The Ultimate Guide to Light Meters for Cinematography

[@MWB_FoolsParadisePictures]

Man, it's too bad that the gimmicky channels have 100K+ subs and channels like these which teach a real education have so much less. This is invaluable, thank you, and keep up the good work. 10/10 would recommend this video.

[@DineshBhadwal]

5:26 when the fill is from the front it also increases the intensity of the key side. The ratio then becomes key + fill to fill. Hence it is 3:1 and not 2:1.

[@breeeoyo1399]

This is seriously one of the most in depth videos for light comprehension. You went above and beyond in every facet of the tutorial

[@richardsimms251]

Excellent video. Thank you RS. Canada

[@nyczbois]

I'm a self taught videographer in NYC. So, I never had any formal education on how to use tools like light meters. I was going to purchase one just for the sake of having one because I saw a lot of other cinematographers have one but that would've been a waste of money. Now, after watching this video, I gained enough knowledge and understand how light meters could change the game for me. Thanks! I hope to win this and use it in my next short film.

[@jerryhoy]

"Light meters will give you consistent and repeatable results." That's a KEY lesson to know. Lmao. Great guide dude. Reminds me of learning all this stuff in Cinematography. You explained things thoroughly to get anyone started on metering.

[@faithfullmess]

5+ years later and this video is so helpful. Instant Subby! Thank you ❤

[@LesterKamstra]

This video is so helpfull, as a strarting cinematographer/filmmaker i was doubting if i need a spotmeter on my lightmeter (right now have the basic one), and now i know for sure. It's so hard to find examples of lightmetering. Thanks so much!

[@LordHansCapon]

My new favourite channel. You are raising KZbin’s game.

[@erikgordon4804]

You have a good number of subscribers. You have a ton of respect. Some folks with more subscribers have people watching for the entertainment, not the substance. Stay yourself.

[@DaleRoossien]

Wow, you've offered so much value on your channel Robert. I'm at the point now that I've started shooting more commercial projects (recently went from an a7s11 and a6500 up to the new Fs5 with raw, shooting pro res and slog 3 and using false colour and waveforms all the time now, just need to dial in my light metering game, and you've helped bigtime....so thanks man!

[@KeemIbarra]

Wow man, I absolutely loved watching this video. Can't remember the last time I wanted to re-watch an entire 18 minute video! Keep it up 'Chado!

[@lochiegayfilms]

Dude was 100% worth staying up till 5am for the premier :') Always strayed away from lightmeters because of the amount of run & gun doco stuff I shoot (and probably some intimidation factor..) but seeing the way you practically used spot metering & you were actually able to measure out your contrast ratio so quickly and precisely was awesome!! Insane that watching this gave me more confidence than my entire uni degree to actually add a meter to my kit and use it, but 100% will be!

[@HonJazzz]

My biggest takeaway is from how you described using the meter to quickly and effectively calculate contrast ratios on set. This eliminates any guess work and stops people from telling you how to do your job while they are looking at the monitor. Thank you!

[@itsgussy]

We're all about to level up. Thanks Rob and team

[@itsgussy]

The way I plan on using the Sekonic l-858 is ISO 1/2 on how to use it to match exposure of 2 different cameras. Shooting 2 camera interviews is always a chore not only setting proper white balance but also exposure. It just got 1000 times easier. Thank you Robert.

