Sekonic FLASHMATE L-308X User manual

Thank you for purchasing our product.
Please read this operating manual so that you will fully understand the features and
operation of this product. Then keep the operating manual in a safe place for future use.
Please see the Startup Guide for information about the basic operations.
L-308X
L-308X-U
Operating Manual
Light Meter

■Safety Precautions
Before using this product, please read this "Safety Precautions" for proper operation.
WARNING
The WARNING symbol indicates the possibility of death or serious
injury if the product is not used properly.
CAUTION
The CAUTION symbol indicates the possibility of minor to
moderate personal injury or product damage if the product is not
used properly.
NOTICE The NOTICE symbol indicates cautions or restrictions when using
the product. Please read all notes to avoid errors in operation.
NOTE The NOTE symbol indicates the reference information and related
functions. We recommend that you read these notes.
The arrow indicates reference pages.
WARNING
●Infants or toddlers may accidentally wrap the strap around their neck,
so please place it in a location out of their reach. There is a danger of
suffocation.
●Keep the Lumidisc and synchro terminal cap out of reach of Infants or
toddlers, as swallowing such objects can cause suffocation.
●Do not place batteries in open ames, attempt to short, disassemble or apply
heat to them, use unspecied batteries, or recharge them. They may burst
and cause res, serious injury, or damage to the environment.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cable and cord notice
●Handling the cord on this product or cords associated with accessories sold
with this product will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
©2017 All Rights Reserved.

ii
CAUTION
●Do not handle this product with wet hands, or leave it in the rain or in a
location where it may be splashed with water, submerged, or come into
contact with moisture. There is a danger of electric shock if the "Cord Flash
Mode" is used. This may also result in damage to the product.
●Do not under any circumstances remodel or disassemble this product for
modication or part replacement purposes. Refer any servicing to qualied
and authorized personnel if the product has malfunctioned. Otherwise,
measuring results may be affected and/or the product may be damaged.
●Infants or toddlers may accidentally grab the strap and swing the product, so
please place it in a location out of their reach, as the meter may be damaged
by impacts.
●Be careful that the neck strap does not come loose when carrying the
product, as the meter may be damaged when dropped.
●This neck strap is made of polyester ber.
Please refrain from using the product if synthetic fibers cause your skin
to become irritated, inflamed or itchy in order to prevent worsening your
symptoms.

iii
NOTICE
●The reproduction of all or any part of this document without permission is strictly
forbidden.
●The product concerned and/or this manual may be subject to changes without prior
notication.
●The screens in this operating manual may differ from the actual displays of the meter you
are using. (Colors, letters, etc.)
●Be sure not to drop the meter or subject it to sudden impacts, as the meter will be
damaged.
●Do not store the meter in areas of high temperature or high humidity, as the meter will be
damaged.
●Be careful not to transport the meter from cold to warm moist conditions as condensation
will form on the meter and may damage it.
●If the meter is operated in temperatures below -10°C, the response of the LCD will
greatly slow down and the display may be difcult to view and read. This will not harm
the meter. Also, if the temperature exceeds 50°C, the liquid crystal display will darken
and become difcult to read, but when it returns to room temperature it will return to its
normal condition.
●If the meter is left in direct sunlight, a vehicle, or near a heater, the unit's temperature will
rise and may result in damage. Please be careful when using the meter in these types of
locations.
●Remove battery if meter is not used for an extended period. Batteries can leak and
damage the exposure meter.
●Do not use the meter in Cord Flash Mode at altitudes above 2,000m (6,561 feet).
●If the meter is left where corrosive gases may be generated, the gases may affect the
product and may result in damage. Please be careful when using the meter in these
types of locations.
●In case of disposing the meter, follow the rules of disposal in your area.
Maintenance Notes
●Be careful not to let the Light Receptor become dusty, dirty, or scratched as this may
affect the precision of the measurement.
●If the meter becomes dirty, wipe it with a dry, soft cloth. Never use organic solvents such
as thinner or benzine.
NOTE
●For used batteries, dispose of them according to the rules of your area.
●Insulate plus and minus terminals with tape or other insulation material.

