Sekonic SPECTROMASTER C-800 User manual

Please read the operating manual carefully to fully understand the features of this product
before use and keep it for future use. Keep the operating manual in a safe place.
Please see the Startup Guide for information about the basic operations.

Congratulations on your purchase of a Sekonic SPECTROMETER C-800 Series.
Please read this operating manual to utilize the many features of the SPECTROMETER
C-800 Series.
The SPECTROMETER C-800 Series is a high-performance color meter with a CMOS
linear image sensor. The SPECTROMETER C-800 Series makes it possible to
matching function (human eye's characteristic).
* Download the Utility from www.sekonic.com, and install it on your computer.
URL:
To use this Utility, connect your computer to the C-800 Series using a USB cable
C-800 Series
C-800
C-800-U
©2018-2022 All Rights Reserved.
Terminology and Trademarks

i
Safety Precautions
Before using this product, please read this "Safety Precautions" for proper operation.
The WARNING symbol indicates the possibility of death or serious
injury if the product is not used properly.
The CAUTION symbol indicates the possibility of minor to moderate
personal injury or product damage if the product is not used properly.
The NOTICE symbol indicates cautions or restrictions when using the
The reference symbol indicates additional information about the
controls or related functions.
Reading these is recommended.
The arrow indicates reference pages.
WARNING

ii
CAUTION
Even when the meter is in the bag or pocket, damage is possible under
severe impact or pressure conditions.
CA Prop 65
WARNING
which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

iii
A protective sheet is attached to the LCD. Peel it off before use.
Although the LCD monitor is manufactured to very high standards, it is possible to
the meter.
Our company shall not be liable for any data loss caused by, but not limited to,
malicious acts and control errors.
damaged.
Do not store the meter in areas of high temperature of 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
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.
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.
For used batteries, dispose of them according to the rules of your area.
Insulate plus and minus terminals with tape or other insulation material.
Do not disassemble the batteries.

Intended Usage
The meter is designed for:
and motion picture.
target color temperature.
Managing the aged deterioration of light sources.
Checking the color rendering properties of a light source.
Main features of the C-800
Usage Features
Lighting control
for still and motion
capture
Measure all lights (LED, HMI, Tungsten, Fluorescent lamp,
780nm.
Display the enhanced measurement units.
(1) Color temperature
(2)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10) Hue/Saturation
(11) CRI (Ra, R1 to R15)
Various Display modes
(2) Spectrum graph/comparison mode
CRI/comparison mode
(4) mode
(5) SSI mode
(6) TLCI/TLMF mode
(8) Multi Lights mode
(9) White balance correction mode

Intended Users
picture industries, and those who manufacture and rent the light sources which they use.
In addition, the C-800 Series is intended for architectural interior lighting design.
Disclaimer
The Company shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damage resulting from the
failure of this product or its use.
Restrictions
There are some cautions and restrictions regarding the use of this product.
Please read and understand the following before using the meter.
We recommend that you download the latest operating manual from our website
and use this product.
URL: https://sekonic.com/downloads/
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.
The contents of this operating manual may be reproduced for non-commercial
contain the copyright notice of our company.
The reproduction of all or any part of this document without permission is strictly
forbidden.
The screens in this operating manual may differ from the actual displays of the
In case of disposing the product, follow the rules of disposal in your area.

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.
* The USB cable (Mini-B connector) is not included in the package. Please obtain this
separately.
* Batteries (two AA) are not included in the package. Please obtain these separately.
Meter Soft Case
Neck Strap
Quick Guide Safety Precaution
English Startup Guide
Deutsch Startanleitung
Français
Español Guía de inicio
Italiano Guida introduttiva
C-800

