Sekonic L358 first use... is it faulty?

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Shutterbox

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Almost certain it will be `user error`, but never having used a light meter before and having read and re-read the instructions am confused by the results.

Used it today with Lastolite Hilite and two interfit strobes. ISO on camera (5D) and L358 set to 100, shutter speed set to 125 on both, L358 in flash mode, point dome towards strobes from subject position press and hold button while strobes are fired. Result F8, when picture taken it was overexposed (displayed on laptop). To get a correctly exposed image visually and using histogram required F13.

Turning off the strobes in Hilite made no difference.

Anyone spot the obvious mistake that would result in the L358 being so far out?

Thanks in advance.
 
just looked at teh L358 and seen it say this
Incident readings of three-dimensional subjects are taken using the Lumisphere fully extended, and retract the Lumisphere for selective, narrower-field readings for flat-field objects such as artwork. For reflected readings, a Lumigrid (included) replaces the Lumisphere.
WHich did you have it set on?
 
Chaz Photos said:
just looked at teh L358 and seen it say this
Incident readings of three-dimensional subjects are taken using the Lumisphere fully extended, and retract the Lumisphere for selective, narrower-field readings for flat-field objects such as artwork. For reflected readings, a Lumigrid (included) replaces the Lumisphere.
WHich did you have it set on?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, lumisphere was fully extended.
 
Forgot to mention, used the L358 in ambient mode outdoors a few days ago and it seemed to work fine.
 
Please explain your subject and lighting set up fully. What lights have you got, pointing where?

You only mention two, and both of those would normally be pointing inside the Hilite. Are you shooting a portrait with a blown white background? What is the main subject light?

A meter is best used for setting light ratios. They are not the most accurate way of setting the final exposure due to other variables in the system (ISO is sometimes a bit out, f/numbers are not corrected for actual transmission, vignetting is a factor, and the actual diaphragm settings are not always spot on). The LCD and histogram are better for final exposure setting, but the meter shouldn't be more than 1/2 stop off that at most.

What is the ambient light level? That could throw it it.
 
Thanks for the replies.

There were two lights in the Hilite and two on the subject, as I mentioned, turning off the lights in the Hilite didn`t make a difference.

Does anyone use one of these? When you press the button for flash metereing, the instructions say you have 90 seconds to fire the lights, does that mean you hold the button in while firing the lights or just press once and release?

Not clear from the instructions and I can`t remember what I did as I had to quickly give up using it.

Will hopefully be able to set up a light later and try it.
 
Shutterbox said:
...does that mean you hold the button in while firing the lights or just press once and release?...
Click to expand...

On my 308S you press and release... I would imagine the 358 is prolly the same although I would be surprised if holding the button made any difference to the reading.

On the 308, when you press and release the button, the LCD flash symbol begins flashing and will continue to do so for about 90 seconds indicating that it's ready to meter.
 
I have the L758-DR - you press and release - it will be the same on yours.
 
sorry - no - try and see. - I'll have a look later.
 
Try with just one light first set at F8 and see what you get.
As previously said just press and release then trigger flash.

It is strange we must be missing something.. :shrug:
 
Shutterbox said:
Thanks for the replies.

There were two lights in the Hilite and two on the subject, as I mentioned, turning off the lights in the Hilite didn`t make a difference.

Does anyone use one of these? When you press the button for flash metereing, the instructions say you have 90 seconds to fire the lights, does that mean you hold the button in while firing the lights or just press once and release?

Not clear from the instructions and I can`t remember what I did as I had to quickly give up using it.

Will hopefully be able to set up a light later and try it.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I didn't read it quite like that. It sounds like you are doing everything right. I can't think that the meter would be more than half a stop out.

Casting a shadow is one possibility. Very high ambient light is another. Have to double-checked the ISO setting is the same? :thinking:
 
Tried meter today with just one light and it seemed to be OK.

Yesterday the ISO was correct, no ambient light to speak of and meter in direct line of sight of both strobes, so no explanation.

As has been mentioned above, holding the button down also works, so no answer there.

Will have to wait a while before being able to set up and try again, so for now it remains a mystery.

Thanks for all the replies.
 
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