Gossen MetraWatt DIGISKY User manual

DIGISKY
Operating Instructions – 15477CD- V1.01
Please check that the exposure meter and accessories as detailed below are included in the
box. If the contents are incomplete, please contact your local dealer.
•DIGISKY Meter
•V070A rechargeable battery
•Power supply and USB connector cable
•Carrying strap
•CD ROM (includes operating instructions)
•Quick-start Guide
Revision level: Aug 1, 2011

DIGISKY
Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 2
Thank you for selecting this state of the art Gossen product.
Your DIGISKY is a top quality instrument from Gossen’s product range, and provides
you with a precision multifunction exposure meter. DIGISKY is designed for ambient
light, flash light, illuminance and luminance measurements and also incorporates a
“Cine” function for use in modern movie making. The clear, bright TFT LCD colour
screen provides an instant, easy-to-read display in any mode, whatever the ambient
conditions, while the large controller ring and selector button make for simple and quick
one-handed operation. State-of-the-art microprocessor technology in the DIGISKY
allows decades of Gossen light-measuring experience to be presented in an integrated,
compact, lightweight and user friendly product.
Key DIGISKY features
•Colour Graphic Display
•Built-in rechargeable battery
•Digital display in one tenth, one third, half and full f-stop increments
•Up to 3 user defined pre-selectable configurations
•Incident light measurement
•Contrast measurement
•Retractable diffuser: flat/spherical
•Reflected light measurement
•Flash measurement (cord / non-cord / radio)
•Display of ambient light component
•Flash analysis
•Storage of setting values and measured values
•Setting of correction values
•Special cine meter, setting options for sector angles of other than 180°, with no
conversion formulas required
•Photometry
•Measurement of illuminance and luminance
Preparation for use
Please ensure that you are familiar with the operation of your meter and that it is
providing consistent, accurate exposures before you commit to photographing
any unrepeatable material. We recommend you always carry out test exposures
prior to final image capture. Gossen assumes no liability for consequential
damages.
Copyrights
•Gossen and DIGISKY are trademarks of Gossen Foto- und Lichtmeßtechnik
GmbH.
•Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Corporation.
•Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation of the United
States of America in the USA and other countries.

DIGISKY
Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 3
Contents Page
Safety Precautions – Warnings 5
Notes 6
Meter Overview 8
1 Preparation
1.1 How to insert the Rechargeable Battery 9
1.2 How to charge the Battery 9
1.3 Factory Settings 9
2 Display Panel
2.1 The Display Panel and its Elements 10
2.11 Photography 10
2.1.2 Cine 10
2.2 Display ON - Time 11
2.3 Status of the meter 11
3 The retractable diffuser head
On/Off, Flat Diffuser, Spherical Diffuser or Incident light
measurement 11
4 Keys
DATA – MENU – M(easurement)-Key – Ring Controller 12
5 How to use the DIGISKY
5.1 Incident light and reflected light measurement 13
5.1.1 Incident light measurement – Spherical Diffuser 13
5.1.2 Incident light measurement – Flat Diffuser 13
5.1.3 Reflected light measurement 14
6 Functions Menu – Measuring/Operating Modes
Mode Selection: Ambient light – Flash light 14
6.1 Ambient light reading – Adjust Time Preset / F-Stop Preset 15
6.1.1 Ambient light reading – Time Preset – Measurement 15
6.1.2 Ambient light reading – F-Stop Preset – Measurement 16
6.1.3 Ambient light reading – Contrast Measurement 16
6.2 Flash light reading – Non-Cord – Cord – Radio 17
6.2.1 Flash light reading – Measurement 17
6.2.2 Flash light reading – Analysis 18
7 Cine Function / Photometry
7.1 The retractable diffuser head 19
7.2 The Display Panel 19
7.3 How to measure in CINE mode 20