1. Parts Designations and Functions ........................................................................................ 1
Parts Designations ................................................................................................................... 1
Parts Functions......................................................................................................................... 2
2. Before Use ................................................................................................................................................
Attaching the Strap ..................................................................................................................
Installing the Batteries ............................................................................................................. 4
Power ON/OFF ......................................................................................................................... 5
Automatic Power OFF Function ............................................................................................ 9
Checking the Battery Capacity ............................................................................................ 10
Replacing Batteries ............................................................................................................... 11
3. Screen Operation .............................................................................................................................. 12
Screen and Operation ........................................................................................................... 12
Basic Screen and Operation ................................................................................................ 12
Icon Operation ........................................................................................................................ 16
Input of Numbers/Characters .............................................................................................. 17
Locking and Unlocking the Screen ..................................................................................... 19
4. Basic Operations ............................................................................................................................... 20
Basic Measurement Flow ..................................................................................................... 20
Selecting the Measuring Mode............................................................................................ 22
Matching Measuring Mode with Light Sources ................................................................ 22
Selecting the Shutter Speed (Flash Modes Only) ........................................................... 24
Table of Contents
Terminology and Trademarks
Safety Precautions ........................................................................................................................................ i
WARNING ............................................................................................................................................. i
CAUTION ............................................................................................................................................. ii
CA Prop 65 ...................................................................................................................................................... ii
Intended Usage ...........................................................................................................................................
Intended Users .............................................................................................................................................
Disclaimer .......................................................................................................................................................
Restrictions ....................................................................................................................................................
Accompanying Accessories ...................................................................................................................

Setting the Indication and Items in Measuring Screen ................................................... 26
Setting Target Color temperature ....................................................................................... 26
Customizing Display Items in the Measuring Screen ..................................................... 28
Selecting the Display Mode .................................................................................................
..........................................................................................
.........................................................
....................................
.........................................................
.................... 45
................................................................................. 49
...................................................... 51
Standard Light Source Selection .....................................................................................
................................................................................................... 56
.................................................................................................. 59
Displaying in TLCI or TLMF ........................................................... 62
....................................................................................... 66
....................................................................................................................... 66
....................................................................................................................... 70
......................................... 74
................................ 81
.................................................................................
5. Measuring Light Sources [Measurement Screen] ................................................... 85
Measurement Method ........................................................................................................... 85
Balancing Color Temperatures of Light Sources ............................................................. 85
Measurement in Ambient Light Mode ................................................................................ 86
Measurement in Cordless Flash Mode .............................................................................. 89
Measurement in Cord (PC) Flash Mode ...........................................................................
Comparison Function (in Ambient Light Mode only) ....................................................... 98
....................................... 100
....................................................... 100
Changing the Light Range ................................................................................................. 102

.........................................................................
................................................... 104
Using the Memory Function ............................................................................................... 107
........................... 108
....................................... 111
.................................................. 116
.............................. 119
................................................................................................. 121
.................................................................................................. 122
7. Meter Settings [Setting] Screen .......................................................................................124
Setting Items ......................................................................................................................... 124
Item List .................................................................................................................................. 126
Customize .............................................................................................................................. 127
............................................................................................................... 128
Selecting the Shutter Speed Step .................................................................................... 129
Selecting the LB Step..........................................................................................................
Selecting the Camera Filter Brand ...................................................................................
Selecting the Lighting Filter Brand ...................................................................................
Selecting the White Balance Step ....................................................................................
Selecting the Unit of Illuminance ...................................................................................... 140
Selecting the Color Space Hue/Sat ............................................................................. 142
............................................................................... 144
Selecting the Auto Power Off Time................................................................................... 147
Selecting the Backlight Brightness ................................................................................... 149
Selecting the Auto Dimmer Time ...................................................................................... 151
Selecting the Language ......................................................................................................
Reset Customized Items .................................................................................................... 155
Preset Editing ....................................................................................................................... 156
Displaying the Preset Selection List ................................................................................. 159
Setting the Present Name .................................................................................................. 161
Setting the Preset Target Color Temperature .................................................................
............................................................................. 166
............................................................................ 168

