Sekonic News

From Sekonic:

The new C-800-U Spectromaster offers ultra-precise color measuring performance designed specifically for the cine and photographic industries. Developed with the input from leading lighting manufacturers, filmmakers, photographers, and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science and Technology Council, the C-800-U solves the problems image makers have when understanding color properties of light, and how lights will reproduce colors on camera.

WHAT MAKES THIS METER DIFFERENT?

The C-800-U has more Color Rendering Standards than any other field meter in the industry.

It is the first and only meter to include SSI (Spectral Similarity Index) developed by the Sci-Tech Council of the Academy. SSI gives the user the ability to set any light as a standard, or use predefined standards (such as CIE D55), and then gives other lights an SSI score based upon how well they will match. The C-800-U also includes TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index), TLMF (Television Lighting Matching Factor), TM-30-15 (Technical Memorandum) in addition to CRI (Color Rendering Index), which can be measured singularly or in two light comparison mode.

DESIGNED TO BE USED ON SET

CRI The new Spectromaster C-800-U takes the great features of the C-700 with the same bold 4.3” touchscreen, and same ability to read LED, HMI, Florescent, Tungsten, Natural Light and Flash from 1,600 to 40,000 Kelvin. Built on its CMOS linear image sensor, the C-800-U is capable of measuring in 1 nanometer (nm) increments to detect spikes using fluorescent or LED lighting. With the same ergonomic button layout, swivel head, and built-in dark slide that enables easy use on set and expands on the C-700-U’s color rendering standards, units of measure and memory.

MATCHING YOUR LIGHTS JUST GOT EASIER.

The C-800-U now has more color control parameters specifically designed to help match lights to one another. CIE1931 (x, y) has been added, giving users the ability to measure and dial-in specific chromaticity coordinates into lights of some major brands. Hue and Saturation units of measure have also been added to better match RGB LEDs to any light source. In addition, new display screens provide easy interpretation and understanding of the new data fields, making this the best meter for all applications.

“The enhancements to the new C-800-U show our commitment to leading the category with regards to new and emerging trends in the color control industry, while also responding to the changing needs of our end users. The new Spectromaster C-800-U was developed to provide increased confidence to filmmakers and photographers working with a range of lights; with a focus on rendering true to life skin tones, realistic color, and matching lights better than any other meter on the market. The Sekonic C-800-U empower everyone focused on color control to light better.” - Mr. Kenji Sawai Executive Officer and General Manager, Sekonic Japan

KEY FEATURES

• Measures LED, HMI, Fluorescent, Tungsten, Natural Light and Flash, from 380 to 780 nm
• Expanded Color Rendering Properties (CRI, SSI, TLCI, TLMF, TM-30-15)
• Extended Color Control Parameters (Hue/Saturation, CIE 1931 x, y chromaticity coordinate)
• Wide measurement range of Color Temperature (1,600 to 40,000K) and illumination (1 to 200,000lx in ambient light, 20 to 20,500lx©s in flash light)
• User-friendly design: 270 degrees swivel head, dark calibration without a cap, large 4.3” color touch panel LCD and Customize function
• Various displays (Text, Spectrum Graph, Spectrum Comparison, CRI, CRI Comparison, SSI, TLCI/TLMF, TM-30-15, Lighting Filter for Rosco© and LEE©, Camera Filter for Kodak Wratten© , LEE© and Fuji©, Multiple Lights Comparison, White Balance Correction)
• Measurements of Kelvin (K), Illuminance (lux/fc), LB/CC Filters (for Camera Lens or Lighting Filters), LB/CC Index, CRI (Ra, R1 thru. R15), ?uv, SSI, TLCI, TM-30-15(Rf, Rg), CIE1931(x, y), Hue, Saturation
• Up to 99 data measurements can be stored in memory

B&H carries Sekonic devices.

From Sekonic:

The Flashmate L-308X builds on the popular L-308 series of light meters, combining a familiar blend of compact and intuitive design with the very latest features, making it the ideal light meter for today’s filmmakers and photographers.

The pocket-sized Sekonic L-308X is packed with all of the latest functions, including all of those found in the L308S and L-308DC light meters. Features such as a customised new screen display and LCD backlight, Aperture (F) Priority photo mode and ISO 850, to match the native ISO of Canon cinema cameras like the C300, make the L-308X one of the most versatile and affordable photo/cine light meters available today.

