Light Meters

Light Meters

A light meter would normally be used with a computer. This allows the photographer to determine the correct shutter speed need for the best exposure of the picture. They’re also used in filmmaking, to help determine the right lighting for the look of the scene. Electricians use light meters to measure the amount of light needed to light up certain areas of buildings and homes. Without light meters, electricity and light can be wasted, and talking in terms of photography and filmmaking, it’s a better possibility that the scene or photo would not turn out the way you want it.

In old photography, the photographer would put the meter in front of the subject and ‘measure’ the light source from this. The light meter would have a sort of ruler on the product to help assist the photographer in the measuring. The photographer would mark down this measurement, and it would help them later on with similar types of exposures. The problem with these meters was that the measurement depended on the sensitivity of the subject’s eyes (which differ), and left too much for the photographer to decide. These meters, while helpful, were complicated to use. Today’s meters are used with selenium and silicone photo sensors, and are less complicated to use.

Building A Light Meter

Light meters can be rather costly, and not always necessary. So, if you think that you might need a light meter once or twice, but don’t want to take the time selecting the one that’s right for you (not to mention spending the money), you can build your own. This takes some math skills, such as being able calculates different types of formulas. Plus, you’ll have to figure out what type of light meter you’ll need. You can make simple ones out of household materials such as scissors and thumbtacks, but these are just very basic. There are instructions and tips via the Internet on building your own light meters.

Vivitar Light Meters

This company makes all kinds of products for cameras, and light meters are included in this category. Their products are sold on their site, in stores, and on places such as Ebay and Amazon.com. This is just one company that makes light meters, though. There are lost of others out there. Vivitar has good reviews on their products, even though some of their products are rather primitive. Vivitar will give you your money’s worth. However, before investing in a light meter from this company or any other, make sure you’ll use it!