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Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 4
Contents Page
8 Main Menu
8.1 Overview 21
8.2 Navigation - Setup 21
8.3 User Settings 23
8.3.1 Selection of User 23
8.3.2 ISO speed - Selecting the Sensitivity/Film Speed 23
8.3.3 EV steps - Gradation 23
8.3.4 RF module - Radio Module - Triggering Flash via Radio (photo only) 24
8.3.5 RF channel - Radio channel
Triggering Flash via Radio Channel Selection (photo only) 24
8.3.6 Filter comp. - Filter Value – Setting Specific Correction Values 24
8.3.7 Cine speeds - Frame rates (movie only) 24
8.3.8 Shutter angle - Sector Angle (movie only) 24
8.3.9 Photometry - Display of Illuminance / Luminance (movie only) 25
8.3.10 Menu Reset - Delete User Settings 25
8.4 Meter Settings
8.4.1 LCD Brightness – Display Brightness 25
8.4.2 Display off - Display ON-Time 25
8.4.3 Power off - Standby Time 25
8.4.4 Language - Country Settings 26
8.4.5 Information 26
8.4.6 Restart defaults - Standard Values - Delete Meter and User Settings 26
9 Practical Notes 27
10 Technical Data 29
11 Interface 31
11.1 Update 31
12 Service 31
13 FCC and IC Declaration 32
14 EC Declaration of Conformity 33

DIGISKY
Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 5
Safety Precautions
Please read these safety precautions carefully before using your exposure meter. This
will help you to avoid damaging the product and prevent personal injury.
This icon identifies important warnings which should be read in any
case before the initial start-up of your Gossen product.
Warnings
In the event of malfunction, switch off the exposure meter immediately.
If the event that smoke develops or unusual odors become apparent, which are caused by
either the exposure meter or the power supply, disconnect from mains power immediately and
remove the rechargeable battery from the meter in order to prevent possible fire. Continuing
to operate the exposure meter or the power supply after such malfunctions have occurred
may result in severe injury. Please contact your local dealer or Gossen-Service in order to
eliminate malfunctioning. If you bring or send the meter in for repairs, make sure that the
rechargeable battery has been removed first.
Never use the exposure meter in proximity to flammable gases.
Electronic devices must not be used near flammable gases. Otherwise there would be danger
of explosion and fire.
Never hang the meter and/or the carrying strap around the head or neck of a child.
Danger of strangulation exists if the carrying strap is hung around the head or neck of a child.
Store the exposure meter at a location which cannot be accessed by children.
The exposure meter and its accessories include parts which can be swallowed. Make sure
that these parts (e.g. housing covers, rechargeable batteries etc.) do not fall into the hands of
children who might swallow them. Otherwise, danger of suffocation prevails.
Use suitable cables only.
Use only the included, original Gossen cables for connection to external devices. Gossen
assumes no liability if other cables are used.
Do not dismantle the exposure meter.
Never touch any parts located inside of the housing – injury may result. Never attempt to
repair the meter yourself or try to open the meter. Repairs may only be made by qualified
personnel. If the meter’s housing is damaged due to dropping or other external influences,
remove the rechargeable battery or power supply and contact your local dealer or Gossen-
Service for repair.
Avoid any and all contact with liquid crystals.
If the display is damaged (e.g. broken), danger of injury due to contact with glass shards or
discharge of liquid crystals exists. Make sure that skin, eyes and mouth do not come into
contact with the liquid crystals.
CD ROMs
The CD ROMs included with your exposure meter contain relevant documentation and
software. These CD ROMs cannot be played with an audio CD player, because they do not
contain any audio files. When CD ROMs are played with an audio CD player, interference
signals may be generated which lastingly damage human hearing or the audio components of
your stereo system.