Kenji Sawai, Sekonic Executive Office of Sales and Marketing, commented, “With just one camera, today’s shooters have become multimedia image makers. We have used our expertise and experience as a recognised industry leader in light measuring tools to create the perfect entry-level hybrid light meter for today’s up-and-coming photographers and filmmakers”

Key Features

• Three meters in one: Photo/HD Cine/CINE modes for all imagemakers
• Photo Mode: (Ambient) T priority, F priority and EV modes
• (Flash) Cord and Cordless flash mode
• HD Cine Mode: (Ambient) T priority, Lux/Fc mode, frame rate setting
• CINE Mode: (Ambient) Frame rate priority, Lux/Fc mode, shutter angle setting
• Automatic LCD backlight (activates under EV5 lighting)
• Switchable Incident/Reflected light measurement and removable lumidisc
• Calibration compensation from -1.0 to +1.0 in 0.1 step increments
• Intuitive and compact design that fits into your pocket

Basic Specifications (measuring range at ISO 100)

• Ambient: EV0 to 19.9
• Flash: F1.0 to F90.9
• Lux: 2.5 to 190,000lx
• Foot-candle: 0.23 to 17,000fc
• Power source: One AA battery

The Sekonic L-308X will be available from early March.

B&H has the Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter available for preorder.

NORTH WHITE PLAINS, NY – Sekonic Corporation, the leader in design and engineering of Professional Photographic and Filmmaking Light Meters, announced their latest advancement in metering, the NEW Sekonic SPEEDMASTER L-858D. With it’s 2.7” color touch screen and truly innovative and sophisticated features, the L-858D leads the way to the next generation of light measurement control.

Sekonic has combined over 60 years of experience in the image-making world with cutting edge technology to create the SPEEDMASTER L-858D. The meter has undergone a significant design change and was built with a comprehensive feature set sure to meet and exceed the demands of today’s image-makers.

A pioneer in the space, the L-858D now offers flash duration measurement, providing critical flash data needed to calculate proper ambient-flash exposure. Also, as it’s name implies, the SPEEDMASTER L-858D has the capability to measure the brief flash bursts of High Speed Sync (HSS) for precision flash exposure control, making it an essential tool for photographers utilizing this game changing technology.

Break Through Boundaries The L-858D builds off the popular L-478D series features and function sets that enable photographers to break through the boundaries of ISO sensitivity, flash and ambient shutter speeds, as well as frame rates (f/s) and shutter angles for cinematographers.

Filmmakers and landscape photographers will appreciate the L-858D’s increased sensitivity for both incident and reflected-spot measurements giving them the ability to obtain extreme low light level readings. The L-858D also offers optional wireless triggering modules for Elinchrom and Phottix in addition to PocketWizard brand radio triggering devices, giving photographers utilizing strobes ultimate control over their lighting workflow.

“The Sekonic SPEEDMASTER L-858D is a perfect example of a great brand being responsive to its fans and responding to how popular high speed sync is. The Sekonic engineers have developed an incredible tool that combines flash duration measurement, an intuitive touchscreen interface and many other advances to address the needs of the most demanding photographers and filmmakers.” — Jan Lederman, MAC Group President

Note: Apparently, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D Light Meter was announced in September 2016, but I missed seeing the press release at the time. The light meter has just now started showing up at retailers. [Sean]

B&H has the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter in stock with free expedited shipping.

From Sekonic:

Sekonic Corporation, manufacturer of professional photographic light meters, announced today the release of two new versions of their acclaimed LITEMASTER PRO L-478 Series touch-screen operated light meters to their current line-up.

Tokyo, Japan and White Plains, NY – February 1, 2016 – ekonic Corporation, manufacturer of professional photographic light meters, announced today the release of two new versions of their acclaimed LITEMASTER PRO L-478 Series touch-screen operated light meters to their current line-up.

The new L-478DR-U-EL and L-478DR-U-PX models were developed with cooperation from Elinchrom in Switzerland and Phottix in Hong Kong. The L-478DR-U-EL offers wireless triggering and power control of Elinchrom flash units. The L-478DR-U- PX triggers flashes and radio triggers using the Phottix Strato II protocol.

Both use Sekonic’s breakthrough DTS (Data Transfer Software) system that automates meter calibration to the camera in use and has expanded Cine features that put these meters in a class of their own. Each meter features a distinctive, signature-color rubber surround and name badge for the flash brand it controls.

