Gossen Luna-Pro S

The best meter for the money. Excellent for low light measurements. Accuracy is absolutely the best. One hint for outdoor photographers using the Luna-Pro S in extreme cold: The SR-44 silver batteries stop operating at 10-15F. Use a lithium 1/3N camera battery and it is good to -40F. The 1/3N is totally compatible with this unit, and is less expensive than the silver batteries. 'Nuff said!

Tremendous accuracy, compact, intuitive operation!

None.

Most Sekonic digitals.

Never needed.

I first learned photography with my Dad's Luna Pro and an old Exacta when I was 13. The meter has been in use by me ever since. The meter has always worke flawlessly and the readings are still dead nuts on! Although many meters have come and gone the Luna Pro is still in my case!

Very very accurate. Ease of use - intuitive. Spot attachment. Exposure Range. Analog!!!

No mercury batteries however Gossen sells an adapter.

A multitude of other meters.

Never needed it in approx 30 years

Bought mine in '75 and it's still ticking and just as accurate, so is my Gossen sixtar/super pilot that I bought used the year before. If you do night work or work with very low existing light, this meter is unmatched at it's price to performance. Old meters are the same as current ones and DO NOT require the use of air cells because of mercury batteries being unavailable in the states. Gossen provides an adaptor/converter for alkaline replacement types without any modification or recalibration and is part of current meter. Zone system compensation was originally a field modification of the meter by Fred Picker. Gossen's inclusion is convenience to those students of the Zone System and not a function of the meter or needs additional amplification in the operator's manual. In 28 years, several camera systems/accessories have been used/worn to "beyond economic repair" status. Only my Luna Pro,Sixtar,Leica M4's,Leitz Tiltall,and Bessler 23C have been rugged enough to survive over a quarter century of daily use and abuse to be still dependable and remain in use today. If I had to replace it today, I'd be hard pressed to select anything else that compares.

Built like a tank/dependable
Extremely sensitive
versatile

CDS cell exhibits memory effect
Dirt/dust easily finds itself under dial's poor seal
meter indicates relative value that has to be interpeted into EV values
Meter lock rarely captures needle as actual measurement
Darkroom attachement is a silly fudge that has to be calibrated to a "perfect print/exposure" I.E. exposure comparator type readings.
Spot meter attachment difficult to view in virtually any ambient light level but actually works very well

Weston Ranger
Gossen Sixtar(super pilot)

Never needed in 26 years

As with watches and pretty well everything else, the fact that the Luna Pro is analogue is its big draw. At a glance you can see the entire F-stop/shutter speed combinations without having to run up or down a scale. No small thing in my mind.
As well the thing is bullet proof. My digital meters seemed to be constantly in for repair. I purchased a new Luna Pro three years ago (after getting rid of one to go 'digital 10 years ago) and have had no problems.

Simplicity of operation
Sturdiness

None found so far

Gossen digital
Sekonic digital

None needed

I believe this classic meter is a classic for one reason--it's one of the best handheld meters on the planet. Precision is written all over this thing. It's made in Germany, so what do you expect? Crap? Never. There are two negatives. The instruction book is not that clear. Example-for the life of me I cannot seem to understand how the Zone System part of the meter's dial works. The instructions offer no help. It is absolutely mind boggling. I just cannot figure it out! Second negative-the older Luna Pros use an out-of-production battery. They will only use the dubious Wein battery. The newer meters of course use a more readily available battery. So be careful if you find a good deal on an older unit.

Accurate. Well made. Ultra reliable. Made in Germany. Have 2 of them!

None. And you never will!

Other Gossen meters.

Good.