New!
A true IR meter made specially for infrared photography
A modified Minolta Auto Meter VF
Note: This is not being marketed or sold as a Minolta product
What film speed do I use for infrared film? This is one of the first and most important questions people new to infrared
photography ask. There are a few popular methods for determining correct exposure. Some people estimate it by using the
sunny f/16 rule. Others use the camera's meter or a handheld meter. Either way, these methods all require alot of bracketing.
When you consider that IR film is relatively expensive, it's easy to realize what an advantage it would be to have an accurate
exposure meter. Not only does it save money on film, you get more useful shots per roll because there is no need to bracket!
Why aren't these other methods reliable? The problem with most light meters is that they are not sensitive to infrared light
the same way as the film is, even if the photographer meters through an IR filter. Although the meter has very poor sensitivity
to infrared light, what sensitivity remains actually still allows it to see infrared wavelengths beyond what the film can record!
The typical silicon sensor used in light meters can respond to infrared light as far out as 1100-1200 nm, while the typical
infrared film can only record light out to about 900nm.
What is the solution? By limiting the meter's spectral sensitivity to that of the film, the full potential of the meter is realized
and flawless readings can be made every time. Full flash metering capability, averaging, etc. are all possible - just as with a
normal meter.
Click on the images below to view how the spectral responses of the filters modify the response of the light meter to make it
match the response of Kodak HIE film. Compare this to the way a regular visible light exposure meter poorly matches the
spectral response of Kodak Tri-X film in the red and blue regions.
For complete instructions and an in-depth technical discussion of IR metering, please have a look at the owners manual
(369K), click here.
The meter is offered with a choice of Wratten filters #'s: 25, 29, 89B, 87 and 87C. For the most accurate readings, the meter
should be ordered with the filter that you plan to use when photographing. If the filters are not the same, the meter's accuracy
will still be excellent, but may not be foolproof.
What are people saying about it? Since intoducing the meter in the spring of 2003, user feedback has been extremely
positive. One user is the highly acclaimed cinematographer Daniel Pearl who was planning to shoot a television commercial on
400 foot rolls of 35mm Kodak HIE film. He needed an accurate way to determine exposure under different lighting
conditions and being on a tight schedule, he did not have time to make mistakes. Here is what he said about using the meter:
"The meter had it's first real shoot day today. Weather was spotty…my motion picture tests came out perfectly
exposed. The lab that processed the first 400 feet of production footage we shot informed me that all our exposures
are consistently spot on, which he informed me is never the case! It was very helpful when I was supplementing the
sometimes missing sunlight with 24,000 watt Dinos (24x 1k par lamps 3200ºK). In short, I couldn't be happier."
The meters are available in two configurations. The standard meter is modified for use with Kodak HIE and Maco. Support
for Konica is on reqeust and will require an additional $15 charge. Also note that the Minolta spot attachments can be used
with this meter and that the 5 degree spot attachment is recommended over the 10 degree. This is because the displayed
exposure value must be adjusted when using the 10 degree spot attachment with the Minolta Autometer VF. I do not sell
either of these attachments, but do supply custom made filters to be used with the 5 degree attachment only. Please contact
me for pricing.
Option 1: Wratten filters are interchangable
Price: $450.00
With interchangability, the Wratten filter is part of the 40 degree reflected light attachment. The 40 degree
attachment is labeled to indicated the type of filter, as shown below.
Price: 40 degree reflected light attachment with mounted Wratten filter (order separately): $25
Choice of Wratten filters - 25, 29, 89B, 87, 87C
To order this configuration click here
Meter with 40 degree
attachment
Option 2: Wratten filters are not interchangable
If not interchangable, the Wratten filter is integrated into the meter. It is still changable by me, but not by
you in the field. If you only ever use one filter, this is the best choice.
Price: $475.00 with 40 degree reflected light attachment
Choice of Wratten filters - 25, 29, 89B, 87, 87C
To order this configuration click here
The meter comes with:
Minolta case, strap and manual
Supplemental manual for IR metering
90 day warranty against defects in my workmanship and damage from shipping only. It does not cover damage
by yours or others' misuse.
The item will be shipped with insurance. If it arrives in inoperable condition, send it back to me and I'll fix or
replace it . Contact me by email first.
Limit of liability
Purchasing the infrared light meter from me constitutes an AGREEMENT by you to waive any claims for any damages or loss
by myself or others even though due to the negligence or other fault by myself or others. The acceptance of the meter is
without liability, and recovery for any incidental or consequential damages is not allowed. Although I have carefully
established film speeds for different films, these are only meant to be starting points for your own calibration. It is incumbent
upon you, the user, to test the meter under your own relevant conditions.
Note: Although I am purchasing and modifying brand new meters,
the modifications will void the Minolta warranty. This meter is NOT a Minolta product
If you are serious about IR photography, you will love this meter!
There is a 2 week lead time.
Prices, options and policies are subject to change at any time and without notice
PLEASE read the Frequently Asked Questions page!