DIGISKY
Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 6
Handle rechargeable batteries with care.
Rechargeable and normal batteries may leak or explode if handled incorrectly.
Please adhere to the following safety precautions:
•Make sure that the exposure meter is switched off before removing or inserting
rechargeable batteries. If the exposure meter is used with a power supply, then,
first of all, the power supply must be disconnected (pull the mains plug out of the
electrical outlet).
•Only use the rechargeable batteries which are recommended for this meter.
•Make sure that the rechargeable battery is inserted correctly.
•Never short-circuit rechargeable batteries, and never attempt to open a
rechargeable or a normal battery.
•Do not expose the rechargeable batteries to excessive heat or open flames.
•Do not expose the rechargeable batteries to moisture; never immerse
rechargeable batteries in water.
•If the meter is not used regularly, remove the rechargeable battery and close the
battery compartment cover
•Never store rechargeable batteries together with metallic objects which might
cause short-circuiting.
•Danger of leakage exists, especially in the case of empty rechargeable batteries.
In order to prevent damage to the exposure meter, rechargeable batteries should
be removed when fully depleted or in case of lengthy periods of non-use.
•When not in use, rechargeable batteries should be stored in a cool place.
•Rechargeable batteries heat up during use and may become hot. Be careful not
to burn yourself when removing rechargeable batteries. Switch the exposure
meter off or wait until it has shut itself down, and then wait a bit longer until the
rechargeable battery has cooled down.
•Do not use rechargeable batteries which show any signs of damage such as
discoloration or deformation of the housing.
Notes
•Reproduction of product documentation or duplication of any excerpts from the
same requires the express consent of Gossen Foto- und Lichtmeßtechnik GmbH.
This also applies to duplication in any electronic format and translation into other
languages.
•Documentation is subject to change without notice.
•Gossen assumes no liability for damages resulting from incorrect use of the
product.
•Documentation for your Gossen exposure meter was prepared with the greatest
of care. If you should nevertheless discover errors, or if you would like to suggest
any improvements, Gossen would be very pleased to hear from you. (The
address of your local Gossen representative is listed separately.)

DIGISKY
Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 7
Icon for separate collection of recyclable materials / hazardous waste in
European countries
This icon indicates that this product must be disposed of separately.
The following must be observed by users in European countries:
•This product may only be disposed of separately at a designated collection point.
It may not be disposed of with household trash.
•For further information contact your local dealer or waste disposal authorities.
The following icons are used in order to make it easier to find additional information:
!! Important safety precautions: Please read these safety precautions before using the
exposure meter in order to avoid damaging your DIGISKY.
! Important information which you should also read before using your DIGISKY
i Notes: additional, useful information regarding use of your DIGISKY
ÂReference to other information included in these operating instructions
M Individual functions which can be configured in the menu

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Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 8
Meter Overview
Meter cell for reflected light
measurement
Switch DIGISKY off
Incident light measurement,
flat diffuser
Menu key
M(easurement)-key
Incident light measurement,
spherical diffuser
Reflected light measurement
LEDs for status of the meter
Display panel
(see description
on page 10)
Data key
Ring controller
Socket for connecting flash
synchronizing cable
Carrying strap
holder
USB port for charging battery, or
for data transmission
Diffuser ring for incident/
reflected light measurement
Switch: ON/OFF

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Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 9
1 Preparation
How to insert and charge the battery
The DIGISKY works with a device-specific, rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Use the V070A rechargeable battery and the USB battery charger included with the
exposure meter.
1.1 How to insert the Rechargeable Battery
1.2 How to charge the battery
1.3 Factory Settings
Amongst others, the following default settings apply during initial start-up of the DIGISKY:
ISO 100
Language English
EV steps 1
User defined settings can be entered via the main menu (see page 21).
Switch your DIGISKY off or wait until the exposure meter
is switched off automatically.
Unscrew the battery cover at the back of the meter with a
(Philips) recessed head screwdriver, and then pull it down
and out of the housing.
Insert the battery into the compartment as shown in the
figure. Make sure that the battery is inserted with correct
polarity (+ and –)!
Then place the battery cover over the battery
compartment and secure it with the screw.
Connect the cable to the USB port at the exposure meter first, and then insert the
mains plug into an electrical outlet.
!The battery can also be charged using a USB port at a PC. Remove the mains plug to this
end, and connect the USB plug to your PC.
The DIGISKY can be operated with an inserted battery, and while connected to a PC or to
mains power.
Proceed as described in section 1.1, “Inserting the Rechargeable Battery”, in order to
replace the battery.
To protect the battery pack and prolong its life, do not charge it for longer than 24 hours
without break.
Re
p
lacement batter
y
: Gossen order no.
V
070A
(
3.7 V / 890 mAh
)

