Sekonic L-308X-U FLASHMATE Light Meter Operating instructions

Thank you for purchasing our product.

Please read this operating manual so that you will fully understand the features and

operation of this product. Then keep the operating manual in a safe place for future use.

Please see the Startup Guide for information about the basic operations.

L

-308X

L

-308X-U

Operating Manual

Light Meter

■

Safety Precautions

Before using this product, please read this "Safety Precautions" for proper operation.

WARNING

The WARNING symbol indicates the possibility of death or serious

injury if the product is not used properly.

CAUTION

The CAUTION symbol indicates the possibility of minor to

moderate personal injury or product damage if the product is not

used properly.

NOTICE

The NOTICE symbol indicates cautions or restrictions when using

the product. Please read all notes to avoid errors in operation.

NOTE

The NOTE symbol indicates the reference information and related

functions. We recommend that you read these notes.



The arrow indicates reference pages.

WARNING

●

Infants or toddlers may accidentally wrap the strap around their neck,

so please place it in a location out of their reach. There is a danger of

suffocation.

●

Keep the Lumidisc and synchro terminal cap out of reach of Infants or

toddlers, as swallowing such objects can cause suffocation.

●

Do not place batteries in open ames, attempt to short, disassemble or apply

heat to them, use unspecied batteries, or recharge them. They may burst

and cause res, serious injury, or damage to the environment.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cable and cord notice

●

Handling the cord on this product or cords associated with accessories sold

with this product will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of

California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

ii

CAUTION

●

Do not handle this product with wet hands, or leave it in the rain or in a

location where it may be splashed with water, submerged, or come into

contact with moisture. There is a danger of electric shock if the "Cord Flash

Mode" is used. This may also result in damage to the product.

●

Do not under any circumstances remodel or disassemble this product for

modication or part replacement purposes. Refer any servicing to qualied

and authorized personnel if the product has malfunctioned. Otherwise,

measuring results may be affected and/or the product may be damaged.

●

Infants or toddlers may accidentally grab the strap and swing the product, so

please place it in a location out of their reach, as the meter may be damaged

by impacts.

●

Be careful that the neck strap does not come loose when carrying the

product, as the meter may be damaged when dropped.

●

This neck strap is made of polyester ber.

Please refrain from using the product if synthetic fibers cause your skin

to become irritated, inflamed or itchy in order to prevent worsening your

symptoms.

iii

NOTICE

● The reproduction of all or any part of this document without permission is strictly

forbidden.

● The product concerned and/or this manual may be subject to changes without prior

notication.

● The screens in this operating manual may differ from the actual displays of the meter you

are using. (Colors, letters, etc.)

● Be sure not to drop the meter or subject it to sudden impacts, as the meter will be

damaged.

● Do not store the meter in areas of high temperature or high humidity, as the meter will be

damaged.

● Be careful not to transport the meter from cold to warm moist conditions as condensation

will form on the meter and may damage it.

● If the meter is operated in temperatures below -10°C, the response of the LCD will

greatly slow down and the display may be difcult to view and read. This will not harm

the meter. Also, if the temperature exceeds 50°C, the liquid crystal display will darken

and become difcult to read, but when it returns to room temperature it will return to its

normal condition.

● If the meter is left in direct sunlight, a vehicle, or near a heater, the unit's temperature will

rise and may result in damage. Please be careful when using the meter in these types of

locations.

● Remove battery if meter is not used for an extended period. Batteries can leak and

damage the exposure meter.

● Do not use the meter in Cord Flash Mode at altitudes above 2,000m (6,561 feet).

● If the meter is left where corrosive gases may be generated, the gases may affect the

product and may result in damage. Please be careful when using the meter in these

types of locations.

● In case of disposing the meter, follow the rules of disposal in your area.

Maintenance Notes

● Be careful not to let the Light Receptor become dusty, dirty, or scratched as this may

affect the precision of the measurement.

