I don't know about flash, but for all other situations when I feel the lighting might confuse my Nikon's internal meter, I use a rare, highly technical and unique item....

..... the back of my left hand.

Works every time, probably because it equates to 18% grey.

Yeah--it looks like a good deal.  It seems a bit pricey until I consider how many thousands I've already put into my kit.  And, I need it.

I'll let you know how it works when it arrives.

....along those lines, this article may be of interest:

http://www.stockasylum.com/text-pages/column/jtt21-022007-plane.htm

ProfessorGB - I'm in the same boat you are and have been shopping for a couple of months.  Everyone tells me to buy the Sekonic you mention as well.

ah yes, spot metering ups the anty a bit ... a couple hundred $$'s more.

spot meter at b&H

I use one Minolta (I don't remember the model and it's not here) but I've heard good things about the Sekonic.
I only use the Minolta because I also have one underwater housing for it, and It always go with me when I dive.

I don't know about flash, but for all other situations when I feel the lighting might confuse my Nikon's internal meter, I use a rare, highly technical and unique item....

..... the back of my left hand.

Works every time, probably because it equates to 18% grey.

back of your left hand would be 36%grey - you would need to open up one stop-anyway kodak reckon that 13% grey is the correct mid-tone, regards, grizzlybear

Hi,

I ordered SEKONIC L-358 light meter last week to help me get correct lightning ratios with studio lights (I shoot about 90% of my work within studio like environment in my living room )).

I found out that it is very hard to get lights powered correctly with on-camera meter (canon rebel xti). So I hope I can get better exposures.

I did not order any spot meter accessories to it, but this meter has option to use one of these external accessories (+150$). I try to post my initial comments when I receive the meter in 2-3 weeks.

br, Mikko P.

My Sekonic L-308s arrived today and it works just fine.  Very easy to use and works just fine with my lights.

It seems to be a touch flimsier that I would like, but for studio work it should be just great.  I'm glad I bought it.

...Must be the light meter