Light meters
Sekonic Master IV L-104s User manual
User manual for Sekonic Master IV L-104s. 30 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Sekonic
- Model / document
- Sekonic Master IV L-104s
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 30
- File size
- 2.6 MB
- Category
- Light meters
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
SEKONIG Model L-|O4S
ftus#sdix*#rddf e/i' MASTER lv
. . . With the results of many years' experiencein the pro-
duction of photo-electrictype exposuremeters by the world's
leading minufacturer of precision electrical measuring
instruments.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 3Page 4 · Read text
PagoYOUR MASTER lV is the most accurate and CONTENTS
versatile exposure meter available to any The A B C's of Your Meter-- ..4 &5
photographer- amateur or professional.Its High and Low Light Scales.- 5
Reflected or I ncident Light 6
superior sensitivity and truly universal design
Holding and Aiming 7
wili quickly provide correct cam era settings Reflected Light Readings-------..-.-------....8& 9
for all your pictures whether in color or black Three Basie Methods.--------.- 10, I | & 12
Substitute Readings 13
and white, indoors or outdoors, and with all still U a n d O P o s i t i o n s . . . . . . - . - - - 1 4 & 1 5
c r rnovie cameras. A and C Positions------ 16
Incident Light Readings..----...-. 17
The Master IV is calibrated to ASA specifica- Values of Unnumbered Blocks. l8 & 19
tions, has exposure indexes up to 16,000, and Movies 20 &21
I ncrease and Decrease Exposure----- 2l
will read reflected or incident light values on the Allowing For Filters.- 2l
same scales.When desired,the ON-OFF Extending Ranges .-.-22 &23
pointer lock can be used to convenientlyhold Exposttre For Special Effects..-..--...24to 27
G eneral I nf ormation 28
any light reading. The spring-suspended,jeweled Exposure Indexes . 29
movement assuresa lifetime of dependability. Repair Services 30View original page 4Page 6 · Read text
YOUR MASTER IV
IOOP FOR NECKCORD
ZEROCORRECTOR
High and Low Light Scates
Your meter has two sliding light value scalesto provide correct read-
ings under extremely bright or very rlim light conditions. Movement
of the hinged baffie automatically changes scales.
When the baffie is closed the high light scale (0-1600) moves into
position. The baffie should be kept closed when the light reads 25 or
higher. If the light reading is less than 25 the bafTleshould be opened
for more accurate readings on the extended (0-25) low light scale.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
Reflected light is light reflected from the
subject to the camera. Incident light is
the light which falls on the subject.
Measurement of either reflected
or incident light can be used to dc-
termine correct exposure.
The Master IV is basically a reflected
light meter but with the addition of
the Weston Invercone it can be used
to measure incident light. (See
Page 17 ). For certain types of
photography such as por-
traits or copy work in-
cident light will be
found quite convenient
but for the majority of
pictures reflected light is
more suitable.The one you
use will depend upon pre-
vailing conditions and your
own personal preference.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
HOLDING AND AIMING THE METER The best way to hold the meter is shown in the illustration. Be careful not to obstruct the photocell with your finqers or have the neckcord dangling across the cell opening. In out- door general scenes, when the reading is taken frorn the camera position, tilt the meter at angle.slightly downward so that your line of sight passesovei the front edge of the .an pointer lock, as shown in the insert. This will exclude sky areas which would tend to in- flate the reading and cause underexposure.View original page 8
Page 9 · Read text
rHE QUTCK-EASY wAY ro
POINTER L OCK
LOCK RETEASE XPOSUREINDEXKNOB
L I G H T S C A T E R E A D I il
EXPOSUREINDEX
wtNDow
AND NUMBER
S E T T H E F I L M E X P O S U R E AIM THE METER at the subject
INDEX by moving the ExposureIndex Knob or scene and note the reading on the
until the Exposure lndex number of yorrr film light scale (assume200).
appears in the Exposure Indcx Wintlow. Thc
Exposure Index number (commonly called O N . O F F P O I N T E R L O C K
"ASA Index") is given on the film manu- By sliding the pointer lock to the left, the
facturer's data sheet enclosed with the filnr. pointer will be locked at the reading.To The more popular films are also listed with
their Exposure Index numbers on pllge 29 . releasethe pointer, slide the pointer lock
For example let's assume an Exposttre Indcx to the right.
number of.32 (See illustration).
www.orphancameras.comView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
TAKE REFLECTED LIGHT READINGS
VAIUE WINDOW AND NUMBER
NORMAI.ARROW
,,1- KNURLED DIAI.
