SEKONIC

DIGI MASTER L-718

Operating Instructions

Contents
Parts Designations.. 2 Liquid Crystal Display.. 4 Mode Selection and Operation Reference Table.. 6 Accessories 1. Lumisphare... 8 2. Lumidisc... 8 3. Reflected-light filter.. 9 4. Viewfinder 5 (sold separately).. 9 5. Synchro cord (sold separately).. 9 Preparing the Meter for Operation 1. Insert the batteries.. 10 2. Checking the batteries.. 10 3. Selecting measuring mode. 11 4. Setting ISO sensitivity.. 13 5. Setting shutter speed.. 13 6. Display lighting.. 14 7. Running-lock for continuous reading.. 14 Wireless (cordless) Measurement using Electronic Flash Unit. 15 Wired Measurement using Flash Unit with Synchro Cord.. 16 Cumulative Measurement using Electronic Flash Unit.. 17 Ambient Light Measurement. 18 Memory Display Function.. 20 Post-Measurement Calculation.. 22 Contrast Metering for Lighting Balance... 24 Illuminance (Lux) Measurement. 25 Adjusting the Balance of the Meter. 26 Care of the Meter.. 27 Specifications.. 28 1

Parts Designations

Lumisphare (interchangeable with Lumidisc and Reflected Light Filter) Swivel head Holder for swivel head Tripod thread
Setting mark for Lumisphare Battery chamber Measuring switch Power switch Liquid crystal display UP/DOWN key Mode selection key ISO key Memory-off key Memory key F/T selection key F/EV selection key Multi-measurement key Display-light key Slide cover Synchro terminal 22 Lumidisc 23 Reflected-Light Filter Carrying strap eyelet
24 Synchro cord, 5m length (sold separately) 2 3

Liquid Crystal Display

(1) b.c. mark (battery check) is displayed when the meter is switched on. (2) Digital value of the measured F-stop or EV is shown (f/1~ f/90 or EV(- 1) ~ EV25), when the meter is used in T-priority mode. (3) F-stop value is set in F-priority mode for ambient light measurement. (4) E.u. (underexposure) or E.o. (overexposure) mark is displayed when the measuring range is exceeded.
Any of the following symbols is displayed depending on the mode selection. for wireless (cordless) measurement for flash light for wired measurement for flash light for cine mode In case of ambient light measurement (excepting cine mode), no symbol mark is indicated.
This display comes into operation when the multi-measurement key is pressed in both modes of wireless and wired measurement for flash light. The number of cumulative flashes is limited up to 9. If it exceeds 9, the E mark (error) is indicated.
Display for film speed moves through a range of ISO 3 ~ ISO 8000 by pressing either UP or DOWN key while holding the ISO key depressed.
By pressing F/EV key, the indicated symbol is converted from F to EV, and vice versa. When the meter is used in the flash mode, only F mark is displayed.
When the meter is used in T-priority mode, (1) F-stop number is also displayed in bar-dot symbols at 1/2 F-stop increments. (2) The measured F-stop values are indicated in bar dot symbol by pressing the memory key after each measurement. The number of memorized values is limited up to 2. (1) Battery capacity is shown when the meter is switched on. (2) Bar symbols indicate the fractions of F-stop or EV value. 4

(1) Digital value of the measured shutter speed is shown in this display (30min. ~ 1/8000sec.), when the meter is used in F-priority mode. (2) Shutter speed is set in T-priority mode; for flash light: 1sec. ~ 1/500sec. for ambient light: 30min. ~ 1/8000sec. for cine scale: 6fps. ~ 128fps.
Mode Selection and Operation Reference Table

Accessories

1. Lumisphare
Use Lumisphare when you wish to measure incident light for portraits and three-dimensional subjects. < Mounting > Match the red dot on the Lumisphare frame to the setting mark on the swivel head. Gently rotate the sphare clockwise until it clicks securely into place. To remove, rotate the sphare counter-clockwise. <Taking measurements> Point the Lumisphare accurately toward the camera from the subject position. Swivel head is rotatable 270 horizontally and 90 upward.
3. Reflected-light filter
Use Reflected-light filter when you wish to measure the reflected light (brightness) of subject. Use it to calculate the relative brightness ratio (illumination contrast of subject) for adjusting lighting balance, or when it is difficult to take incident light measurement. < Mounting > Same as for the Lumisphare. <Taking measurements> Point the reflected-light filter accurately toward the subject. When you wish to measure some part of the subject, do so as close to the subject as possible.

