Difference between revisions of "Minolta Flash Meter"

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The '''Minolta Flash Meter''' series was started in 1969 with a [[light meter]] bearing the same name.
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The '''Minolta Flash Meter''' series was started in 1969 with a [[light meter]] bearing the same name. The photographic meter line was discontinued in 2006 and sold off to [[Kenko]] shortly after [[Sony]] took over the merged [[Konica Minolta]] photographic division.
 
==Flash Meter==
 
==Flash Meter==
The ''Minolta Flash Meter'' was an analog measuring instrument with a color-corrected silicon photo cell as light sensor. This element was developed and produced by [[Minolta]] itself, as well as the whole flash meter. The meter needs one AA-battery and five PX625 batteries. The analog instrument's scale changes when the ASA-preselector on the meter's top is re-adjusted. Then the EV-value scale stays, but the scale of corresponding apertures is shifted right or left. When the right ASA film speed value appears over the scales the measuring can be done. The meter's front side shows the instrument and the preselector for the shutter speed. The instrument's needle shows an approriate aperture value for the preselected film an shutter speeds. Therefore the big metal button on the meter's side must be pressed down. Then the needle shows the [[EV]] of the moment of pressing down the button. On the bottom are two connectors, one for a remote sensor and one for a flash firing cable. When a [[flashgun]] is connected the meter can be used in a dark room. When its big button is pressed the flash is triggered synchronized to the moment of measuring. The instrument's needle keeps staying over the measuring value as long as the button is pressed, and a little lamp over the scale makes it readable in the darkness until the button is released. Another small button serves for the battery check. The sensor is located behind a round hole in the meter's back. The hole is a screw mount for the diffusor. One of several different diffusors can be chosen.
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{|class=plainlinks align=right
 
 
{|class=plainlinks align=center
 
 
||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/uwe_kulick/3395512011/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3395512011_e5bcc6176b_m.jpg]
 
||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/uwe_kulick/3395512011/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3395512011_e5bcc6176b_m.jpg]
 
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  }}
 
  }}
 
|}
 
|}
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The ''Minolta Flash Meter'' was an analog measuring instrument with a color-corrected silicon photo cell as light sensor. This element was developed and produced by [[Minolta]] itself, as well as the whole flash meter. The meter needs one AA-battery for illumination and five PX625 batteries for measurement. The analog instrument's scale changes when the ASA-preselector on the meter's top is re-adjusted. Then the EV-value scale stays, but the scale of corresponding apertures is shifted right or left. When the right ASA film speed value appears over the scales the measuring can be done. The meter's front side shows the instrument and the preselector for the shutter speed. The instrument's needle shows an approriate aperture value for the preselected film an shutter speeds. Therefore the big metal button on the meter's side must be pressed down. Then the needle shows the [[EV]] of the moment of pressing down the button. On the bottom are two connectors, one for a remote sensor and one for a flash firing cable. When a [[flashgun]] is connected the meter can be used in a dark room. When its big button is pressed the flash is triggered synchronized to the moment of measuring. The instrument's needle keeps staying over the measuring value as long as the button is pressed, and a little lamp over the scale makes it readable in the darkness until the button is released. Another small button serves for the battery check. The sensor is located behind a round hole in the meter's back. The hole is a screw mount for the diffusor. One of several different diffusors can be chosen.
 +
 
== Flash Meter II==
 
== Flash Meter II==
In 1976 the series was continued with the '''Minolta Flash Meter II''' which had an LED display instead of an analog instrument scale.
 
 
 
{{Flickr_image
 
{{Flickr_image
 
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/troystains/3426049148/in/pool-camerawiki/
 
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/troystains/3426049148/in/pool-camerawiki/
|image=  http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3426049148_11c084a20c_m.jpg
+
|image=  http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3426049148_11c084a20c_n.jpg
|image_align= center
+
|image_align= right
|image_text= minolta flash meter ii
+
|image_text= Minolta Flash Meter II
 
|image_by= Troy Stains
 
|image_by= Troy Stains
 
|image_rights= with permission
 
|image_rights= with permission
 
}}
 
}}
 +
In 1976 the series was continued with the '''Minolta Flash Meter II''' which had an LED display instead of an analog instrument scale. It improves upon the previous model by having a swiveling measuring sphere. That makes it much easier to measure from multiple areas while still being able to view the display. A calibration adjustment can also be made from -1 to +1 in 1/3 EV stops. The film speed scale has also expanded for use with higher speed film. A tripod socket is also provided. Originally included is the reflective attachment and carrying pouch. The meter is now powered by a single 9v (6LR61) battery.
 +
{{br}}
 +
 