SP E E D A ND f /ST OP NUM BER
P O I N T T H E -fERSiET YOUR CAMERA with any combinationof SHUT-
N O R M A L A R . SPEED and F/STOP indicated, for example l/50 second
nt f /l l. Any combination of shutter speedsand f/stops opposite R O W a t t h i s r e a d i n g each other on the exposure control dial will give the same cor-
(200) on the LIGHT rect exposLrre: | / 100 second, f/8; | /25 second, f / l6; etc. The
SCALE of the exposure combinution you select depends on whether you want a fast
control dial by turning shutter speed (with its corresponding lower f/stop number) to
stop action occurring in the scene;or depth of field with a higher the large knurled outer f/stop number and its slower shutter speed.
dial. EXPOSUREVALUE NUMBERS-Polaroid Land camerasof recent
tnanufacture,and certain other carnerasare calibrated in Exposure Values.
lf you use this system,set your canlera with the Exposure Value number
appearing in the Exposure Value Window. In this instance. number 13.
LView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
Correct Exposure
This method should be used for p, fne Close-llp Method
portroits or ony scene where
l h e r e i s b u t o n e o b i e c t o f i n t e r e s t
o n d t h e b o c k g r o u n d i s o f n o
i m p o r t o n c e .
In general, the meter reading should bc
taken about six inches from the subject, but
in no case should the meter be hetci farther
away than the subject's smallest dimension.
&
normal arrow (assume 400, see illu:;tration).
Select the canrera settings in the usual man-
ner. If the shadow of the meter or your
hand is cast on the subjcct be sure not to
include it in the reading. (T'urn page for
M e t h o d N u m t r e r 3 . )
EXAMPIE:
Reoding400
I n d e x 3 2
Position
I /50 Sec.-fll I
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Subsfftute Readings
If your subject is inaccessible for a close-
up reading, substitute readings of nearby
similar objects in the same light. Nearby
trees for trees in the scene, rocks for
rocks, etc. Sekonic Standard Reflector is EXAMP[E:
a good substitute for a person's face.
Set the arrow on the exposure control Meler Reoding800
dial to the light reading; use the ..C" ExposureIndex 32
position when reading flesh tones. Use "C" Position
Exposure1/50 Sec-t/16
www.orphancameras.comView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
The U and O
Positions
On the Exposure
Gonlrol Dial
Black and white photographic film has a range within
which it reproduces the brightness of oblects in a scene
in tones of gray from white to black. Knowing these
limits enables you to expose so that.the negative has
the overall density most desired. The U and O positions
on the exposure control dial are the limits of correct
exposure for black and white. film.
When a meter reading is taken from the camera position
the reading is the average brightnessof the entire scene.
Assume in the illustration this reading is 200. From
close-up readings of the hair, the darkest object, and
of the blouse which is the brightest object, readings
were obtained of 50 and 400 respectively. Setting the
normal arrow at 200 you will note that the 50 and
400 values are well within the U and O positions on the
dial and therefore both the high and lorv brightness
values will be included on the film.
If the brightnessratio were greater ( 1.6 to 400) and the
normal arrow placed at the midway point (25), it will
quickly be seen that objects having a brightnessvalue
of 400 or more will be overexposed since they fall
outside the O position.
I4View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
Exlreme Low Light Readings
The O position will also prove very useful when black and white pictures are to be
taken in extremely low light. By taking a close-up reading of the brightest object in the
scene and setting the O position at the corresponding value on the light scale of the
exposure control dial correct exposure will be given to all areas in the scene which
have brightness values corresponding to the range covered by the U and O positions.
Occasionally a backlighted_or very contrasty scene exceeds even the wide acceptance
range of black and white film. In this event the exposure can be keyed to that
portion of the scene, either the shadows or the highlights whichev'er are of most
importance, by placing the U or O opposite the darkest or brightest reading respectively.
t5
www.orphancameras.comView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
The Aand C
Positions
On lhe Exposure
Gonlrol Dial The A and C positions which represent a brightness
ratio of 4 to 1 can be of great value in exposing for I
color shots. Attempt to have the primary colors of
interest fall between the A-C positions for most faith- ful rendering of those colors. While most color films I
now have a range, or latitude, that exceeds this ratio,
if the primary colors fall within the A and C position
you can then be assured that the balance of the scene
will be properly exposed within the limits of the film
you are using.
With black and white film the "A" is used to indicate
"Absence of Contrast" and "C", "Contrast". The A
provides a convenient way of halving normal expo-
sure for "flat" scenes such as landscapes where there
is no extreme contrast between highlights and shad-
ows. The C provides double normal exposure as
indicated by the 2X and is used for scenes of very
high contrast such as backlighted subjects.