2. Lumidisc

Use Lumidisc when you wish to measure lighting contrast and lux as well as the exposure of singledimensional subjects. < Mounting > Same as for the Lumisphare. <Taking measurements> Hold the meter at the subject position and point the Lumidisc accurately toward the light source. When measuring the exposure of two-dimensional subjects, point the Lumidisc toward the camera from the subject position.

4. Viewfinder 5

(sold separately) Use Viewfinder in the same way as the reflected-light filter to measure reflected light. With a light acceptance angle of 5 you can make a spot measurement of distant subjects.

5. Synchro cord

(sold separately) Synchro cord connects the meter to the flash unit for measuring flash light in wired measurement mode. Synchro cord, 5 meters length, has 3 plugs so that it can simultaneously synchronize the meter with the flash unit and the camera. The terminal on the meter has a locking mechanism to ensure a secure connection. To disconnect the cord, simply pull the ring attachment toward you to release the locking mechanism.
Preparing the Meter for Operation

1. Insert the batteries

DIGI MASTER requires 2 pcs of AA size pen-light battery (1.5V x 2). (1) Open the battery chamber cover by sliding it in the direction of arrow. (2) Insert the batteries carefully aligning (+) and (-) polarities as indicated inside the chamber. (3) Replace the cover by sliding it and inserting its notch into the slot of the meter. < NOTE > After changing the batteries, please switch the meter ON once, and then OFF. It prevents the unexpected battery consumption that may occur depending on the status of electric circuit of the meter. When not using the meter for a week or more, remove the batteries from the meter. It prevents any internal damage arising from battery leakage. (3) DIGI MASTER is equipped with auto shut-off function. If you leave the meter inactive for about 5 minutes, the power is automatically switched off. If you wish to use the meter again, slide the power switch back to OFF position once and then switch the meter on again.
3. Selecting measuring mode
2. Checking the batteries
Check the battery capacity before using the meter. A weak battery does not assure the correct light readings. (1) Slide the power switch to ON position. Then b.c. and dot symbol marks are displayed for about 0.5sec. to indicate the battery level (Fig. 1). If the battery is too weak to give a correct light reading, the b.c. mark flashes. (2) After checking (for about 0.5sec.), the display is automatically changed to the measuring mode (Fig. 2). If you wish to keep the b.c. and dot marks indicating, switch the meter ON while depressing ISO key. The marks keep indicating until you stop depressing the ISO key 10 11
(3) In the ambient light mode, (a) T-priority measurement or F-priority measurement can be selected by pressing the F/T selection key (Fig. 7).

4. Setting ISO sensitivity
Press either side of UP/DOWN key while depressing ISO key. Film speed (ISO sensitivity) can be set within the range of ISO 3 ~ ISO 8000 (Fig. 9). The set value of ISO sensitivity is memorized even if the meter is switched off or the measuring mode is changed.

5. Setting shutter speed

(b) EV measurement can be selected by pressing the F/EV selection key in the F-priority mode (Fig. 8). Press either side of UP/DOWN key. The display of shutter speed can be changed within the range of 30min. ~ 1/8000sec. for ambient light measurement, and 1sec. ~ 1/500sec. for flash light measurement (Fig. 10).
After the display of 1/8000sec. the cine scale is indicated (8, 16, 24, 32, 64 and 128fps.). In this case the symbol C is displayed (Fig. 11). The set value of shutter speed (including dine scale) is memorized even if the meter is switched off. 12 13
Wireless (cordless) Measurement using Electronic Flash Unit

6. Display lighting

DIGI MASTER is equipped with a background illumination for LCD. Electro luminescence ''ECLAT" illuminates the LCD while the display-light key (D.L.) is depressed (Fig. 12). In case the photographing subject is too far to use synchro cord, or in case the synchro cord disturbs photographing, flash light can be measured without connecting the cord.
(2) Set the film speed (ISO) and shutter speed (T) as shown in the paragraphs for Preparing the Meter for Operation.
7. Running-lock for continuous reading
The measuring switch can be locked for continuous reading for ambient light. (1) Switch the meter ON. (2) Rotate the switch knob clockwise until the slit on the knob matches to the white dot while depressing the knob. (3) Release the locking function after the reading is over. While the measuring switch is locked, auto shut-off function does not work. <NOTE> Running-lock is only usable for ambient light measurement, not for flash light.
(4) While the symbol is flashing (for about 90sec.), fire the flash unit by pressing its test button. (5) The appropriate F-stop value is displayed on the meter. The measured value is indicated in dual display by F-stop number with bar symbols and bar-dot symbol marks (Fig. 15).
The display continues to indicate the measured value for about 5 minutes after measurement unless the following measurement is made. After this period of time the auto shut-off circuit operates and turns the display off.
Wired Measurement using Flash Unit with Synchro Cord
Wired measurement is recommendable when you measure the flash light from the subject position, or when the meter fails to register flash light in wireless (cordless) measurement; for example, close to a fluorescent lamp, or in high ambient condition, and so forth.
Cumulative Measurement using Electronic Flash Unit

