Sekonic L-858d-u Light meter with RT-GX Godox Radio Module guide

[@robhallphoto]

TEMPORARY link for firmware and instructions : sekonicdts.com/sekonic-dts-installation

[@TheExodus1986]

is there a problem with the link as it did not update for me

[@armandodelgado689]

Thank you for the tutorial!!

[@ralphrichardson2560]

Hi g

[@brucekraft744]

Thanks for this one, Robert! I've been waiting for it. I just bought the L=858/Godox kit. Out of the box, it did not work because the unit was shipped with the Godox module installed but without the Godox firmware update. I contacted technical support via a web form, but never heard back from them. I called their repair department, and was told about the firmware update. I am impressed with the flash meter, but disappointed with their customer support.

[@mverick160]

Best form of contact was Facebook on their page. But they still weren't much help. My emails never were replied to.

[@TheExodus1986]

did you get a resolution to the problem I am facing the same problem

[@brucekraft744]

@@TheExodus1986 I had to remove the Godox module, download Sekonic Data Transfer Software from their web site and do a firmware update. After the update, I inserted the Godox module again, and I was up and running. It wasn't too hard. I see Robert has posted a link for this process. I have still never heard back from their technical support folks (if they actually exist).

[@riverhe2852]

04:50 Robert, you have no idea how much I appreciate your user guide. The APP mode is so helpful! I've been using this kit for a month with Godox AD300pro, and it feels so smooth and comfortable to use. The RT-GX Module definitely makes everything so much easy and time-saving. However, I was not happy that I had to manually set the lighting the same to the light meter each time. I could not find this in the X2T-S manual, but you helped me out. Thanks a lot!

[@gregpai7335]

I got mine earlier this year moments before the big back logs. Your are absolutely correct! The only problem is becoming too dependent on it and losing that sort of instinctual touch we pick up after years of doing things manually.

[@l.davidhinton514]

Thank you just received my Sekonic lightmeter and godox module the other day. Now I'm ready to go. Thank you so much.

[@dunnymonster]

Brilliant. I've been cobbling my own adaptation with my older Sekonic 758D using pocket wizards to trigger my strobes when I want to take a meter reading. Of course this method doesn't allow me to change settings within the meter, I still had to have a second Godox transmitter in my hand to do that. I've put off upgrading to the newer 858D because it didn't offer anything much above the basic functionality of my older model ( other than the ability to meter HSS which is very useful ). The ability to not only fire Godox lights but also control their output from just the light meter alone is enough for me to upgrade to this newer model. Excellent tutorial Rob, thanks 👍😊

[@MrSpiff9]

Thanks Robert! Yes, when I received the module on the 11th, I went to the Sekonic website and had looked under "Support" but didn't see any firmware updates. A quick call to Sekonic support pointed me to the Product page and then scroll to the bottom for the update. Again, always appreciate your passion and videos for lighting!

[@mverick160]

It's nice. With using multiple lights you can meter the level of light you want for each light. Main, fill, hair, seperation, and kickers. Then fire all for a reading when they all go off. Then hit "all" to change all power levels and scroll down all lights to get the final exposure you want. If you know from previous shoots the ratios you want. You can easily repeat them. That's why we all used to use ratios. What I dont like, is not being able to set lights power levels at the camera anymore. With Elinchrom, you can set everything at the meter. Then go to take an exposure. It takes everything into the transmitter. Then you can adjust lights at the transmitter again. It all works together. And after you set the power levels on the meter and fire the flash. It sets the Elinchrom transmitter to the power levels on the meter. How it is with Godox. You now have to set your lights on the lightmeter constantly. You can't adjust power at the camera transmitter anymore. Not a problem, but no reason for a big honking transmitter on top of my camera. Just a tiny pill transmitter would work. And in saying all this, it's what I asked for when Profoto did the tiny transmitter. Having something small on camera then something small on a necklace to adjust your flashes. Everyone said the transmitters weren't that big. And didn't want to go hunt down the thing to adjust the power. Well now, the hang around your neck power adjuster can also do light metering. But you do lose the ease of use of the big honking transmitters. Because on the lightmeter, it is not intuitive. You have to know what you want.

