STUDIO DELUXE Ⅲ

L-398A

Operating Instructions
 SAFETY PRECAUTION
This manual uses the following safety labels for WARNING and
CAUTION that you must follow.

WARNING
Indicates hazards or unsafe practices that can re-
sult in severe personal injury or death.

CAUTION
Indicates hazards or unsafe practices that can re-
sult in the personal injury or damage to your L-398A
exposure meter.

WARNING

• Keep Lumisphere, Lumidisc, Lumigrid or High-

slide out of reach of young children, as swal-
lowing such objects can cause suffocation.
• Please place in a location where an infant can-
not reach and accidentally get the strap
wrapped around his or her neck. There is a
danger of strangulation.

CAUTION

• This L-398A has a powerful magnet. Do not

place it close to the following materials, other-
wise the data stored may be damaged or the
products may malfunction:
Cash cards, floppy disc, other magnetic cards,
TV Set, CRT display or LCD, and other appa-
ratus sensitive to magnetic fields.
CONTENTS
SAFETY PRECAUTION
CONTENTS
1. Features …………………………………………………… 1
2. Specifications ……………………………………………… 3
3. Part Designations …………………………………………… 4
4. Accessories ………………………………………………… 5
5. Basic Operation of Meter Unit …………………………… 6
  1. Stopper Button Operation …………………………… 6
  2. Zero Position Check and Adjustment ……………… 6
  3. Memo Pointer Operation ……………………………… 7
6. Standard Accessory Operation …………………………… 8
 Incident Light Measurement ……………………………… 8
  1. Lumisphere …………………………………………… 8
  2. Lumidisc …………………………………………… 11
 Reflected Light Measurement ………………………… 12
  1. Lumigrid ……………………………………………… 12
 Other Operations ………………………………………… 14
  1. Exposure Value (EV numbers) Readout ………… 14
  2. Employing Cine Scale ……………………………… 14
  3. Using Exposure Multipliers (-2, -1, +1, +2) ……… 15
7. Optional Accessories Operation ……………………… 16
  1. Direct Reading Slides ……………………………… 16
  2. Direct Reading Slide Application ………………… 17
8. Handling Cautions ……………………………………… 18
 1. FEATURES
Nearly all photographic subjects combine complex variations of
strongly reflecting surfaces (high reflectivity) and weakly reflecting
surfaces (low reflectivity). These variations delicately influence expo-
sure determination and to which portion the exposure is set becomes
a vital factor that considerably affects the appearance of the finished
photograph.
Although risk of failure can be minimized by taking maximum and
minimum readings of all portions of the subject, then averaging the
values, such an approach is both time consuming and tedious. The
Studio Deluxe Ⅲ is the answer to this problem.
1. Optimum exposure meter for incident light measuring method (also
applicable for reflected light method.)
2. Freely rotatable light sensor section for very easily performed
measurements.
3. Meter stopper mechanism allows operation while hand is released
from meter.
4. Meter release mechanism is also included which allows the needle
to deflect freely. This provides greater convenience when deter-
mining light balance.
5. Memo pointer enables easier light balance setting.
6. Lumisphere detects the same light as strikes the subject. Since
subjects are normally 3-dimensional, according to the lighting con-
ditions, brighter surfaces (highlights) and darker surfaces (shad-
ows) are produced (illumination contrast). The Studio Deluxe Ⅲ
mechanism automatically takes into account the strength of light
from all directions, causing the meter to indicate a value appli-
cable to photography. It is thus most convenient for determining
typical exposures.
7. After combining film sensitivity and shutter speed, direct reading
slides (optional) can be used for directly determining the aperture
valve.
8. AMORPHOUS PHOTOSENSOR is employed as light sensing
element, eliminating need for battery.
9. Wide selection of available accessories allows numerous photo-
graphic techniques to be enjoyed.
1
 1. FEATURES

BACK LIGHT

MAIN LIGHT

AMORPHOUS PHOTOSENSOR
LUMISPHERE

FILL-IN LIGHT

160
80 320
40 4 8
5.6
20

64

2.8
10

INCIDENT
2
05

1.2
.4

LIGHT
11

5K
16

MICROAMMETER
MAGNET

Caution:
• Your L-398A has a powerful magnet. Do not
place your L-398A close to the following
materials, otherwise the data stored may
be damaged or the product may malfunc-
tion: Cash cards and other magnetic cards,
floppy disk, TV Set, CRT display, and other
apparatus sensitive to magnetic fields.