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2 The Display Panel (functions menu)
2.1 The Display Panel and its Elements
2.1.1 Photography
2.1.2 Cine
ISO
3 to 16,000
Correction Value
Cor
0.0 +/- up to
max. 5.0
Measured Values
F
F-stop values: 0.5 to 128
T
Time values: 1/8000 s
to 30 m
Exposure Value
(EV)
EV
-2.5 to +18.5
Analog Display (bar graph)
Ambient
light
Measured value
conditioning
Contrast display
Flash
light
% flash
Battery / Mains / Data
Battery full
Battery partially
charged
Battery nearly
depleted: charge
battery
Charging/operation
via cable
Data exchange,
mains operation
Measuring Functions
Ambient light,
f-stop preset
Ambient light,
time preset
Flash, cord / non-cord
Flash, radio
4 groups – 8 channels
Retractable diffuser head
Spherical incident light
measurement
Flat incident light
measurement
Reflected light
measurement
User
Cam 1
Cam 2
Cam 3
Movie
Analog EV Display,
Dynamic
From EV0 to EV19
Film Speed in f/s
From 2 to 1000
Sector Angle
From 45 to 315
Illuminance
Luminance
Metric Lux or cd/m²
British fc or fL
Measured Value
F-stop with measured value
correction
Photometric values

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2.2 Display ON-Time
If none of the keys on the DIGISKY are activated for a period of approximately 30
seconds, the display panel is switched off automatically (standby), i.e. the display turns
blank but measured values and individual settings are stored.
•Stored values can be displayed by pressing any key or adjusting the retractable
diffuser head.
•The values from the last measurement are stored until a new measurement is
performed.
2.3 Meter Status
The status of the meter is indicated by means of LEDs.
Right LED
Yellow, blinking The DIGISKY is on, and if the display is switched off
(standby) it can be reactivated by pressing any key.
Off The DIGISKY is in the sleep mode. It can be
reactivated by pressing the measurement key (M).
Left LED Red Battery is charging
Green Battery is charged
3 The retractable diffuser head
Spherical Diffuser, Incident light measurement, Flat Diffuser or Off
The retractable diffuser head is DIGISKY’s control centre
and permits easy operation and practical work procedures.
The following measurement types can be selected with the diffuser ring surrounding the
retractable diffuser head:
M
Options for selecting other display on-times can be found in the menu:
Menu – Settings – Display Off (see page 25).
!!
Caution!
Never attempt to circumvent the interlocking mechanism by turning the retractable
diffuser head with force.
This may result in a broken diffuser control unit!
Incident light reading
spherical diffuser
1
Reflected light reading,
2
Off
Switch DIGISKY off
4
Incident light
measurement,
flat diffuser
3

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Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 12
Ring Controller
Up Turn marking up.
Increase values
Down Turn marking down
Decrease values
Left Switch between f-stop and time preset
Up one menu level
Right Switch between f-stop and time preset
Display submenu
4 Keys
Data
Switch amongst flash groups
Contrast measurement:
indicated values: average value,
minimum value, maximum value
Functions
Switch between
ambient light
and flash
Menu
Open menu
Exit menu
Measurement key
Measure:
Press measurement key briefly.
Contrast measurement:
Press and hold measurement
key.
Main menu:
Acknowledge changes.
Device in sleep mode:
Switch device on.
!After switching the meter
on, the settings used for
the last working cycle are
displayed.