[@OswaldoLopezDantes]

If we quantified the value that this video offers in f-stops this video would be six stops higher than the majority of other videos on KZbin, it is sixty four times brighter, meaning it offers a great amount of information. In all seriousness, after re-watching the video many times I would say that my biggest takeaway is that only using the built in spot meter in the camera in a controlled environment is not the way to go. Instead, I learned that one should use a light meter in one of its different functions depending on the situation. Additionally now I know that I should calibrate my light meter to my cameras meter when I get my hands on one. I would use the spot meter function since ur measures how much light is reflecting of an object and tries to bring it to eighteen percent gray. In my case if I was using my C100 I would take a reading to find if everything in my frame lies within the dynamic range of my camera. Additionally I would use the light meter to make sure I am properly exposing the gama curve of the C100, clog. Meaning in my waveform monitor I am at thirty four IRE. I am currently studying at Television and Video Production at BCIT. Prior to this program my I have primarily shot events, weddings and other events were many would say that using a light meter would be unpractical and inappropriate. However, in this program I have been shooting in much more controlled environments. My next term is just around the corner as the DP of my group for the upcoming school projects such as a Commercial and PSA and individual projects such as a music video and a short documentary, this light meter would come in handy. Additionally it would make a great present for my 17th birthday. Thank you so much for taking the time to putting this together to help us level up Rob!

[@josephmathabela]

This is the best filmmaking tutorial I have seen on KZbin in a looooong time. Thanks, dude!

[@brettbaker9027]

This is probably one of the most useful videos about lighting and metering I've found yet. Thanks for explaining everything so well!

[@andremachado3831]

From one Machado to another, you sir, are my favorite (outside the family).

[@roehaus1]

Great video... my technique for a scene containing a window behind the subject. Incident light reading taken right at the window. In camera spot meter reading of gray card at the subjects position and then adjust fill light ratio with lighting or reflectors as desired.

[@MrBiswas123]

This series of videos of how to use light-meter for video is a lifesaver for cinematography students like me.Very detailed information ...thanks a lot for investing your time to clarify the doubts !

[@BHeru-wq5kv]

this video was hella dense. so much good information in a short span of time -- will definitely be giving you more than a few views on it as i unpack all of its juicy bits.

[@eltonfoster]

I bough a old and simple light meter (Minolta F V) a couple months ago. I think that I am one photographer before and after using it. You explained in one video, what I have to watch 10 videos to understand. I don’t know how considered a photographer/cinematographer somebody who don’t knows how measurer ratios like you did. So, I will love have this light meter because I can’t read HSS on mine and unfortunately here in Brazil is extremely expensive... Thanks for your great content.

[@chad8gilmour]

Excellent video! Thorough yet concise explanations. Greatly appreciated!

[@GermanDisla]

Immediately subscribed after watching this. This is the most valuable video I’ve seen. Been working video full time 3 years now, I’m editing and getting more into shooting now and this is amazing. Please share more videos like this, no one else is making them and they are incredibly valuable!!! Thank you... instant subscriber.

[@robchado]

Glad it was valuable for you!

[@olivierleveque-samoisette3272]

This was so informative! Thank you! I shall now invest in a light meter! Great video 👌

[@ReeceMoffett]

I have a light meter where I work at and I only use one setting on it. But after seeing this video I have learned so much and can now properly expose my films and know 100% how to use it. I would definitely use the light meter to make sure my videos are properly exposed. Because I have a tendency to over expose through my monitor.

[@ThanoojThampy]

Just got a L758 used and this video helped tons. Thanks man Rob. Subscribed

[@DaveKnowlesFilmmaker]

Just found this video and it is the best I have seen on metering. Well done and thanks.

[@Mike_Mandigo]

Thanks! This was a valuable lesson 📸📸

[@PushMoreButtons]

Rob, it's Priscilla - I'm so stoked for this!!! Literally going to make some popcorn and watch this on repeat on my couch

[@DanielScottFilms]

This is a masterclass on metering. Well done!

[@CornerstoneVideo-Colorado]

For the longest time I had a vague idea of how contrast ratios worked but you did such an awesome job of making it crystal. Thank you so much for this valuable content for those of us learning this craft.

[@patrickshartzer8905]

Lots of valuable information in this one, great work!

