Sekonic Litemaster Pro L-478D User manual

Operating Manual
LITEMASTER PRO
L- 478D / L- 478DR

2
Thank you for purchasing LITEMASTER PRO L-478D/L-478DR.
Please read this Users’ Manual thoroughly in order to become acquainted with the light
meter and thus be able to use it safely and correctly.
The LITEMASTER PRO L-478D/L-478DR (referred to as L-478D/L-478DR from
here on) comes with“Camera exposure prole”to oer today’s digital and lm
shooter with repeatable precision, accurate measurement and digital exposure
control.. What is more, L-478D/L-478DR are equipped with exceptional functions
to deal with images and all sorts of shooting/lming intentions whether you are a
DSLR videographer, cinematographer, still photographer or involved in any faced
of image capture.
Using the latest Data Transfer Software*1, you can set your camera exposure
proles*2in the L-478D/L-478DR (up to ten camera proles). And, by calling
up these settings when you need them, you can measure exposure accurately.
Moreover, when metering light, you can check in an instant whether or not the
subject is in the exposure range. Additionally, you can also make User Setting and
Custom Setting Function in the Data Transfer Software.
*1 Data Transfer Software is an application software provided on the CD-ROM
or downloaded from www.sekonic.com. To use this software, you will need
to install it onto your computer and connect it to L-478D/L-478DR via a
USB cable. Please see the Operating Manual on the CD-ROM for details of
operation.
*2 Exposure prole is the information denoting the characteristics of your digital
cameras and matching the light meter’s value to the unique variations in the
camera, lens shutter speed, aperture, etc. First, authenticate the information
by test shooting and then create exposure proles using the Data Transfer
Software.
,
1.e reproduction of all or any part of this document without permission is strictly forbidden.
2.e product concerned and/or this manual may be subject to future changes without prior notication.

3
Accompanying Accessories
The following items are included with the L-478D/L-478DR. After opening the package,
please be sure that everything is included. If any of the following items should be
missing, please contact your local camera store or retail organization.
Start-up Guide CD-ROM
(Operating Manual and Data Transfer Software)
Two AAA manganese batteries Strap
Soft case Anti-glare lm
<
•
Please see “7. Separately Sold Accessories” (P65) for details about available accessories.

4
Safety Precautions
Before using this product, please read this “Safety Precautions” for proper operation.
CThe warning symbol indicates the possibility of death or serious injury
if the product is not used properly.
BThe caution symbol indicates the possibility of minor to moderate
personal injury or product damage if the product is not used properly.
,The note symbol indicates cautions or restrictions when using the
product. Please read all notes to avoid errors in operation.
<The reference symbol indicates additional information about the
controls or related functions. Reading these is recommended.
C
•
Infants or toddlers may accidentally wrap the strap around their neck, so please place it in a location out of their reach.
ere is a danger of suocation.
•
Do not place batteries in open  ame, attempt to short them, disassemble them, apply heat to them, or recharge them
(except rechargeable batteries). ey may burst and cause  res, serious injury, or damage to the environment.
•
Do not look directly at the sun via the viewnder (sold separately), as doing so may damage eyesight.
•
For L-478DR only: If user intentionally modies or converts the L-478DR, there is a risk that doing so may violate
the Radio Law, which may make the user liable to punishment according to the law.
B
•
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
or come into contact with moisture. ere is a danger of electric shock if the “Cord Flash Mode” is used. is may also
result in damage to the product.
•
Do not disassemble this product for modication or parts replacement. Refer servicing only to qualied and authorized
personnel in case of product’s malfunction.
•
Do not play the accompanying CD-ROM in a music-type CD player, as there is a risk of hearing damage as well as
damage to speakers and/or earphones.
•
Use ngers to lightly touch the LCD when operating. Do not use sharp objects such as ballpoint pens or pencils, as
doing so may damage the LCD or cause malfunction.
,
e LCD is covered by a protective sheet. Please peel o this sheet before using the screen.