When you are unable to obtain sufficient illumination with a single flash or you try for special effects using a multiple exposure technique, there may be cases that you wish to use your flash repeatedly. In such cases, you should set the meter to the cumulative measurement mode. Cumulative measurement is usable for both wireless (cordless) and wired measurements for flash light. (1) Before pressing the measuring switch, set the cumulative measurement mode by pressing the multi-measurement key. The symbol of MO is indicated on the display (Fig. 19). (2) Measure the flash light as shown in the paragraphs for Wireless (cordless) Measurement using Electronic Flash Unit or Wired Measurement using Flash Unit with Synchro Cord. (3) The reading and the number of cumulative frequency are displayed automatically each time the flash is fired (Fig. 20). The maximum possible cumulative flashes is 9. If the flash is fired 10 or more times, the number of cumulative flashes is replaced by E mark (Error) and no further reading is possible (Fig. 21). (4) To repeat the cumulative measurement, press the multi measurement key once to release the current reading. And press the multi key again to prepare the fresh reading. In case of wireless (cordless) measurement, pressing the measuring switch can also release the current reading. <NOTE> Memory display function (refer to page 20) is not usable if the meter is used in the cumulative measurement mode.
(2) Set the film speed (ISO) and shutter speed (T) as shown in the paragraphs for Preparing the Meter for Operation. (3) Connect the synchro cord to the synchro terminal of meter and the flash unit. (4) Point the Lumisphare accurately toward the camera from the subject position, and press the measuring switch to fire the flash. (5) The appropriate F-stop value is displayed on the meter (Fig. 18). For repeat measurement, press the measuring switch again.
< NOTE > The notes for wireless measurement are also applicable to wired measurement.
Ambient Light Measurement
Measuring ambient light, whether it is daylight or standard electric light, is a fairly simple matter using either incident or reflected light method. <NOTE> F-priority and T-priority can be converted by pressing F/T selection key (Fig. 25)
(2) Set the film speed (ISO) and shutter speed (in T-Priority mode) as shown in the paragraphs for Preparing the Meter for Operation. When you use the meter in F-priority mode, set the film speed (ISO) and F-stop value. (3) Press the measuring switch. The appropriate F-stop value (or shutter speed) is displayed on the meter (Fig. 23). (4) If the measuring switch is kept depressed, the display gives a continuous reading of the changes in brightness.
F and EV measurement can also be converted by pressing F/EV selection key (Fig. 26)

(5) When the measuring range is exceeded, E.u. (underexposure) or E.o. (overexposure) mark is displayed (Fig. 24).

Memory Display Function

DIGI MASTER is equipped with a memory function for measured 2 F-stop values. This function is usable for both wireless (cordless) and wired measurements for a single flash light as well as ambient light measurement in T-priority mode, but not for cumulative flash measurement. (1) After measurement, press the memory key. The measured F-stop value is memorized and displayed in bar dot symbol (Fig. 27). (4) Memory mode is released by pressing the memory-off key (Fig. 30).
(2) The number of measurement to be memorized is limited up to 2 (Fig. 28).
(3) If you press the memory key after 2 dots have been displayed, the third dot starts flashing (Fig. 29). After 2 or 3 sec., flashing stops and the third dot is also remaining on the display. This third dot is not a display of memorized value, and will be replaced by the following measurement.
Post-Measurement Calculation
(1) Post-measurement calculation by changing ISO sensitivity By changing ISO sensitivity the measured F-stop value is automatically changed to the appropriate one corresponding to the changed ISO value (Fig. 31). This calculation is applicable to all measuring modes, both flash and ambient light measurement. (3) Post-measurement calculation by changing F-stop value : By changing the set F-stop value the measured shutter speed is automatically changed to the appropriate one corresponding to the changed F-stop value (Fig. 33). This calculation is applicable only for ambient light measurement in F-priority mode.
(2) Post-measurement calculation by changing T value : By changing the set shutter speed (T) the measured F-stop value is automatically changed to the appropriate one corresponding to the changed T value (Fig. 32). This calculation is applicable only for ambient light measurement in T-priority mode.
Contrast Metering for Lighting Balance
When calculating a desired lighting balance, DIGI MASTER can be used to measure the brightness of main and fill-in lightings from the subject position. (1) Mount the Lumidisc instead of Lumisphare for usual incident light measurement. (2) Select the measuring mode, and set the ISO sensitivity and shutter speed (T) as shown in the paragraphs for Preparing the Meter for Operation. (3) Point the center of Lumidisc accurately toward the center of axis of the main lighting source from the subject, and measure the light according to the measuring method for the respective mode. (4) Using the same procedure, measure the fill-in light(s). In this case, be sure that the meter is held so that it is not influenced by the main lighting source. (5) The F-stop difference between the main and fill-in lighting sources is lighting contrast ratio (Table 1). < NOTE > In case of the measurement for Fstop value, memory display function (refer to page 20) is useful for this metering.

