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| |  | Light Meters & Accessories | Home » » » Sekonic L-398A Light Meter (Black) | | | | | | | Product Details: | | | Product Length:
| 2.3 inches | | Product Width:
| 4.4 inches | | Product Height:
| 1.3 inches | | Product Weight:
| 0.7 pounds | | Package Length:
| 6.1 inches | | Package Width:
| 4.7 inches | | Package Height:
| 2.0 inches | | Package Weight:
| 4.2 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 10 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 10 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 found the following review helpful:
 indispensableApr 12, 2007
By Harry Pandolfino
Getting the image right depends on the proper exposure and to make the really arresting images getting the proper exposure is tricky and often beyond the reach or ingenuity of built-in meters. For most photographic situations incident metering is preferable for a variety of reasons.
I recently upgraded to this meter and found it extremely easy to learn and to use and I'm seeing more consistent results, especially with still lifes and table top subjects.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
A classic that just keeps workingNov 06, 2010
By Shooter 1964
Sekonic L-398 Light Meter - I have been using this meter for over 20 years. It is reliable and right on the money every time. My friends laugh when I pull it out and take readings at the subject but I am the one who laughs last when we show our images. This meter will make you a better photog. Really!
If I were forced to find a way to improve the Sekonic L-398 Light Meter it would be to enlarge all of the readings! All of the camera companies have diopters for us blind folks, why can't you make bigger numbers on your meter? I was 23 when I bought it but now I am 45. Please help us blind guys and make bigger numbers on your future products! lol!
The Sekonic L-398A Light Meter is total old skool and that is why it works so well. Why spend $700 when you can have everything your need for less than $200? Need another reason to buy this meter? It doesn't need batteries! That make it worth its weight in gold!
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Sekonic ROCKS!!Oct 10, 2008
By J. Gaither
I bought my first Sekonic Studio Deluxe light meter back in the 70's while studying photography in college. The product has remained virtually unchanged since those days, which is a testament to the fine design, and it is still the perfect light meter for either digital or film use. It is easy to use and not difficult at all to master. In-camera light meters are always some sort of average, and while they are fine for most shots, there are many delicate situations where you need one area of a picture to be perfect. Also, in-camera light meters are judging the light from a distance. With this Sekonic, you take the reading AT THE SUBJECT and set the camera accordingly - works especially well in backlit or other tricky lighting situations. It is perfect for use in portraiture work. If you are serious about photography, take the leap and get this meter. You will not be sorry!
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Classic design!Nov 30, 2011
By davelawler
Sekonic L-398A Light Meter (Black)
Five out of five for being brilliantly designed (Google 'Norwood Director'), easy to use and consistently accurate; I would say this is probably my favorite analog meter, even edging out my trusty 'Gossen Luna-Pro F', if only because of the Gossen's unwieldy shape and size. The L-398 is ergonomically perfect and, being essentially palm-sized, slips easily into any photo-vest pocket.
I use hand-held meters exclusively for measuring incident light when it's appropriate, which is what this meter is designed for, first and foremost. In-camera meters (or the one in my brain) are just fine for measuring reflected light or whenever precision isn't critical.
Old-school technology? Well yes, yes it is. But photographers who have the knowledge to employ a meter like this will not be disappointed.
And never underestimate the power of looking cool while you're working -- that's money in the bank :)
The caveats:
People who aren't sure if they need a hand-held meter probably don't, and those who are sure might want to start with something like the Gossen Digisix or Sekonic's L-208.
Although this is the best of the bunch, Battery-free designs are never a great choice for low-light work, so select this meter with that in mind.
4 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Why fix it if it ain't broke.Jan 27, 2011
By A Reader
"snailgate"
I began working as a photographer in the 1957. There were two different situations that required two different light meters: outdoors, the Weston Master. In the Studio, the Norwood Director or its clone, the Sekonic 398.
I did little studio work so I loved and depended on my Weston. That technology got old and unfashionable, but that meter still gave me the information I needed for great pictures. I moved on to other professions and the camera equipment sat on a shelf. The shutters got rusty and the leather got moldy. And the sensor in my Weston died. Eventually I retired and got back into photography. Digital is great. And whaduyu know, there was a place in England would rebuild my Weston Master IV!. but it died again. (Why does the built in light meter on my Rollieflex, made in 1962, still work, with the same technology?)
But now that repair company in England has gone out of business, but the Sekonic 398 is still around and you can get it new. I Love It! Fits right in the bag with my Panasonic LX5 and gives me readings I understand even if it is not the Weston. And it never needs batteries.
See all 10 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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