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Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe 70th Anniversary Edition Light Meter

BH #SEL398ASD70A • MFR #401-395
 86 reviews
Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe 70th Anniversary Edition Light Meter
Key Features
  • No Batteries: Amorphous Photo Sensor
  • Special Burgundy with Rose-Gold Accents
  • 70th Anniversary, No Battery Required
  • Fast Reading of Aperture/Shutter Combos
70 years ago an imaginative company introduced the Sekonic L-398A, an idea that would evolve years later to this celebration of the company's steadfast course that has transformed time and the quest for excellence into unmatched quality, celebrated here with the L-398A Studio Deluxe 70th Anniversary Edition Light Meter.
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$498.00
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Sekonic L-398A Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Instant Reading of Full Range of Aperture/Shutter Combinations
  • 3Amorphous Photosensor Eliminates Need for Batteries
  • 4Convenience Features

70 years ago an imaginative company introduced the Sekonic L-398A, an idea that would evolve years later to this celebration of the company's steadfast course that has transformed time and the quest for excellence into unmatched quality, celebrated here with the L-398A Studio Deluxe 70th Anniversary Edition Light Meter.

This meter represents years of evolution. I believe that Ansel Adams had at least one in his large collection of meters. Like those meters, the Special Edition is up to date and can do anything the original L-398A can, just with a little more style. A handy feature of the meter is that owing to the Amorphous Photo Sensor, the meter needs no batteries!

Although the L-398A Studio Deluxe 70th Anniversary Edition meter is bound to become collector's item, take it out for a run sometime, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Instant Reading of Full Range of Aperture/Shutter Combinations
The analog dial gives you full range of exposure settings for both still and cine applications at a single glance. The analog needle indicates the brightness in foot candles
Amorphous Photosensor Eliminates Need for Batteries
As light receptor element, amorphous photosensor is newly adopted. It is unnecessary to bring replacement batteries
Convenience Features
  • Memory pointer for quick and easy reference to your last measured value
  • Swivel head and needle lock facilitate easy and accurate readings
  • Lumigrid for measuring reflected light

    • Sekonic L-398A Specs

    Key Specs
    Meter Type
    Ambient
    Light Reading Method
    Incident
    Reflected
    Diffuser
    Spherical
    Flat
    Display
    Indicator Needle
    Metering
    Light Reading Method
    Incident
    Reflected
    Aperture Range
    f/0.7 to 128 (1, 1/3-Step Increments)
    EV Range
    Ambient, Incident: 4 to 17 EV
    Ambient, Reflected: 9 to 17 EV
    ISO Range
    6 to 12,000
    Shutter Speed Range
    1/8000 to 60 Seconds (1-Step Increments)
    Exposure Memory
    Yes, 1 Readings
    Physical
    Receptor Element
    Silicon Photodiode
    Diffuser
    Spherical
    Flat
    Display
    Indicator Needle
    Memory Card Slots
    No
    Tripod Mounting Thread
    No
    Environmental
    Operating Temperature
    32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
    Storage Temperature
    -4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C
    General
    Battery
    No
    Dimensions
    4.4 x 2.3 x 1.3" / 112 x 58 x 34 mm
    Weight
    6.4 oz / 181.0 g
    Packaging Info
    Package Weight
    1.82 lb
    Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
    10.4 x 6.9 x 3.6"

    Sekonic L-398A Reviews

    See any errors on this page? Let us know

    Is the 70th anniversary edition functionally ...

    Is the 70th anniversary edition functionally different than the standard (less expensive) model?
    Asked by: William
    The Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe 70th Anniversary Edition Light Meter comes in burgundy color with rose gold accents, a special display box, "70th Anniversary" on the meter's front panel, a special leather case and strap. Functionality is exactly the same.
    Answered by: Yaakov
    Date published: 2023-01-22

    Hello; does this meter comes with color matching ...

    Hello; does this meter comes with color matching leather strap, color matching leather pouch and meter with meter display box plus all accessories? Do all supplied in special larger black box? Is this the way this meter supplied? Or just the display box only? Thanks.
    Asked by: Hasan
    Yes Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe 70th Anniversary Edition Light Meter does include matching strap and pouch. Please take a look at this photo as it shows the strap and pouch it comes with. https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-ehtp7ad03x/images/stencil/1000x1000/products/112/404/MeterLeathercasestrap__91203.1624367233.jpg?c=1
    Answered by: Daniel
    Date published: 2022-12-21

    Is the case for the regular L398A real leather?

    Is the case for the regular L398A real leather?
    Asked by: William
    The case included with Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III Light Meter is made of synthetic leather.
    Answered by: llinelva
    Date published: 2023-02-02

    How is the display for reading for someone for ...

    How is the display for reading for someone for someone who needs strong reading glasses?
    Asked by: CONSTANTINE
    "YES".
    Answered by: John
    Date published: 2021-07-19

    does this meter work to measure light from ...

    does this meter work to measure light from flashes?
    Asked by: cristhyan
    No, the Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III Light Meter is not designed for flash metering.
    Answered by: Yaakov
    Date published: 2022-10-20

    question

    As mentioned, this unit uses a magnet. Is it dangerous for someone that has a pacemaker or a shunt. Both use magnets.Also, what effect does this unit have on SD cards? If it can have an effect, what is a safe distance? Is twelve ( 12) inches too close?SEKONIC rep- THIS question is for you. I need a specific response please. I will not purchase without direct answersThanks.
    Asked by: Harvey
    Magnets will not damage SD cards, USB sticks, SSD drives, or other forms of solid state memory. Solid state memory is a completely different technology from spinning drives, which could be damaged by magnets. Don't take my word for it. Use Google. Do the research.
    Answered by: Jeremy
    Date published: 2020-12-12

    question

    I have read the manual and Sekonic says that this meter must be kept away from floppy disks and similar materials. Does this include SD cards? If so, how would one do so.?
    Asked by: Harvey
    Floppy disks and SD cards use totally different technologies to record data. SD cards, USB sticks, and SSD's are NOT affected by magnets like floppy disks. You can safely store SD cards around the meter.
    Answered by: Jeremy
    Date published: 2023-01-22

    question

    The L-208 comes with a flash shoe mount. Does this come with one and/or have an easy method of mounting it to a flash shoe?
    Asked by: Anonymous
    The 398 was never designed to be used mounted on a camera. It has a metal body and a large magnet in it that is actually not a great thing to have around any digital recording devices. If small and simple is what you are looking for, the 208 is a very nice meter. The 398 is a very traditional meter that is modeled after one of the very first light meters and first incident measuring meter.
    Answered by: Phil B. Sekonic Expert
    Date published: 2021-10-14
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