Sekonic L37D
description Sekonic L37D Overview
The Sekonic L37D is a versatile and user-friendly incident light meter, offering a great balance of features and affordability. It provides both incident and reflected light readings, along with color metering capabilities.
Its digital display is clear and easy to read, even in low light conditions. Its a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers, particularly those working in studio or location settings. The L37D is known for its reliability and ease of use, making it an excellent entry point into incident metering.
info Sekonic L37D Specifications
| Weight | Approximately 5.6 oz (160g) without battery |
| Display | Digital LCD with backlight |
| Iso Range | ISO 3 to 8000 |
| Dimensions | 5.7 x 2.6 x 1.0 inches |
| Power Source | CR123A battery (1x) |
| Metering Type | Incident and Reflected (1° spot) |
| Aperture Range | f/0.5 to f/64 |
| Measuring Range | EV -2 to 22.9 (incident), EV 1 to 22.9 (reflected) |
| Color Measurement | Color temperature metering (Kelvin) |
| Shutter Speed Range | 30 min to 1/8000 sec |
balance Sekonic L37D Pros & Cons
- Dual-mode metering with both incident and reflected light readings for versatile exposure control
- Built-in color temperature metering for precise white balance and gel filtering
- Clear digital display with backlight for easy reading in low-light studio or outdoor environments
- Compact and lightweight form factor making it highly portable for location work
- Comprehensive metering range covering most natural and artificial lighting scenarios
- User-friendly interface with intuitive controls suitable for both amateur and professional photographers
- Lacks wireless flash sync capability found in higher-end Sekonic models
- No memory storage for multiple readings or user profiles
- May require separate accessories for cine-specific frame rate measurements
- Limited dynamic range compared to more expensive professional-grade meters
- Display resolution and features not as advanced as the L-858D series
help Sekonic L37D FAQ
How does the Sekonic L-37D compare to using my camera's built-in light meter?
The L-37D provides incident metering which measures light falling on the subject, giving more accurate exposures than reflected metering from your camera. This is especially useful when shooting subjects with unusual reflectance or in complex lighting situations where camera meters may be fooled.
Can this light meter measure flash/strobe lighting?
Yes, the L-37D can measure flash lighting using both corded and cordless sync methods. It provides accurate flash readings by measuring the brief burst of light and calculating the proper aperture for proper flash exposure.
What battery type does the L-37D use and how long does it last?
The L-37D uses a standard CR123A lithium battery which provides hundreds of hours of operation. Battery life is generally excellent for this model, though it's always recommended to carry a spare for extended shoots.
Is this light meter suitable for cinematography or video work?
The L-37D provides accurate lux and foot-candle readings suitable for video work, but lacks built-in frame rate calculations for cinema use. Cinematographers may prefer the Sekonic C-700 series or L-858D which include cine-specific features.
Does it support spot metering for precise subject analysis?
The L-37D includes a built-in 1-degree spot metering capability, allowing photographers to take precise reflected light readings from specific areas of the scene for critical exposure control.
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What are the key specifications of Sekonic L37D?
- Weight: Approximately 5.6 oz (160g) without battery
- Display: Digital LCD with backlight
- ISO Range: ISO 3 to 8000
- Dimensions: 5.7 x 2.6 x 1.0 inches
- Power Source: CR123A battery (1x)
- Metering Type: Incident and Reflected (1° spot)
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