L-256 Flash Meter
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Specifications
- Measuring system: Incident & Reflected
Light Wireless & Wired measurement - Measuring range: High & Low range
convertible for electronic flash
Incident light: 21.52 – 44,073 Lux Sec. / 2 – 4,096 Foot-candle
Sec.
Reflected light: 2 – 4,194 Candle Sec./m2 for daylight &
tungsten-light
Incident light: EV 10 – EV 21 at ASA 100
Reflected light: EV 11 – EV 22 at ASA 100 - Accuracy: Meter Sensor Light receptacle
element: Silicon photo diode - Scale: ASA 6 DIN 9 f/stop 1.4 Exposure Time 1
sec. - Power Source: Mercury battery 5.6 volts
(Mallory) - Pointer lock: Pointer needle locks into
position the instant the flash is fired. It remains locked
automatically for approximately two minutes. The meter is also
equipped with a manual release switch. - Calibration factor: C = 270, K = 12.5
- Battery Check: Built in
- Accessories: Lumisphere, Lumidisc,
Reflected-light filter, Synccord, Neck cord and Leather case. - Dimensions: 5.36 x 2.56 x 1.74 inch (136 x 65
x 44mm) - Weight: 11.3 oz. (320 g)
Name of Parts
- Lumisphere
- L Mark
- H Mark
- White dot mark
- Light Scale
- Meter pointer
- Battery check mark
- Measurement switch
- Dial light scale
- Ridges for film speed
- Calculator dial AH mark
- Calculator dial AL mark
- DIN scale
- ASA scale
- FLASH INDICATOR
- f/number
- Slide switch marks
- Slide switch
Product Usage Instructions
Getting Ready
- Ensure the battery is properly installed and functional.
- Select the appropriate measuring system based on your needs:
Incident & Reflected Light Wireless & Wired
measurement. - Determine the measuring range required for your specific
lighting conditions. - Familiarize yourself with the various parts and their functions
as described in the manual. - If using a sync-cord, connect it as needed for wired
measurement.
Using the Sekonic Flash Meter L-256
- To measure incident light, point the meter towards the light
source and take a reading. - To measure reflected light, point the meter towards the subject
and take a reading. - The meter pointer will lock into position after a flash is
fired, holding the reading for two minutes. - If wireless measurement is preferred, ensure the meter is set
up accordingly and take readings as needed. - To check battery status, use the built-in battery check
feature. - For additional features like using it as a slave unit for
electronic flash, refer to the manual for specific
instructions.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How do I change the measuring range on the Sekonic Flash
Meter L-256?
A: The measuring range can be changed by selecting the
appropriate settings on the meter based on your lighting
conditions. Refer to the manual for detailed instructions on
adjusting the measuring range.
Q: Can I use the Sekonic Flash Meter L-256 without a
sync-cord?
A: Yes, the meter can be used wirelessly for measurement without
the need for a sync-cord. However, you can also use a sync-cord if
desired for specific situations.
Q: How do I calibrate the Sekonic Flash Meter L-256?
A: The meter comes pre-calibrated, but if calibration
adjustments are needed, refer to the manual for instructions on
adjusting the calibration factors C and K.
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model L-256
INSTRUCTION BOOK .
Read this instruction booklet on the Sekonic Flash Meter L-256 carefully. With proper application of these techniques, you will be able to evaluate the improvement .in your first roll of film.
