Comet EX-1 flash meter

[Spidy]

I have an old 120 mm baffle type camera that has limited f-stops and shutter speeds. I'm looking at buying a cheap light meter to help me with exposure values.

Has anyone used the Comet EX-1 Flash meter as an exposure meter? It has an Ambient light mode so I assume it can be used to find out the values I need to set the camera for correct exposure?

Any advice welcome.

[fillum]

Hi Spidy. I've never heard of the Comet EX-1 let alone used one. However, like you I'd assume that the 'ambient' mode would give you the info you need. I did a quick search and found a user manual (https://www.comet-net.co.jp/download/manual/img/ex1.pdf) but it was in Japanese and couldn't get google to translate - you might have more luck.

I have only an occasional need for a light meter so I use an app on my phone - this one (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dq.fotometroNa&hl=en_GB&gl=US). It's accurate but I find it a bit cumbersome to use - the ISO window is small and hard (for me) to read and is also easily moved accidentally. The app is also a bit hard to read in bright sunlight (but that's a phone issue more than the app). There is an IOS version available which offers a more modern user interface (as well as the 'classic' design I think). Cost's around $3 or $4 from memory.

If I was looking for a meter for frequent use I'd probably get a Sekonic L-208 (https://www.georges.com.au/products/sekonic-l-208-twin-mate-analog-incident-and-reflected-light-meter?currency=AUD&variant=42720912834727&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&srsltid=AfmBOopJB-mf53yfJCXHU6Qe5Hiw-FJpNEYJvsp_oIk7EJwA-4teR_e_dQo). (Highly reputable brand, after sales, warranty, etc).

If your camera has a shoe-mount, TTArtisans make a small 'box-shaped' meter (~ $100) that clips into the shoe-mount making for a 'tidy' setup. (I think it might be a copy of a Voigtlander model ?)



Anyhow, hope this helps some...

[ameerat42]

I have an old 120 mm baffle type camera that has limited f-stops and shutter speeds. I'm looking at buying a cheap light meter to help me with exposure values.

Has anyone used the Comet EX-1 Flash meter as an exposure meter? It has an Ambient light mode so I assume it can be used to find out the values I need to set the camera for correct exposure?

Any advice welcome.

I'm wondering what you mean by "baffle" here. I thought perhaps "bellows", but if not, I'd like to know :nod:

I haven't used it, but from the light sensor dome and the description in this eBay ad (https://www.ebay.com/itm/394014371655), I'd say you can.

Gosh, talk about NO INFO about this product!!!

The PDF manual that Fillum found seems to be an image file, but I used Google Translate app over the part with
symbols on page 8 of the manual and found that:
- F is for ambient light, and the :lightning: symbol is for flash.
- It is also both an ambient light AND a reflected light meter, from page 7.

Good luck with further info.

[Spidy]

OMG :lol: Yes, I meant bellows.

Fillum, thanks for the info. I ended up downloading a light meter app for Android. I think the light meter you link might confuse me. However, the Sekonic digital meters look interesting.

Ameerat42, thanks for translating. Though the price is right for the Comet, I think I might just wait and bite the bullet and buy a Sekonic. Probably the L-358 (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/115889328678?chn=ps&_ul=AU&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-139619-5960-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=115889328678&targetid=&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1000567&poi=&campaignid=19657038905&mkgroupid=&rlsatarget=&abcId=9305372&merchantid=7364522&gclid=CjwKCAjwu4WoBhBkEiwAojNdXgGr_q8fepMIanuogZu45A21nRkr3USa_FMIthM-z6J4c_Vfq6akNxoC5DkQAvD_BwE).

I also have an Olympus OM-10 with Manual Adapter that I can potentially use the light meter for.

I'm only just getting back into film photography after a long hiatus. Looking forward to many adventures.

Thanks again guys for your time, effort and advice.