[@markuscook5687]

My biggest takeaway for immediate use is committing f-stops to memory, Rob's tip on memorization was great. I want to start with that and knowing my camera's (BMMCC) DR, then begin to use a meter on-set for the commercials and interviews I shoot. At current, I cannot afford a light meter as there is other gear that I need, but I would love to win one so that I can put it to immediate use, specifically by using the spot meter. I am familiarizing myself with False Color but I want to be able to use something such as a meter to get better results. I have noticed that many cinematographers such as Rob use meters, and their work is noticeably excellent, much better than those I have seen do not use a meter. I want to join those who do, and hopefully create results that are just as good, while learning another tool for the creative use of storytelling.

[@osmanarslan6364]

The video was very informative. I was having problem using false color and something was missing for me. I wanted to have a light meter to be able to set my contrast ratios at a desired level by metering it. After watching this video I realized that I can use this light meter to pre determine how big or a small light I will need at the set beforehand without guessing. I realized that he was having his crew bringing the reflector closer to match the ratio he wanted. It will work same when I want to determine how big of a light I will need at what distance to my subject at a desired light level or F stop. Also matching the 2 different cameras with different base ISO will be amazing. If we desire to keep the same F stop for both cameras we can determine the difference with the light meter and keep the f stops the same but substitute the difference with ND filter maybe. Also knowing how many stops I can go over my set F stop based on my camera's dynamic range is amazing. Now I can push the sensor to it's limits by metering and shoot it without worrying. If only I had a light meter :) Thank you for the video. It was great.

[@rayt_visual]

I know this video is now close to a year old ... but still has some great info. Thanks for keeping it up.

[@colewalliser]

dude this tutorial is amazing. So well done!

[@dynamicstudioschannel]

Still one the most useful videos I come back every so often when I need to refresh myself on how to lightmeter correctly. Thanks Rob!

[@edwinlapitan4736]

36mins til it premieres. Can't wait man!

[@emfilms9373]

you are currently the only channel i watch for tutorials lol

[@DenisGarcia281]

THIS IS THE VIDEO THAT I WAS LOOKING FOR , THNK U FOR THIS, YOU SAVED MY THESIS

[@prefix808]

Thanks for putting this together, learned a ton.

[@MichaelWootten]

Hate to admit it, but contrast ratio was actually an entirely new concept to me that I will now run away with and begin being more aware of right away! Thank you so much for your educational videos, Robert. I appreciate your approach. Knowledge is power!

[@MichaelWootten]

Thank you so much for doing this, Robert! You are a man of his craft!

[@JohnJonesRocketCity]

You know I just subd! This info was so valuable!!!! I’ve been debating on getting a light meter because of the lack of consistency when I get back home and start working in post. I think it’d be slightly less of a problem if I was able to grade and work with a beefier codec but working with slog and 100Mbps out of my Sony demands that I get it right in the field. The biggest thing I learned is how f stops are used to make creative decisions with a light meter and that I don’t have to always expose properly! That freed me so much! Thank you for this video!!! I know I missed the contest but this was so helpful.

[@jessepamintuan8440]

I'm loving the video, Robert. Great content. I've been such a fan of lighting and what it does for cinematography. What I've learned from your video is how essential a light meter is to making and re-making recipes of light. You don't know do that any other way but through a light meter. A few years ago I bought an analog sekonic light meter to help me learn these principles, but I want to step it up a notch to be even more precise and intentional with my lighting. If I received the Sekonic 858, I would incorporate metering for all my sets and lighting/camera tests! Unleash that potential!

[@bradpouncey]

Dude...you're killing the game. I've loved watching your reviews and tutorials. Really enjoyed finally hearing a good explanation on light ratios...I'd love to be able to use a light meter to dial in exposure without having to just guess from the monitor. Keep up the awesome work!

[@robchado]

Thanks Brad!! FHNSAB :)

[@niallflynn1094]

Great video and light meters well explored. I am now a subscriber. Keep up the good work.

[@kristenbeck261]

Thank you for the math session, i'm disabled when it comes to math so appreciate the lesson. My new light meter arrives on friday!