Contents:
Unique qualiti es of the Sekonic Fla sh Meter L -256 ……… . … ….. . . .. 2 Specifications .. . … .. . .. .. … .. . .. . . .. . ……… . …. . . . . . … . . 3 Names of funct ional parts … . .. ……. .. … …. . …… . . … .. . …. 4 Getting ready
1. How to put the battery in … . . . .. .. .. . ….. . …….. . …. . . . . 6 2. Check the battery . . . . …. . . .. ……. . .. … . . …….·. . …. . 7 3. How to adju st th e zero setting . .. … . .. … . . …. … ….. . .. . … 7 Accessories 1. Lumi sphere …. . …. .. ..·… . .. . … … . . . …… .. … .. .. 6 2. Lumidi sc … . .. .. ………… . . . … . .. . .. . ……… . ….. B 3. Reflected·light filter …..·…. . …………… . … . .. . …. . . B 4. Sync·cord … . …. . ……. . .. .. .. .. ….. . … . . . .. . .·..· . .. 9 Incident light measurement 1. Wireless (cordless) mea surement (incident light) .. . . . .. . . . ……. . 10 2. Measurement with sync-cord (incident light) . . ……·. .. .. . …… 12 Reflected light measurement .. .. .. . . . .. .. . … . .. …. …… . . . ….. 14 Measurement as a normal exposure meter .. …… … .. . .. . … . . .. . …. 16 Measurement of contrast (subject or lighting contrast) . . . … . . . .. … … . 1B I ll uminance (lux) measurement . . . . ……. . …. . .. . . .. . . .. . … .. … 19 Special Application 1. As a slave unit ….. .. .. . . . . .. .. . .. …. …. .. …. . . …. .. .. 20 2. Multiple fla sh measurement … .. …. . .. . …. . . . .. . .. …. ….. 22 Summary of all operations … . … . …. .. . . . … … .. ….. . .. . . .. . . 23 Care of your meter for long term usage .. . ….. .. .. …. . … .. .. … … 24 Service stations ……. . .. . . . ….. .. . . . . ….. ….. . . . . . . .. … … 25
FACTS ABOUT YOUR SEKONIC L-256 FLASH METER
1. The Sekonic F lash Meter is an advanced model of the famous Sekonic Stud io Meter Series. It is Clesigned for easy instantaneous flash metering.
2. The F lash Meter is a durable meter designed for years of reliable se rvice . It contains superior electronic components and circuits for gre;3ter reliability .
3. The Flash Meter contains a silicon diode light se nsor for instantaneous response to light (10 micro-sec.) , greater stability and extreme accuracy in light measurement .
4 . This meter is not only designed for flash metering, but can also be used for incident light and reflected light metering.
5. The meter works with or without a sync-cord . Wireless measurement makes operation very easy and you can work without the restrictions of limited cord distance. Of course, you can use a sync-cord wherever you so desire.
6. The meter pointer will hold the light reading for a two minute duration. It then will automatically cancel the reading for the next light measurement.
7. For special applications, this meter works as a slave unit for your add itional electronic flash.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Measuring system:
Incident & Reflected Light Wireless & Wired measurement
Measuring range :
High & Low range convertible for electronic flash I ncident light : 21 .52 – 44,073 Lux Sec. 2 – 4,096 Foot-candle Sec. Reflected light: 2 – 4,194 Candle Sec./m2 for daylight & tungsten-light Incident light: EV 10 – EV 21 at ASA 100 Reflected light : EV 11 – EV 22 at ASA 100
Accuracy:
± 0 .3 EV (± 1/3 stop)
Repeatability of readings : ± 0.1 ‘EV ( ± 1/10 stop)
Meter Sensor Light receptacle element :
Silicon photo diode
Scale :
ASA 6 DIN 9 f Istop 1.4 Exposure Time 1 sec.
12,000 42 128
1/2000 sec. (only for normal daylight and studio light measurement)
Power Source :
Mercury battery 5.6 volts (Mallory)
Poi nter lock :
Pointer needle “locks” into position the instant the flash is fired . It remains locked automatically for approximately two minutes . The meter is also equipped with a manual release switch.
Calibration factor :
C = 270
K = 12.5
Battery Check:
Built in
Accessories :
L..umisphere, Lumidi sc, Reflected-light filter, Synccord, Neck cord and Leather case.