[@mverick160]

And what I don't like about the Elinchrom. Leads directly back to Elinchroms transmitters are harder to get in sync with flash. And setting them you read a long serial number to differentiate them. Also some inconsistencies on power levels when adjusting flash. The Godox transmitters are a lot better for ease of use.

[@71sbeetle]

Perfect timing! Just got my module yesterday and going to be testing it tonight! Thank you!!!

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

GTM Photo how do you like it?

[@71sbeetle]

Been using my L858-D a lot more, used to use it only about 30% of the time before the module now I use it 99% of the time. Love it

[@yourvitamin9474]

@@71sbeetle can you give me your email? I am thinking to buy it? After busy it Is there something updated to use ?

[@CaseyFatchett]

With some lovely Rembrandt video lighting I must say.

[@mverick160]

Also. Updating firmware was a pain in the butt. One newer computer wouldn't do it at all. Swapped to another older surface pro and it worked fine. Tried 3 cables, shutting down all running programs and virus protection. It was a brand new load of the upgrade software as I had never upgraded my 858 d. No matter what, it wouldn't update. On surface pro. It worked fine.

[@scottlamers]

Great information about using the App mode... Saves one or more steps!

[@ericuyeda1238]

Great info brought new life to my 858

[@edwynn1423]

thank you Robert for the detailed information Had accidentally set a id on the mini. At 2:35 seconds in video

[@mayphotovideodbamarkajames7845]

I need to rewatch this a few times. Great Stuff

[@Briterflix]

Thank you. You answered all of my questions. GOD bless you.

[@tjalocha]

Great video, this combination makes for the most complete flash/trigger combo. Incident/reflective, standard/HSS, wide/spot and flash/continuous all with complete control in one rain resistant device. Too bad i have the 758D...

[@mverick160]

Very true. But the Sekonic is not as easy to use as a Godox transmitter. I can't use the TCM anymore. And harder to navigate the sekonic.

[@tjalocha]

@@mverick160 I still use mostly Einsteins for my photography and only use Godox for fast paced location shoots. Comparing the two sistems, i miss in Godox a linear numer sistem for light power and the integrated light meter. The Buff sistem in comparison is of much lower quality. It seems to be a toy. I had Hensels and the remote could only increase power or reduce. nothing more. The Profoto one is not that much better. Sekonic seems to be the king for the moment. I would love to see it integrate Buff and others.

[@blairanderson5030]

Anyone know if this is comparable with the L-358? It has a module bay used for pocket wizard ?

[@mverick160]

@@blairanderson5030 Nope. Just the 858

[@mverick160]

@@tjalocha Won't see anything for Buff products I doubt. Broncolor, godox, Elinchrom, and Pocketwizard. Suprised nothing for Profoto.

[@Anuzyx]

Superb video. Thank you for covering everything!

[@photozen8398]

How do you feel the responsiveness of the touch screen compared to previous model's buttons, seems a pain in the…. to only have touch screen for functionalities?

[@piotrgorajek1289]

Do you guys think there will be 308 or 408 for godox too? makes sense as 858 costs as much as few godox lights/modifiers ;p

[@paulste-marie8742]

View the situation with Sekonic's website, is there another way to get the firmware update now that I have the RT-GX module? Thank you for help.

[@2906rick]

Those are the link posted on sekonic facebook page. I just updated my L-858D to from firware 15 to 17. It worked perfeclty. sekonicdts.com/sekonic-dts-installation

[@AbSesayPhoto]

You can download the firmware from a temporary site they created. www.sekonic.com/dts

[@adriennelongo2493]

I'm following all of the steps and when in wireless flash mode, it's not giving an F reading. Any tips?

[@melaniebocksnick6547]

Hi I just bought my sekonic L-858d-U how can I connect to the Godox AD300pro

[@Whaever_1981]

Hi, quick question. Could you confirm that 17.0 is the latest firmware for the 858DU Godox? Software isn't compatible with latest mac so can't download to check. THX so much!!!

[@vitsedlacek981]

Hi Rob, I am considering buying the system and I was wondering - is it possible to switch the groups off from the Sekonic? Or switch the groups off from Godox trigger while in the APP mode? Thanks a lot!