● If the meter becomes dirty, wipe it with a dry, soft cloth. Never use organic solvents such

as thinner or benzine.

NOTE

● For used batteries, dispose of them according to the rules of your area.

● Insulate plus and minus terminals with tape or other insulation material.

iv

■

Intended Usage

The meter is designed for:

●

Measurement of articial light sources or natural light for photo, video, or movie.

■

Features of the L-308X

Model with incident light and reected light systems.

Digital light meter for ash and ambient light.

Enhancement of video/cine function.

■

Intended Users

The intended users of this product are the following.

Those working in the areas of photography, filming, etc. such as photographers,

videographers, and movie camera operators, gaffers, and cinematographers.

■

Restrictions

There are some cautions and restrictions regarding the use of this product.

Please read and understand the following before using the meter.

NOTE

● The contents of this manual may be subject to change for the productʼ s specication

modications and other reasons without prior notice.

We recommend that you download the latest operating manual from our website and use

this product.

URL : www.sekonic.com/support/instructionmanualuserguidedownload.aspx

● The safety-related precautions such as “Safety Guide and Maintenance” and “Safety

Precautions” conform to the legal and industry standards that were applicable at the time

this operating manual was created. Therefore, this manual may not contain the latest

information. If you are using the previous operating manual, please download and refer

to the latest operating manual.

● The product may contain printing materials such as cautions related to safety and/or

printing errors as a supplement to the operating manual.

● Before using this product, please read this "Safety Precautions" for proper operation.

● The contents of this operating manual may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes

and for personal use only. However, the reproduced material must contain the copyright

notice of our company.

● The screens in this operating manual may differ from the actual displays of the meter you

are using. (Colors, letters, etc.)

v

■

Accompanying Accessories

The following items are included with the meter in the package. Please be sure to check

that all noted items are included.

If any items are missing, please contact the distributor or the reseller you purchased the

meter from.

* Battery (one AA) are not included in the package. Please obtain these separately.

Meter Soft Case

Synchro Terminal Cap

(Installed on the meter)

Strap

Startup Guide Safety Precaution

日本語

露出計

スタートアップガイド

English

Light Meter

Startup Guide

Lichtmessgerät

Deutsch

Startanleitung

Français

Posemètre

Guide de démarrage

Español

Fotómetro

Guía de inicio

Italiano

Esposimetro

Guida introduttiva

中文

测光表

使用简介

L-308X

Safety Precaution

 For Proper Operation

Before using this product, please read this "Safety Precautions" for

proper operation.

WARNING

The WARNING symbol indicates the

possibility of death or serious injury if the

product is not used properly.

CAUTION

The CAUTION symbol indicates the

possibility of minor to moderate personal

injury or product damage if the product is

not used properly.

NOTICE

The NOTICE symbol indicates cautions

or restrictions when using the product.

Please read all notes to avoid errors in

operation.

 General Safety Information

• Read the Operating Manual before use.

• Keep the Operating Manual on hand for reference at any

time.

• Stop using this product when there are any abnormalities.

• The modication or disassembly of this product is prohibited.

• Do not attempt to repair this product by yourself.

• This product is intended only for persons with expert

knowledge.

• Monitor children so that they do not touch this product.

• Use this product in a usage environment described in the

Operating Manual.

• This product is not waterproof.

WARNING

There is a danger of electrical shock when using high

voltage strobes.

Avoid contacting the terminals.

This product emits electromagnetic waves.

Do not bring this product close to persons with

pacemakers.

Do not use this product in an explosive atmosphere.

Use of devices emitting electromagnetic waves is

prohibited in hospitals.

CAUTION

• Check the material of the neck strap to see if there is any

risk of allergy.

• Be careful of sudden emission of lights from strobes.

NOTICE

• Do not leave this product on car dashboards in hot weather.

This may damage the product.

• Remove the batteries when this product is not in use for a

long period of time.

• When the desired performance is not achieved, stop using

this product and contact the service center.

