Starlite All-in-one Operating Instructions
1 Preparation ............................................... 7 1.1 1.2 1.3 Battery ............................................................ 7 Self-test ........................................................... 7 Selecting the function groups: DIP switches in the battery compartment ....... 8 6.2 6.3 6.4 Flash calculation for changed meas. times ...24 Multiple flash calculation ................................24 Average value ................................................
Reflected light measuring 1° Reflected light measuring 5° Retractable diffuser Incident light measuring, flat diffuser Diffuser ring for setting of reflected/incident light measuring Measuring head with optical viewfinder Incident light measuring, spherical diffuser Display panel Description on page 9 ISO button ISO 2 button Function buttons Socket for the flash sync cord GOSSEN Foto- und Lichtmeßtechnik 3
Optical viewfinder Lens cover Measuring button Setting wheel Measuring button Serial interface Eyelet for connection cord 4 GOSSEN Foto- und Lichtmeßtechnik
Serial number DIP switches Battery Battery compartment cover GOSSEN Foto- und Lichtmeßtechnik 5
Your Starlite is the top device in the GOSSENproduct range and represents a real all-in-one light meter. It combines a light meter for ambient and flash light, a CINE meter for cinematographers as well as a measuring instrument for lighting technology and photometry. And the clarity of the operating control elements and the digital display is still preserved. Functions used over and above the normal metering can be individually integrated by the user.
1 Preparation 1.1 Battery The Starlite works with a 1.5 V AA battery (Alkaline-manganese or corresponding rechargeable battery). When the battery is running low, the display appears in addition to the measured values as a warning to the user. At this stage, it is advisable to replace the battery as soon as possible. When appears on the display alone, measurements can no longer be taken. Replace the battery immediately.
1.3 Selecting the function groups: DIP switches in the battery compartment In addition to the standard functions, your Starlite features a range of additional characteristics and functions which can be selected using the "DIP switches" in the battery compartment.
2 Display panel 2.
2.1.1 Automatic display illumination When the lighting conditions are poor (about EV 4 or less), the background lighting of the display is switched on automatically for 10 seconds. 2.2 Display duration If the Starlite display panel is idle for about 2 minutes, it is switched off automatically. The measuring values and the preset values remain stored in memory. – By pressing anyone of the buttons, you can recall the measuring value from the memory.
3 Operating elements 3.1 ISO – ISO2 Selecting the film speed You can select two different film speeds with the ISO and ISO2 buttons. – Select the film speed by pressing and holding "ISO" or "ISO2". ISO or ISO2 will flash on the display panel. – Set the desired ISO value using the setting wheel. When another operating function is selected, the preset film speed is retained in the Starlite memory.
3.2 Function With the function buttons you can select the measuring modes ambient light or flash light . Keep the function button pressed and select the sub-functions time preselection t, f-number preselection f or exposure value EV using the setting wheel. 3.3 Setting wheel The setting wheel allows you to change values and functions. – Presetting for ambient, flash and ISO – Calling up shutter speed/f-stop combinations after measuring.
3.5 Measuring head with optical viewfinder 1° or 5° Flat diffuser– spherical diffuser The measuring head is the optical control center of the Starlite. The 270° rotating measuring head provides the basis for effective working in practice. Reflected light measuring 5° Reflected light measuring 1° Caution: Never try to overwind the built-in lock by force.
4 This is how the Starlite works 4.1 Incident and reflected light measuring Your Starlite is designed for the enthusiastic amateur as well as for professional use.
4.1.3 Reflected light – 1° Spot measuring For this function, the setting ring at the base of the diffuser must be set to the "Reflected light – 1° symbol. The symbol appears on the display. In the viewfinder, the measured area corresponds to the inner, smaller circle. Your Starlite offers reflected light measuring with 1° (spot measuring) via the viewfinder in the measuring head. When you look through the viewfinder, you can measure using the measuring buttons and from the camera towards the object.
5 Measuring functions – Ambient light – Select with the left function button ambient light (the last stored measuring value appears in the display). – Keep the function button pressed down and select the corresponding sub-function using the setting wheel. This function is displayed in a frame . – Set the desired value using the setting wheel alone. Note: When preselecting f-stop, the stored values of the last measurement are displayed in 1/10 stop increments.