iv
■Intended Usage
The meter is designed for:
●Measurement of articial light sources or natural light for photo, video, or movie.
■Features of the L-308X
Model with incident light and reected light systems.
Digital light meter for ash and ambient light.
Enhancement of video/cine function.
■Intended Users
The intended users of this product are the following.
Those working in the areas of photography, filming, etc. such as photographers,
videographers, and movie camera operators, gaffers, and cinematographers.
■Restrictions
There are some cautions and restrictions regarding the use of this product.
Please read and understand the following before using the meter.
NOTE
●The contents of this manual may be subject to change for the productʼ s specication
modications and other reasons without prior notice.
We recommend that you download the latest operating manual from our website and use
this product.
URL : www.sekonic.com/support/instructionmanualuserguidedownload.aspx
●The safety-related precautions such as “Safety Guide and Maintenance” and “Safety
Precautions” conform to the legal and industry standards that were applicable at the time
this operating manual was created. Therefore, this manual may not contain the latest
information. If you are using the previous operating manual, please download and refer
to the latest operating manual.
●The product may contain printing materials such as cautions related to safety and/or
printing errors as a supplement to the operating manual.
●Before using this product, please read this "Safety Precautions" for proper operation.
●The contents of this operating manual may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes
and for personal use only. However, the reproduced material must contain the copyright
notice of our company.
●The screens in this operating manual may differ from the actual displays of the meter you
are using. (Colors, letters, etc.)

v
■Accompanying Accessories
The following items are included with the meter in the package. Please be sure to check
that all noted items are included.
If any items are missing, please contact the distributor or the reseller you purchased the
meter from.
* Battery (one AA) are not included in the package. Please obtain these separately.
Meter Soft Case
Synchro Terminal Cap
(Installed on the meter) Strap
Startup Guide Safety Precaution
日本語
露出計
スタートアップガイド
English Light Meter Startup Guide
Lichtmessgerät
Deutsch Startanleitung
Français Posemètre Guidededémarrage
Español Fotómetro Guíadeinicio
Italiano Esposimetro Guidaintroduttiva
中文 测光表 使用简介
L-308X
Safety Precaution
For Proper Operation
Before using this product, please read this "Safety Precautions" for
proper operation.
WARNING
The WARNING symbol indicates the
possibility of death or serious injury if the
product is not used properly.
CAUTION
The CAUTION symbol indicates the
possibility of minor to moderate personal
injury or product damage if the product is
not used properly.
NOTICE
The NOTICE symbol indicates cautions
or restrictions when using the product.
Please read all notes to avoid errors in
operation.
General Safety Information
• Read the Operating Manual before use.
• Keep the Operating Manual on hand for reference at any
time.
• Stop using this product when there are any abnormalities.
• The modication or disassembly of this product is prohibited.
• Do not attempt to repair this product by yourself.
• This product is intended only for persons with expert
knowledge.
• Monitor children so that they do not touch this product.
• Use this product in a usage environment described in the
Operating Manual.
• This product is not waterproof.
WARNING
There is a danger of electrical shock when using high
voltage strobes.
Avoid contacting the terminals.
This product emits electromagnetic waves.
Do not bring this product close to persons with
pacemakers.
Do not use this product in an explosive atmosphere.
Use of devices emitting electromagnetic waves is
prohibited in hospitals.
CAUTION
• Check the material of the neck strap to see if there is any
risk of allergy.
• Be careful of sudden emission of lights from strobes.
NOTICE
• Do not leave this product on car dashboards in hot weather.
This may damage the product.
• Remove the batteries when this product is not in use for a
long period of time.
• When the desired performance is not achieved, stop using
this product and contact the service center.
Information for Users on Collection and
Disposal of Old Equipment
To protect environment, do not through this device
and batteries away with the normal household waste
at the end of those life, but bring them in at an
ofcial collection point of your country for recycling.
English

vi
■Intended Users.....................................................................................................................................................................iv
■Restrictions..............................................................................................................................................................................iv
■Accompanying Accessories.........................................................................................................................................v
1. Parts Designation.................................................................................................................................................. 1
1-1 Parts Designation......................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)............................................................... 2
2-1 Contents of Display ..................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Before Use ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
3-1 Attaching the Strap ...................................................................................................................................... 4
3-2 Inserting the Batteries ................................................................................................................................ 5
3-3 Power ON/OFF.............................................................................................................................................. 6
3-4 Auto Power OFF Function ....................................................................................................................... 6
3-5 Checking the Battery Capacity .............................................................................................................. 7
3-6 Replacing Batteries ..................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Basic Operation....................................................................................................................................................... 8
4-1 Basic Measurement Workow................................................................................................................ 8
4-2 Incident and Reected Light Measurement..................................................................................... 9
4-2-1 Incident Light System................................................................................................................................. 9
1) Using Lumisphere................................................................................................................................... 9
2) Using Lumidisc (Optional Accessory) .........................................................................................10
4-2-2 Reected Light System............................................................................................................................ 11
4-3 Select Display Mode ................................................................................................................................. 11
4-4 Select Measuring Mode...........................................................................................................................12
4-5 Setting ISO Sensitivity .............................................................................................................................13
Table of Contents
■Safety Precautions .............................................................................................................................................................. i
WARNING...................................................................................................................................................................... i
CAUTION ......................................................................................................................................................................ii
NOTICE .....................................................................................................................................................................................iii
NOTE...........................................................................................................................................................................................iii
■Intended Usage....................................................................................................................................................................iv
■Features of the L-308X...................................................................................................................................................iv

