Incredible accuracy.
Lovely ergonomics
Nice bright viewfinder.
What is in the spot window is *really* what is being metered. (You could say it was spot on...)
As soon as you push the reading button, I love the way the needle flies up to the reading and doesn't waver.

I've tried hard to think of one but I just can't this meter is nigh on perfect.

I have a Minolta digital spotmeter and although it's very accurate, I somehow just don't like the digital interface. I bought the Pentax Spotmeter V (being also the owner of the Pentax Spotmeter 1). To my mind, the irritating ergonomics of the Spotmeter 1 have all been addressed. (The silly 2 battery compartment, the two range metering). The Spotmeter V is absolutely in agreement with the Minolta digital spotmeter and just feels better to use. (This is purely my personal opinion - maybe others would feel the Minolta works better for them). The illumination is clever. The light just illuminates the 1-5 range. Of course, when it's lighter than than number 5, you don't need the internal illuminator... Someone's put thought into that. Am I happy I bought it - no - I'm absolutely delighted. I now carry an 18% Kodak card and take readings off that and when the situation dictates, I take spotreadings of highlights and shadows and average them. No surprises when I get the flms back - they are all just as I expected them. I have a Pentax K5 digital camera and find that (hard to believe, I'm sure) that using the Spotmeter V, I get as good as (or sometimes better than) the Pentax's own built in meter. If you can find a nice little used Spotmeter V, grab it - you will be thrilled with the way your photography takes off. Even if it costs more than a bang up to date digital spotmeter, get the Pentax instead. You may give up a few bells and whistles but at the end of the day, you'll get briliant results with the Pentax. - It doesn't meter flash but IMHO only dedicated flash meters should be used to meter flash.

Customer Service

I haven't had it very long but it's been perfect so far and looks super robust. I may be deluding myself but the instrument looks like it'll go on forever.....

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Minolta digital spotmeter F

Accuracy
Easy to find battery
Easy to use and hold
Good asa range

Once got into trouble when someone thought I was using a gun...just make sure your camera is in evidence! :)

This is a great meter for medium and large format and for cking in-camera meters for accuracy. Capable of reading the smallest shift in shadow light it is definitely easier to read in daylight(see other reviews) but I have used for Tungsten slides with Tota lights over the years with no complaints and no reciprocity issues.
Have just found a used one for my students and they are delighted! My own is going strong after more than 30 years of on and off use. If you can find one grab it!

Customer Service

none needed

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several electronic models which just don;t compare and tend to be overly complex

Stability, precision; also, strong construction. Optically dound, uses a pentaprism.

Non, really. The older model had two buttons, one for high light level, other for low levels. It was a nuisance. The current model has only one button and is fine.

I is a great piece of fine machinery. Very precise. I stopped using it after digital came, but now I am experimenting to use it with digital. The 'jump' on the highlights can be reasonably previewed. Also, being analog rather gives us an edge on feeling the light vary continuosly. Very good.

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Gossen pro SBC with adapter for 5°

Very easy to use. Simply pick the EV you want.

None really - it's style is a little old and clunkey but, then that is the idea of going back to film. Overheard by me as a client was telling club member friend..."He uses film you know"

I had a spotmeter years ago. Since becoming digital for the last 10 years. I have not needed. As low and mid cost weddings have started to dry up. I have gotten into very large family portraits - 60" and up and gone back to Hasselblad and Mamiya Film.
I remembered this meter from years ago and found one on ebay for buy it now of $180.
So far it has worked like a charm. I like to meter the highlights and shadow for about 3 to 1. It will meter on the fly and change readings as you move along the subjects.
I couldn't be happier. Great tool as you can visualize in your mind how the image will look without the help of digital back or polaroid. There are no suprises when you return to the lab for your proofs.

Customer Service

None really. Meter came with no batteries. A quick trip to my local hardware produced 3- 76A's

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Sekonic 358 flash meter with pocket wizard for digital photography.

I like the Pentax Spot Meter V for it's simplicity and ease of use. The metering is very accurate and the "spot" is very well defined with little or no effect from light sources outside the spot area. Mine is an older model that still works very reliably.

Being an older model, the availablity of batteries is a problem. The mercury battery that the meter is designed to use is not available in the USA and will not be in Canada soon either. The only manufacturer is Varta, from Germany.
Another small failing is the meter's size; it's bigger than the digital model and seems a tad oversized.

A good, easy to use, precision photographic instrument. Recommended for serious amateur and professional use.

Customer Service

not required yet

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Does the job!

A bit large.

This is basic spotmeter that does exactly what it's asked to do without frills. The readings are accurate, at least based on the excellent 6x7 transparancies I get using it's readings.

Contrary to what another poster wrote, it does NOT use mercury batteries, just standard A76 which are readily available everywhere in alkaline or silver oxide (lasts a bit longer). A great value.

Customer Service

Fixed once in approximately 10 years. Service was fast and cheap.

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None

Pentax Spotmeter V. I red a review on your sight about this meter. it said one of its weeknesses was the battery. I use 3 Kodak KA76 1.5vt batteries in the one that I have an have never had a problem with it. They are even listed with the meter on the B&H Photo sight.

None

No special battery is needed.

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Zone VI modified version is dead on every time and the zone scale makes zone system work a snap. Simple, straightforward design makes use quite intuitive.

Not the best meter to use in really low light, when low values fall into a range that the meter can't handle.

Never had any issues with the battery or had any problems to speak of with mine. I've used it in all sorts of conditions and have yet to have any major gripes with it. Definitely worth a look if you're in the market for a spot meter.

Customer Service

N/A

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Quantum Calcu-Light XP

Simple to use and dead on after Zone VI conversion

Size is cumbersome but I find it very ergonomic and difficult to lose. Low light lamp is less than adequate.

Everyone I have let try this meter has fallen in love with it. The meter performs in all weather and temperatures. And most importantly, it is accurate!

Customer Service

NA

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Sekonic L-398

Accuracy. Easy to hold/aim.

Dial broke!

I borrowed one of these from a friend so I could photograph with a 4x5 I checked out from a local college program.

One of the controls broke and was useless. I had not dropped the unit or otherwise abused it, so I assume it was defective. My friend got it fixed under warranty, but still...for such a high price I would expect more durability.

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