Illuminance (Lux) Measurement
DIGI MASTER can be used as an expendient Lux meter when used with the Lumidisc in ambient light measurement mode.
(2) Set the ISO sensitivity to ISO 100. (3) Press the F/EV selection key and select EV mode. (4) Hold the meter so that the Lumidisc is parallel to the plane to be measured, and press the measuring switch. (5) The measured EV value can be converted to the corresponding Lux value using the (Table 2).
Difference in exposure reading 1/5
Contrast ratio 2:1 3:1 4:1 8:: : 1

(Table 1)

Adjusting the Balance of Meter
While every effort has been made to ensure the most accurate standard calibrations as applied by SEKONIC for your DIGI MASTER, provision has been made for an adjustment of approximately 1EV by correcting the setting of the dial on the underside of the swivel head. It is recommended that you test the meter fully in actual photographic conditions before adjusting it to suit your preference. (1) Carefully apply a screwdriver to the slot in the dial on the underside of the swivel head and turn it gently. (2) If you turn the dial clockwise, you can increase the index which reduces exposure when photographing. (3) If you turn the dial counter-clokwise, you can reduce the index which increases exposure when photographing. < NOTE> Do not touch this dial unless you make an adjustment.

Care of the Meter

DIGI MASTER is a high-precision instrument containing delicate electronic parts and components, and you are recommended to handle the meter with due care. Avoid dropping or shocking the meter. Don't store the meter in high temperature or high humidity locations. Keep Lumisphare and Lumidisc clean and free from scratches. To avoid unnecessary battery drain, keep the meter switched off unless actually in use. When not using the meter for a week or more, remove the batteries from the meter in order to prevent any internal damage arising from battery leakage. However note that the memory settings are tossed when the battery is removed. Operating temperature : 0C ~ (+)40C Storage temperature : (-)20C ~ (+)60C In the event that servicing is required, contact your nearest service agency. When you send the meter to service agency by ordinary mail, it should be carefully packed in a carton box using some shock-absorbing material at least 3cm in thickness.

Specifications

Measuring system : Measuring range : Repeat metering accuracy Calibration constants : Light receiving part Sensor: Swivel head : Attachments : Display Measuring mode : Incident and reflected light type for both flash and ambient light f/1.4 ~ f/90+0.9AV / ISO 100 (for flash light) EV(-)1 ~ EV19.9 / ISO 100 (for ambient light measurement) 0.1 EV C=340 K=12.5 (for Lumidisc : C=250) Silicon Photodiode 270 horizontally and 90 upward rotatable Lumisphare and Lumidisc for incident light, Reflected-light filter (acceptance angle 54) and Viewfinder 5 (sold separately)
Wired and wireless measurements for flash light, wired and wireless cumulative flash measurements, ambient light measurement, cine scale and EV measurement Film speed : ISO 3 ~ 8000 at 1/3 SV unit Shutter speed : 1sec. ~ 1/500sec. for flash light 30min. ~ 1/8000sec. for ambient light cine scale : 8, 16, 18, 24, 32, 64 and 128fps. f/stop : 1.4 ~ 90+0.9AV for flash light 1.0 ~ 90+0.9AV for ambient light EV scale : (-)6 ~ 25.9 Other display : E.u. (underexposure), E.o. (overexposure) and battery check Display illumination : Electro Luminescence (ECLAT manufactured by Elix Co., Ltd., subsidiary of Sekonic) Power Bourse : 2 x AA pen light battery (1.5V x 2) Standard accessories : Lumisphare, Lumidisc, Reflected-light filter, neck strap, 2 batteries and case Dimensions and weight : 157 x 68 x 28mm about 190 grams (excl. batteries)

Product Information

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