I'm finding it quite difficult to use my Pentax spot meter very close up - it seems to work best at a minimum distance of about 1 metre - and consequently it is proving tricky to meter various close-up shots. I've tried a grey card, but depending upon the angle it is held, readings can vary by 2-3 f/stops. Is there a way to allow the meter to read closer, and would this be as simple as attaching a close-up filter - if so, what diopter? Or is there a better way?

-- fw (finneganswake@altavista.net), September 05, 2000

Answers

Changing the focal length to focus closer also changes the effective f/stop of the lens and influences the reading. What is the problem with using it close-up? The image does not have to be in focus in order to obtain valid readings.

-- Wayne DeWitt (wdewitt@snip.net), September 05, 2000.

Add close up lenses to the screw fitting on the Pentax +1/+2/+3 your choice. It's a 40.5 mm size.

-- George Nedleman (gnln@thegrid.net), September 05, 2000.

Technically, a fiber optic probe should be the ideal way of dealing with close-ups, rather than conventional meters. Gossen has such a probe available for some of their meters. Can we hear from those of you that have used FOPs as to what success they have with them?

-- Julio Fernandez (gluemax@ora.auracom.com), September 05, 2000.

To answer Julio's question, I've used a fibre optic cable for the Calcu-lite and it works perfectly well. You need to calibrate to your ground glass which is pretty easy to do. You also need to ensure no light enters through the back, which is also fairly easy to ensure. Cheers, DJ

-- n Dhananjay (ndhanu@umich.edu), September 05, 2000.

With my Soligor 1 degree, Zone VI modified meter, I always take my reading from the film plane, 6" or 600' it makes no difference, what you are reading is reflected light, thats all. Regards, Pat

-- pat krentz (patwandakrentz@aol.com), September 05, 2000.