The Sekonic LITEMASTER PRO L-478 Series meters are compact in size, instantly familiar and comfortable to use. The large color LCD (2.7”) touchscreen displays ambient, flash, cine and other information in a clear and understandable way. Make your settings by simply touching or sliding a finger over the touch screen.

Flash Power Control for Elinchrom EL-Skyport Products
The power screen of the L-478DR-U-EL enables separate selection of any of the four lighting Groups, 1, 2, 3, 4 for flash brightness adjustment in 0.1 increments by simply tapping buttons on the meter’s touch screen. The F-number value for the light being measured appears in a central area on the screen as well as over the respective group selection button. The measured value for each group is maintained as a visual record of the brightness difference of the lights in use so that lighting ratios can be easily determined.

Once the flash adjustment is made for each group, all the flashes can be triggered for a total reading for exposure. The L-478DR-U-EL can also be used to measure and adjust the modeling light brightness of Elinchrom flashes for cine/video lighting.

The L-478DR-U-EL triggering and power control is compatible with all Elinchrom flashes that use the EL-Skyport triggering system. For more information about compatible Elinchrom flashes see http://www.elinchromus.com.

Flash Triggering for Phottix Strato II Protocol products
The L-478DR-U-PX flash control screen allows selection of a single group or a combination of groups for flash brightness measurement. The F-number value for the light being measured appears in a central area on the screen as well as over respective group selection button. The measured value for each group is maintained as a visual record of the brightness-difference of the lights in use so that lighting ratios can be easily determined.

The L-478DR-U-PX group selection and triggering is compatible with Phottix flashes and radios that are compatible with the Phottix Strato II protocol. These include flashes connected to the Strato and Strato II receivers and the Atlas II transceivers. Compatible Phottix flashes include the Indra360, Indra500 and Mitros+ series flashes designed for use with Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras.

For more information about Phottix products, see http://www.phottixus.com.

Among them are the inclusion of ISO 850 for Canon video cinema cameras and expanding the filter compensation from 5EV to 12EV to aid landscape photographers who use high-density ND filters. These and other small operational improvements will be available soon as a firmware upgrade for current owners by the latest Data Transfer Software ver. 5.0 available on http://www.sekonic.com.

B&H has the new Sekonic L-478DR Light Meters available for preorder.

From MAC Group USA:

NORTH WHITE PLAINS, NY – AUGUST 11, 2015 – Elinchrom, Phottix and Sekonic have come to be regarded as leaders in their respective areas of expertise. Together they plan on defining an exciting, new future for the lighting category.

The Elinchrom, Phottix and Sekonic design engineers are hard at work on the most revolutionary lighting control system ever.

The key to this epoch-making event is a common “operating system” shared among the three partners incorporating their respective controllers, transmitters and receivers via a shared signal.

Phottix flash systems are currently capable of TTL and manual control with Canon, Nikon and Sony DSLR systems as well as their own Mitros+ hot shoe TTL flash and their portable, TTL monobloc Indra systems. Elinchrom is known for their high performance, portable power systems, exemplified by the ELB 400 and is also renowned for their light-shaping tools. Sekonic is known for their accuracy and reliability of meters for lighting measurement and control. The integration of select existing technologies as well as the joint development of new ones from this global alliance will create a creative lighting toolkit allowing photographers to dramatically expand their repertoire.

This industry-redefining partnership will result in new products and processes that will enable photographers to enjoy the portable power and simplicity of Elinchrom, the surety of precise metering with Sekonic and unfailing TTL triggering and power control with Phottix for unmatched lighting control.

Current new products in the works include:

• Phottix and Elinchrom design engineers are collaborating on enhanced features for the next generation of the Skyport transmitter which will include hyper-sync functionality.
• Photographers using the Phottix Indra 360 TTL or Indra 500 TTL lighting systems will soon have the ability to use the broad range of Elinchrom light-shapers, the most popular light-shaping tools in the world.
• Sekonic is collaborating with both Phottix and Elinchrom to finalize two new 478-series LiteMaster Pro flash meters; one for Elinchrom featuring in-meter power control and one for Phottix that allows for triggering of groups from the meter.

Many more exciting collaborative projects are in the works and on the drawing board between these three powerhouses.

Jan Lederman, President of MAC Group US and MAC Group Europe, which will lead the way in marketing this new alliance said: “As children, we were always told to play nice in the sandbox. Now that we are grown, we want to redefine the sandbox. The goal of this revolutionary alliance is to give photographers around the world access to the very best products and technology no matter what their needs, style of shooting or experience level. With these three companies working together, we are creating an all-new future for what’s possible in the photographic lighting category.”