2
 2. SPECIFICATIONS
Type Analog exposure meter for ambient light
Light receiving method Incident light and reflected light
Light receiving section Incident light: Lumisphere and Lumidisc
Reflected light: Lumigrid (30 deg. of light
receiving angle )
Measuring range Incident light: EV4 to 17
(ISO 100) Reflected light: EV9 to 17
Film speed ISO 6 to 12,000 (in 1/3 step)
Shutter speed 60 sec. to 1/8000 sec. (in full step)
Aperture value F0.7 to F128 (in 1/3 step)
Cine speed (f/s) 8, 18, 24, 64, 128
EV (Exposure Value) EV1 to 20 (in 1/3 step)
Calibration Constant Incident light: C=340 (Lumisphere),
C=250 (Lumidisc)
Reflected light: K=12.5
Operating temperature range 0℃ to 40℃
Storage temperature range -20℃ to 60℃
Dimensions 112(H) × 58(W) × 34(D) mm
Weight Approx. 190g

Note: Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.

3
 3. PART DESIGNATIONS
Front

Lumispherq
Light sensorw

Footcandle scalee Meter

Aperture value scale
Memo
pointer!7 (for direct reading)r

Needle!8 L-398A EV scalet

80 16 0 320
40 56
2 0 28 4 8 640
10
5 2 S t u d i o Deluxe Ⅲ
11 1.2
“H” marko
0

5k
.4 8 0 16 0 320 Dial scaleu
11 0 40 +2 -2 -1 640 1 1
2 1 .2 6
0 H + 12 E V +1
5k 2

Scale marki
1

･ ･
･11
EC
-1

0･
5

EV marky
1/S
-2

ISO scale!0 Dial

60 3

1 0.7 F
2.8 00 1k 2k 4k 8k

200
ISO mark!1 100 scale
0 15 8 4

50 Cine scale!2
CINE

ISO
Stopper
128 90

Stopper button!3
2 1.4

button mark!9
128
5

64
250

Shutter speed scale!4

2 1

4
Film sensitivity 8 18 2 5
2 4 0 12
64

selector knob@0 45 8 15 30 6 Aperture scale!5

32
22 16 11 8 5. 64
Dial ring!6
Strap eyelet@5

Rear

Zero adjust screw@1

4
 4. Accessories
Lumisphereq High (H) slide@2

HIGH

Lumidisc@3

Optional Accessories
(sold separately)
Direct reading slides.

No. 5
Lumigrid@4

Total of 11 direct reading slides

(set of 11 slides in case).

Warning
• Keep Lumisphere, Lumidisc, Lumigrid or
High-slide out of reach of young children,
as swallowing such objects can cause suf-
focation.
5
 5. BASIC OPERATION OF METER UNIT
5 2 S e 11 1.2
1.Stopper Button Operation

5k
0 160 320
11
.4 40 8 640
If the stopper button !3 is pressed 20 +1 +2 -2 -1 1.2 16
0 H 2 EV +1

5k 2
1
･ ･1
when the stopper button mark !9 ･11

EC
-1
0･

/S +
-2

k 1
is set to ・
○ , the meter needle !8

60 30

1.4 1 0.7 F
200

8 2 0 1k 2k 4k 8
100
50
deflects according to brightness.

15 8 4

CINE
ISO

128 90
Then when the button is released,

250 8
50
12
64

2 1
4
the needle remains fixed at the 8 18 2 2 5
60 1

6
2

4
5 2 11 1.2S e
indicated position.

5k
0 160 320
1 1.4
0 40 8 640 1
By holding the stopper button de- 2 + 2
0 H +1 2 EV
-2 -1
+1
1.2 6

5k 2
1
･ ･1
pressed and turning it clockwise ･11

EC
-1
0･

+ 1/S
-2
60 30
so that the mark position becomes

1.4 1 0.7 F
2k 4k 8k
200
100
○・, the needle is released. 50

15 8 4

250 8 C I N E
ISO
128 90

500 1k
At this time, the meter will deflect

12
64
2 1
4
freely even if the stopper button 8 18 2

8 2
25
60 1
64
2
is released. To fix the needle, turn Black cloth
the stopper button counter-clock-
wise to where the mark is posi-
tioned ・○.