 Information for Users on Collection and

Disposal of Old Equipment

To protect environment, do not through this device

and batteries away with the normal household waste

at the end of those life, but bring them in at an

ofcial collection point of your country for recycling.

English

vi

■

Intended Users

.....................................................................................................................................................................

iv

■

Restrictions

..............................................................................................................................................................................

iv

■

Accompanying Accessories

.........................................................................................................................................

v

1. Parts Designation

..................................................................................................................................................

1

1-1

Parts Designation

.........................................................................................................................................

1

2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

...............................................................

2

2-1

Contents of Display

.....................................................................................................................................

2

3. Before Use

.....................................................................................................................................................................

4

3-1

Attaching the Strap

......................................................................................................................................

4

3-2

Inserting the Batteries

................................................................................................................................

5

3-3

Power ON/OFF

..............................................................................................................................................

6

3-4

Auto Power OFF Function

.......................................................................................................................

6

3-5

Checking the Battery Capacity

..............................................................................................................

7

3-6

Replacing Batteries

.....................................................................................................................................

7

4. Basic Operation

.......................................................................................................................................................

8

4-1

Basic Measurement Workow

................................................................................................................

8

4-2

Incident and Reected Light Measurement

.....................................................................................

9

4-2-1

Incident Light System

.................................................................................................................................

9

1) Using Lumisphere

...................................................................................................................................

9

2) Using Lumidisc (Optional Accessory)

.........................................................................................

10

4-2-2

Reected Light System

............................................................................................................................

11

4-3

Select Display Mode

.................................................................................................................................

11

4-4

Select Measuring Mode

...........................................................................................................................

12

4-5

Setting ISO Sensitivity

.............................................................................................................................

13

Table of Contents

■

Safety Precautions

..............................................................................................................................................................

i

WARNING

......................................................................................................................................................................

i

CAUTION

......................................................................................................................................................................

ii

NOTICE

.....................................................................................................................................................................................

iii

NOTE

...........................................................................................................................................................................................

iii

■

Intended Usage

....................................................................................................................................................................

iv

■

Features of the L-308X

...................................................................................................................................................

iv

vii

5. Measurement

............................................................................................................................................................

14

5-1

PHOTO Mode

...............................................................................................................................................

14

.............................................................................................................

14

5-1-1

Shutter Speed Priority Mode

.................................................................................................................

14

5-1-2

Aperture Priority Mode

.............................................................................................................................

15

5-1-3

EV Mode

.........................................................................................................................................................

16

....................................................................................................................

18

5-1-4

Cordless Flash Mode

................................................................................................................................

18

5-1-5

Cord Flash Mode

........................................................................................................................................

20

5-2

HD_CINE Mode

...........................................................................................................................................

22

5-2-1

Shutter Speed Priority Mode

.................................................................................................................

22

5-2-2

Frame Rate Setting

...................................................................................................................................

23

5-2-3

Simplied Illuminance Mode

.................................................................................................................

24

5-3

CINE Mode

....................................................................................................................................................

25

5-3-1

Frame Rate Priority Mode

......................................................................................................................

25

5-3-2

Shutter Angle Setting

................................................................................................................................

26

5-3-3

Simplied Illuminance Mode

.................................................................................................................

27

5-4

Measuring Contrast of Light

..................................................................................................................

28

5-5

Out of Display Range / Measurement Range

...............................................................................

29

5-5-1

Out of Display Range

...............................................................................................................................

29

1) When “E.o” (Exposure Over) appears on the display

.........................................................

29

2) When “E.u” (Exposure under) appears on the display

.......................................................

29

5-5-2

Out of Measurement Range

..................................................................................................................

30

1) When “E.o” (Exposure over) blinks on the display

...............................................................

30

2) When “E.u” (Exposure under) blinks on the display

............................................................

30

6. Advanced Functions

........................................................................................................................................

31

6-1

Custom Setting Function

........................................................................................................................