5
Table of Contents
Accompanying Accessories.............................................................................................3
Safety Precautions ..............................................................................................................4
1 Parts Designations..................................................................................................................8
1-1. Parts Designations ....................................................................................................8
2 Before Using .............................................................................................................................9
2-1. Attaching the Strap...................................................................................................9
2-2. Inserting the Batteries .............................................................................................9
2-3. Power ON/OFF......................................................................................................... 10
2-4. Checking the Battery Capacity.......................................................................... 11
2-5. Cautions about Changing the Batteries during
Measurement ......................................................................................................... 11
2-6. Auto Power OFF Function ................................................................................... 11
3 Screen Operations............................................................................................................... 12
3-1. On-screen Operations........................................................................................... 12
3-2. Locking and Releasing of Screen...................................................................... 14
3-3. Outline of Screen Flowchart............................................................................... 14
3-4. Measuring Screen................................................................................................... 16
3-4-1. Status/Title Field........................................................................................ 16
3-4-2. Setting, Function, Display Field .......................................................... 17
3-4-3. Measuring Function Selection Icon ................................................... 19
3-5. Information Screen................................................................................................ 20
3-6. Tool Box Screen ....................................................................................................... 20
3-7. Menu Screen ............................................................................................................ 21
4 Basic Operations................................................................................................................... 22
4-1. Basic Operation Flow ............................................................................................ 22
4-2. Setting Light Receiving System......................................................................... 23
4-2-1. Measuring with Incident Light Function
(Lumisphere Extended /Retracted) ................................................ 23
4-2-2. Measuring with Reected Light System ......................................... 24
4-3. Setting Measuring Mode..................................................................................... 25
5 Measuring............................................................................................................................... 27
5-1. Measuring in Ambient Light Mode.................................................................. 27
5-1-1. T (Shutter Speed) Priority Mode.......................................................... 27
5-1-2. F (f-stop) Priority Mode ......................................................................... 28
5-1-3. TF Priority Mode ....................................................................................... 28
5-1-4. Illuminance/Luminance Mode............................................................. 28
5-1-5. Measuring Exposure for Video and Movies..................................... 31

6
Table of Contents
5-2. Measuring in Flash Light Mode......................................................................... 33
5-2-1. Cord (PC) Flash Mode.............................................................................. 34
5-2-2. Cordless Flash Mode .............................................................................. 35
5-2-3. Cord Multi (Cumulative) Flash Mode................................................. 36
5-2-4. Cordless Multiple (Cumulative) Flash Mode ................................... 37
5-3. Measuring with Radio-controlled Flash (for L-478DR only) ................... 38
5-3-1. How to Measure Using Radio Control............................................... 38
5-3-2. How to Measure with Radio Control Channels.............................. 38
5-3-3. Using the Power Control Settings....................................................... 40
5-3-4. Measuring in Radio Flash Mode .......................................................... 41
5-3-5. Measuring in Radio Triggering Multiple (Cumulative)
Flash Mode................................................................................................ 42
5-4. Out of Displayed Range or Measuring Range.............................................. 42
5-4-1. When Displayed Range is Exceeded .................................................. 42
5-4-2. When Measuring Range is Exceeded................................................. 42
6 Functions ................................................................................................................................ 43
6-1. Memory Function................................................................................................... 43
6-1-1. Memory........................................................................................................ 43
6-1-2. Memory Recall........................................................................................... 44
6-1-3. Memory Clear............................................................................................. 45
6-2. Mid. Tone Function ................................................................................................ 46
6-2-1. Setting Measuring Value as Mid. Tone .............................................. 46
6-2-2. Setting Memorized Value as Mid. Tone............................................. 46
6-2-3. Mid. Tone Modication........................................................................... 47
6-2-4. Mid. Tone Clearing.................................................................................... 47
6-2-5. Mid. Tone Recall ........................................................................................ 48
6-3. Average Function ................................................................................................... 49
6-4. Contrast Function................................................................................................... 50
6-5. Filter Compensation Function .......................................................................... 51
6-5-1. Setting Filter Numbers and Compensation Values ...................... 51
6-5-2. Selecting Filter Factor Number............................................................ 52
6-5-3. Deselecting Filter...................................................................................... 52
6-6. Functions by Menu Selection............................................................................. 53
6-6-1. Analog Scale Switching ......................................................................... 53
6-6-2. Exposure Compensation Function .................................................... 53
6-6-3. Custom Setting Function ...................................................................... 55
6-6-4. Exposure Prole Function...................................................................... 56
6-6-5. Frame Rate Editing................................................................................... 58
6-6-6. Shutter Angle Editing.............................................................................. 59