Dimen sion s:
5.36 x 2 .56 x 1.74 inch (136 x 65 x 44mm)
Weight:
11.3 oz. (320 g)
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NAME OF PARTS
(1) LUrTlisphere (2) L Mark (3) H Mark (4) White dot mark
(5) Light Scale (6) Meter pointer (7) Battery check mark (8) Measurement switch (9) Dial light scale (10) Ridges for fi Im speed (11) Calculator dial AH mark (12) Calculator dial AL mark (13) DIN scale (14) ASA scale (15) FLASH INDICATOR (16) (17) f/number (18) Slide switch marks (19) Slide switch
Lumidisc
Reflected-light filter
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Sync-terminal (20) f– – – – – Battery chamber cover (21) – – – – – – – Battery check switch (22)
– – – – – – – Zero adjustment screw (23)
– – – – – – – – – – Tri-pod threading (24) L-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Neck strap ring (25)
Sync-cord
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CJ
Polarization alternating cord
GETTING THE FLASH METER READY FOR OPERATION
Insert a battery in position indio cated.
1. How to put the battery in
The meter requires one Mallory TR·164 or Eveready E·164 Mercury battery.
To insert the battery, place your finger in the notch and lift the cover off. Place the battery into the com· partment with the (+) and (-) as indicated in the battery chamber. Replace the cover by inserting the notch into the slot of the meter pushing it gently.
PROPER CARE OF THE ME· TER
1. Turn the slide switch to the off position whenever the meter is not in use . This prevents excess drainage of the battery power. When the meter is not used for a long period (more .than a month) remove the battery and keep it ina dry place.
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2. Check the Battery
Check the battery before you use the meter. A weak battery with low voltage will not give correct light readings.
How to check the battery
(a) Turn the slide switch to the FLASH or CORD-IN position.
(b) Push the “BATTERY CHECK” switch on the back of the meter in the direction of the white ar· row.
(c) The meter needle will point to the battery check mark on the light scale. If the need Ie fails to reach the mark, the battery is weak and should be reo placed by a new one.
3. Zero setting adjustment
When the slide switch and measure· ment switch are in the OFF position, the pointer should be at zero. If it isn’t, turn the zero adjustment screw on the back until the position is on zero . To Adjust – Turn gently with a screw driver until the pointer comes to the zero position .
Move the slide switch to FLASH or CORD·IN. Push the battery check switch down.
Adjust the pointer to zero by turning the screw.
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ACCESSORIES
i Lumisphere
and turn cl ockwise .
Use the lumisphere when you wish to measure incident light. How to insert the lumisphere :
(a) Match the indented white dot of the sphere to the white dot on the meter.
(b) I nsert the sphere into the meter so that the base of the sphere comes in direct contact with the meter body.
(c) Turn the sphere clockwise until it stops at the first detent – the “H” mark.
(d) The “H” mark on the meter is for high light measurement. Line up the white dot of the sphere with the “H” mark.
(e) The “L” mark on the meter is for low light measurement . Move the white dot of the sphere clockwise to the “L” position.
(f) To remove the sphere , reverse the procedure stated above.
Lu midisc
2. Lumidisc
Use the Lumidisc for illumination measurement in lux units and for measurement of illumination contrast. Follow the same procedure to attach or detach the disc as indicMed for the Lumisphere.
Reflected -light filter
3. Reflected·light Filter
Use the reflected-light filter for reflected light measurement.
Follow the same procedure to attach or detach the filter as you do for the lumisphere.
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4. Sync-Cord.
Use the accessory cords for wired mea surement. The meter comes with one 20 foot sync·cord and two polarization alternate cords (in black and red).
the p larization alternating cord to the sync-cord .
REMARKS
* The external sleeve of the flash meter sync terminal is the negat ive pole (- ) and the inside recepter is the positive pole (+) . If the polarization of the synccord and the flash unit do not match, the flash will not go off when you push the measurement switch of the meter. (See page 12 for operational instruction)
* Use th e polarization alternate cords when your flash unit has reversed polarization to the meter terminal. I f the flash uOlit has the positive pole (+) on the inside receptor and negative (- ) on the external sleeve, use the red alternating cord connected with the 20 foot sync-cord . Or if your flash unit has the negative pole on the inside receptor and the positive pole on the external sleeve, use the black alternating cord connected with the 20 ft . sync-cord.