31

............................................................................................................................

32

...............................................................

32

<Simplied Illuminance Display Group>

.........................................................................................

32

6-2

Calibration Compensation Function

..................................................................................................

33

7. Various Setting Values

...................................................................................................................................

34

7-1

ISO Sensitivity

..............................................................................................................................................

34

viii

7-2

Shutter Speed

..............................................................................................................................................

34

7-3

F-stop (Aperture)

........................................................................................................................................

35

7-4

Frame Rate

....................................................................................................................................................

35

7-5

Shutter Angle

................................................................................................................................................

35

8. Optional Accessories

......................................................................................................................................

36

9. Specications

.........................................................................................................................................................

37

10. Legal Requirements

..........................................................................................................................................

39

11. Troubleshooting

....................................................................................................................................................

40

12. After-Sales Services

.........................................................................................................................................

41

1

1. Parts Designation

●

1.

Parts Designation

1-1 Parts Designation

POWER Button

MODE Button

Lumisphere (Light Receptor)

MEASURING

Button

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

DOWN Button

UP Button

ISO Button

Synchro Terminal

Strap Eyelet

Battery

Compartment Cover

Synchro Terminal Cap

（Installed on the meter）

Lumisphere

(Not removable)

Lens

2

2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

●

2.

Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

2-1

Contents of Display

For explanation purposes, the display illustrated here shows icons and readouts

simultaneously. Actual display will never appear like this.

1

Measuring Mode icons (for PHOTO Mode only)

Ambient (

➡

P14)

Cordless Flash (

➡

P18)

Cord Flash (

➡

P20)

2

ISO Display (

➡

P13)

Displays ISO sensitivity setting.

3

Aperture Priority

,

EV Value Display

Appears when Aperture Priority (F) Mode.

（➡

P15

）

Appears when using EV Mode. (

➡

P16)

4

0.1 step display

Depending on set mode, this displays measurement value at 1/10

aperture or 1/10 EV.

5

Shutter speed, frames rate (f/s), shutter angle and Illuminance.

Appears when Shutter Speed Priority (T) Mode.(

➡

P14,

➡

P22)

Appears when shutter speed is in full seconds. (

➡

P14,

➡

P22)

Appears when cine speed is set in frames per seconds.

(

➡

P23,

➡

P25)

Appears when shutter angle is set to a value other than 180 degrees

(CINE Mode only.

➡

P26)

Appears when Lux is selected (Selectable in Custom setting)

(

➡

P24,

➡

P27)

Appears when FC is selected (Selectable in Custom setting)

(

➡

P24,

➡

P27)

3

2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

●

6

Battery Power Indicator (

➡

P7)

Backlight LCD

If the lighting condition is dark (under EV5), the LCD screen will automatically

illuminate after measurement with sensing the brightness.

While measuring or stand-by in Cordless flash mode, the LCD screen will not

illuminate to avoid interference with the measurement.

The LCD backlight will automatically turn off in 10 seconds after last operation.

If it is necessary to illuminate the LCD backlight, cover the light receptor by hand

and press the ISO Button to turn it on.

4

3. Before Use

●

3.

Before Use

3-1 Attaching the Strap

1.

Pass the strap (included) through the

outer hole of the Strap Eyelet.

2.

Pass the opposite end of the strap

through the loop at the end of the strap.

WARNING

●

Infants or toddlers may accidentally wrap the strap around their neck,

so please place it in a location out of their reach. There is a danger of

suffocation.

CAUTION

●

Infants or toddlers may accidentally grab the strap and swing the product, so

please place it in a location out of their reach, as the meter may be damaged

by impacts.

●

Be careful not to let the strap become entangled when carrying the meter.

Otherwise, the meter may be damaged due to an impact shock that may

occur when the meter is dropped, etc.

●

This strap is made of polyester ber.

The synthetic fabric has caused skin irritation, redness, or itching. If you

experience this, discontinue using strap.