7
6-6-7. Filter Name Editing................................................................................... 60
6-7. Hardware Setting Function................................................................................. 62
7 Optional Accessories (Sold Separately) ....................................................................... 65
8 Registered Filters ................................................................................................................. 66
9 Specications ........................................................................................................................ 67
10 Safety Guide and Maintenance.................................................................................... 69

8
1Parts Designations
1-1. Parts Designations
Measuring
button *1
Battery
cover latch
Power button
Battery cover
Rear View
Battery Cover Open
Battery
compartment
Bottom View
Strap
eyelet
Synchro terminal
8
9
Menu button
Lumisphere
retracting ring
Lumisphere
Touch panel
Lock lever
USB port
Memory
button*1
Front View
2
4
5
6
7
1
3
10
11
12
13
14
The following table lists the functions of each part.
No. Part Name Explanation
1Lock lever Slide back when removing the lumisphere from the meter. (See P24 for
details.)
2Lumisphere retracting
ring
Turn to switch between extended and retracted lumisphere. (See P23
for details.)
3Lumisphere Extend to measure exposure. Retract to measure contrast.
Can be freely rotated through 270°to receive light.
4Touch panel Displays measuring screens and setting screens. Touch this panel to perform
settings and operations. (See P12 for details.)
5Memory button*1Press to memorize current measured value. Press in multi (cumulative)
mode to clear memorized measurements.
6USB port Accepts USB Mini B cable for connection to computer for use with Data
Transfer Software.
7Menu button Press to enter Menu mode from any of the screens.
Press again to return to the previous screen. (See P21 for details.)
8Measuring button*1Press when the Measuring screen is displayed to implement measuring.
9Battery cover latch Slide up to open battery cover.
10
Power button Use to turn power ON and OFF.
Hold down (approximately one second) when turning power ON and
OFF.
11
Battery cover Lift up to reveal 2x AAA batteries that power the meter.
12
Strap eyelet Attach accessory strap here.
13
Synchro terminal Plug in synchro cord (sold separate) connected to separate ash here
when using Cord (PC) Mode.
14
Battery compartment Holds 2x AAA size batteries. Insert as indicated in compartment.
*1 Using Custom Setting Function, the Memory button 5and the Measuring button 8can be switched (See P55 for
details.)

9
2 Before Using
2-1. Attaching the Strap
1) Pass the strap included through the outer hole
of the Strap eyelet
12
.
2) Pass the opposite end of the strap through the
loop at the end of strap.
C
Infants or toddlers may accidentally wrap the strap around their
neck, so please place it in a location out of their reach.ere is a
danger of suocation.
2-2. Inserting the Batteries
1) Requires two AAA alkaline manganese batteries.
2) Slide the Battery cover latch 9in the direction
of the arrow and remove the Battery cover
11
.
3) Insert the batteries according to the“+” and “–”
symbols in the Battery compartment
14
.
* As shown in the diagram to the right, please
note both positive sides of the batteries are
facing in the same direction.
4) While lining up the two tabs on the Battery
cover
11
, press the Battery cover
11
back into
place from above.
C
Do not place batteries in open  ame, attempt to short them,
disassemble them, apply heat to them, or recharge them (except
rechargeable batteries). ey may burst and cause  res, serious
injury, or damage to the environment.
B
•
Insert the batteries minus (-) side rst. When removing batteries,
pull out plus (+) side rst.
•
Do not use batteries with any other rating than the one speci ed.
Also, do not mix old and new batteries.
•
If 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.
Strap eyelet
12
Tabs
Battery cover latch 9
Battery compartment
14
Battery cover
11

