The Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster is the world's first multi-function light meter that can be programmed to match and be calibrated to the sensitivity of your digital camera sensor or type of film for perfect exposure control. They have produced an incredible meter that more than meets the needs of the photographic community. This full-featured meter will definitely make everyone happy as it is loaded with every imaginable feature - and then some...
Expanding on the unqualified success of the L-558R, Sekonic has taken the next step and designed a meter that offers advanced features such as Spot/Incident measurement modes, flash/ambient measurements, flash analyzing, built-in PocketWizard wireless triggering, plus Exposure Profiling, Pre-Exposure warning, 14 selectable custom settings, and much more. This weather-resistant meter not only meets the needs of the digital community but can also serve the cinema community. The L-758Cine model will have expanded cine speed (fps) 1 thru 1000, Lux 0.63 to 190,000, Foot-Candle 0.10 to 180,000, Cd/m to 190,000, Foot-Lambert 0.07 to 190,000 and Preset filter compensation values (including Kodak Wratten filter number)
The L-758DR measures light beyond the capabilities of your camera and ensure repeatable accurate and consistent measurements. In addition, the dynamic range of a particular digital camera or film can be stored, recalled and displayed. Using the USB transfer cable (included) and the Sekonic Digital Input and Transfer software (included), a digital camera or film's exposure profile can be uploaded from a computer (Macintosh or Windows) to the L-758DR.
Up to three different digital camera or film exposure profiles can be saved and quickly retrieved with a touch of a button. With its Pre-Exposure warning indicators and adjustable mid-tone settings, the L-758DR puts the power of digital exposure control in the palm of your hands.
When you need to take a light reading - think Sekonic.
Important: To comply with local broadcast regulations, Sekonic wireless systems sold in the various markets around the world are designed to operate at different frequencies. When purchasing and/or installing a transmitter module or using the meter with a receiver, be sure that the meter, module and receiver are designed to be used in your location and use the same frequency.
The FCC designation indicates the meter and module are designed for operation in the USA/North American market. Frequencies: CH 1 to 16: 344.0 MHz; CH 17 to 32: 346.5 to 354.0MHz
The CE designation indicates the meter and module are designed for operation in European countries. Frequencies: CH 1 to 16: 433.62 MHz; CH 17 to 32: 434.22MHz
When purchasing and/or installing a transmitter module or using the meter with a receiver, be sure that the meter, module and receiver are designed to be used in your location and use the same frequency.
The wireless flash triggering system used in Sekonic meters consists of two parts that are designed to be used together and operate only at a specific frequency. Do not install a CE marked module into an FCC marked meter or FCC marked module into a CE marked meter as this will produce a unit that is not compatible with either frequency.
| Measuring System | Digital exposure meter for ambient and flash light; 2-Silicon photo diodes (incident and reflected) |
| Measuring Modes | Incident and reflected light |
| Receptor Head | Rotating; Convertible to flat diffuser (Lumisphere in down position); 3.3' to infinity (1m to infinity); 1° spot with display in finder |
| Aperture/Shutter Priority |
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| Display Readout |
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| ISO Range |
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| f/Stop Display Range |
Ambient Light Flash Aperture: Analog Scale: |
| Shutter Speed - Ambient | Ambient light: 30 minutes to 1/8000 seconds (in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 stop) plus 1/200, 1/400 |
| Shutter Speed - Flash | Flash: 30 minutes to 1/1000 second (in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 stop) plus 1/75, 1/80, 1/90, 1/100, 1/200, 1/400 |
| EV Range (ISO-100) | -9.9 to 46.6EV (in 1/10 stop) |
| Cine Speeds | 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 18, 24, 25, 30, 32, 36, 40, 48, 50, 60, 64, 72, 96, 120, 128, 150, 200, 240, 256, 300, 360 frames per second (at a 180° shutter angle) |
| Exposure Memory | 9 readings on analog scale (f/stop and shutter speed) with memory recall and clear feature |
| Shadow/Highlight Calculation | Yes |
| Brightness Difference | +/- 9.9 EV (in 1/10 stop) |
| Flash to Ambient Ratio | 0 to 100% in 10% increments |
| Multiple Flash |
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| Power Source |
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| Weight | 9.5 oz (268 gm) with battery |
| Exposure Calibration |
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| Specialties |
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| Dimensions | 3.5 x 6.7 x 1.9" (90 x 170 x 48 mm) (WHD) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent Meter
I hesitated buying an incident meter because so many “vocal” digital photographers said they were obsolete. They’re wrong. Setting ratios on studio strobes with the integrated pocket wizard module eliminates gu...Read complete review
I hesitated buying an incident meter because so many “vocal” digital photographers said they were obsolete. They’re wrong. Setting ratios on studio strobes with the integrated pocket wizard module eliminates guesswork, exposures are more accurate and predictable and the workflow is more efficient. The L-758DR is well built, the Tenba case is well padded with a belt loop for easy access and includes a storage area for a backup battery. The meter & exposure profile target are expensive, but you get what you pay for.