* When the polarization of your flash unit is unknown, try both alternating cords and use the one that works.
Red cord has (+) pole on the central pin .
Black cord has (-) pole on the
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INCIDENT LIGHT MEASUREMENT
Hold the calculator dial and turn film sensitivity set dial by the ridges fo r fi lm speed.
” L” Range may cover most of the measurement with lumisphere.
1. Wireless measurement
Incident light metering with the lumisphere is the primary function of this meter. Here’s how it works:
(a) Set the ASA number by holding the calculator dial and then turning the inside ASA dial by the ridges so that the ASA number desired appears at the white line of the ASA (DIN) Window. The illustration indicates ASA 100 (DIN 21).
(b) Set the slide switch to flash . (c) Position the flash meter at the
subject so that it is pointing the lumisphere toward the camera and fire the flash. (d) The meter pointer will hold th e flash reading for approximately two minutes. It then releases it automatically, for the next reading. (e) Turn the slide switch to “OFF” whenever you would like to return the pointer to the zero position to prepare the meter for the next reading in less than two minutes. However, don’t forget to return the sl ide switch to FLASH .
Set t he slide switch t o FLASH .
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(f) Transfer the meter reading to the calculator dial after you fire the flash unit. When you use the “L” range on the lumisphere, match the green “L” mark of the dial to the read-out numbers. When you use the “H” range on the lumisphere, match the red Ll. “H” mark of the dial to the read-out numbers.
(g) Flash indicator opposite the L; marks designates the correct f / number to use.
(h) Don’t be confused by the number 125 which falls at the base of the flash indicator. This shutter speed number is for normal exposure meter readings.
(i) For best light metering remember to place the meter as close to the subject as possible and point the meter toward the camera. Keep the lumisphere clean by washing with luke warm water when it gets dirty .
Poi nt the meter toward the camera from subject position . Fire t he flash for measurement.
Transfer the read out number on the light scale to the calculator dial and read the number on the other side of the dial.
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When your meter receives unnecessa ry flash lights or y ou have to fire the flash from a distance, use the sy nc-cord.
Set the slide switch t o cord in.
Connect the meter and flash unit with sync-cord.
2. Wired Incident Light Metering
Use the sync-cord when in bright day light. The meter will not operate in the F LASH position without the sync-cord .
How to measure the light
(a) Set the ASA film speed. (b) Mount the lumisphere on the
meter. (c) Put the slide switch to CORD-
IN . (d) Connect the meter and your
flash unit with the accessory sync-cord . (e) Point the meter toward the camera from the subject posi tion. Push the measuring switch. Your flash will fire synchronizing you with the meter to measure only the light flashed . (f) The meter pointer holds the reading as long as you hold the measuring switch. Keep the measuring switch depressed while you read the light scale. Release the measuring switch to return the pointer to the zero position.
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(g) To hold the reading automati-
cally for 2 minutes, move the
slide switch from CORD-IN to
FLASH while depressing the
m~asuring
switch.
(h) Read the meter using previous
instructions.
Push the measurement switch for firing flash and si multaneous reading of the exposure.
Meter holds the pointer until you release the measurement switch.
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5EKONJC HASH METER
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While you push the measurement switch, move the slide switch to F LASH position to hold pointer automatically for 2 minutes.
NOTE:
Don’t be concerned if your flash unit should go off when you connect the sync·cord to the meter or when you move the slide switch to CORD·IN from OFF wh i Ie the cord is con nect· ed . There is nothing wrong with your flash unit or the meter.
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REFLECTED LIGHT MEASUREMENT
Mount the reflected-light filter to the meter.
Use the REFLECTED-LIGHT FILTER for reflected light measurement. The procedure is the same as for incident light measurement with or without sync-cord.
Set the ASA number twice the ASA rating of the film.
HOW TO MEASURE THE LIGHT
(a) Match the white mark of the reflected-light filter to the meter dot mark. I nsert the filter and turn clockwise until it stops at the detent.