vii
5. Measurement ............................................................................................................................................................14
5-1 PHOTO Mode...............................................................................................................................................14
<Measuring in Ambient Light Mode> .............................................................................................................14
5-1-1 Shutter Speed Priority Mode.................................................................................................................14
5-1-2 Aperture Priority Mode.............................................................................................................................15
5-1-3 EV Mode .........................................................................................................................................................16
<Measuring in Flash Light Mode>....................................................................................................................18
5-1-4 Cordless Flash Mode................................................................................................................................18
5-1-5 Cord Flash Mode ........................................................................................................................................20
5-2 HD_CINE Mode...........................................................................................................................................22
5-2-1 Shutter Speed Priority Mode.................................................................................................................22
5-2-2 Frame Rate Setting ...................................................................................................................................23
5-2-3 Simplied Illuminance Mode .................................................................................................................24
5-3 CINE Mode ....................................................................................................................................................25
5-3-1 Frame Rate Priority Mode......................................................................................................................25
5-3-2 Shutter Angle Setting................................................................................................................................26
5-3-3 Simplied Illuminance Mode .................................................................................................................27
5-4 Measuring Contrast of Light..................................................................................................................28
5-5 Out of Display Range / Measurement Range...............................................................................29
5-5-1 Out of Display Range ...............................................................................................................................29
1) When “E.o” (Exposure Over) appears on the display.........................................................29
2) When “E.u” (Exposure under) appears on the display.......................................................29
5-5-2 Out of Measurement Range..................................................................................................................30
1) When “E.o” (Exposure over) blinks on the display...............................................................30
2) When “E.u” (Exposure under) blinks on the display ............................................................30
6. Advanced Functions........................................................................................................................................31
6-1 Custom Setting Function ........................................................................................................................31
<Display Mode Group>............................................................................................................................32
<Increments of Aperture and Shutter Speed Group>...............................................................32
<Simplied Illuminance Display Group> .........................................................................................32
6-2 Calibration Compensation Function..................................................................................................33
7. Various Setting Values...................................................................................................................................34
7-1 ISO Sensitivity..............................................................................................................................................34

viii
7-2 Shutter Speed ..............................................................................................................................................34
7-3 F-stop (Aperture) ........................................................................................................................................35
7-4 Frame Rate....................................................................................................................................................35
7-5 Shutter Angle ................................................................................................................................................35
8. Optional Accessories......................................................................................................................................36
9. Specications .........................................................................................................................................................37
10. Legal Requirements..........................................................................................................................................39
11. Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................................................40
12. After-Sales Services.........................................................................................................................................41

1
1. Parts Designation ●
1. Parts Designation
1-1 Parts Designation
POWER Button
MODE Button
Lumisphere (Light Receptor)
MEASURING
Button
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
DOWN Button
UP Button
ISO Button
Synchro Terminal
Strap Eyelet
Battery
Compartment Cover
Synchro Terminal Cap
（Installed on the meter）
Lumisphere
(Not removable)
Lens

2
2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) ●
2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
2-1 Contents of Display
For explanation purposes, the display illustrated here shows icons and readouts
simultaneously. Actual display will never appear like this.
1Measuring Mode icons (for PHOTO Mode only)
Ambient ( ➡P14)
Cordless Flash ( ➡P18)
Cord Flash ( ➡P20)
2ISO Display ( ➡P13)
Displays ISO sensitivity setting.
3Aperture Priority, EV Value Display
Appears when Aperture Priority (F) Mode.（➡ P15）
Appears when using EV Mode. ( ➡P16)
40.1 step display
Depending on set mode, this displays measurement value at 1/10
aperture or 1/10 EV.
5Shutter speed, frames rate (f/s), shutter angle and Illuminance.
Appears when Shutter Speed Priority (T) Mode.( ➡P14, ➡P22)
Appears when shutter speed is in full seconds. ( ➡P14, ➡P22)
Appears when cine speed is set in frames per seconds.
(➡P23, ➡P25)
Appears when shutter angle is set to a value other than 180 degrees
(CINE Mode only. ➡P26)
Appears when Lux is selected (Selectable in Custom setting)
(➡P24, ➡P27)
Appears when FC is selected (Selectable in Custom setting)
(➡P24, ➡P27)

3
2. Explanation of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) ●
6Battery Power Indicator ( ➡P7)
Backlight LCD
If the lighting condition is dark (under EV5), the LCD screen will automatically
illuminate after measurement with sensing the brightness.
While measuring or stand-by in Cordless flash mode, the LCD screen will not
illuminate to avoid interference with the measurement.
The LCD backlight will automatically turn off in 10 seconds after last operation.
If it is necessary to illuminate the LCD backlight, cover the light receptor by hand
and press the ISO Button to turn it on.