Using the L-758DR provides me with invaluable feedback in my lighting analysis: ratios, dynamic range, percentage of flash relative to ambient in an exposure, etc. You will learn more about lighting by actively metering the scene and observing meter readings than by passively letting the camera do it.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Amazing Meter - Frustrating Support
Overall, from a design point of view, this has to be the best meter on the planet. It's reasonably easy to use, a dream to use and dead accurate too. But, there ...Read complete review
Overall, from a design point of view, this has to be the best meter on the planet. It's reasonably easy to use, a dream to use and dead accurate too. But, there were problems for me.
I tried to calibrate the meter against my Nikon bodies. Nothing worked. I was getting error messages that were not documented in the manual they give you. I wrote Japan three times and got no help or even a reply. I wrote the Canadian distributor three times and only on the third try was there a response. The response said "we have assigned your case to someone, you'll hear from us shortly". Well I never heard from them at all. It's over a year now since I got that message.
After three frustrating months I did finally figure out how to calibrate the meter with my cameras and lenses. It's remarkably simple when you know how but until you know how you have to leap tall buildings.
Technical support from Sekonic is non existent and is really bad, they don't seem to care if they have struggling customers or not. I guess they figure they'll sell meters anyway since it is the best. Their documentation leaves a lot to be desired too.
But ... if you don't have a need to calibrate the meter with your cameras, it's an amazing piece of engineering most likely the best in the world. You simply take your chances when you get into technical problems.
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Reviewed by 102 customers
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I have owned and used this product for over two years now. I bought mine from B&H. This meter has consistently helped me to nail excellent exposures with far fewer "test" shots needed to get a dead-on exposure. I use it in low light, on-location portrait, flash photography, and some landscape shooting. And I never leave home without it!
Yes, it is pricey. BUT ... it allows me to get the images I want quickly. That is a big deal with impatient subjects who do not want to spend a lot of time sitting in front of the camera.
I also use Sekonic's exposure target as recommended.
The Sekonic L-758DR meters incident light to get an exposure that is more accurate than what my cameras' meters can produce nearly all the time. If you are serious about nailing the image quickly, this product is for you!
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
This is replacement for a stolen same type meter. This one flickers w/f stop but not shutter speed AND the spot is locked on 1 degree, not offering the 1-5 degree zoom of my stolen meter. I miss that feature. Waiting for Sekonic to respond to the flicker problem. Really wish I could switch the flicker to the shutter speed because I shoot in manual and want the f stop fixed. So far it's a real problem.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Is an excelent equipament, very hight presition.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
My new light meter helps me make great night photos! I love it!
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I use this product to set up my flash units for portrait photography indoors and outdoors. The meter provides outstandingly accurate readings that allow me to get the image correct the first time 98% of the time. The L-758DR also has the RT-32CTL transmitter module installed in it (although it is not clearly noted on the shipping box or on B&H's web site) which triggers all of my PocketWizard Nikon FlexTT5's perfectly.
This is a small light calculating computer that figures averages and allows the user to modify the readings to meet all the demands the photographer can come up with. I also use this meter to help nail the many HDR images that I take. In the past I would have to take as many as nine frames to try and capture the range of light present in a scene and with the L-758DR I can get all the information needed to do a correctly exposed and realistic looking HDR in three exposures. Exposure compensation is a snap and can be easily programmed into the ISO2 setting.
The other really nice feature of this meter is that you can profile your camera (with the Sekonic Exposure Profile II Target) and enter this information directly into the meter and you will then instantly know if you are within the workable range of your particular camera. I have also entered a couple of custom exposure range settings that I make use of with my camera. This is a superb meter, will meet all of your needs and help you get the proper exposures the first time around with total confidence and ease. I do not go anywhere without this meter, I only wish I had purchased it quite some time back as it would have saved me a ton of disk space and a large number of un-needed shutter actuations. There is a three year warranty on this light meter and can be obtained at no additional cost just by registering the purchase on the Sekonic web site.
If you are in the market for a light meter I can highly recommend the L-758DR without hesitation. It may cost a little bit more than some of the others but it also comes with a built in 1º spot meter that is amazingly accurate - once you have this meter you will not want or likely need anything else.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I'm a serious hobbyist and enjoy doing landscapes. The L-758DR Sekonic meter meets my needs exactly. Being able to profile a particular camera and lens is really great. I can see instantly if the scene is beyond the exposure range of my camera. Then I can meter exactly to figure out the number of shots I need if I want to do an HDR shot. It is extremely accurate for measuring exposure. Shots are dead on!!!