5

3. Before Use

●

3-2 Inserting the Batteries

1.

Prepare a single AA battery.

2.

Slide down the battery compartment

cover in the direction of the arrow to

remove.

3.

Insert the battery observing the polarity

with the +, - marks in the battery

compartment.

4.

Align battery compartment cover with

main unit and slide shut.

Make sure that the cover is properly in place and closed.

WARNING

●

Never place batteries in re, short, disassemble, heat or charge them. The

batteries might break down, and cause an accident, injury or pollute the

environment.

CAUTION

●

Use the manganese or alkaline batteries.

●

Please insert the battery minus “-” side first. When removing the battery,

remove them plus “+” side rst.

●

lf the meter will not be used for an extended period of time, it is

recommended to remove the batteries to avoid possible damage caused by

battery leaking.

6

3. Before Use

●

3-3 Power ON/OFF

Power ON

Press the POWER Button.

Power OFF

Press and hold the POWER Button in for

1 second or longer and the meter will turn

off.

NOTICE

● Please wait 3 seconds between repeated power on and off sessions.

NOTE

● If the LCD screen shows no display, check if the batteries are installed properly (Pos/Neg

positioning) and have enough capacity.

● All settings and measurements made during use are saved in memory even after the

meter is powered off.

3-4 Auto Power OFF Function

To save battery capacity, the meter will automatically turn off 4 minutes after the last

button is pressed.

NOTE

● All settings and measurements are saved in memory even

after the meter has

automatically turned off. When the power is turned ON, they will be displayed again.

● If, while in transport, the POWER Button is inadvertently and continually pressed in, the

meter will turn ON for about 1 minute and then automatically turn OFF to save battery

power.

POWER Button

7

3. Before Use

●

3-5 Checking the Battery Capacity

When the meter is turned ON, the battery power indicator on the LCD is displayed.

(Displayed) Battery power level is good.

(Displayed) Battery power level is low. Have a spare battery ready.

(Blinking) Replace battery immediately.

［

Liquid Crystal Display

］

NOTE

● When the meter is turned ON and the LCD screen appears and immediately turns off,

this indicates that the battery is depleted and should be replaced immediately. Having

spare batteries on hand is recommended.

● When the meter is continuously used at room temperature, the battery life is as follows.

(based on our testing condition)

Manganese: 10 hours

Alkaline: 20 hours

3-6 Replacing Batteries

●

Always turn off the power before replacing batteries.

If you replace batteries while the power is turned on, the measured

values that are obtained during operations are not saved. Also, this

may cause a failure.

●

If an unexpected display appears on the LCD during battery replacement

or measurement, i.e. settings other than selected, or if the meter does

not respond when a button is pressed, remove the batteries, wait at least

10 seconds, and then re-install them.

Battery capacity indicatior

8

4. Basic Operation

●

4.

Basic Operation

4-1 Basic Measurement Workow

Power ON ( P6)

Switch the light receiving

method ( P9)

Incident light ( P9)

Reﬂected light

( P11)

Select the Display mode

(in Custom Setting)

( P31)

PHOTO Mode

( P14)

Ambient T Priority Mode ( P14)

Ambient F Priority Mode ( P15)

Ambient EV Mode ( P16)

Cordless Flash Mode ( P18)

Select the Measuring

Mode

Cord Flash Mode ( P20)

HD_CINE Mode

( P22)

Ambient T Priority Mode ( P22)

Frame Rate Setting ( P23)

Simpliﬁed Illuminance Mode

( P24)

CINE Mode ( P25)

Ambient f/s Priority Mode ( P25)

Shutter Angle Setting ( P26)

Input setting values

( ➡ See each Measuring

Mode)

Simpliﬁed Illuminance Mode

( P27)

Measure

9

4. Basic Operation

●

4-2 Incident and Reected Light Measurement

To set for either incident or reected light operation, slide the Lumisphere mounting until it

clicks.