5.2 Exposure time priority – Press the measuring button to take a measurement. – The measured f/stop appears on the left digital display (resolution in 1/10 stop increments) and is marked on the analogue scale, rounded to 1/2 stop increments. – Select other paired f/stop-exposure time values with the setting wheel. – Instead of the full exposure time values, also 1/2 time values can be set by activating DIP switch 2. GOSSEN Foto- und Lichtmeßtechnik 5.3 Exposure value EV – Press the button to measure.
5.4 Contrast measuring in the t and EV functions Contrast of the subject Reflected light measuring through the viewfinder – Keep the measuring button pressed and focus on the various areas of the subject to be measured. – The first measuring value appears on the left digital display. It is constantly displayed as a reference value (e.g. measurement on a grey chart) during the course of the entire measuring process. The actual measuring value flashes on the analogue scale.
5.5 Averaging value AVR in the t and EV functions Reflected light measuring through the viewfinder – The first measurement is to be taken with the measuring button . – With the AVR measuring button you can measure up to 8 further contrast spots. The single measuring values are displayed on the analogue scale (identical measuring values are only displayed once, but are taken into consideration when the average is calculated).
5.6 Selecting the exposure time values In addition to the standard full time values, also half time values (1/2 TV) can be set at some cameras. For this reason, the Starlite can also be set additionally to half time values. The selection is made activating the DIP 2 switch: – 1/1 full time values Exposure times are displayed in 1/1 full time values or when using the CINE function, in the standard CINE film speeds. – 1/2 half time values Exposure times are displayed in 1/2 half time values.
5.7 Taking measurements in the zone system This function is mainly used to cope with subject contrasts in the field of black and white photography. In addition to the influence of illumination, there is a further possibility of optimizing the contrast range of film and paper. The zone system allows details to be reproduced in the picture which otherwise would not be visible and would be lost. A detailed analysis of this technique would, however, go beyond the scope of these instructions. 5.7.
After each measurement using the measuring button the following data are stored and displayed: – the symbol ZONE and the last measured value are displayed on the left – the number of measurements made are displayed on the right (4 measurements in the example) – on the zone scale the currently measured values are indicated (identical values only once) and the average of the brightest and the darkest spot as a flashing dot When the measuring process is completed and you then switch over to the function „ambie
6 Measuring functions– Flash light In essence, flash measuring can be carried out in all diffuser settings (incident or reflected light measuring modes). Furthermore, flashes can be measured with or without a sync cord (cord/noncord). If a sync cord is used, the flash is automatically triggered and measured with the measuring button . 6.1 Flash light measuring – Select the function using the right function button (the last stored measuring value appears). – The function is displayed with .
6.2 Flash calculation for changed measuring times If the measurement shows that the ambient light part in relation to the flash light part does not correspond to your wishes in the overall lighting, the Starlite calculates on the basis of the measurement taken the influence of altered measuring times. Other measuring times can be set directly using the setting wheel without taking another measurement. The calculation of the new result appears directly on the display.
6.4 Average value – Take first measurement using measuring button – Measure up to a further 8 flashes using the average value measuring button . The individual measurements are shown on the analogue scale (identical values are only displayed once, but are taken into account in the calculation of the average value). After each measurement with , the average value of all previous measurements is always displayed.
7 7.1 Taking a measuring outside the measuring range – display range Taking a measurement outside the measuring range – There is no usable measuring result outside the measuring range of the Starlite. – If it is too dark or too bright during the measurement, Err (= Error) appears in the left digital display. 26 7.
8 Setting and measuring correction values and extension factors 8.1 Setting correction values – By simultaneously pressing both function buttons ( and ) you reach the function -correction values. – The last valid correction value appears in the display. – The desired correction value can be entered or altered using the setting wheel. The extension factor is shown in the right digital display, and the correction value is indicated in stops. Input in 1/10 EV (small digits) in the range of ±9.
8.1.1 Measuring correction values Correction values can also be measured directly. An evenly illuminated surface and constant light level are required. Use the Starlite in the reflected light mode at 1° or 5°. In the function , a reference measurement can be taken by pressing the measuring button . Designation rF - - in the digital display. Then, hold the filter in front of the viewfinder and press the measuring button .