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Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 13
5 How to use the DIGISKY
5.1 Incident light and reflected light measurement
The DIGISKY has been designed for highly motivated amateurs, as well as for
professional use.
The retractable diffuser head is laid out as an “optical
control centre”, where the following measuring modes
can be selected:
1 Incident light measurement, diffuser up:
spherical measuring characteristic
2 Reflected light measurement with 20°measuring angle
3 Incident light measurement, diffuser down:
flat measuring characteristic
In practice the meter can be set-up for all metering methods as shown.
5.1.1 Incident light measurement - Spherical Diffuser 1
Set the diffuser ring surrounding the retractable diffuser
head to “diffuser up” (1) for this measurement. The
corresponding icon appears at the display.
5.1.2 Incident light measurement – Flat Diffuser 3
Set the diffuser ring surrounding the retractable diffuser
head to “diffuser down” (3) for this measurement. The
corresponding icon appears in the display.
The lowered diffuser with flat measuring characteristic
is suitable for reproductions, measurements for lighting
technology and for movie applications.
i
The incident light reading delivers results with the highest precision. The DIGISKY
measures incident light falling on the subject from the camera / main light with its
spherical diffuser when using this metering method. As a result, reproduction with the
correct tonal values, true to the subject is assured. This is particularly important for
subjects that are intrinsically bright or dark. Also, in difficult recording situations – such
as capturing high-contrast subjects - this metering method is considerably more reliable,
delivering correctly exposed, professional quality exposures.
i
For reproductions, measurements for lighting technology and for movie /video
applications

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Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 14
5.1.3 Reflected light measurement 2
Set the diffuser ring surrounding the retractable diffuser
head to “Reflected light measurement” (2) for this
mode. The corresponding icon appears in the display.
6 Functions Menu – Measuring/Operating Modes
Mode Selection: Ambient light – Flash light
DIGISKY can be switched on using any key. All measuring and operating modes are
instantly available.
If none of the meter modes are activated for a period of time, the meter will be switched
into standby mode, and subsequently into sleep mode (setting option in Menu –
Settings – Display off or Power Off,see page 25).
The DIGISKY can only be switched on from the sleep mode by pressing the
measurement key (M).
Function Selection:
Ambient light
–
Flash
light
Use the menu key ...
to select a function
Active: ambient light
reading mode
Active: flash mode
i
Only light reflected by the subject is measured. When
this metering method is used, results are always
dependent on reflection from the subject! This means,
for example, that intrinsically bright subjects will be
reproduced darker, and not as precisely exposed as with
the incident light method.
When employing this metering method, the use of a
suitable grey card (18% coefficient of diffuse reflection)
will help to deliver consistent results.
M
Measured f-stop increments (1 EV, 1/2 EV, 1/3 EV) can be adapted as required by the user in
Menu – User (Cam 1, Cam 2, Cam 3, Cine) - EV Steps (see page 23).
i
The DIGISKY works with f-stop increments of 1/10 each. Measured correction values for the
display value are specified in 1/10 f-stops depending upon your EV Steps setting.

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6.1 Ambient light
Adjust Time Preset / F-Stop Preset
Time Preset
Use the ring controller ...
to adjust time/f-stop preset.
F
-
Stop Preset
Active: time preset
Active: f-stop preset
6.1.1 Ambient light reading - Time Preset
Use the ring controller ...
to select the desired time.
Press the measurement key to perform
measurement.
Press and hold the measurement key to
activate contrast measurement.

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Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 16
6.1.2 Ambient light reading – F-Stop Preset
Use the ring controller ...
to select the desired f-stop.
Press the measurement key to perform
measurement.
Press and hold the measurement key to
activate contrast measurement.
6.1.3 Ambient light reading – Contrast Measurement
Contrast can be measured with the DIGISKY by using the f-stop
and time preset functions. In order to measure contrast, press
and hold the M key and aim at the point of the subject to be
measured.
The first measured value appears in the digital display. It remains
for the duration of the entire measurement as a reference value
(e.g. gray card measurement). The momentary measured value
is indicated on the analog scale. After releasing the Mkey, the
measured subject contrast appears on the analog scale. Subject
contrast is indicated in light values as dEV.
The average, minimum and maximum values can be displayed one after the other by
pressing the data key.
i
Warning in Case of Exceeded Display Range
Measurement has been performed outside of the display range (an exposure
value appears at the display).
Use the ring controller to switch to the display range.
EV OVR
Measurement has been performed outside of the measuring range. There are no
usable results – EV display: OVR. To bright or too dark during measurement.
Change conditions and measure again.
See also Technical Data – Measuring Range on page 29.
Use the data key ...
to display the
average, minimum
and maximum
values one after the
other.