2.Zero Position Check and

Adjustment
With stopper button in released ○ ・ 16 0 L-398A
80 320
40
position, cover light sensor with 20 28
4 56
8 640
5 10 2 S tu d i o
Deluxe Ⅲ
11 1.2
hand or black cloth to completely
0

5k

0 160 320 6
11
.4 40 8 40 16
20 +1 +
2 -2 -1 1.2
0
block light. Check that meter EV +1
5k 2

H
･12
1

･
･11
EC
-1

0･
5

+ 1/S
-2

needle !8 correctly indicates zero

60 30

1 0.7 F
2k 4k 8k

200
100
50
15 8 4

CINE

ISO
position. If the indication deviates
128 90

500 1k
2 1.4
128

4
from zero, while observing meter 24 6
250
2 1

5
0 12
2 4 8 18
64

45
2.8

8 15 30 6 4
indication, use a coin or similar 3

tool to turn the rear zero adjust

screw @1 and adjust for zero indi-
cation.

6
 5. BASIC OPERATION OF METER UNIT
3.Memo Pointer Operation
Rotate both Dial Ring !6 and dial Dial
of Memo Pointer !7 to align with
Needle !8 position or desirable
setting position.
※ See page 11 for actual use.

Memo Pointer

7
 6. STANDARD ACCESSORY OPERATION
Incident Light Measurement
1. Lumisphere
a. Mount Lumisphere q to light
sensor w. To mount, align
white dots of Lumisphere
frame and light sensor, then
turn Lumisphere carefully
clockwise (approx. 45 deg.)to
secure.

b. Set film sensitivity knob @0 to

sensitivity value of employed
film. Set ISO value to right
side ISO mark !1.
Photo shows setting for ISO
100.

k 1
60 3

2.8 00 1k 2k 4k 8
200
100
0

50
15 8 4

250 8 C I N E
ISO
12
5

64
90 6

2
2 1

4
2 4 8 18 2 12 5
0 60
4

c. From position where subject

is to be measured, point
Lumisphere q in direction of
camera. (Light sensor w can
be turned freely.)

8
 6. STANDARD ACCESSORY OPERATION
d. Hold meter erect and press stopper button !3. Meter needle !8
deflects according to brightness. When the stopper button is re-
leased, the meter needle becomes fixed at the deflected position.
If the location is excessively bright and the meter needle deflects
beyond scale, insert the High slide @2.

e. Read the footcandle scale e 80 16 0

L-398A
320
of the meter needle. 40 56
2 0 28 4 8 640
f. Transfer footcandle value to 5 10 2 S tu d i o
Deluxe Ⅲ
11 1.2
0

5k
20 4 0
the dial scale u. Rotate the 11
.4 5 10 80 16
2 -2 -1 16
+1 + 0
dial ring !6 and set the ▲ 2 2
H
40
5 10 2 S tu d i o
Deluxe Ⅲ
11 1.2
scale mark i. If the High slide
0

5k
20 4 0
11
.4 5 10 80
@2 has been inserted, set the +1 +
2 -2 -1 16
0
16
V E +1
H mark o.
▲
  H
･･ 9
32

8
･･
C
-1

06
128

+2
E

7
1/S
-2

40 1
60 30

2k 4k 8k
90 64

200
.2

100
5k

50
15

NE

ISO
40 4 56 0
2 0 28 8 640
5 10 2 S tu d i o
Deluxe Ⅲ
11 1.2
0

5k

.4 0 320 640 1.25

11 80 16 2 -2 -1 k 16
+
0 H + 1 14 E V +1
F
4

･･
･13
0.7
EC

2･
20
-1

1/S
-2

2 1.4 1
5 10

60 30

5.6 00 1k 2k 4k 8k

200
100
50
15 8 4

INE

ISO
8 C

4 2.8
12
5

64
250
2 1

5 8 24
128

8 1
2 4 0 12
8 15 30 6
1 8
90

64
45 32 22 16 1

9
 6. STANDARD ACCESSORY OPERATION
g. At this time, the shutter speed scale !4 and aperture scale !5
combination becomes the correct exposure.
Example:With High slide inserted, meter indicates 80 footcancles.
At ISO 100, the proper exposure becomes 1/250 sec at F/
5.6, 1/30 sec at F/16 and 1 sec at F/90.
h. By changing ISO setting, the set combination of shutter speed
and aperture scale is automatically altered to the appropriate one
corresponding to the changed ISO value.

