Navigating the world of film photography often presents challenges, especially when dealing with older cameras whose internal light meters may no longer function reliably. This predicament led me to seek an external solution, a device that could accurately measure light and assist in achieving proper exposure. The TTARTISAN Light Meter II promised to be that solution, and after extended use, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.
The primary function of a film light meter is to accurately measure the ambient light to determine the correct camera settings (aperture and shutter speed) for proper exposure. This is crucial in film photography, where you lack the immediate feedback of digital photography and costly mistakes can be made. The ideal user is a film photographer, whether beginner or advanced, who needs reliable exposure assistance. However, those relying solely on automatic exposure modes in digital cameras may not find this product necessary. Before purchasing, consider your camera’s compatibility (cold shoe mount), the accuracy you require, the ease of use, and your budget. If you are primarily shooting with a digital camera, the investment might not be worthwhile, in which case you may want to look at light metering apps.
- Adjustable Cold Shoe Mount: The cold shoe mounting position can be adjusted according to needs, making it compatible with more old-style cameras.
- Compact and Vintage: Lightweight and portable, weighing only 34g. Its retro appearance design perfectly matches with old-school cameras, adding a touch of...
- Accurate light measurement：The current exposure status is displayed by the indicator light. The left and right dials can modify the parameters, which...
Introducing the TTARTISAN Light Meter II
The TTARTISAN Light Meter II is a compact, vintage-styled light meter designed for use with film cameras. It features a cold shoe mount for easy attachment, two dials to adjust ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, and a real-time metering indicator light. Compared to market leaders, it offers a more budget-friendly alternative, though certain features might be less refined. Its previous version lacked the upgraded features of 23 shutter speed settings and clickable dials.
- Pros: Compact and lightweight, vintage design, relatively accurate metering, easy to use, affordable.
- Cons: Battery not included, ISO dial lacks click stops, shutter speed dial can feel loose, inconsistent accuracy in some users’ experiences.
- Measures luminosity from 0 to 200,000 Lux and ambient temperature
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A Deep Dive into Features and Benefits
The Cold Shoe Mount and Portability:
The TTARTISAN Light Meter II‘s adjustable cold shoe mount is a significant advantage. It allows for secure attachment to various cameras, eliminating the need to constantly hold the meter and ensuring a stable reading. Its compact size and lightweight design (34g without battery) make it incredibly portable and unobtrusive, easily fitting into a camera bag or keeping it ready on the camera.
Real-time Metering and Indicator Light:
The real-time metering system with the indicator light is a user-friendly aspect. This immediate feedback is crucial, especially for beginners. The light quickly shows whether the chosen settings will result in proper, overexposed, or underexposed images. This visual cue allows for quick adjustments and eliminates guesswork.
Dial Functionality and Precision:
The two dials for adjusting ISO, aperture, and shutter speed are intuitive and easy to manipulate, mimicking the manual mode of a camera. While the aperture dial offers precise clicks, the shutter speed dial’s looseness in some units presents a drawback. The lack of click stops on the ISO dial can cause accidental adjustments, requiring careful handling. The 23 stops of shutter speed, an upgrade from the previous version, provide increased precision in exposure control.
Accuracy and Reliability:
While many users report satisfactory accuracy with the TTARTISAN Light Meter II, inconsistency is a notable issue reported by a few users. Some have experienced readings that are consistently off by a half to a full stop. This is a concerning aspect, affecting the reliability of its main function. Careful calibration and comparison with other light meters might be necessary to establish trust in the readings.
Power Saving Features:
The inclusion of a power-saving mode is a welcome addition. The meter automatically shuts off after a period of inactivity, conserving battery life. The 60-hour continuous metering capability (depending on use) is adequate for most shooting sessions. However, remember that the battery is not included in the package.
Build Quality and Aesthetics:
The TTARTISAN Light Meter II boasts a sturdy, aircraft-aluminum construction which provides durability and protects the internal components. Its vintage-inspired aesthetic is visually appealing, complementing classic film cameras. The matte black finish adds to its refined look and feel.
Battery Compartment and Accessibility:
The battery compartment design, unfortunately, seems to be a point of contention for many users. Accessing the battery (CR1632) can prove difficult depending on the cold shoe mount position. The placement of the screw and its ease of loosening or loss pose significant challenges for battery changes, potentially leading to inconvenience and long-term reliability issues.
User Experiences: A Collective Perspective
Online reviews reveal a mix of positive and negative experiences. Several users praise the TTARTISAN Light Meter II‘s ease of use and compact design, noting its convenience compared to using phone apps for light metering. However, some users report inaccurate readings and issues with the battery compartment and the looseness of the shutter speed dial.
Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The TTARTISAN Light Meter II aims to solve the problem of obtaining reliable light readings for film photography, particularly with cameras lacking functioning internal meters or using older film cameras with no longer available batteries. Its compact size, user-friendly interface, and relatively low price make it an attractive option for many. However, concerns regarding inconsistent accuracy and the problematic battery compartment design must be considered. While it offers a convenient solution for many, its shortcomings should not be overlooked. If you are prepared to potentially deal with minor inaccuracies or potential issues, then Click here to check out the TTARTISAN Light Meter II and decide if it’s the right tool for your photographic needs. Otherwise, you might want to look at other light meter options.
Last update on 2025-08-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API