[@llamarvasquez1803]

Thank you very much Robert! Awesome video... couple of questions.. on the sekonic 858 how do I get it to meter for 1.2 I’ve been trying can’t do it? And also did you calibrate profile your camera to the light meter is it recommended to do that or we don’t have to?

[@christopherfisher3420]

I just purchased the Godox radio module and love it. However, there is one feature I would love to see added and that's the ability to turn all the units OFF, at the meter, for an ambient only photo. I can turn them on one at a time or turn ALL of them on, but I don't see a way to turn ALL of the units off.

[@markeccleston2896]

turn your meter to ambient measurement and turn off your trigger?

[@outwestjim]

Excellent, just what I needed!

[@stefan_becker]

Thank you so much for the great video! 😃👍

[@eliseohuenulrebolledo6039]

Hello...works with sony flashes and commander? Thanks

[@stephan_1507]

Since I own the AD400 pro and as a fill light the V1 I have the question if I can also control the V1 in salve mode with this light meter?

[@pritamaries]

Thanks Robert. This video convinced me to go for the light meter, as i have few Flashpoint flashes and there was no other way to control the flash power remotely. I placed the order finally. Is this meter's exposure meter calibrated for Sony cameras OR do i have to absolutely do the exposure profiling ? Because, i checked the Sekonic "Exposure Profile Target II" card which is the Sekonic recommended approach. But these cards are damn expensive , just for one use. Should i go for this exposure profiling ? What would you recommend ? Thanks again for this great video.

[@godsakes]

Do you find the process faster than using the regular godox triggers - i.e. can you for example store/load flash recipes on the sekonic?

[@tanega]

App mode! Awesome! Thank you!

[@rphotographer]

Question....when using HSS do you have to change the sync on the camera trigger to HSS when in AP mode?

[@teejay2483]

Would really appreciate a link to download the firmware necessary to make the GODOX trigger work on my L858d-u Sekonic meter. Thank you!

[@bartomiejszoja3424]

Hi Robert, I know that L-858d-u has more funktion that L-478DR but price - more than 600€. If I need only great and not so expensive light meter to use with Godox AD400 pro, V1 and VF200 than what do you think about L-478DR + 2 pc of XPRO Triggers? One on camera in APP mode and second with L-478DR to power and control power? (L-478DR 360€ + XPRO Trigger 68€) I would be very grateful for your opinion Thank you in advance

[@mvjphotographie2617]

Hello. Thanks for this video. I've just bought this model with the Godox transmitter. I understand that the light meter and the transmitter on my camera do not communicate and that I should set my xpro to App mode. But what if I want to have power control from the xpro and not the Sekonic? Is this possible? Thank you

[@robhallphoto]

@@mvjphotographie2617 yeah you can go back and forth. Whichever sends a power control signal last will determine the power settings on the light, which is why it’s recommended to only use 1.

[@mvjphotographie2617]

OK Thank you. I will try this setup

[@davidhammond1475]

got mine and love it!!!

[@Whaever_1981]

On the Sekonic Metering Mode menu, would you say it's safe to remove all the "none wireless" flash modes to remove clutter? I don't have any wired flashes. Only Wirelesss Godoxes.

[@robhallphoto]

I guess my only question is does that also remove the ambient one, and if so, would that affect you? Otherwise I see no harm.

[@rsmolkin]

Do you know if Sekonic L-478DR can trigger Godox strobes?

[@robhallphoto]

The L-858d-u is the only meter with a module that can trigger/adjust Godox strobes.

[@zvkvhs3818]

I just receive mine from Adorama and the package seemed to be stepped on and when I took the transmitter out it sounds like something is rattling internally. Question: Is it supposed to do that?

[@robhallphoto]

I'ma go with "that's not supposed to do that" for 500.

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

I’ve noticed you also have a Sketonic colour meter. Wondering what model it was and why you chose that model over the others.

[@robhallphoto]

It’s a C-800, and because it’s the most reliable / latest for my needs of relaying accurate color information when testing equipment.