※ Meter scale intermediate values

Footcandles

125
100

200
250
64
50

400 0
25
80 16 0

50
12 16 320
40 56
8
0 28 4 8

80 1k
6 2 640

0
4
5 10 2 2.8 11 1.2
2
0

5k
.4
11 16

※ Intermediate values for

8k 1/SEC
128 90
112 110 80 72

4 2

Shutter speed and ap-

0.7F
0.9
erture scale
4k
1

0.8
64

1
k
56

1.3 1.1
2k
1.6
2

1.6 1.4
45 40 3
50

0
80 1k
5
4

8 10 400500
32 28

25 50 100 200 50
2

15
6

2 30 2 .2 1.8
25 2 60 125 2.8 2
20 16
18
4 3.2 2.5
14 11 8 5.6
13 10 9 4.5 3.6
6.4
7.1 5
10k

※ Film sensitivity intermediate

8k
5k
2.5k
4k
2k
1.2 1k 800

6.4k
k

3.2k

12k

64
values
1.6k

50 0
0
3
ISO 25020 40
0
160 200
125
80 100
64
50
40
32
25
20
16 12
10 6
8

10
 6. STANDARD ACCESSORY OPERATION
2.Lumidisc
Employ for illumination contrast adjustment and illuminance measure-
ment.

• Contrast measurement
a. Mount Lumidisc @3 to light
sensor w. Install in the same
manner as Lumisphere. (See
P. 8)
b. Hold meter at subject position
and point Lumidisc @3 directly
toward center of main light.
c. Press stopper button !3 and
read meter scale footcandle
indication e.
d. Turn the memo pointer dial Main light
and set the memo pointer !7
at the footcandle value the
needle points to.
e. In the same manner, measure
the fill-in light. In this case,
take care that light from main
source does not enter sensor.
f. Read a difference between
the footcandle value the
memo pointer is set (see Fill-in light
above d) and the one for fill-
in light (= needle position).
Ratio between main and fill-in light footcandles becomes the con-
trast ratio.
Example:With main light at 640 footcandles, fill-in light reads 320 foot-
candles. Illumination contrast ratio becomes;
640 2
= or 2 : 1
320 1
11
 6. STANDARD ACCESSORY OPERATION
• Illuminance (Lux) measurement
a. Mount Limidisc @3 to light sensor w in the same manner as
Lumisphere.
b. Place Lumidisc @3 parallel with the light source.
c. Press stopper button !3 and read meter scale footcandle indica-
tion e.
d. Multiply this value by 10.76 to obtain lux.
Example:80 x 10.76 = 860.8 lux
If meter deflects beyond scale, insert High slide @2, then
multiply footcandle indication by 32.
Example:80 x 32 = 2560 footcandles
2560 x 10.76 = 27545.6 lux
Reflected Light Measurement
1.Lumigrid
a. Mount Lumigrid @4 to light
sensor w in the same man-
ner as Lumisphere q. (See
P.8)
b. Set sensitivity value of em-
ployed film. Setting is per-
formed in the same manner
as for incident light measure-
ment. (See P.8)
c. From camera position, point
Lumigrid @4 directly toward
part of subject to be mea-
sured.
d. In case of measuring narrow
areas, as close as possible to
the subject, measure re-
flected light from main point
of subject. Use adequate care
at this time that meter shadow
etc. does not interfere.
12
 6. STANDARD ACCESSORY OPERATION
e. Press stopper button !3, and read meter scale footcandle indica-
tion e. However, since footcandles are units of incident light only,
this value becomes simply a reference.
f. Transfer indicated value to dial scale u. Rotate the dial ring !6
and set ▲ mark
H o.
g. At this time, shutter speed scale !4 and aperture scale !5 combi-
nation becomes the correct exposure.
Note:Do not employ slides for reflected light measurement.
※ More accurate results can be obtained for reflected light mea-
surement by using a Gray card (optional accessory).

13
 6. STANDARD ACCESSORY OPERATION
Other Operations
1.Exposure Value (EV number) Readout
Reading this exposure value to
perform setting becomes conve- L-398A
nient for cameras which employ 80 16 0 320
40 4 56
8
a light value system of shutter and 2 0 28 640
0
51 2 S tu d i o De luxe Ⅲ 11 1.2
aperture combination.

