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Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III Light Meter

BH #SEL398A • MFR #401-399
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Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III Light Meter
Key Features
  • An Industry Classic Meter
  • Analog Metering
  • No Battery Required
Sekonic has redesigned their popular analog light meter to more current industry standards. The Studio Deluxe III L-398A retains all of the legendary features and benefits of its predecessor. Using an environmentally-friendly amorphous silicon photocell, Sekonic can continue to offer the popular L-398 battery-free.
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Sekonic L-398A Overview

Sekonic has redesigned their popular analog light meter to more current industry standards. The Studio Deluxe III L-398A retains all of the legendary features and benefits of its predecessor. Using an environmentally-friendly amorphous silicon photocell, Sekonic can continue to offer the popular L-398 battery-free.

The L-398A offers both "Still" and "Cine" shooters the familiar features and repeatable accuracy expected from Sekonic. Educators and students won't be left without their favorite meter this year.

Amorphous silicon photocell
Needle lock for quick and easy measurement readings
Memory pointer for quick and easy reference to your last measured value
Swivel head and needle lock facilitate easy and accurate readings
Amorphous silicon photocell eliminates need for batteries
Lumidisc for adjusting illumination contrast and measuring illumination intensity
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
Battery
No
Meter Type
Ambient
Metering
Light Reading Method
Incident, Reflected
Aperture Range
f/0.7 to 128
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
Exposure Memory
No
Physical
Receptor Element
Silicon Photodiode
Diffuser
Spherical
Flat
Display
Indicator Needle
Media Card Reader
No
Tripod Mounting Thread
No
General
Battery
No
Dimensions
4.4 x 2.3 x 1.3" / 112 x 58 x 34 mm
Weight
6.7 oz / 190 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.68 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.95 x 4.8 x 1.95"

Sekonic L-398A Reviews

Perfect Light Meter

By Jerry
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-02-19

Accurate, easy to use and best part - no batteries required. Unless you are wanting a light meter to aid in flash exposure, this is an excellent meter. I use it with my 120-film Ikonta 521 / 2

Old school perfection

By Neil
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-01-06

Solid construction, no battery needed, accurate results. What more could you want? Admittedly, I did have to watch some videos on how to use it, but it works great once you know how to operate it.

See any errors on this page?

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 D
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 w
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: 2023-07-18

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
No, it's for continuous light readings.
Answered by: Lea C.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

I see some sites selling the Europe CE version of the L-398A, what is the difference?
Asked by: Michael
The CE IS the European Union version of the UL Listed for safety standards that electrical equipment must be rated for in certain applications is all.
Answered by: Drewski
Date published: 2019-05-01

question

Would this be a good light meter to use for studio still life/portrait work? I use film cameras for this work.
Asked by: Ricardo R.
As long as you are measuring available light, (not flash) this is a great meter.
Answered by: danny
Date published: 2024-12-18
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