Last Modified: April 10, 1999
These are just my opinions, based on personal experiences and the teachings of Eugene at a Death Valley photographic workshop offered through the University of California at Santa Cruz Extension.
I like the Pentax Spotmeter V. It is comfortable, easy to use and valuable in many outdoor situations. I personally believe that the Analog version is superior. (I do not have any experience with any other brands of spotmeters, but the Pentax is the yardstick by which all other models are measured.)
The main reason to use a spotmeter is to be able to meter individual areas of interest within a scene. Using a spotmeter allows you to use the Zone System to determine the optimum exposure for a scene. One of the best ways to use a spotmeter is to scan the entire scene, to see what the range of light levels are throughout the scene. Then you can decide what exposure to use to put critical areas into specific light "Zones".
An Analog spotmeter has a needle that swings back and forth as the light level readings change. A Digital spotmeter has an LED readout that displays the changing light levels in decimal increments. The Analog version makes it much easier to remember the range of light levels, because our brains can process and retain the range better in a graphical way than trying to process and retain ever-changing digital numbers.
During the previously mentioned workshop, each participant had an opportunity to try each type of meter, and to compare the differences, and the opinions were unanimous, even amongst those that had purchased Digital meters.
In addition, the Analog version tends to run about $100 cheaper usually.
If you get a Pentax Spotmeter, a great addition is one of the Zone System stick-on labels available through Zone VI company in Vermont. The Zone VI company can be found at: (Note: I am not sure that these labels are still available, Zone VI no longer shows them on their web site. 4-10-99)
Zone VI Studios, Inc.
36 Chickering Drive
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Fax: (802)-257-5165
Light:
There is a frequently asked question about the Analog Spotmeter use in low light conditions. The analog meter has a light built in with a small button on the handle to turn the light on. The amusing part is that the light only illuminates part of the scale, at the left end. Many people think that it is a problem, until they realize that if the light is bright enough to push the needle to the right side of the scale, then it is bright enough that they don't need the light.
If you have any questions or comments about any of my opinions, or you would like to talk to me about any of these pieces, please E-mail me at the address below. I love to talk photography.
Feedback or comments? Mail to: John Schultheis / jms@schultheis.org