5k
20 4 0
11
.4 5 10 80
a. Read meter needle !8 foot- +1 +
2 -2 -1 16
0
16
+1
candle indication e. H
･･ 9
EV

32
･･8

EC
-1

06
128

+2
7
b. Transfer this number to the

1/S
-2

40 1
60 3

k
90 64 45 32 2
dial scale u. Rotate dial ring

1 0 0 1k 2k 4k 8
200

.25k
100

0
50
!6 and set ▲ scale mark i.
15 8 4

CINE
ISO
If the High slide is inserted, set

128

.7 F
50
▲
the  H mark o. 64

250
2 1
4
8 18 2 25
c. EV value indicated by EV 2 60 1
2

mark y becomes the correct

exposure value.

2.Employing Cine Scale

Incident and reflected light mea-
2k 4k
.4 1 0.7
surements during cine photogra-
CINE

phy are performed in the same

500 1k

manner as described previously.

128

However, since the cine scale !2

2 1

64
250

4
numerals correspond to cine cam- 5 8 18 2
2 4 0 12
era film speed, read the aperture
8 15 30 6
2.8

scale !5 indication that pertains to

the employed film speed. 2 16 11 8 5.6 4

14
 6. STANDARD ACCESSORY OPERATION
Note: Some cine cameras possess faster exposure times due to a
narrower rotating shutter angle (angle of light transmitting portion). It
is important to know the accurate shutter angle value versus cine
speed for your camera in order to determine proper exposure. Refer
to the camera operating instructions, maker’s catalogue, etc. for shut-
ter angle information.

Shutter angle and exposure calculation:

R = Frames exposed in 1 second
θ
T= T = Exposure time
360×R
θ
 = Shutter angle

3.Using Exposure Multipliers (-2, -1, +1, +2)

▲
Exposure multiplier indications are provided at both sides of the   H
and ▲ marks of the dial scale. Use the -1 or -2 mark when desiring to
cut the exposure to 1/2 of 1/4 and +1 or +2 mark to multiply the expo-
sure by 2 or 4.
▲
Set the appropriate mark, instead of the   H or ▲ mark, to the dial
scale value.

+2 -2
+1 -1

+1
-1
0 160 320 6
40 8 40 +2
20 +1 +2 -2 -1 1.2
+1 5
-2
0 H 12 EV
1

･ ･
･11
EC
-1

0･
+2
5

/S
-2

k 1
6

15
 7. Optional Accessories Operation
1.Direct Reading Slides
A total of 11 slides are available, all of which may be used together
with the Lumisphere and Lumidisc. (Note that they cannot be used
with Limigrid.) The High slide, as mentioned previously, is employed
for varying the measuring range in 2 steps (high and low illumination),
however, it can also be used for direct reading.

Shutter 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
speed
Slide No. 15 30 40 50 60 125 250 500
ISO ISO ISO ISO ISO
1
64 125 160 200 250
2 50 100 125 160 200 400

3 40 80 100 125 160 320

4 32 64 80 100 125 250

5 25 50 64 80 100 200 400

6 20 40 50 64 80 160 320

7 16 32 40 50 64 125 250

8 25 32 40 50 100 200 400

9 20 25 32 40 80 160 320

10 16 20 25 32 64 125 250

11 12 16 20 40 80 160

HIGH 12 25 50 100

Note:
• HIGH slide can be used as a part of direct reading slide.
• One set of slides consists of slide numbers 1 to 11 in a case.
HIGH slide is standard accessory and not included in the slide
set, though there is a space to store it in the case of slide set.
16
 7. Optional Accessories Operation
2.Direct Reading Slide Application
When photographing, select slide
from the above table according to
film sensitivity and shutter speed.
Insert slide and perform measure-
ment in the same manner as for
incident light. Read directly the ap-
erture value r indicated by the
meter needle !8.

※ Since it is not necessary to ro-

tate the dial when employing
direct reading slides, setting
becomes extremely fast and
convenient.

17
 8. HANDLING CAUTIONS
Since the Studio Deluxe Ⅲ is a high precision instrument, use ample
care in regard to the following points.

• Avoid dropping or subjecting it to strong shock.

• Do not store in areas subject to magnetic fields or where insect
repellants are located (metal cabinets, clothing dressers, etc.).
• Keep Lumisphere and Lumidisc clean and protect from dust and
scratches.
• Wipe Lumisphere and Lumidisc with a dry soft cloth if it becomes
dirty. Never use organic cleaners (like Thinner or benzene).

18
 7-24-14, OIZUMI-GAKUEN-CHO, NERIMA-KU,
TOKYO 178-8686 JAPAN
TEL: +81(0)3-3978-2335 FAX:+81(0) 3-3978-5229
http://www.sekonic.co.jp/English

JG1297521