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September 23, 2012

Touch-screen Sekonic light meters debut at Photokina

Sekonic_175.jpgSekonic Corporation, manufacturers of professional photographic light meters for over 50 years, unveiled their LITEMASTER PRO L-478 series light meters at Photokina 2012, in Cologne, Germany.

Sekonic describes the new meters as the world's first touch-screen operated light meters with unique features for both still photographers and motion imagers.

Smartphone users will quickly adapt to the color 2.7-inch LCD monitor, which enables simply touching or sliding a finger over the touch screen to make settings.

The units are basically identical with built-in Pocketwizard support added to the L-478DR model. This is a highly useful function for wireless flash triggering and power control over multiple lighting units from a single location.

Highlights are detailed in Sekonics Press Release:
Ideal for digital still photographers working with remote flash set ups, the new L-478DR model incorporates PocketWizard® wireless radio technology for in-meter power control of select studio flashes connected to PocketWizard ControlTL® receivers as well as standard triggering with the entire PocketWizard wireless family of products. Both the L-478DR and L-478D are fully firmware upgradeable and use Sekonics breakthrough Data Transfer Software (DTS) system that automates meter calibration to the camera in use. In addition, an array of unique cine features put these meters in a class of their own.

Sekonic_250.jpgWhether telling the story with stills or in motion, Sekonic offers the perfect meter for a photographer or film makers imaging needs, said Phil Bradon, Sekonics USA Product Marketing Manager. The new compact LITEMASTER PRO models provide a familiar interface for users and display ambient, flash, cine and other information in a clear and understandable way.

Flash Power Control with L-478DR
PocketWizard radio technology enables reliable, fingertip control of remote flashes connected to PocketWizard ST4, MC2 and FlexTT5 ControlTL receivers and Nikon and Canon Speedlights connected to a PocketWizard FlexTT5 transceiver. Offered in both FCC (USA) and CE (Europe) frequencies, the LITEMASTER PRO L-478DR will support all ControlTL Channels and Zones (A, B, C). Power levels are easily controlled by touching or moving a finger over the L-478DR screen. Touching ControlTL Zone buttons marked A, B, or C allows the user to switch remote flashes on and off at the meter to make separate exposure measurements for easy adjustment of desired lighting ratios. Standard Channel and Quad Zone capability allow triggering all standard PocketWizard radios and flash units incorporating PocketWizard radio receivers. To learn more about PocketWizard, please visit www.pocketwizard.com.

Exposure Profiling

Sekonic_300.jpg
Sekonics pioneering DTS (Data Transfer Software) Version 3.0, introduced earlier this year, enables quick dynamic range mapping of both digital still and motion cameras for the most precise control of light and exposure. The automated process requires using the L-478s 5-degree viewfinder and recording images of one of Sekonics Exposure Profile Targets or one of X-Rites ColorChecker® series targets, all available as a separate purchase. Measured data from industry-standard targets can also be manually entered in the software or meter. Up to ten camera profiles can be stored in the meter. Any number of profiles can be stored with the software. Once loaded, the Sekonic L-478DR/D series can make incident and reflected light readings that are precisely tuned to the dynamic range of the profiled camera. A wide range of in-meter adjustment as well as complete exposure data input is also possible using the graphic interface of the L-478 meters.

Unique HD Cine / Cine / Light Measuring Features
Todays Digital Video cameras offer boundless versatility. The L-478D meter has two motion-capture modes to fit the shooting needs of every cinematographer. Touching the screen easily sets shutter speeds for HD SLR cameras or for Cine shooting, a touch of the screen controls frame rates and shutter angles. This new meter also allows users to create unique frame rates and shutter angles for special effects.

Sekonic designers also added a unique filter compensation mode that enables getting exact light levels with the filtered light sources used in motion picture production. By simply touching the new L-478D screen a user can instantly call up light source or camera filtration expressed in industry standard CTO/CTB/ND terms. Users can also create filter factors with names for quick call-up and use. Up to four filters can be used together in a pack. After the compensation is selected, they simply measure the light and drop the filters in place for precise control illumination and exposure. Extended ISO to 409,600 and brightness measurement in Lux/FC and Cd/m2/FL ensures that the L-478 is destined to become a major player on movie sets around the world. Cd/m2/FL measurements can be made with the optional L-478VF, 5-degree viewfinder.

Power and Accessories
The L-478-series meters are powered by two convenient AAA-size batteries. Both meters come standard with two AAA batteries, case, strap, user-applied anti-glare film CD with DTS software and instruction manual, and Quick Guide. A five-degree viewfinder is available as a separate purchase for reflected light readings and calibration and measurement using camera profiles made with the Sekonic DTS system.

Sekonic products are marketed exclusively by MAC Group (www.MACGroupUS.com) in the USA, and sold by distributors around the world.

Posted by flashdeadline at September 23, 2012 7:06 AM