D Allen Photography wrote:
I have to replace a Minolta Autometer 4F that I have had for less than a year and repaired twice and now has gone out on me for the third time and I have had it.  The Autometer 4F is the most poorly designed, biggest piece of junk I have seen in a long time and I am so glad to hear that Minolta is now on the brink of extinction over their multitude of screwups and missteps and I can't wait for the day when they go under completely because on that day they will have gotten exactly what they deserve.

I want and need a combination ambient/flash meter.  I at one time used and loved the Sekonic L328 and I am considering getting another one but I am also looking at the meter that Polaris has out.  I want to make an informed decision and weigh the available options so I would appreciate hearing from other photographers on MM about their light meter experiences.  Thanks.

Not really sure why you had problems with your Autometer IVF - I bought one in 1995, and it worked great until it got a little too much moisture and corrosion in it at the beach a few years ago.  I sent it back to Konica/Minolta and they rebuilt it for approximately $80 and I got it back in a week and it works great to this day.

I have used the Minolta Flashmeter III and IV and they worked out great for me. 

I do know that it is advisable to take the battery out of the meter when you are not using it.

Negative Altitude wrote:
Being able to calibrate camera/meter relationship is an awesome bonus.

Oh, how I wish more knew this... ( calibrate lens' as well )

D Allen Photography wrote:
I have to replace a Minolta Autometer 4F that I have had for less than a year and repaired twice and now has gone out on me for the third time and I have had it.  The Autometer 4F is the most poorly designed, biggest piece of junk I have seen in a long time and I am so glad to hear that Minolta is now on the brink of extinction over their multitude of screwups and missteps and I can't wait for the day when they go under completely because on that day they will have gotten exactly what they deserve.

I want and need a combination ambient/flash meter.  I at one time used and loved the Sekonic L328 and I am considering getting another one but I am also looking at the meter that Polaris has out.  I want to make an informed decision and weigh the available options so I would appreciate hearing from other photographers on MM about their light meter experiences.  Thanks.

Very Strange..

I've been using Minolta flash and ambient meters since 1985 and I have only had to replace one.  My Minoltas saw very difficult work, from Russian coalmines to the Siberian Arctic.  They always worked like a million dollars.

They were and are very accurate (flash).

joeyk wrote:

Oh, how I wish more knew this... ( calibrate lens' as well )

Sure gives you more confidence in a setup.  It comes at a price, but well worth it.

joeyk wrote:
Also have used a Sekonic L-508 for about 8 years, a fine instrument it is.

L-608 here w/Pocket Wizard trigger - great unit.