10
2-3. Power ON/OFF
Power ON: Press the Power button
10
for one
second.
The meter will turn on, and after
the title screen is displayed, the
Measuring screen appears.
Power OFF: Press and hold the Power button
10
for one second or longer. The
meter will turn o and the display
disappears.
Title Screens
L-478D L-478DR
,
•
Please wait 3 seconds between repeated power on and power o sessions.
•
Directly after replacing the batteries, a white screen with the SEKONIC logo in blue will be displayed, followed by the
appropriate title screen above.
•
An L-478D/DR memory check is being executed while the blue bar graph is moving when the Logo screen is
displayed, so please do not turn OFF the power, as doing so may cause damage.
Logo Screen
<
•
If the LCD screen shows no display, check the battery capacity indicator. Also check for proper battery insertion
(Pos/Neg positioning).
•
All settings and measurements made during use are saved in memory even after the meter is powered o.
Power button
10

11
2-4. Checking the Battery Capacity
When the power is turned on, the battery power indicator is displayed at the upper left
of the LCD.
Full battery power remaining.
Sucient battery power remaining.
Low battery power remaining. Have spare batteries ready.
When the indicator blinks, replace batteries immediately.
<
•
When the batteries are out of power and the meter is turned ON, the LCD screen will appear and then turn o immediately.
is is an indication that the batteries are depleted and they should be replaced immediately. Having spare batteries on hand
is recommended.
•
When the meter is continuously used at room temperature, the battery life with alkaline batteries will last 10 hours
(based on our testing).
•
Due to temperature and length of time stored, the batteries included with this meter may have a shorter live span.
2-5. Cautions about Changing the Batteries during Measurement
1) Always turn o the power before replacing batteries.
2) If an unexpected display appears on the LCD during battery replacement or
measurement, ie. 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.
2-6. Auto Power OFF Function
To save battery power, the meter will automatically turn o ve minutes after the last
button is pressed.
<
•
All settings and measurements are saved in memory even after the meter has automatically turned o. When the power
is turned ON, they will be displayed again.
•
Default Auto Power OFF is 5 minutes. Select longer time in Custom Setting. (See P56 for details).
•
To prevent battery drain during transport, the meter will switch OFF after approximately one mnute if the Power
Button is held down continuously.

12
3 Screen Operations
The data display is also a touch panel that is used to make all settings
<Display illumination>
•
The Display illumination is activated as soon as the meter is turned ON. The
illumination level is user adjustable. The panel dims during measuring and cordless
ash standby to eliminate its inuence in the measurement.
•
The display Illumination of your meter has been set to “Bright”at the factory to enable best
operation for outdoor use.For indoor viewing and better battery life, you may set the screen
illumination to“Normal”in Custom Setting. Please see P55 for details
3-1. On-screen Operations
Touch the icons on screen to perform various operations.
The following are the icon types.
1) Measuring Mode Icon
Touch the Measuring mode icon to display the Measuring Mode Selection screen.
Touch any icon to switch to the desired Measuring mode. (See P25 for details.)
Measuring Screen Measuring Mode Selection Screen
2) Setting Value Change/Item Selection Icon
Touch Operation:
Touch the up arrow (▲) to increase the value or change up to the next item.
Touch the down arrow (▼) to decrease the value or change down to the next item.
Slide Operation:
Slide your nger tip up or down over the value to change the value amount.
Sliding your nger over scroll bars provides fast navigation of large menus.
Measuring Screen
Scroll bar
Edit Frame Rate Screen

13
3) Radio Buttons
Touching Radio buttons selects the item to the right of it.
Only one item in a group can be selected at one time.
Filter Compensation Setting Screen
4) Alpha-Numeric Keypad
Value Input Screen Alphabet Input Screen Number Input Screen
Inputting Values (Value Input Screen):
0-9, Decimal point, +/-: Value displayed on screen when key touched.
OK: Conrms input value and returns to previous screen.
DEL: Deletes input value.
Cancel: Cancels input and returns to previous screen.
Inputting Alphabet and Numbers (Alphabet Input Screen and Number Input Screen):
1/A/a: Switches between Ten Key input/Uppercase/Lowercase.
ABC(abc), 0-9, Decimal Point:
Value displayed on screen when key touched.
Repeated pressing of the same button for alphabet
(ABC/abc) will change the alphabet character in order.
←→: Shift input position.
OK: Conrms input value and returns to previous screen.
DEL: Deletes input value.
Cancel: Cancels inputting and returns to previous screen.