[@frank_reviews8906]

Great video! I have used light meters in the past for still photography but for some reason while shooting video I just go with eyeballing and in camera metering. Definitely an important tool I've overlooked.

[@noelwiggins866]

Thank you, this is so helpful! Literally, this is the only comprehensive tut on KZbin for metering video/cinematography. My biggest takeaway is using the speedbooster to calibrate or match your meter to your camera's native ISO and gamma curve. I use the spot meter along with the zone system to fine tune skin tones and I use the incident to light the set or to evenly light a green screen.

[@paguasonfa]

Great upload! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@McFlinkeen]

I've used a 758 on shoots mainly for getting the contrast ratio nice and even across multiple days at the same location. Wouldn't have been possible without a meter. Was some time ago since last so this video helped a lot with refreshing my memory. I was not aware of the delta EV function. Will definitely be using that in the future .

[@robchado]

I discovered it earlier this year! Super handy when setting ratios.

[@simransidhu3444]

This video is a fantastic resource. Great job 👍

[@maleekloyd8975]

This was a super helpful video. I studied TV/Media in college so we didn't get any of this training. Since I want to go into more commercial and narrative filmmaking, having a light meter would be perfect for learning how to light professional sets with more intention.

[@JonEnge]

Great video! I haven't seen anything in this depth before!

[@bseng]

Such a great tutorial Robert! Thanks for taking the time to put this one together, there was a wealth of information in there that will get me using my light meter more.

[@philiplemoyne]

Thanks so much for making this video! It's by far the best guide I've ever seen on using meters (much better than my classes at school...). Now that I'm learning more how to control light, getting a meter of this calibre would be a huge help in getting repeatable results on my sets.

[@matthewmichaelross3582]

This was really informative but in a fun and real world environment. I think I will use the light meter for balancing the ratio between my key and fill lights. I thought that was the best part of the video as well. Contrast in a shot really adds emotion and I'm so excited about creating more emotion in my films. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge. I felt, and I mean this in a great way, that I went to a film school class on light metering. Great teaching skills!

[@jamieandrei]

14:13 is a key section.. helping with dem scene / lighting ratios.. EL Zones be good for this..

[@stefangjorgievski1374]

Great video. I will use combination of incident and reflective metering.

[@marcello1995]

fantastic tutorial, thank you and your team

[@christianalopez]

This was great. Love the two seconds for each crew member. You deserve wayyyyy more subs.

[@mcgreevs24]

Such a great tutorial. Thanks for all that you do. 🙏

[@davidirancossio3481]

Biggest takeaway? Def would have to say it was learning about contrast ratios. Honestly had no idea what it was lol..... Great video!

[@thedudelives]

Really well produced video. Thank you!

[@evgenyignatov_ph]

My biggest takeaway was learning about contrast ratios. I use old minolta autometer iv and I miss the spot meter in it. But with him I began to get a more stable result in video and photo.

[@ShahzebAliHD]

Exposing with cheap monitors and these sony & fuji mirrorless cameras is a huge pain in the back, this meter seems to be a must have for quality work.

[@kucekto]

This is so informative! Great job and thank you very much!

[@Elliottenpyjama]

I never understood when people talked in 'stops' even if I knew pretty much how to expose 'normally' and now I understand much better the math behind. I would use this spot meter to expose S-log footage from my camera since it's soooo difficult to do so & also to expose for my analog photography ;)

[@Basketball2011md]

I love the F-Stop and lighting ideas

[@nithyanandgt7446]

Thank you for the Nice Explanation. I have small doubt. at 16:06 when u compare the light ratios, i see a change in background exposure too. y does that happen. is that the effect of the bounce card on the wall???

[@risbill1]

Excellent video. Very much needed.

[@RhythmicEye]

Well done Robert, great tutorial!