Steve Peer, CEO of Phottix added, “Ours has always been a culture of seeing an opportunity and pursuing it with relentless focus. Together with our new partners at Elinchrom and Sekonic, we will set an all new standard for lighting and control.”

Chris Whittle, President of Elinchrom commented “With so many technological firsts, we at Elinchrom are extremely ambitious for all photographers. We live light, and this new alliance will accelerate a raft of inclusive lighting solutions for Elinchrom mount users Worldwide.”

Harry Harada, Director of Sekonic said, “Our partners’ lighting tools working in concert with Sekonic lighting technology will make photography more enjoyable and controllable. Sekonic is now open to this enhanced partnership.”

B&H carries Elinchrom, Phottix and Sekonic gear.

B&H has just published an in-depth look at the new Sekonic C-700 SpectroMaster Spectrometer on their Explora feed.

Sekonic C-700 Overview

• Measures LED, HMI, and Fluorescent
• Measures Tungsten, Natural Light, and Flash
• 4.3" Touchscreen with 9 Display Modes
• Displays Rosco, Lee, Fuji, Wratten Names
• Displays CRI, White Balance Compensation
• Multiple Light Comparison
• CMOS Sensor and Linear Variable Filter
• Stores 99 Full-data Measurements
• Reads Color Temp. from (1,600-40,000K)
• Reads 0.09 to 18,600 fc (1-200,000 lux)

From PocketWizard/Bowens/Sekonic:

The crisp lighting from Bowens, plus PocketWizard wireless freedom, and Sekonic's precision metering have joined forces and are issuing a call to action. Are you recruits ready for action, adventure, and the ability to capture images, taking your photography to a new level?

PocketWizard Bowens GEM Reciever Module

For a limited time, with the purchase of any new Bowens R or Pro series monolight or kit, you new recruits are automatically enlisted into the Bowens, PocketWizard, and Sekonic Technology Alliance, and for each purchased monolight, you will be issued from our armory, one free PocketWizard Bowens GEM receiver module. This PocketWizard module enhancement allows you to embrace the sovereignty of reliable and cable-free flash triggering in your studio or in the field.

PocketWizard Plus III Special Edition

As a special commemoration of this new Technology Alliance, gathering some of the greatest veterans in the industry, PocketWizard proudly offers a special edition PocketWizard Plus III draped in Bowens accent yellow, to pair with a new Bowens Gemini R, Gemini Pro, or other PocketWizard compatible lighting and devices from any PocketWizard Flash Partner. So wear your colors on your sleeve or your hotshoe, as you enter the battle for better photography.

Sync wirelessly

Available now, the Bowens-inspired PocketWizard Plus III wirelessly syncs with every PocketWizard ever made, yellow or otherwise, and can remotely trigger flashes and cameras, or in turn, can be triggered by cameras, meters, or other PocketWizards. Look for the PocketWizard Compatible logo throughout the Bowens Lighting range, as well as any other members of the PocketWizard Army.

Furthermore, through June 30th 2014, previously purchased Bowens Gemini R or Gemini Pro units may be sent back to HQ in for servicing, where we will update each unit for PocketWizard compatibility, ensuring additional value to your investment for years to come.

B&H carries the PocketWizard Bowens GEM Reciever Module and PocketWizard Plus III (Yellow) Tranceiver.

From the Sekonic Blog:

Sekonic Announces LITEMASTER PRO L-478DR and L-478D. These meters are the world’s first and only dedicated color touchscreen light meters.

Ideal for all types of storytellers, the L-478 series offers light measurement and control for photographers and filmmakers alike, plus additional wireless flash triggering and power control in the L-478DR model.

Whether it’s filmmaking or photography, great storytellers use light as a main character and as a method to define the mood, focus and setting. Having a tool that allows you total control over dynamic range and multiple light sources make you confident about the craft while focusing on the art.

Just a few of the groundbreaking features of this new series include:

• The world’s first touchscreen photo light meter
• The world’s first touchscreen cine light meter
• Wireless triggering (L-478DR only)Dynamic range calibration
• Wireless flash power control (L-478DR only)
• Enhanced HD cine and cine features

Visit the PRO L-478DR and L-478D minisite and see the future is just a finger touch away.

B&H carries the new Sekonic light meters.