== Flash Meter III==
 
== Flash Meter III==
In 1980 the '''Minolta Flash meter III''' followed. It had a more versatile [[LCD]] display and a built-in digital micro-controller.
+
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/36928264@N05/5074910935/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4148/5074910935_9f19b67bf5.jpg
 +
|image_align= right
 +
|image_text=
 +
|image_by= DiegoCass
 +
|image_rights= (C)
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
In 1980 the '''Minolta Flash meter III''' followed. It had a more versatile [[LCD]] display and a built-in digital micro-controller.  
 +
 
  
  
 
{{Flickr_image
 
{{Flickr_image
 
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/luketrash/3047693212/in/pool-camerawiki/
 
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/luketrash/3047693212/in/pool-camerawiki/
|image=  http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/3047693212_55ac1a43d9_m.jpg
+
|image=  http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/3047693212_55ac1a43d9_n.jpg
 
|image_align=  
 
|image_align=  
 
|image_text=  
 
|image_text=  
 
|image_by= Luke Healey
 
|image_by= Luke Healey
 
|image_rights= wp
 
|image_rights= wp
}}
+
}}{{br}}
  
 
== Flash Meter IV==
 
== Flash Meter IV==
 
{{Flickr_image
 
{{Flickr_image
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/30019737@N03/3393541522/in/pool-camerawiki/
+
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeladell/3731101829/in/pool-camerawiki/
|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3731101829_50524c209c_m.jpg
+
|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3731101829_50524c209c_n.jpg
|image_align= center
+
|image_align= right
 
|image_text= Flash Meter IV + Viewfinder 10
 
|image_text= Flash Meter IV + Viewfinder 10
 
|image_by= Mikel Adell
 
|image_by= Mikel Adell
 
|image_rights= with permission
 
|image_rights= with permission
 
}}
 
}}
 +
The '''Flash Meter IV''' is a newer update of the Flash Meter III. This unit offers more memory functions enabling it to compare multiple measurements to get a more accurate reading in complex lighting environments. The meter is also compatible with many of the accessories from the previous Flash Meter III. One unique accessory to this meter is called DR-1000. The DR-1000 is an accessory for the [[Minolta 7000]] and [[Minolta 9000]] cameras that enables the Flash Meter IV to send metering data via IR to those cameras by pressing the "Data out" button on the back of the meter. Along with the 1x AA battery used to operate the meter, this feature requires an additional 6v 5LR44 battery. A calibration adjustment can also be made from -0.08 to +0.07, this is useful when using multiple meters. A tripod socket is also provided.
 +
 +
While this meter is a great improvement in features compared to the Flash Meter III, many initially find it confusing to master the more advanced features because of the extra ordinary number of dedicated buttons and slider controls on the unit.
 +
{{br}}
  
 
== Flash Meter V==
 
== Flash Meter V==
This kind of flash meter was further developed until the appeareance of the '''Flash Meter V''' in 1995.
 
 
{{Flickr_image
 
{{Flickr_image
 
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/26950614@N07/2878487626/in/pool-camerawiki/
 
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/26950614@N07/2878487626/in/pool-camerawiki/
|image=  http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2878487626_39ef51ba8e_m.jpg
+
|image=  http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2878487626_39ef51ba8e_n.jpg
|image_align= center
+
|image_align= right
|image_text= Minolta Flash Meter V
+
|image_text= Minolta Flash Meter V with cover up,{{br}} and viewfinder 5 degree attachment
 
|image_by= 惡虎
 
|image_by= 惡虎
 
|image_rights= wp
 
|image_rights= wp
 
}}
 
}}
 +
The flash meter was further developed with the appeareance of the '''Flash Meter V''' in 1995. This version of the meter features a sliding lid. When slid upwards the mode, memory, S/A/H and difference buttons are shown. Slide it down it reveals the ISO button and dedicated instant film ISO override button. The meter is also compatible with many of the accessories from the previous Flash Meter III and above. A tripod socket is also provided.
 +
 +
There are four dip switch settings in the battery compartment to customize the meter. This included switching between photo or cine mode; EV or F. no mode; 1 stop or half stop shutter mode. There is also a switch to turn on or off the tone when measuring flash in wireless mode. A calibration adjustment can also be made from -0.08 to +0.07, this is useful when using multiple meters.
 +
 +
{{br}}
  
 
== Flash Meter VI==
 
== Flash Meter VI==
The Flash Meter VI became available in 2003. It is also available from [[Kenko]] as the model KFM-2100.
+
 
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/100283874@N08/11662926746/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image=  http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/11662926746_7028aa0d3e_n.jpg
 +
|image_align=
 +
|image_text=
 +
|image_by= nik.jalopx
 +
|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
The Flash Meter VI became available in 2003. It was Minoltas last photographic meter, before they merged with [[Konica]]. After [[Sony]] took over, they sold the manufacturing to [[Kenko]]. It then became available as the model '''KFM-2100'''.
 