14
3-2. Locking and Releasing of Screen
The screen can be locked to prevent unforeseeable misoperations, etc.
Touch operation of all screens is prohibited when locked (the lock icon is displayed at
the top of the screen). Note however that the Memory button 5, Measuring button 8
and Power button
10
will be operational even if lock is ON.
Lock status will be maintained even when power is turned OFF.
Setting Lock:
Press and hold down Menu button
7
for approximately
1 second to lock the screen (the lock icon will be
displayed at the top right of the screen). Buttons and
icons on the LCD (touch panel) cannot be operated
while the lock is ON. Moreover, pressing the Menu
button
7
to open the Menu Functions is not possible.
*This lock function can be set in the Measuring screen only.
Releasing Lock:
Press and hold down the Menu button 7for approximately 1 second to release the
locked screen (the screen locked icon will disappear.)
Lock ReleasedLocked
Screen
lock icon
3-3. Outline of Screen Flowchart
1) Measuring Screen (Background color: Black in default setting, selectable in Custom setting)
1. When the power is turned ON, the display will indicate settings last used when the
meter was turned OFF.
To select another Measuring Mode, touch a Measuirng mode icon ( , , , ,
, ) to go to Measuing Mode Selection Screen. Touch dierent Icon to select
mode and return to Measuring screen.
Menu button 7

15
2. Touch the Information icon ( ) to display current display mode, input exposure
compensation, and exposure prole in use. (See P20 for details.)
3. When Radio Triggering mode is selected, the Power Control icon ( ) appears
under the icon of . Press Power Control icon for ControlTL power adjustment
and Zone selection for both Standard and ControlTL system. (See P38 for details.)
4.
To use the Average Function or Contrast Function, touch the Average/ΔEV icon ( ). (For
details, see P49 for Average Function, and see P 50 for Contrast Function.)
2) Tool Box Screen (Background color: Green)
To make various settings for the current Measuring screen, touch the Tool Box icon
() at the Measuring screen. (See P20 for details.)
3) Menu Screen (Background color: Light orange)
Press the Menu button on the meter (while working in any screen) to display the
Menu screen (*1).
At the Menu screen, you can set all menu operations for this light meter. (See P21 for
details.)
Measuring Mode
Select Screen
Information screen
Power Control
screen (L-478DR) *2
Measuring screen
(Average)
Tool Box screen
Menu screen
Measuring
screen
Power ON
3-4
Measuring screen
Measuring Mode Icon
Info icon
Radio Control
icon
Average icon
Tool Box icon
3-6 Tool Box screen
Power button
10
3-7 Menu screen
Menu button *17
*1 If you press the Menu button while working at another Setting screen, the settings in
mid-operation will be interrupted and the Menu List displayed.
*2 This screen is displayed only when the Radio Triggering mode is being used (for L-478DR
only).
4) Hardware Setting Screen
Hold down the Menu button 7and then turn ON the power to display the Hardware
Setting screen. (See P62 for details.)
Power ON
Menu button 7
Power button
10
6-7 Hardware Setting Screen

16
3-4. Measuring Screen
When the power is turned ON, the Title screen will appear, followed by the Measuring
screen.
Subject measuring can be performed at the Measuring screen.
Basic Conguration of the Measuring Screen
Example of T priority in Ambient Light Screen
Status/Title eld
Measuring operations/Display area
Measuring function selection icon
3-4-1. Status/Title Field
7
1 2 3 4 5
8
6
No. Icon Name Explanation
1Battery Power
Indicator Display Battery power display in four stages. (See P11 for details.)
2Exposure
compensation
Displayed when Exposure compensation (adjustment) is set. The displayed
measured value is calculated with this compensation value.
3Multiple
(Cumulative)
Flash mode/
Cumulative count
Displayed when Accumulative Mode is selected for the following ash measuring
modes.
•Cordless Multiple (cumulative) Flash mode
•Cord (PC) Multiple (cumulative) Flash mode
•Radio Multiple (cumulative) Flash mode (for L-478DR only)
Cumulative count (up to 99) is displayed to the right of the MLT symbol.
4Filter
compensation Displayed when lter compensation is selected.
5Screen lock Displayed when screen Lock is active. Touch secreen is not active when displayed. (See
P14 for details.)
6USB display Displayed when meter is connected to a computer by USB cable.
7Memory count Displays up to 9 memorized readings.
8Title Appears to indicate which setting mode is active.