(b) Set the filter to the “H” or “L” mark depending upon the light level. (Don’t mount the filter between the two detents. It may cause a measurement error .)
(c) Set the ASA film sensitivity scale twice the number as indicated in your film rating. For example : Set the ASA on 200 if your film has an ASA rating of 100 . (In the case of DIN, add 3 to the rated speed. Therefore, set it at 24 DI N when you use 21 DIN film .)
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(d) Position the meter as close to the subject as possible and read the reflected light. Avoid casting a shadow on the subject while taking a reading.
(e) Transfer the reading to the calculator dial. When you use the “L” range, match the green Do “L” mark of the dial to the read out number. When you use the “H” range, match the red “H” mark of the dial to the read out numbers.
(f) Flash indicator opposite the {; mark indicates the correct f/ number to use.
(g) Don’t be confused by the number 125 wh ich falls at the base of the flash indicator. This shutter speed number is for normal, non-flash exposure meter reading.
Measure the light at the
closest pOSition to the
subject as possible.
~ ~
Transfer the read out number of the light scale to the calculator dial. Read the f/number on the opposite side of the dial.
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AS A NORMAL EXPOSURE METER FOR INCIDENT & REFLECTED LIGHT
Measuring light as a normal exposure meter
Mount the lumisphere for incident light reading and the reflected-light filter for reflected light reading. Remember with reflected light measuring to set the fi 1m sensitivity twice as high as the film rating ASA.
Lumisphere for incident light measurement. Reflected-light filter for reflected light measurement.
Set ASA twice as high as film rating.
Set the slide switch to CORD – IN .
HOW TO MEASURE THE LIGHT
(a) Set the slide switch to CORDIN. Don’t attach the cord.
(b) Push the measurement switch for light reading . The meter will react instantly.
(c) Read the number the pointer shows and hold the measuring switch until you read the number or the pointer will return to zero. (To hold the pointer automatically switch the slide switch to FLASH right after metering . The pointer will hold the reading for approximately 2 minutes.!
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(d) Transfer the reading to the calculator dial. Match the mark according to the lumisphere or reflected-light filter mark. Match the “L” mark when the sphere or filter is set to “L” and match the “H” mark when the sphere or filter is set to “H” mark.
(e) Read out the shutter f/number combinations at the bottom of the calculator dial.
Read out the number pressing the measurement switch .
Transfer the read out number to
Read the combination of the shutter speed and f/numbers.
NOTE:
Don’t be confused by the flash indicator arrow. 1/125th sec represents one of the shutter speeds you can use with the combination of f/numbers. You have a choice of shutter f/numbers combinations from 1 second to 1/2000 sec and f /1.4 to 128.
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Move the slide switch to FLASH to hold the pointer_
ILLUMINATION & CONTRAST MEASUREMENT
Mount the lumidisc for contrast measurement.
You can measure the illumination contrast between the main light and fill-in light to control the illumination contrast . (With the use of the lumidisc)
HOW TO MEASURE ILLUMINATION CONTRAST
(a) Mount the LUM IDISC to the meter body, follow ing the same procedure for the Lumisphere or the reflected-light filter.
(b) Meter operation with or without the sync-cord is the same as incident light measurement.
Take the ratio of the reading at the high light and shadow.
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ILLUMINANCE MEASUREMENT
How to measure the illuminance (lux) with the LUMIDISC. The meter can be used as an illuminance meter with Lumidisc.
Set the slide switch to CORD-IN for il lumination measurement with lumidisc.
MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE
(a) Mount the LUM IDISC to the meter.
(b) Put the slide switch to CORDIN . Face the meter directly toward the light source and press the measurement switch. (Do not use cord for th is measurement) .
(c) Read out the light scale number. Then convert into illuminance units or lux from the table below :
(d) When using “L” mark, read the figure directly off the table. Then multiply by 1/125 and you get the Lux-sec.
(e) When you set the LUMI DISC to the “H” mark multiply the results on the table by 32 . Then multiply by 1/125 and you get the Lux-sec.