==Specs==
 
==Specs==
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" style="margin: 0.5em 2em; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse;"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" style="margin: 0.5em 2em; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse;"
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| Measuring range reflected || 1 to 128cd. sec./m²|| 8 to 4,096cd. sec./m²{{br}} 6 to 23 EV (100 ASA)||1 to 18.2 EV (100 ASA)|| ref40: 1 to 25.5 EV{{br}}vf10: 1 to 25.5 EV{{br}} vf5: 2.2 to 23.7 EV|| ref40: 1.2 to 23.1 EV{{br}}vf10: 1.2 to 23.1 EV{{br}} vf5: 2.5 to 24.4 EV
 
| Measuring range reflected || 1 to 128cd. sec./m²|| 8 to 4,096cd. sec./m²{{br}} 6 to 23 EV (100 ASA)||1 to 18.2 EV (100 ASA)|| ref40: 1 to 25.5 EV{{br}}vf10: 1 to 25.5 EV{{br}} vf5: 2.2 to 23.7 EV|| ref40: 1.2 to 23.1 EV{{br}}vf10: 1.2 to 23.1 EV{{br}} vf5: 2.5 to 24.4 EV
 
|-
 
|-
| ASA/ISO || 12 to 1,600 ASA || colspan="2" |12 to 32,000 ASA|| 8 to 6400 ISO || 3 to 8,000 ISO
+
| ASA/ISO || 12 to 1,600 ASA || colspan="2" |12 to 3,200 ASA|| 8 to 6400 ISO || 3 to 8,000 ISO
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Time || 1/30 to 1/250|| 1 to 1/250 || 30s to 1/1000|| 30m to 1/8000 || 30m to 1/6000{{br}}flash: 30m to 1/1000
 
| Time || 1/30 to 1/250|| 1 to 1/250 || 30s to 1/1000|| 30m to 1/8000 || 30m to 1/6000{{br}}flash: 30m to 1/1000
Line 85: Line 114:
 
| Aperture || ƒ1 to 128 || colspan="2" | ƒ1 to 90|| colspan="2" |ƒ0.7 to 90
 
| Aperture || ƒ1 to 128 || colspan="2" | ƒ1 to 90|| colspan="2" |ƒ0.7 to 90
 
|-
 
|-
| Cine || || || ||8 to 64 fps || 8 to 128 fps
+
| Cine || || N/A || ||8 to 64 fps || 8 to 128 fps
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Power|| 5x 1.35v PX625 mercury{{br}} 1x 1.5v AA / LR6 battery || 9v battery / PP3 / 6LR61 || 6x 1.55v SR44 silver oxide || 1x 1.5v AA{{br}}1x 6v 4LR44 || 1x 1.5v AA
 
| Power|| 5x 1.35v PX625 mercury{{br}} 1x 1.5v AA / LR6 battery || 9v battery / PP3 / 6LR61 || 6x 1.55v SR44 silver oxide || 1x 1.5v AA{{br}}1x 6v 4LR44 || 1x 1.5v AA

Revision as of 02:43, 27 May 2014

The Minolta Flash Meter series was started in 1969 with a light meter bearing the same name. The photographic meter line was discontinued in 2006 and sold off to Kenko shortly after Sony took over the merged Konica Minolta photographic division.

Flash Meter

The Minolta Flash Meter was an analog measuring instrument with a color-corrected silicon photo cell as light sensor. This element was developed and produced by Minolta itself, as well as the whole flash meter. The meter needs one AA-battery for illumination and five PX625 batteries for measurement. The analog instrument's scale changes when the ASA-preselector on the meter's top is re-adjusted. Then the EV-value scale stays, but the scale of corresponding apertures is shifted right or left. When the right ASA film speed value appears over the scales the measuring can be done. The meter's front side shows the instrument and the preselector for the shutter speed. The instrument's needle shows an approriate aperture value for the preselected film an shutter speeds. Therefore the big metal button on the meter's side must be pressed down. Then the needle shows the EV of the moment of pressing down the button. On the bottom are two connectors, one for a remote sensor and one for a flash firing cable. When a flashgun is connected the meter can be used in a dark room. When its big button is pressed the flash is triggered synchronized to the moment of measuring. The instrument's needle keeps staying over the measuring value as long as the button is pressed, and a little lamp over the scale makes it readable in the darkness until the button is released. Another small button serves for the battery check. The sensor is located behind a round hole in the meter's back. The hole is a screw mount for the diffusor. One of several different diffusors can be chosen.