17
3-4-2. Setting, Function, Display Field
Setting, Function, and Display Field are congured of the following sections.
•Measuring mode icons
•Setting icons
•Measuring unit/Displayed value eld
•Analog scale
Example of Screen for Ambient light Cine Mode Screen
Measuring mode icon 1
Setting value icons 2
Measuring unit/
Displayed value eld 3
Analog scale 4
Measuring mode icon [CINE mode] 1
1) Measuring Mode Icons
Touch a Measuring mode icon ( ,,,,,) at the top left of the Measuring screen
to display the Measuring Mode Selection screen, where any of the Measuring modes can be
selected. (See P25 for details.)

18
2) Setting Icons
Setting icons type and value will change with the Measuring mode in use. Touch or
slide nger up/down over the icons to change the value.
T priority mode
CINE mode
F priority mode
HD CINE mode
TF priority mode
Explanation of value types
•T : Shutter speed
Shutter speed is displayed in the following way.
30m (30 minutes), 8s (8 seconds), 125 (1/125 of a second)
•ISO : ISO sensitivity
•F : f-stop (aperture)
•ANG : Shutter angle
•f/s : Frames per second (Cine frame rate)
Operating Set Icon:
Value increases when up arrow (▲) is touched.
Value decreases when down arrow (▼) is touched.
Slide the icon number up or down with your ngertip to increase or decrease the
reading.
3) Measuring unit/Displayed value eld
This displays information such as measured values and measuring units.
Measuring value unit: T (shutter speed), F (f-stop), ISO (ISO sensitivity)
Measuring values
Measuring value
Measuring mode information
display
•lx,: Ambientlightilluminance
lx independent display
•fc: Ambientlightilluminance
fc independent display
•cd/m2:
Ambient light luminance
cd/m2independent
display
•: Ambientlightluminance
 independent display
Additional info for measuring value
Example: 1,900,000lx
Flash component
•Theratioofashlighttothetotalexposureisdisplayedasa
percentage (in 10% steps)
Measuring value unit: F (f-stop)

19
<
e fractions of the measuring values can be hidden by changing setting at the Custom Setting Function. Display
setting number 2 (fraction display) and then select 0 (ON) to display fraction and 1 (OFF) to hide fraction. (See P55 for
details.)
Fraction hidden
Fraction displayed
4) Analog Scale
Depending on the Measuring mode, the following values will be displayed in the scale.
•
F value, T value, EV value (for incident), EV value (for reected), illuminance lx
(lux), illuminance fc
The following is a scale display example.
Analog Scale Display (T value) Example
Measured value pointer
Memory pointers
[Example of analog scale
when Mid.Tone is NOT set]
Dynamic
range [-]
Dynamic range [+]
Clippoing point [+]
Clippoing
point [-]
Measuring value pointer
Memory pointers
[Example of analog scale
when Mid.Tone is set]
3-4-3. Measuring Function Selection Icon
Press any one of the icons to execute that function.
1 2 3
No. Icon Explanation
1
Average/ΔEV icon
Touch to average one or more memorized measurements (see 6-3 P49) or
to activate Contrast Function (6-4 P50).
2
Information icon
Touch to display Measuring mode and meter in formation (see 3-5 P20 for
details)
3
Tool Box icon
Touch to display Tool Box screen to set various functions. (see 3-6 P20 for
details)

20
3-5. Information Screen
Displays setting details of measuring screen icons and meter information
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
No. Item Explanation
1Light receiving method Displays incident light ( or )/reected light ( ) selection.
2Exposure compensation
(adjustment) User-set exposure compensation value (see P53 for details)
3Filter compensation User-set lter compensation value (see P51 for details)
4Exposure prole name Name of exposure prole in use (See P56 for details)
5User information Set user information in “Edit User Info” of Hardware Setting is displayed (See P60
for details).
6Version Meter rmware version in use.
7Close Returns to Measuring screen.
3-6. Tool Box Screen
The following settings can be made by selecting the Tool Box from the Measuring
screen.
•Filter compensation setting
•Memory recall, memory clear
•Mid tone set, mid tone clear, mid tone recall
•Radio trigger channel setting (for L-478DR only)
8
1
2
43
5
6 7