[@JohannesFeltkamp]

Biggest takeaway? Everything...I'm in a vocational training right now and it appears to be that I'm the one to bring our productions to the next level. So a lightmeter should be the next investment ;)

[@benallison7825]

Really liked this video. Very helpful! Cheers!!

[@aa.ronjax]

Thanks for the video Robert Always pulling fire information 🔥 Biggest take away is probably just the reminder that you don't always have to follow the rules but once to know them you have the key to true creativity.

[@djlive408]

Awesome content bro! I’ve never used a light meter but I want to always improve my work and might just grab one because of your video! Keep it up!

[@kenjiwashere]

I think it biggest takeaway is just how important it can be to have repeatable and consistent exposures. Not only does it help ensure you get the highest quality image, but it potentially saves time in post correcting inconsistencies. Definitely going to look into getting one as I do studio/interview jobs more often these days.

[@Chris-py3ec]

Excellent lighting episodes! Would love to see more of these!

[@frukwon420]

Great channel!

[@paulmeister1965]

This is really awesome and valuable info, thanks for sharing!!

[@photographer-at-large9795]

GREAT episode, thank you 🙏. Sekonic L-858 is now on my wish list.

[@dronimik]

Thank you so much for the easy explanation!

[@AssassinNik20]

Great video! I think my biggest takeaway from the video is to keep your light ratios in check to create consistent moods!

[@benpossehl]

Thank you so much man for this incredible video! My cinematography game is about to increase significantly. I really love spot metering feature a feel like I would use that a lot on set.

[@graysonbcagle]

I love the idea of using one of these to predetermine the ND settings for the F stop I want to film at.

[@fernandogmar]

I very glad you take time to create this awesome video, still I have a lot to learn 😊

[@timisaboy8520]

Best tutorial I 've watched .But I just wodering how can Sekonic-758 work with a7siii or fx3 that naive iso is12800?

[@EuphoriaMedia]

Been on plenty sets and now in this digital world it was good to see how to balance 2 different cameras

[@paymonkamali405]

Watching in 2020, your informative video is much appreciated!

[@PushMoreButtons]

I think the best part of this video was making sure that we start with the creative decision of aperature and painting light around that with the help of a light meter vs just nailing exposure and working around that. I’d use this bad boy to help me get perfect exposure between two cameras with different native ISO’s. It’s something I’ve struggled with in the past and currently use false colors to get it “right” but I can see how a light meter will perfectly quantify the light to help dial in the settings.

[@lilyofthenorth1]

This video taken away my fear of using a light meter. Robert, you demystified the whole process for me with this video. Thank you so much for that. I know that by applying what you showed us here my image is going to improve. I can't wait to use it and apply all the things you showed us here. I wanted to create the similar lighting setups of the images I collected for my look book. Now I can analyze those images and recreate my version of them for an appropriate story. A light meter will be invaluable for that. I would like to shoot more narrative projects and this tool will be very useful for me as I believe it will help me a great deal to improve my images.

[@12yfilms]

Hello Robert, since I rely on EL Zone for all my exposure need, do I still need to use a light meter? I have a 858-U that's just sitting on a shelf but I feel like it gives me a more trustworthy measurement. Can you possible do an updated video on whether people even need a light meter with EL Zone in Atomos and SmallHD monitors? Thank you for all the years of knowledge you've shared with us!

[@robchado]

That's a great idea!

[@foodiemadness]

Excellent Tutorial Robert

[@mirsidorov5112]

Dude, i just want to say thank you for this info and the time you took to make this video, very helpful for us noobs without a proper education:D

[@hippopictures]

You're a master, thanks for the video man! When a f stop difference has decimals, should we round up or down? I work with a nikon z6 ii.

[@robchado]

They are usually displayed 10ths, but they sometimes display in 3rds. It just depends on how you want to expose. I generally adjust lighting to hit the nearest whole number so I'm working with full stops.

[@orcapodmedia]

I probably have mentioned it on another video, but if I did not, this channel is awesome.