Flash Meter II

In 1976 the series was continued with the Minolta Flash Meter II which had an LED display instead of an analog instrument scale. It improves upon the previous model by having a swiveling measuring sphere. That makes it much easier to measure from multiple areas while still being able to view the display. A calibration adjustment can also be made from -1 to +1 in 1/3 EV stops. The film speed scale has also expanded for use with higher speed film. A tripod socket is also provided. Originally included is the reflective attachment and carrying pouch. The meter is now powered by a single 9v (6LR61) battery.

Flash Meter III

In 1980 the Minolta Flash meter III followed. It had a more versatile LCD display and a built-in digital micro-controller.



Flash Meter IV

The Flash Meter IV is a newer update of the Flash Meter III. This unit offers more memory functions enabling it to compare multiple measurements to get a more accurate reading in complex lighting environments. The meter is also compatible with many of the accessories from the previous Flash Meter III. One unique accessory to this meter is called DR-1000. The DR-1000 is an accessory for the Minolta 7000 and Minolta 9000 cameras that enables the Flash Meter IV to send metering data via IR to those cameras by pressing the "Data out" button on the back of the meter. Along with the 1x AA battery used to operate the meter, this feature requires an additional 6v 5LR44 battery. A calibration adjustment can also be made from -0.08 to +0.07, this is useful when using multiple meters. A tripod socket is also provided.

While this meter is a great improvement in features compared to the Flash Meter III, many initially find it confusing to master the more advanced features because of the extra ordinary number of dedicated buttons and slider controls on the unit.

Flash Meter V

The flash meter was further developed with the appeareance of the Flash Meter V in 1995. This version of the meter features a sliding lid. When slid upwards the mode, memory, S/A/H and difference buttons are shown. Slide it down it reveals the ISO button and dedicated instant film ISO override button. The meter is also compatible with many of the accessories from the previous Flash Meter III and above. A tripod socket is also provided.

There are four dip switch settings in the battery compartment to customize the meter. This included switching between photo or cine mode; EV or F. no mode; 1 stop or half stop shutter mode. There is also a switch to turn on or off the tone when measuring flash in wireless mode. A calibration adjustment can also be made from -0.08 to +0.07, this is useful when using multiple meters.


Flash Meter VI

The Flash Meter VI became available in 2003. It was Minoltas last photographic meter, before they merged with Konica. After Sony took over, they sold the manufacturing to Kenko. It then became available as the model KFM-2100.

Specs

Flash Meter Flash Meter II Flash Meter III Flash Meter IV Flash Meter V
Measuring system incident and reflected; flash
Measuring element Silicon Blue Cell
Measuring range incident 22 to 2800 lux sec 20 to 10,240 lux sec
3 to 20 EV (100 ASA)
1 to 18.2 EV (100 ASA) - 2 to 19.5 EV (100 ISO)
Measuring range reflected 1 to 128cd. sec./m² 8 to 4,096cd. sec./m²
6 to 23 EV (100 ASA)
1 to 18.2 EV (100 ASA) ref40: 1 to 25.5 EV
vf10: 1 to 25.5 EV
vf5: 2.2 to 23.7 EV
ref40: 1.2 to 23.1 EV
vf10: 1.2 to 23.1 EV
vf5: 2.5 to 24.4 EV
ASA/ISO 12 to 1,600 ASA 12 to 3,200 ASA 8 to 6400 ISO 3 to 8,000 ISO
Time 1/30 to 1/250 1 to 1/250 30s to 1/1000 30m to 1/8000 30m to 1/6000
flash: 30m to 1/1000
Aperture ƒ1 to 128 ƒ1 to 90 ƒ0.7 to 90
Cine N/A 8 to 64 fps 8 to 128 fps
Power 5x 1.35v PX625 mercury
1x 1.5v AA / LR6 battery
9v battery / PP3 / 6LR61 6x 1.55v SR44 silver oxide 1x 1.5v AA
1x 6v 4LR44
1x 1.5v AA
Dimensions 131 x 72 x 35 mm 146 x 74 x 42 mm 157 x 56 x 30 mm 153 x 68 x 28 mm 158 x 68 x 28
Weight 340g 240g 200g 165g