9 CINE meter for cinematographers – PHOTOMETRY By actuating the DIP 1 switch, the Starlite can be converted easily and quickly into a fully functional CINE meter. At the same time switch on the function photometry. CINE meter – Select reflected light or incident light mode at the measuring head. – Using the left button, press function ambient light . 9.
9.3 Setting the shutter angle The shutter angle in the Starlite is preset at the factory to 180°. If you are working with other angles which vary from the shutter angle 180°, you can enter these directly. Therefore, no need for lengthy calculation. – Simultaneously press both function buttons ( and ). The current angle appears in the right display. – Set the required angle in 5° stop increments using the setting wheel. – By pressing a function button ( or ) you move back into the measuring function.
10 Photometry 10.1 Selecting the photometric display unit Use the DIP 1 switch to change over to the functions CINE/Photometry. With the DIP 3 switch, you can select either the standardized measuring units or special ones used in certain English speaking countries. – lx, cd/m2: the photometric incident measurement values are displayed in the standardised units (lx, lxs, cd/m2, cds/m2). – fc, FL: the photometric incident measurement values are displayed in Anglican measuring units (fc, fcs, fL, fLs).
10.3 Measuring the luminance candela / m2 (cd/m2) or footLambert (fL) – Set the measuring head to reflected light measuring –1° or 5° . The luminance function is set and shown in the display. – Focus on the subject to be measured via the viewfinder – Take a measurement using the measuring button The selected display unit and measured luminance are displayed. 32 10.4 Measuring time-integral values (lxs, fcs, cds/m2, fLs) – Set measuring head to reflected light or incident light measuring.
11 Practical tips Pre-programming influence values The Starlite determines precise exposure data in accordance with DIN 19010. Should you not be satisfied with your results, remember that there are independent factors which can affect the success of your shot: For example: – The "true" speed of your film can differ from that which is stated on the packaging. – The "true" shutter speeds of your camera can be different from the speeds given.
12 Contrast and optimal exposure The basic rules for optimal exposure are that the brightest areas on the color reversal film (slide) or the darkest areas on the negative must be sufficiently defined. Personal taste and intentions in terms of artistic form can of course make these rules null and void. For this reason, only general recommendations on optional exposure can be made.
Negative film If the difference between important bright and dark areas does not exceed two stops (EV) between important bright and dark areas are not exceeded, each value in between these values could be used as the setting value; for greater demands the average value is more suitable. In most cases, you will achieve a reasonable shot. Rather dense negatives produce poorer defined contours.
Some types of color film come with special information or notes with instructions for shots with long exposure times. But the most up-to-date information can always be directly obtained from the film manufacturer. The Schwarzschild effect can also lead to color alterations, which can then be recitfied with a color correction. In snow For snow-covered landscape, the reflected light measuring method will produce insufficient exposure.
13 Technical data Measuring capabilities Incident light measuring (option of flat or spherical diffusor) Reflected light measuring, (measuring angle 1°or 5, viewing field ca.
Flash calculation for altered measuring times 1 s to 1/1000 s Multiple flash calculation up to 9 flashes CINE speeds Standard values: 8,12,16,18, 24, 25, 30, 32, 50, 64 adjustable additionally: 2, 3, 4, 6, 36, 40, 48, 60, 72, 96, 120, 128, 150, 200, 240, 255, 300, 360 Other measuring ranges and display values in lx, fc, cd/m2, fL, lxs, fcs, cds/m2, fLs Other displays Meas. function, range over and range under (for measuring and display), battery check Analogue scale f/1.
14 Serial interface On the outside of the Starlite there is an integrated serial interface. 15 Service Recommend books: The Negative – Anselm Adams The Zone System – Hank Roelfsema The Art of Photography – Bruce Barnbaum Beyond the Zone System – Phil Davis If repair or adjustment should ever become necessary, please send your Starlite carefully packed to: Bogen Photo Corp. 565 East Crescent Avenue Ramsey, NJ 07446-0506 www.bogenphoto.
Printed in Germany • Subject to change without notice • 15080 • 2/6.01 Bogen Photo Corp. 565 East Crescent Avenue, Ramsey, NJ 07446-0506 Tel: (201) 818-9500 Fax: (201) 818-9177 email: lesb@bogenphoto.com www.bogenphoto.