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Although I basically shoot digital (5D Mk-II), I've rediscovered the creative challenge, pleasure, and satisfaction of shooting medium format slide film again (Rolleiflex, Bronica, and Yashica) after a 45 year hiatus. But getting the correct exposure was hit and miss since I was using reflective meter readings for my landscape shots, and to be honest, my Sekonic L-208 light meter is a disappointment. Contrasty scenes were either under or overexposed half of the time. The Sekonic L-758DR solved the problem. I use, and generally average, the incident reading with as many as 6-7 reflective spot readings for landscape shots...and the 1-degree field of view spot meter is perfect for my needs...plus the spot meter is built into the unit...nothing extra to carry (and lose). And this meter does all of the averaging calculations for me. The meter obviously does a lot more, but this is all I need for now when I shoot film. But there's more... I've noticed that I nail the exposures first time when I'm shooting digital, especially portraits. It's quite a time-saver. Although I have no problem with "chimping" to get the correct exposure with digital (gotta' love digital), I do less of it after using this meter. Of course, you can't chimp with film. You have to nail it each time.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I have the L358 Also. This meter seems to be easyer to use. I think that the camera profile makes it more acurate. I really wish I would have got this one a long time ago. I would sugest to anyone to get this one and the l358 as a backup.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I love this lightmeter. I was thinking about buying its bigger brother, the L-758 Cine. This covered almost everything I cared about, so I got this one instead.
I use it for still photography. This is a great flash meter that I use for setting indoor lights.
I've used it for cinematography with my 16mm Arriflex and my Super 8 Canon. It gives you a great selection of frame rates, but not quite as many as the L-758 Cine.
It has a built in spot meter. It works great! Saved me from having to buy a seperate one.
The only downsides to this meter I've had so far, are the lanyard and the battery. The lanyard is far too long, and is not adjustable. On a short person, this would be dragging on the ground.
The battery is the old film camera battery standard, a 3V CR123A. This probably was a great idea back in the old days (The 90s, the distant past), when cameras took these batteries; letting a pro carry the same as spares. These days, the only thing I carry that uses these is this meter. My digital camera uses different batteries. And when I shoot film, I mostly use my old K1000.
These are minor complaints. I couldn't be happier with this meter, and look for excuses to use it. Hopefully, I'll still be using it 20 years from now.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Can measure in multiple ways including a 1 degree spot. Perfect for connecting to pocket wizards for test firing your flash, can be simple enough for beginners but has all the capabilities and functions needed by todays professionals.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
This flash meter is the best. It can handle the most complex situations and in the simplest fashion. I am new to portrait photography and this is my first light meter along with the newly purchased strobe lighting equipment. Within an hour, I was able to fully understand how to use this product and its so easy to use.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I am a photographer & this is my first light meter. Was lot confused with its tons of features & button configuration but as time passed I got it rite & it is good. Good to have the top of the line meter. Works gr8
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Is a fantastic light meter, is efficient, has a pocket wizard trigger, very accurate and can be calibrated to your camera and the spot meter is just great.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
This is a very cool piece of equipment. The ability to spot meter and meter ambient light and flash all with one tool is what drew me to this product.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Not only is this meter feature rich, if you learn it's capabilities and apply them, it speeds up many shooting situations. Once you have a lock on an incident reading, you can shoot pretty continuously in many situations without re-metering. The spot meter is a great way to determine your brightest highlight, allowing you to expose based on protecting that while pushing it to an acceptable limit (perfect ETTR). For learning, I highly recommend checking out the on-demand webinars under the classroom tab on Sekonic's website, either before or after purchasing.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I purchased this product for precise raw exposure testing for educational purposes. It more than fits the bill.
Using an exposure meter in today's digital environment is a lost art. If people took the time to understand how a light meter could help them, they would have the tools to make better pictures!
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I've had it for 2 weeks and have used it in a studio and outdoors and I have to say the multi functions available for both environments were extremely helpful. The only cons (with almost all meters) is I wish it was more rugged (rubberized or something). I'm not saying poor construction, just a wish list item.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
This is a great tool if you need to measure light.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I tend to use this more for incident readings. It has been giving me better exposure settings than the camera meter.
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Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I did a lot of research before I bought this product, and went straight for the best. It was overwhelming at first but with all the tutorials and lots of practice, it paid off. Best photo investment I have made so far. Highly recommend this product.