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Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 17
6.2 Flash – NonCord – Cord – Radio
Flash measurement is possible with all diffuser settings (incident light or reflected light
measurement).
Flash can be measured with or without a synchronizing cable, and with radio triggering
(cord, non-cord, radio). If a cord or radio trigger is used, the flash will be triggered and
measured automatically by the Mkey.
6.2.1 Flash – Measurement
Use the ring controller ...
to select the desired
synchronization speed.
Press the measurement
key to perform
measurement.
Non-Cable
Waiting
The flash is on standby for roughly 45 seconds. The flash unit must
be triggered manually during this time. Readiness for measurement is
indicated with an icon and Waiting in the “f-stop window”.
Cord Flash is triggered.
Radio
Radio
Use the data key ...
to select flash groups (All
and G1 to G4).
M Radio trigger is activated in Menu – User (Cam 1 to 3) – RF Module and RF Channel, adapted
to the respective user (see page 24).
! Cable
In order to trigger your flash unit with the measurement key (M),
connect it to the DIGISKY using your flashgun’s cable.

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6.2.2 Flash – Analysis
Use the ring controller ...
to select synchronization
speed and analyze flash
component.
Flash component is
displayed as a percentage.
i Please note that some flash units must first be triggered once when set to lower power levels.
Stored power is still at the higher level, resulting in erroneous measurements.
i The ratio between flash and ambient light can be influenced by changing synchronization
speed. This is interesting for brightening up the image with flash, or when ambient light is not
desired.
!
Warning in Case of User Error
A warning may be caused by any of the following conditions.
•General:
Measurement has been performed outside of the measuring
range. There are no usable results – EV display: OVR. Flash
was too bright or too weak. Change conditions and measure
again.
See also Technical Data – Measuring Range on page 29.
•NonCord Time out – Flash was not triggered during “flash standby time”.
Break – Flash standby time was stopped by pressing the
measurement key.
•Cord: The synchronizing cable was not connected.
The synchronizing cable is defective and must be replaced.
•Radio:
No flash regardless of setting:
Check menu settings.
RF module - RF channel on page 24.
Flash is only triggered in the “All” setting.
The menu settings are correct – please select the right
group.

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7 Cine Function / Photometry
7.1 The retractable diffuser head
Your DIGISKY is a top quality cine meter. The photometry mode is activated at the
same time as the Cine function.
The following measurement modes can be selected by the diffuser ring surrounding the
retractable diffuser head:
7.2 The Display Panel

Cine Meter / Photometer
In order to use the DIGISKY as a cine meter / photometer, the corresponding function has to
be activated in
Me
nu
–
Movie
(see description on page 21).
Selecting the mode of measurement by the retractable diffuser he
ad
Light measurement,
spherical diffuser
1
Reflected light measurement,
20°measurement angle
2
Light measurement,
flat diffuser
3
Analog EV Display,
(dynamic)
From EV2 to EV19
Film Speed in f/s
From 2 to 1000
Sector Angle
From 45 to 315
Illuminance
Luminance
metric lux or cd/m²
british fc or fL
Measured Value
F-stop From
f0.5 to F128
Photometry
lx / cd/m²
fc / fL
Incident light
measurement, spherical
diffuser
1
Reflected light
measurement
2
Off
Switch DIGISKY off
4
Light measurement,
flat diffuser
3

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Gossen Foto- und Lichtmesstechnik GmbH 20
M
The following setting options are available in the me
nu:
ISO speed From ISO 3 to 16000
EV steps 1/1 – 1/2 – 1/3
Cine speeds From 2 to 1000
Shutter angle From 45 to 315
Photometry metric – british
Filter comp. 0.0 +/- up to max. 5.0
7.3 Cine – Measurement
Press the measurement
key to perform
measurement.
Or: Press and hold the
measurement key for
continuous
measurement.
Use the data key to display average, minimum and
maximum values for continuous measurement, one after
the other.
Average - Minimum - Maximum
Use the menu key ...
to switch between f-stop
and photometry values.