Face the meter to the light and push the measurement sWitch for metering.
Meter Scale
1
2
3
4
Lux 2,700 5,400 10,800 21 , 500
Meter Scale
5
6
7
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Lux 43,000 86,000 172,000 –
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SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
The meter sets o ff the additional flash unit synchronizing to the F LAS H unit..
1. As a slave unit
This meter works as a slave unit for your add itional flash to synchronize it to the main flash unit.
Use the lumisphere for slave unit application setting slide switch to F LASH.
How to apply
(a) Mount the lumisphere to the meter.
(b) Set the slide switch to FLASH or CORD-IN.
(c) Connect the meter and additional flash un it with sync-{;ord.
(d) When you fire the main flash unit, the additional flash unit fires simultaneously.
EXAMPLE OF SPECIAL AP· PLICATION
(a) Connect the meter to the addi tional flash unit with sync-cord .
(b) Connect the meter to the sync terminal of the powerpack of the additional flash units. Then you can use many electronic flash units simultaneously .
The meter synchronizes the additional flash unit t o the main F LASH unit.
By using the powerpack, the flash meter fires many flash units si mu Itaneously.
(c) Put the meter at the subject position connecting to the ad ditional flash unit . Then you can read the exposure of all the lights simultaneously. In this case, set the slide switch to FLASH.
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The flash meter measures all the light simultaneously, Including the slave unit.
By p lugging all the f lash units and the flash meter into the powerpack, the units will fi re simultaneously and the meter will measu re all the light.
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2. SIMULTANEOUS EXPO· SURE READ OUT OF THE MULTIPLE FLASH ILLUMINATION
When you use more than two flash units, connect the meter to the uni· versal (or multiple) synchronizer outlets . Then you can measure as many lights as you want simultaneously.
How to measure
(a) Connect all flash units that you use with one universal outlet .
(b) Connect the meter to the universa I outlet .
(c) Set the slide switch to CO RD IN .
(d) Push the measurement switch of the meter. All flash units go off and you can read the exposure at once. (The procedure of meter operation is the same as other measurement procedures,)
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I 1.
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SUMMARY OF ALL OPERATIONS
~ Incident light measu rement
Reflected light measurement
As normal expo meter
Contrast measurement
Illuminate measurement
Wireless measurement
Flash lighting
Lumisphere
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Reflected-light filter
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.Normal
lighting
Lumisphere or reflected-light filter
Lumidisc
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FLASH
·D D
Lumidisc
Lumidisc
CORD-IN
·D D
Push on measurement switch
Wired measurement
·CORD-IN D D
Fire on Pushing measurement switch
.. : J Hold the measurement switch while you read the meter scale. To hold the pointer for two minutes, switch the slide switch to FLASH position while depressing the measurement switch.
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Do’s & Dont’s of Equipment Care
(1) Store the meter in a dry place. (2) Keep the lumisphere and lumi –
disc clean. When d irty, wash them with soap in lukewarm water. (3) Avoid storage with metals, electrical parts or chemicals. (4) Avoid shocking the meter.
When your meter fails to function properly bring it to a Copal Service Station .
When you return a meter for repair, pack it with special packing materials to protect it.
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Sole Export Agent: COPAL CO., LTD. Shimura 2-16-20, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan U. S. Service Station: Harry Gocho Enterprises, Inc. SEKONIC DIVISION, 56-01 Queens Boulevard, Woodside, N. Y. 11377, U.S.A . Phone: Area Code 212/779-5252 European Service Station : COPAL EUROPE G.m .b.H. 2000 Hamburg 1, Schauenburgerstrasse 6, F. R. Germany Cable: COPALSHUTTER HAMBURG Phone: 326452 Manufacturer: SEKONIC CO., LTD. 558, Oizumigakuen-cho, Nerima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
PRINTED IN JAPAN 488 2000CH
Documents / Resources
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Sekonic L-256 Flash Meter [pdf] Instruction Manual L-256 Flash Meter, L-256, Flash Meter, Meter |