16View original page 16Page 19 · Read text
LENS OPEN|NG (t/etopl SGALE (Upper Secflon!
Provides quick meons to de- A ond C posilions provide o convenienl meons of
creose exposure by two f /sfops. overoging reodings within o 4 to I ronge; plus o
method to give r/2 or dovble normol exposure.
Exposure volue scole direct reoding for C position olso used for skin lone meler reodings.
light volue shuller comeros.
Provides quick meons to decreose NORMAI. ARROW
e x p o s u r e b y f h r e e f / s t o p s .
U ond O p o s i t i o n s i n d i c o le co m-
p lef e l i m i t s o f b l o c k o n d wh iie P r o v i d e s q u i c k m e o n s f o i n -
film. Permits eosy exposure sei- creose exposure by two f/stops.
tings by meosurement of bright-
esl ond dorkesi obiects.
@
'.J
4 5 Y 6 3
LENS OPENING (f/stop) SCALE (Lower Sectton)
www.orphancameras.com I 9View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
MOVIES and your MASTER l\/
Any of the methods of determining exposure described for still cameras can
be Lsed for movie cameras. For coirect exposure first determine the exposure
index of the film from the film manufacturer's data sheet, and the constant
shutter speed of your camera at the normal framing speed from your camera
instruction book.
Set the exposure index in the Exposure Index window. Aim the meter at the
.."n" and note the reacling. Now s^etthe meter arrow at this reading on the light
icale of the exposure conlrol dial the same as yo.-ywould for still cameras. Just
below your camera shutter speed on the dial will be found the correct f/stop.
EXAM PLE
Assume that your camera operates at I /30 second at 16 frames
per second. The I /30 second on the shutter speed dial of the meter
is indicated by the red block adjacent to the nttmbered 1/25 second.
Assume an Exposure Indcr of 10, a shutter speed of | /3O second
at 16 frames per second i.nd a light reading of 200. With the meter
arrow set at 200, the correct f/stop (t/8) will be found directly
below the I /30 second rcd block on the shutter speed dial. There-
fore, the scene will be filmed at l6 frames per second atf/8.
Note: If your Camera operates at | /4O sccond, use thc black block
adjacent to the l/50 second.
20View original page 20Page 22 · Read text
Extending Ranges Beyond l/IOOO Second and l/32
lf it is desired lo shool ot shutler speeds foster thon the I /l O0O second indicoted
on the meler diol, or ot on operlure obove, J/32, lhese ronges con be extended
in the following monner.
SHUTTER SPEED (TITVIE) SCALE
Three additional shutter speeds higher than l/1000 second are available. The
black block above 1/1000 second indicates a shutter speed of. l/l2OO second;
the white (l/sec) block, l/1600 second; and the red (SEC) block, l/2000
second.
FOR EXAM PLE-
Assume your meter reading indicated a shutter
speed of f /4 at 1/1000 second, as illustrated.
Then, the black block would indicate a shutter
speed of l/1200 second at f/3.5; the white
(l/sec) block would be l/1600 second at
t/3.2; and the red (SEC) block 1/2000 sec-
ond at t/2.8.
Note: Refer to Values of Unnumbered Blocks
on page 18.
| / t20o
| / t600
22View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
APERTURE (r/sroP) scALE
This scale can be extendedbeyond f/32 in full f/stops (f/45, f/64, t/9O) to f/128.
F O R E X A M P L E -
speed scale. Now, assuming f /32 to be f /45,
the corrected exposure will be f/45 at'l/5
second. Each additional movement of the nor-
mal arrow three blocks counter clockwise
will provide the next smaller f/stop number
with its corrected shutter speed.
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EXPOSURE FOR SPECIAL EFFECTS
High Alritudes - There is considerableultra- Television -Adjust the television screen for
violet radiation present at high altitudes to contrasty black and whites. Place the camera
which films are sensitive. To eliminate this on a tripod, set the shutter at 1/25 second
effect it is always good practice to use a haze and focus on the lines across the screen. Dim
filter. No exposure correction is necessaryso the room lights. Take a close-up average read-
use the meter in the regular manner. ing holding the meter about six inches from
the screen.Set the meter arrow at this reading
Snow, Beoch ond Woter Scenes -Take ancl select the camera settings in the usual
readings of the brightest and darkest objects manner.
and use the f/stop midway between, or take
a r€ading from the palm of your hand and Sunscts ond Silhoueiles -Aim the meter
use the "C" position on the control dial. Best directly at the subject and set the meter elrrow
snow texture results when the snow is back at the reading.