Incident light Mode Reflected light Mode Setting operation

Mounting

NOTICE

● Always use the Lumisphere mounting for setting.

Hand operation of the Lumisphere may cause damage.

（

Lumisphere and mounting can

not be removed.

）

● The Lumisphere is an important light receiving unit. Please handle with care and try

not to mark or soil. Wipe Lumisphere with a dry soft cloth if it becomes dirty. Never use

organic cleaners (like thinner or benzene) to clean Lumisphere.

4-2-1 Incident Light System

The incident light system measures the light that is falling

on the subject using the Lumisphere or Lumidisc.

Point the Lumisphere at the camera lens (lens optical

axis) from a location close to the subject, then make a

measurement.

1)

Using Lumisphere

Lumisphere is used to measure the light that illuminates

people and buildings and other three-dimensional objects.

Measurements are made at the subject position aimed in

the direction of the camera lens.

Incident light Mode

10

4. Basic Operation

●

2)

Using Lumidisc (Optional Accessory)

The Lumidisc is used to measure the light falling on green-screen walls, paintings or at

art. It is also used to adjust lighting ratios with multiple light sources (

➡

P28) or when

taking Lux and Footcandle measurements (

➡

P24,

➡

P27). To measure light with

the Lumidisc, slide the Lumisphere mounting to the right (same as if measuring reected

light), then insert, at an angle, section B of the Lumidisc into slot A of the meter body and

press down on the strap eyelet C to secure the Lumidisc.

Slot A

Strap eyelet C

Lumidisc

Section B

Slot C

The Lumidisc is removed in reverse order to the mounting method.

At this time the strap eyelet of the Lumidisc should be pulled up and away

from the meter body.

WARNING

●

Keep the Lumidisc

(

Optional Accessory

）

out of reach of Infants or toddlers,

as swallowing such objects can cause suffocation.

NOTICE

● Be sure to handle the Lumidisc correctly to prevent damage that may occur if mounting

or removal is incorrect.

● When the Lumidisc is not being used, do not attach it at the right of the Lumisphere for

storage. This will block light falling on the Lumisphere and affect the accuracy of the

measurement.

● The Lumidisc is an important light receiving unit. Please handle with care and try not to

mark or soil. Wipe Lumidisc with a dry soft cloth if it becomes dirty. Never use organic

cleaners (like thinner or benzene) to clean Lumisphere.

11

4. Basic Operation

●

4-2-2 Reected Light System

Switch the light receiving method to the reflected light

system to make a measurement. The reflected light system

measures the brightness (luminance) of the light reflected

from the subject. It is useful to meter distant objects such as

landscapes, if you cannot go to the location of the subject, or

to meter subjects that generate light (neon signs, etc.), highly

reflective surfaces, or translucent subjects (stained glass,

etc.).

To take a reected-light measurement, hold the meter in front

of the camera and point the metering lens toward the part of

the subject you want to measure. If the subject area is small,

you may have to move the meter closer to the subject to

measure it properly.

NOTICE

● As the reected-light lens has a 40-degree view, measurements made from the camera

position will often result in an average of all subject tones.

● To measure only part of the object, move the meter as close as possible to the part of the

subject you want to measure. Take care to position the meter so that it does not cast a

shadow onto the part of the subject you want to measure.

● The lens is an important light receiving unit. Do not touch the lens or allow it to become

dirty. Wipe the meter lens with a dry soft cloth if it becomes dirty. Never use organic

cleaners (like thinner or benzene) to clean the meter lens.

4-3 Select Display Mode

Select the Display Mode to fit your camera in custom

setting. (

➡

P31)

PHOTO Mode

(Default setting)

HD_CINE Mode

CINE Mode

MODE Button

POWER Button

Custom Setting item

CS No.

Reflected light Mode

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Sekonic L-308X-U FLASHMATE Light Meter Operating instructions

Sekonic L-308X-U FLASHMATE Light Meter Operating instructions

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