[@eotceotc]

@@robhallphoto Can you power on and off your lights using the light meter. If not what remote turns on the AD600?

[@TheExodus1986]

Can someone please explain to me what is the purpose of switching to the (APP mode) I can’t find any information about this from the sekonic instructions they don’t mention the App mode at all

[@robhallphoto]

If you set all your lights up to the exact outputs you want on your meter, then go and take a photo, the flash trigger on your camera will override all your settings from the Sekonic light meter. If you put the trigger in "app" mode, then the trigger will send a fire signal only, so it will fire at the settings established by the Sekonic light meter.

[@TheExodus1986]

@@robhallphoto thank you I appreciate the clarification

[@MariusVolden]

Is there any way to tell the lights how much power its supposed to have by telling it "I want f8 lighting" and then fire trigger and it will adjust by itself? Or do you have to do that manually?

[@robhallphoto]

no, you would do that manually. If you understand stops it should be one adjustment. For instance: *Test fire at 1/8 power yields F11 +.7 on meter*. F11 +.7 is 1.7 stops higher than F8. So you would drop the flash output by 1.7 stops, from 1/8 to 1/16 -.7.

[@MariusVolden]

@@robhallphotoexactly, which is why the flash should be able to adjust itself after 1 or 2 lightreadings ^^

[@71sbeetle]

It looks like the Sekonic website is still down! I need to install the Data Transfer Software, I used to have it but since I completely rebuilt my computer I never re-installed it. Does anyone happen to have the software installer by any chance?

[@TheExodus1986]

did you manage to get the data transfer to work i tried the link and downloaded it but doesn't seem to show a new update

[@71sbeetle]

Yes I did, I downloaded it from the link and once I plugged in my 858 it showed I was on firmware 14 and asked if I wanted to update to 17 which I did. It was quick and painless.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Sekonic has setup a temporary website. www.sekonic.com/dts

[@rickphillips2900]

Great video as always. I received mine on Tuesday, but unfortunately when updating the firmware i got the error 10 message and I can't do anything with it. The meter is now at the service centre and I'm hoping they can reflash the firmware there! I've no idea why this happened as I've updated it before with no issues.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Sometimes there can be errors during an update. You can simply try updating the firmware again.

[@rickphillips2900]

@@AbSesayPhoto I tried all the usual things but no joy. Now waiting to hear back from the service centre.

[@edwynn1423]

Odd. 858 worked with a V860IN. Would not remote fire a Flashpoint mini R2 Changed wireless id on 858 to 1 from OFF Mini would then fire Cannot find where to change wireless is of mini

[@romistach]

Awesome thank you !!

[@TheExodus1986]

if anyone is experiencing difficulty downloading the new dts use a tether pro orange cable if you have one available or a usb cable for power/data transfer

[@VitoUno]

Almost $700 for this combo on BH. Crazy....

[@FatherFamilyFriends]

I do not see the link to update my firmware. Searching for it under Sekonic does not help much either. I will look after coffee. Meanwhile if someone could provide link I would be greatly appreciative. (smile)

[@robhallphoto]

Sekonics website is currently down and I'm avoiding linking to their existing situation.

[@Wristocat]

The site is down - temp fix from the Sekonic twitter - If you have purchased a new Godox or broncolor transmitter module, or light meter kit, you will need to update the firmware on your meter. Please go sekonicdts.com, a temporary website to enable you to download the firmware.

[@2906rick]

Those are the link posted on sekonic facebook page. I just updated my L-858D to from firware 15 to 17. It worked perfeclty.

[@FatherFamilyFriends]

Thank you both!

[@Damfotografia]

The one question I have about this sekonic is.... Does it make coffee? Cuz that's the only missing feature for me.

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

Daniel Martins can confirm it does not make coffee however if you dip it in the coffee it does retain some of it.

[@Damfotografia]

@@Lucy-dk5cz you’re not wrong there 😂

[@jamesgrove]

Shame the L-858 is so expensive and the only one in the range that can do this

[@robhallphoto]

It's the only one that does HSS and they wanted it to be fully featured

[@rnulfberthinussen1102]

Have U figured out how to select ex group A,B and E and not Cand D - Iḿ only able to select one group or all