-or cross lighted. Meosuring Room llluminotion -To deter-
Copy Work-.When copying pages of a book mine the foot-candles of light falling on any
or photographs in black and white or color surface such as a writing desk or work bench,
take a reading from a white card placed over take a reading from a piece of rvhite paper
the subject. Divide the exposure index by five lying on the surface you want to measure.
and set this value in the Exposure Index Multiply this reading by four to convert
window. Point the arrow at the light reading from candles per square foot to foot-candles.
obtained and select the camera settings in EXAMPLE:If the meter reads 13 this means
the usual manner. that the surface has a brightness of 13 candles
24 ,.,.l,**ge,*l*:.**View original page 24Page 26 · Read text
tion opposite the brightness reading. Remem- EXAMPTE: Assume a flash guide number of
ber, "C" stands for contrast, so use the "C" 90, an f/stop of 10, then 90-. 10:9 feet.
position for conirastY Pictures. If the distance from lamp to subject is too
Absence of Contrqst - For scenes with little great for convenience, place a handkerchief
or no contrast, being metered for black and over the flash reflector and move the flash
white film from the camera position, set the l/3 of. the way toward the subject.
"A" on the meter opposite the reading ob-
tained. This will halve the exposure and Extended Betlows - Where the subject to
result in a better print. Remember, "{" stands lens distance is less than 8 times the focal
length of the lens a corrective shutter speed for absence of contrast.
must be computed. In this computation, if Flosh Outdoors can be used to illuminate the focal length of the lens is given in milli- shadows, especially of backlighted subjects. meters convert it to inches by dividing the
For natural looking results the flash fill-in focal length by 25 ( 1 inch : 25 mm).
should be only a secondary source. Use blue
bulbs with daylight color film. Check the
flash lamp carton and find the guide number. EXAMPTE: Assume your lens has a focal -and Aim the meter at the scene determine length of 8", and you are shooting at a shutter
the f/stop. Now divide the flash guide number speed of 1/100 secorld at f./5.6 (See fig. 1).
by the f/stop number to get the proper flash Using the f/stop numbers as focal length
distance from the subject. This will provide a numbers, (take f /8 to be a focal length of 8")
2 to I ratio, with the sunlight being twice as place the 8 on the f/stop scale below the
strong as the flash. 1/lOO second shutter speed (See fig. 2).
26
' - *View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
tions in store windows, mirrors, etc. can be
readily determined with your Master IV. Take
a substitute reading from the palm of your
hand held as near the reflecting surface as
('C" possible and set the position on the
meter to this reading. Remember that the
proper focusing distance for the reflectiorr
is the distance from the camera to the re-
'' flecting surface plus the distance from this f,g.2
surface to the object being reflected.-Measure the distance of the bellows extension
(lens to film distance). Assume this distance Avoiloble Lighr -Occasionally scene bright-
to be 16". Now look on the f/stop scale and ness will be too low to obtain a reading from
find the number 16 and directly above on the the camera position. In situationssuch as this
shutter spced scale will be found l/25 second. take a close-up reading from the brightest
This neiv shutter speed (l /25) should be used object in the scene. If no object in the scene
with thc f/stop selected previously (f /5.6). is bright enough to produce a reading, sub-
Align these two values on the meter dial and stitute a piece of white paper or a handker-
any of the exposure combinations aligned may chicf adjacent to th; brightest object and
be used, i.e., l/50 sec..f /4; l/100 sec.,ff2.8, take a close-up reading from the paper or
ctc. (See fig. 3). hanclkerchief.Set thc "O" position to the light
reading obtained and select camera settings
Reflec?ions -Correct cxposurcs for reflec- in the usual fashion.
www.orphancameras.com 27View original page 27Page 30 · Read text
j
The Sekonic Company was established in Tokyo in 1941. It has gained a world wide reputation
for its production of Exposure Meter, in paticular the Micro-lite meter operated by a mercury
battery, with ultra sensitivity and accuracy. In 1957 Sekonic extended its activity into the Smm
movie field by producing its first 8mm movie camera and projector. Since 1958 the company has
successively produced, and sold all over the world its regularly improved models, the single turret
lens 538, the zoom lens semi-automatic 53D, and then the zoom fully automatic 53EE. Then 1962
Sekonic has placed on the market a unique " FIRST." It is the 50 ft. continuous run 8mm zoom
lens automatic model 100. This feature of 50 {t. continuous filming has been achieved by a
reversible film chamber, and brings 8mm photography into a new area. Consistent with this
record, Sekonic will continue to lead this field and bring Sekonic products in top quality to
customers throughout the world.View original page 30From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.