clicks into position.

Extended Lumisphere

2. When the Lumisphere is extended. (3-D Light Measurement)
This is used to measure 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 measure manuscripts, paintings or other flat copy. It can also be used for Contrast
function (see page 32) or measuring illumination (see page 34).

NOTE:

• If the light meter 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 with your finger or hand. 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)

-13-

4. Basic Operation

4. Reflected Measurement Mode (spot metering)

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.).

1. Take the measurement by aligning the circle inside the
viewfinder with the subject area to be measured.

2. The black circle A in the finder indicates the measure­ment range. The light receiving angle is 1 degree .

(Display in spot viewfinder)

< Diopter Adjustment >

Turn the eyepiece @2 and adjust the diopter so that the circle in the finder is clearly visible when
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. (see page 52)
The step-up ring can also be used as a lens hood to prevent lens flare and erroneous light
measurements from glare, it also protects the spot lens from scratching, soiling, etc.

A

-14-

5. Measurement

1. Measuring ambient light

In this measurement mode, we have the choice of shutter priority mode, aperture priority mode or
EV mode. Hold down the Mode button ⑩ and turn the Jog wheel ⑤ to select ambient measurement

.

mode

1-1 Shutter Speed Priority mode

1. Hold down the Mode button ⑩ and turn the Jog

wheel ⑤ to select Shutter Speed Priority mode

.

2. Turn the Jog wheel to set the desired shutter

speed.

3. Press the Measuring button ⑭ to take a

measurement. Release the Measuring button to
complete the measurement. The measured value
(aperture value) at that time will be displayed.

Set
shutter speed

Measured f stop
value

While pressing the Measuring button, the meter
measures continuously until it is released.

Measured f stop(blinking)

Reference:

• It is possible to switch between full, 1/2 and 1/3 shutter speeds with custom setting
(see page 36).

• 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 taking a measurement, the F stop value corresponding to the shutter speed is
displayed. The measured F stop value automatically corresponds to the shutter speed
if the shutter speed is changed by rotating Jog wheel.

• The L-758DR/758D displays the measured aperture value in either full or 1/3 stop
increments on the analog scale from f/0.7 to 90, while L-758 CINE displays it in either
full or 1/3 stop increments on the analog scale from F0.5 to F64.

• You can select aperture scale or EV scale by holding MODE button and pressing AVE.
/ ⊿EV.

1/10
f stop

-15-