Sekonic L-398 Studio Deluxe Light Meter with Lumisphere (Ambient)

The Sekonic L-398 Studio Deluxe Light Meter with Lumisphere (Ambient) is a classic, analog incident/reflected light meter, long considered the industry standard against which all other studio meters are measured. It’s a self-powered, battery-free tool well suited to photographers and cinematographers who want precise, reliable ambient light readings in a studio or on location.

The meter uses a selenium (or, on later versions, amorphous silicon) photocell, eliminating the need for any batteries entirely. Incident light measurements are taken using the included Lumisphere, a spherical attachment that detects the same light striking a three-dimensional subject, automatically accounting for light arriving from multiple directions to produce an exposure value applicable to photography; the measuring range for incident light spans EV 4 to 17 (at ISO 100). For reflected light readings, a flat Lumigrid (with a 30-degree light-receiving angle) replaces the Lumisphere, extending the reflected measuring range to EV 9 to 17.

Handling centers on a swivel light receptor head and a needle-lock mechanism, allowing operation even while the hand is released from the meter, along with a memory pointer that retains the prior reading for easier light-balance comparisons between multiple light sources. The meter covers an aperture range of f/0.7 to 128, a shutter speed range of 60 seconds to 1/8000 second (in 1, 1/2, or 1/3-stop increments), and cine frame rates of 8, 16/18, 24, 64, and 128 frames per second. Film speed is adjustable across an ISO range of 6 to 12,000.

Build quality centers on a durable, compact analog design weighing approximately 6.7 oz. The meter includes the Lumisphere (attached), along with a Lumidisc for flat-field or selective-area readings, a Lumigrid for reflected-light measurement, a High slide for extending the measurable range, a carrying case, and a strap.

Key Features
– Analog incident/reflected ambient light meter
– Self-powered (selenium or amorphous silicon photocell; no batteries required)
– Incident light measurement via interchangeable Lumisphere and Lumidisc
– Reflected light measurement via Lumigrid (30° receiving angle)
– Measuring range: incident EV 4-17; reflected EV 9-17 (ISO 100)
– Aperture range of f/0.7 to 128
– Shutter speed range of 60 sec to 1/8000 sec (1, 1/2, or 1/3-stop increments)
– Cine frame rate settings: 8, 16/18, 24, 64, 128 fps
– ISO range of 6-12,000
– Swivel light receptor head with needle-lock mechanism
– Memory pointer (retains prior reading)
– Approximate weight: 6.7 oz.