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Review on πŸ“Έ Sekonic Spectomaster Meter (401-800): The Ultimate Photographic Measurement Tool by Matthew Baltimore

Revainrating 1 out of 5

TOO DELICATE - POOR SERVICE - $2300 wasted

Took this to my first shoot thinking I could use it to color match my Aputure 300X with Magic Hour Shot for a little front light. I got the wrong gauge (I also have a Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U) so I stuffed this into the big pocket of my cargo pants. About an hour into filming, I stumbled backwards, rolled onto the floor, and somehow the gauge fell about 14 inches out of my cargo pocket. The display cracked and when I turned it on there was no light. The plastic case was also badly scratched but the lady from the New York office said she would let me know that I would like to replace the top case as well. I was upset when I saw that the repair would cost me about $500 and I had to wait almost two months. I just got it back and was very upset to see that the unit was returned repaired but the case was still open. Now I want to sell it as "almost new" but that's going to be hard to sell considering they didn't replace the plastic case as expected. I have written and called but now the New York office is not returning my articles. Messages. The order says to fix the display and no word on the case. Apparently they forgot. And after $2300 I have a gauge that works but looks like it's been dragged across concrete. If I'm lucky, can I get half of the $1,700 purchase price for it? Save money and buy ANY alternative. Even on the iPhone, there are many color temperature measurement apps that only cost a few dollars (or are even free) and are just as accurate. This meter shows a cool spectrum plot, but very little of it is quantified, mostly just a pretty picture.

Pros
  • Very impressive
Cons
  • weak