Sekonic L-308S Flashmate Digital Light Meter

1. Introduction

The Sekonic L-308S Flashmate is a compact and versatile digital light meter designed for photographers and videographers. It accurately measures incident light, reflected light, and flash light, providing precise exposure readings for various shooting conditions. Its intuitive interface and robust design make it an essential tool for achieving consistent and accurate exposures.

Note: The Sekonic L-308S model has been discontinued and replaced by newer versions such as the Sekonic L-308X-U. This manual pertains specifically to the L-308S model.

2. Key Features

• Incident Light Measurement: Utilizes a retractable lumisphere to measure light falling onto the subject, providing accurate readings regardless of subject reflectance.
• Reflected Light Measurement: Measures light reflected from the subject, useful for specific lighting scenarios or when incident measurement is not feasible.
• Flash Light Measurement: Supports both cordless and corded flash measurement, essential for studio and off-camera flash photography.
• Digital Display: Clear LCD screen shows ISO, shutter speed, and aperture values.
• Compact and Lightweight: Designed for portability and ease of use in various environments.
• Cine Mode: Provides exposure readings for video applications, including frames per second (fps) settings.

3. Components and Controls

Figure 1: Front view of the Sekonic L-308S Flashmate Digital Light Meter. This image displays the main digital screen showing exposure values, the retractable lumisphere at the top right, and the primary control buttons: POWER, MODE, and ISO.

Figure 2: Side view of the Sekonic L-308S, highlighting the up and down arrow buttons for adjusting settings and the measurement button on the side. The lumisphere is shown in its extended position.

• Lumisphere: Retractable dome for incident light measurement.
• Reflected Light Receptor: Located next to the lumisphere, used for reflected light readings.
• LCD Display: Shows all measurement data and settings.
• POWER Button: Turns the meter on and off.
• MODE Button: Cycles through measurement modes (Ambient Incident, Ambient Reflected, Flash Cordless, Flash Corded, Cine).
• ISO Button: Used to set the ISO sensitivity.
• Up/Down Buttons: Adjusts settings such as ISO, shutter speed, or aperture values.
• Measurement Button: Initiates a light measurement.
• PC Sync Terminal: For connecting to studio flashes for corded flash measurement.

4. Setup

4.1 Battery Installation

Figure 3: Back view of the Sekonic L-308S, showing the battery compartment cover and product identification label. The battery compartment is typically accessed by sliding or removing this cover.

1. Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the meter.
2. Slide or remove the cover.
3. Insert one (1) AA battery, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
4. Replace the battery compartment cover securely.

4.2 Initial Settings

1. Press the POWER button to turn on the meter.
2. Press the ISO button. Use the Up/Down buttons to set the desired ISO sensitivity to match your camera's setting.
3. The meter may have custom settings for EV steps (e.g., 1/3 stops). Refer to the full manual for advanced customization if needed.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Ambient Light Measurement (Incident)

1. Ensure the lumisphere is extended.
2. Press the MODE button until the ambient incident light icon (usually a sun symbol with a dome) is displayed.
3. Position the meter at the subject's position, pointing the lumisphere towards the camera.
4. Press the Measurement Button. The display will show the recommended aperture and shutter speed for the set ISO.

5.2 Ambient Light Measurement (Reflected)

1. Retract the lumisphere to expose the flat reflected light receptor.
2. Press the MODE button until the ambient reflected light icon (usually a sun symbol with a flat surface) is displayed.
3. From the camera's position, point the meter towards the subject or the area you wish to measure.
4. Press the Measurement Button. The display will show the recommended aperture and shutter speed.

5.3 Flash Light Measurement (Cordless)

1. Ensure the lumisphere is extended.
2. Press the MODE button until the cordless flash icon (usually a lightning bolt) is displayed.
3. Position the meter at the subject's position, pointing the lumisphere towards the flash unit.
4. Trigger your flash unit manually. The meter will automatically capture the flash exposure.
5. The display will show the recommended aperture for the set ISO and shutter speed.

5.4 Flash Light Measurement (Corded)

1. Connect a PC sync cord from the meter's PC sync terminal to your flash unit.
2. Ensure the lumisphere is extended.
3. Press the MODE button until the corded flash icon (usually a lightning bolt with a cable) is displayed.
4. Position the meter at the subject's position, pointing the lumisphere towards the flash unit.
5. Press the Measurement Button. This action will trigger the connected flash unit.
6. The display will show the recommended aperture for the set ISO and shutter speed.

5.5 Cine Mode

1. Press the MODE button until the Cine mode icon (usually a film camera symbol) is displayed.
2. Use the Up/Down buttons to set the desired frame rate (fps).
3. Perform an incident or reflected light measurement as described above. The meter will display the appropriate aperture for video recording.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the meter's body. For the lumisphere and display, use a lens cleaning cloth. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
• Battery Replacement: Replace the AA battery when the low battery indicator appears on the display. Always use a fresh, high-quality alkaline battery.
• Storage: Store the meter in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Remove the battery if storing for extended periods to prevent leakage.

7. Troubleshooting

• Meter does not power on: Check if the battery is correctly installed and has sufficient charge. Replace the battery if necessary.
• Inaccurate readings: Ensure the correct ISO is set. Verify that the meter is in the appropriate measurement mode (incident, reflected, flash). Confirm proper positioning of the meter relative to the subject and light source.
• Flash not triggering in corded mode: Check the PC sync cable connection to both the meter and the flash unit. Ensure the flash unit is powered on and ready.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

This product is sold "as is" with no explicit warranty provided. For technical support, service, or inquiries regarding the Sekonic L-308S Flashmate Digital Light Meter, please contact Sekonic customer service or visit their official website for available resources.