How many still using their lightmeters

Digital cameras a marvel of technology. But how many of you still use your lightmeter that you used shooting your film images?

William

yep.

Me too

Always.

Not as often as I should as I'll often use the camera itself as a spotmeter to fix exposure settings, but yep still use the lightmeter.

Most definately....

Phil

Considered getting one years ago when shooting film but never got round to it and don't feel the need anymore.
Usually use a combination of spot metering,histogram viewing and manual mode.

Just in case you are wondering why, simply because your camera is still a reflective device.

T

I had a chance a couple of days a go to purchase a lightmeter for a good price but I wasn't sure if I really needed one. Can any of you explain to me how the lightmeter is used out in the field - for example: if I go down to a beach or a field and sit myself down would I simply use the meter to get a reading on an area similar to the surroundings of my intended subject which might be 30 or 40 ft away?

Thanks

Yes, but as Tom mentions above, a handheld meter will measure the light falling onto your subject, whereas your in-camera meter will measure the light reflected from it, giving more potential for error untill you become 100% profficient with knowing how it works and when it may, or may not get it right.

Both methods have advantages and disadvantages.
A hand held meter means you'll spend a minute or two before the shot establishing an exposure,but this may not always be possible for active wildlife,fleeting moments,grab shots,etc. On the other hand you may spend a minute or two after the shot establishing,or rather, perfecting, the exposure via use of the cameras histogram. Trouble is it may be too late then.
A good understanding of both methods is the ideal.

I very occasionally use a light meter. The main advantage is when used for incident metering. That is measuring the light falling onto a subject rather than that being reflected. A good meter costs a few hundred pounds. If I hadn't already got one I doubt I'd buy a new one again.