4
3. Before Use ●
3. Before Use
3-1 Attaching the Strap
1. Pass the strap (included) through the
outer hole of the Strap Eyelet.
2. Pass the opposite end of the strap
through the loop at the end of the strap.
WARNING
●Infants or toddlers may accidentally wrap the strap around their neck,
so please place it in a location out of their reach. There is a danger of
suffocation.
CAUTION
●Infants or toddlers may accidentally grab the strap and swing the product, so
please place it in a location out of their reach, as the meter may be damaged
by impacts.
●Be careful not to let the strap become entangled when carrying the meter.
Otherwise, the meter may be damaged due to an impact shock that may
occur when the meter is dropped, etc.
●This strap is made of polyester ber.
The synthetic fabric has caused skin irritation, redness, or itching. If you
experience this, discontinue using strap.

5
3. Before Use ●
3-2 Inserting the Batteries
1. Prepare a single AA battery.
2. Slide down the battery compartment
cover in the direction of the arrow to
remove.
3. Insert the battery observing the polarity
with the +, - marks in the battery
compartment.
4. Align battery compartment cover with
main unit and slide shut.
Make sure that the cover is properly in place and closed.
WARNING
●Never place batteries in re, short, disassemble, heat or charge them. The
batteries might break down, and cause an accident, injury or pollute the
environment.
CAUTION
●Use the manganese or alkaline batteries.
●Please insert the battery minus “-” side first. When removing the battery,
remove them plus “+” side rst.
●lf the meter will not be used for an extended period of time, it is
recommended to remove the batteries to avoid possible damage caused by
battery leaking.

6
3. Before Use ●
3-3 Power ON/OFF
Power ON
Press the POWER Button.
Power OFF
Press and hold the POWER Button in for
1 second or longer and the meter will turn
off.
NOTICE
●Please wait 3 seconds between repeated power on and off sessions.
NOTE
●If the LCD screen shows no display, check if the batteries are installed properly (Pos/Neg
positioning) and have enough capacity.
●All settings and measurements made during use are saved in memory even after the
meter is powered off.
3-4 Auto Power OFF Function
To save battery capacity, the meter will automatically turn off 4 minutes after the last
button is pressed.
NOTE
●All settings and measurements are saved in memory even after the meter has
automatically turned off. When the power is turned ON, they will be displayed again.
●If, while in transport, the POWER Button is inadvertently and continually pressed in, the
meter will turn ON for about 1 minute and then automatically turn OFF to save battery
power.
POWER Button

7
3. Before Use ●
3-5 Checking the Battery Capacity
When the meter is turned ON, the battery power indicator on the LCD is displayed.
(Displayed) Battery power level is good.
(Displayed) Battery power level is low. Have a spare battery ready.
(Blinking) Replace battery immediately.
［Liquid Crystal Display］
NOTE
●When the meter is turned ON and the LCD screen appears and immediately turns off,
this indicates that the battery is depleted and should be replaced immediately. Having
spare batteries on hand is recommended.
●When the meter is continuously used at room temperature, the battery life is as follows.
(based on our testing condition)
Manganese: 10 hours
Alkaline: 20 hours
3-6 Replacing Batteries
●Always turn off the power before replacing batteries.
If you replace batteries while the power is turned on, the measured
values that are obtained during operations are not saved. Also, this
may cause a failure.
●If an unexpected display appears on the LCD during battery replacement
or measurement, i.e. settings other than selected, or if the meter does
not respond when a button is pressed, remove the batteries, wait at least
10 seconds, and then re-install them.
Battery capacity indicatior

