Light Meters: 5 Fast Facts

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Fact #1. Photographers have looked for ways to measure light since the earliest days of their craft. The most common method of measuring light exposure back then involved the extensive use of trial and error. This was daunting work. The early days of photography were awash with photographers making their own emulsions from scratch and experimenting with exposure times measured in minutes, not milliseconds.
Fact #2. Light exposure measuring instruments began to appear in the early 20th century. The most popular of these prototypical instruments was called the actinometer. It utilized a special paper that turned dark upon exposure to light, without the use of chemicals.
Fact #3. The needs of individual photographers and filmmakers will largely decide the features they must have in a light meter. In general, there are a few important things to consider before purchase. One of the first things is the range of the sensor. Some meters are ideally suited to handle the natural spectrum of energy produced by the sun. These are best suited for outdoor use. Others have been adapted to meet the specific needs of the studio environment.
Fact #4. Another consideration is the build of the unit. These meters get bumped around a lot when carried in a camera bag. As such, the vulnerability of the unit can make all the difference in the purchase. The most important consideration in this regard is that the housing protects the sensor at all times when not in use.
Fact #5. Many photographers favor the ability to use the meter with one hand. Some units have detachable sensors that can require both hands for use. Having an attached light sensor on the unit is important for photographers in the middle of a shoot wanting to do a quick light check without putting the camera down.