Handheld Vacuum Meter

Initially bought this for the handheld build, but found it a bit bulky and it ended up on the hoop rig. The meter is a really nice feature as my batts don't have screens.

This was the first handheld meter I ever used. I borrowed it from my friend's father along with his Hasselblad camera. Here, years later, I am a working photojournalist and I went and bought the meter that I used when I first fell in love with photography. I am a strong believer in handheld meters. I use them for my old unmetered cameras, as well when shooting new digital cameras. I own this meter (L-398A), along with the L-208, and L-358. I love how this meter doesn't need batteries to operate, came with a really carrying/belt case, and that it came perfectly calibrated (within 1/3 stop on some tests I did). For beginners, I would recommend the L-208, it's cheaper, smaller, and I think easier to read. The L-398A can do more, and is a more robust meter, but for casual use, and with film the L-208 is plenty capable. If you are planning on shooting with flash and strobe, this meter won't help. Likewise, if you are mainly shooting in really low light, a digital meter might better serve your needs. However, this is THE METER I grab when shooting my old Nikon F2s and my Leica cameras. One note: this meter used to be made in Japan, but the current model is made in the Philippines. Qualitywise, I don't think there is really a difference but just something I noticed when looking at the back of the meter.

I really like this tiny handheld meter. It has everything I need for exposure settings on old film cameras. It is very accurate. I checked it with my spot meter multiple times. Both incident and reflective measurements are easy. I really like incident metering in tough sunlight or backlit conditions. Not obvious from the description is that the nice long lanyard threads through the back of the protective well made ‘sack’. It fits easy in a shirt pocket ready for quick retrieval.

Very nice handheld meter with lots of components. Probrably not use all of them but follow instruction book and everything works well, Very accurate and lightweight and easy to put in camera bag.

Ive been an avid photographer for going on 50 years.  Starting as a hobbyist, turning pro for a great number of those 50 years and finally retiring to a photography enthusiast in 2010.   When I started my photographic journey a good handheld light meter was an essential piece of equipment for any serious photographer as many of my cameras had no internal metering system.  As time and photo equipment advanced into the digital age even the simplest point and shoot cameras come with very sophisticated light metering systems.  But now as 50 years ago a simple handheld incident light meter is the way to go for insured accuracy. Over the years Ive had many handheld meters.  My latest is the Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter.  Very lightweight, accurate, and easy to use.  I highly recommend the Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter for any photographer wanting to take their art up to the next level.

Amazing little vacuum/blower!

makes dust and debris disappear. Can't vacuum.

Vacuum packed cartridges for the longest possible life.

The best Vacuum Bag. It can make a lot of space in you back pack or carrion. I want to get another one.

Have it's big brother also but this is great to grab to go out back to wash and vacuum the car. . .