8
4. Basic Operation ●
4. Basic Operation
4-1 Basic Measurement Workow
Power ON ( ➡P6)
Switch the light receiving
method ( ➡P9)
Incident light ( ➡P9)
Reflected light
(➡P11)
Select the Display mode
(in Custom Setting)
(➡P31)
PHOTO Mode
(➡P14) Ambient T Priority Mode ( ➡P14)
Ambient F Priority Mode ( ➡P15)
Ambient EV Mode ( ➡P16)
Cordless Flash Mode ( ➡P18)
Select the Measuring
Mode
Cord Flash Mode ( ➡P20)
HD_CINE Mode
(➡P22) Ambient T Priority Mode ( ➡P22)
Frame Rate Setting ( ➡P23)
Simplified Illuminance Mode
(➡P24)
CINE Mode ( ➡P25) Ambient f/s Priority Mode ( ➡P25)
Shutter Angle Setting ( ➡P26)
Input setting values
(➡See each Measuring
Mode)
Simplified Illuminance Mode
(➡P27)
Measure

9
4. Basic Operation ●
4-2 Incident and Reected Light Measurement
To set for either incident or reected light operation, slide the Lumisphere mounting until it
clicks.
Incident light Mode Reflected light Mode Setting operation
Mounting
NOTICE
● Always use the Lumisphere mounting for setting.
Hand operation of the Lumisphere may cause damage.（Lumisphere and mounting can
not be removed.）
●The Lumisphere is an important light receiving unit. Please handle with care and try
not to mark or soil. Wipe Lumisphere with a dry soft cloth if it becomes dirty. Never use
organic cleaners (like thinner or benzene) to clean Lumisphere.
4-2-1 Incident Light System
The incident light system measures the light that is falling
on the subject using the Lumisphere or Lumidisc.
Point the Lumisphere at the camera lens (lens optical
axis) from a location close to the subject, then make a
measurement.
1) Using Lumisphere
Lumisphere is used to measure the light that illuminates
people and buildings and other three-dimensional objects.
Measurements are made at the subject position aimed in
the direction of the camera lens.
Incident light Mode

10
4. Basic Operation ●
2) Using Lumidisc (Optional Accessory)
The Lumidisc is used to measure the light falling on green-screen walls, paintings or at
art. It is also used to adjust lighting ratios with multiple light sources ( ➡P28) or when
taking Lux and Footcandle measurements ( ➡P24, ➡P27). To measure light with
the Lumidisc, slide the Lumisphere mounting to the right (same as if measuring reected
light), then insert, at an angle, section B of the Lumidisc into slot A of the meter body and
press down on the strap eyelet C to secure the Lumidisc.
Slot A
Strap eyelet C
Lumidisc
Section B
Slot C
The Lumidisc is removed in reverse order to the mounting method.
At this time the strap eyelet of the Lumidisc should be pulled up and away
from the meter body.
WARNING
●Keep the Lumidisc (Optional Accessory） out of reach of Infants or toddlers,
as swallowing such objects can cause suffocation.
NOTICE
● Be sure to handle the Lumidisc correctly to prevent damage that may occur if mounting
or removal is incorrect.
● When the Lumidisc is not being used, do not attach it at the right of the Lumisphere for
storage. This will block light falling on the Lumisphere and affect the accuracy of the
measurement.
● The Lumidisc is an important light receiving unit. Please handle with care and try not to
mark or soil. Wipe Lumidisc with a dry soft cloth if it becomes dirty. Never use organic
cleaners (like thinner or benzene) to clean Lumisphere.

11
4. Basic Operation ●
4-2-2 Reected Light System
Switch the light receiving method to the reflected light
system to make a measurement. The reflected light system
measures the brightness (luminance) of the light reflected
from the subject. It is useful to meter distant objects such as
landscapes, if you cannot go to the location of the subject, or
to meter subjects that generate light (neon signs, etc.), highly
reflective surfaces, or translucent subjects (stained glass,
etc.).
To take a reected-light measurement, hold the meter in front
of the camera and point the metering lens toward the part of
the subject you want to measure. If the subject area is small,
you may have to move the meter closer to the subject to
measure it properly.
NOTICE
● As the reected-light lens has a 40-degree view, measurements made from the camera
position will often result in an average of all subject tones.
● To measure only part of the object, move the meter as close as possible to the part of the
subject you want to measure. Take care to position the meter so that it does not cast a
shadow onto the part of the subject you want to measure.
● The lens is an important light receiving unit. Do not touch the lens or allow it to become
dirty. Wipe the meter lens with a dry soft cloth if it becomes dirty. Never use organic
cleaners (like thinner or benzene) to clean the meter lens.
4-3 Select Display Mode
Select the Display Mode to fit your camera in custom
setting. ( ➡P31)
PHOTO Mode
(Default setting)
HD_CINE Mode
CINE Mode
MODE Button
POWER Button
Custom Setting item
CS No.
Reflected light Mode