SEKONIC Zoom Master L-508 Operating Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of a Sekonic Zoom Master L-508 Exposure Meter. The Zoom Master L-508 is the latest addition to the extensive line of Sekonic Exposure Meters which have been market leaders for over four decades. It was designed to be the ultimate meter, a do-all instrument for the most demanding pros. It is the first zoom spot meter on the market. Nine camera-quality lens elements are required to accomplish its 1° to 4° zoom range.
2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display 1. Parts Designation 1. Lumisphere UP/DOWN ring 2. Lumisphere 16. Zoom Lens Ring 3. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 15. Zoom Lens Protective Glass 14. Memory button 13. Memory Clear button 12. Booster Outlet 4. Average/ rEV (Brightness Difference) button 5. Set/change Dial 6. ISO 2 button 11. ISO (main) button 7. Power button (ON/OFF switch) 10. Mode set button 8. Synchro terminal 9. Strap eyelet 17. Incident /Reflected Spot Selector Switch 22.
3. Before Using 2.Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display [1] Measuring Mode Icons Ambient (see page 10) Auto-Reset Cordless Flash (see page 15) Cord Flash (see page 13) 1. Attach the strap Attach the Strap 26 by passing the small end loop through the eyelet 9 and passing the other end of strap through it.
3. Before Using 4. Basic Operation 4. Replacing battery during measurement or when using the memory function • Always turn the power OFF before replacing batteries. If batteries are removed with the power ON, measurements and settings in memory can no longer be recalled.
4. Basic Operation 4. Basic Operation 2. Setting measuring mode • Hold down the Mode set button 10 and turn the Set/change dial 5 to select the desired mode. The mode switching sequence is shown in the chart below: 3. Setting DIP Switches •Switches for setting modes that are used infrequently are housed in the Battery compartment 23 of the meter. Select the mode you want prior to beginning measurements.
4. Basic Operation 5. When set for reflected light (spot metering) • This method measures the brightness (luminance) of the light reflected from the subject. It is useful for distant objects such as landscapes, when you cannot go to the position of the subject, or for metering subjects that generate light (neon signs, etc.), highly reflective surfaces or translucent subjects (stained glass, etc.).
5. Measurement 3. Press the Measuring button 19 to make a measurement. Release the Measuring button to complete the measurement. The measured value (shutter speed) at the time will be displayed. 5. Measurement 1-4 Cinematography 1. Hold down the Mode set button 10 and turn the Set/change dial 5 to select ambient light shutter speed priority mode. While pressing the Measuring button, the meter measures continuously until it is released. Reference: •You can set f stops from F1.
5. Measurement 5. Measurement 2. Measuring flash light This method of measurement can be done in the following modes; with cord, without cord, multiple flash with cord, and multiple flash without cord. The measured value displayed is the sum of the flash portion and the ambient light portion. 2-1 Cord Flash mode The most positive method to assure proper synchronization and measurement of flash units. Connect the meter with the flash with a synchronization cord.
5. Measurement 5. Measurement 2-2 Auto-reset cordless flash mode Measurements are made by the meter receiving the light from the flash. This measurement mode is used when the Synchro cord will not reach because of the distance between the flash and meter or when use of the Synchro cord is inconvenient. Reference: • Setting the shutter speed is the same as measurement (see page 14) of "Flash mode with cord" of section 2-1 .
5. Measurement 5. Measurement NOTE: • The flash unit may flash when you connect the synchro cord or operate the POWER switch. • When firing a flash to make measurements, check the camera's synchronizing range and set the proper shutter speed. • For flash units with low electric trigger voltage, the flash may not fire. In this case, make measurements in flash mode without cord (see page 15). • A new converted f stop is displayed when the film speed is changed after taking the measurement.
6. Advanced Functions 6. Advanced Functions 1. Memory function This meter can store up to three measured values in memory for each measurement mode. (incident light mode, -3 values, reflected light mode, -3 values). This feature can be used in the following modes: ambient light (shutter speed priority only) EV, flash (with and without cord). 1. Press the Measuring button 19 and take a measurement. 2. Press the Memory button 14 placing the measured value in memory.
6. Advanced Functions 6. Advanced Functions 4. Turn the main lighting off. Now, point the Lumisphere toward the secondary light source. While the Measuring button 19 is depressed and held down, the indicated difference between the main and auxiliary light sources is displayed in EV values and in bars in analog scale of memory value. A lighting ratio (contrast ratio) can be found in the scale below. 4. How to use the L508 as an Incident Illuminance (LUX) meter 1.
6. Advanced Functions 6. Advanced Functions 2 5. How to use a reflected luminance (cd/m ) meter 1. Make sure that the Index correction value (see page 24) is canceled 2. Set the meter to EV mode (DIP switch) and ISO 100. 3. Set meter for spot reading. Choose angle setting that is best suited for your subject. Take the measurement by looking through the viewfinder and aligning so the subject that will be measured is inside the circle. 4.
8. Technical Data 7. Accessories Mini Light Receptor (Sold separately) • Incident light receiving unit with a compact 12mm diameter light receiving surface. • For measuring narrow areas used for photographing small subjects or copy work. • Type : • Light receiving method Incident light Reflected light : : : • Light Receptors : • Metering modes Ambient light : : Booster (Sold separately) • For light measuring on camera ground glass, focusing screens, SLR eyepieces, microscope eyepiece.
10. Care and Maintenance 8. Technical Data Auto illumination : DIP switch mode selection ¼”Tripod socket : Diopter correction : Second ISO film speed setting • Battery used : EV 3 and under For placing meter in subject area for cordless flash measuring.