Dark Calibration .................................................................................................................... 170
Product Information Display ...............................................................................................
Regulation Display ............................................................................................................... 175
.......................................................................................................... 176
Adjust Touch Panel .............................................................................................................. 178
Edit User Information .......................................................................................................... 181
Factory Setting .....................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................ 186
Glossary ................................................................................................................................. 186
Filter Types ............................................................................................................................ 190
........................................................................................................................ 195
Legal Requirement .............................................................................................................. 200
10. Optional Accessories ................................................................................................................... 201
11. Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................... 202
12. After-sales Services ...................................................................................................................... 205
FCC & IC compliance information .................................................................................206

1
1. Parts Designations and Functions
1. Parts Designations and Functions
1-1 Parts Designations
USB Mini-B Connector
Strap Eyelet
Rear View
Battery Compartment Section
Front View
Light Receptor
Light Selection Ring
Tripod Socket
Power Button
Display Panel
Measuring Button
Memory Button
Menu Button
Battery Cover
Sync Terminal
Bottom View
Battery
Compartment

2
1. Parts Designations and Functions
1-2 Parts Functions
The following table lists the functions of each part.
No. Part Name Functions
Light Receptor Point light receptor directly at light source during reading. Head
rotates 270 degrees to aid reading.
Light Selection
Ring
Rotate to select dark calibration, normal measuring range or high
Power Button Press to turn ON/OFF.
Display Panel
Displays the setting screens and measuring screens. The built-
in touch panel function enables setting, selection or operation by
touching the display panel. ( P16)
Measuring Button Press for measurement.
Menu Button Press to shift display to Display Mode Selection screen.
Memory Button Press after measuring to save the measured data.
Battery Cover
Latch Latch for the battery cover.
Battery Cover Secures the batteries.
Tripod Socket Female mounting threads (1/4-20) for hands free mounting on
tripods.
USB Mini-B
Connector
The USB connector for connecting to the PC with the installed
utility and USB bus power.
USB terminal: Mini-B-5pin
Sync Terminal Accepts an optional synchro cord when using meter in Cord (PC)
Flash Mode.
Strap Eyelet Used to attach the included strap.
Battery
Compartment Holds the batteries. Insert the batteries in the correct direction.

3
2. Before Use
2. Before Use
2-1 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 that the neck strap does not come loose when carrying the
product, as the meter may be damaged when dropped.
symptoms.
Strap Eyelet

4
2. Before Use
2-2 Installing the Batteries
1. Prepare two AA batteries.
2. in the direction of the arrow and
.
3. Insert the batteries according to the "+" and "-" symbols in the
Battery Compartment .
* As shown in the diagram below, please note both positive sides of the batteries are
facing in the same direction.
4. , press the
WARNING
heat to, or recharge them (except rechargeable batteries). They may burst and
CAUTION
Use the manganese or alkaline batteries.
Also, do not mix old and new batteries.
lf the meter will not be used for an extended period of time,
by battery leaking.
TabsBattery Cover Latch Battery Cover
Battery Compartment

The meter will turn on and the Startup screen will be
displayed (for 2 seconds).
The blue lettered "SEKONIC" logo screen is displayed
after battery replacement and 24 hours after power OFF.
The meter is executing a memory check while the blue
do not turn OFF the power, as doing so may lead to
damage.
If the LCD screen shows no display, check if the batteries are installed properly (Pos/Neg
positioning) and have enough capacity.
You can reduce start up time by simply tapping the screen when the Startup screen
appears.
Startup Screen

6
2. Before Use
3.
time)
4. Press the [OK] to select the language.
The language can be switched at any time. ( P153)
5. Dark calibration.
Ring to calibration indication. "Dark calibration in progress. Please wait" and the
status bar will appear while calibrating. The Measuring screen will appear when
operational.
Dark calibration is performed when there is a big change in temperature between turning
power OFF and ON.
Except the cases above, dark calibration after power ON is skipped.
A blue highlight
will appear
behind the
selected button.
Screen
Dark Calibration
Process Screen

7
2. Before Use
is not set to the dark
Selection Ring for dark calibration." is displayed. Set the
to the dark calibration position
( ) to calibrate the system.
If dark calibration is not successful, "Dark calibration
to the dark
calibration position ( ) to calibrate the system.
6. Press the Measuring Button to measure.
Turn the Light Selection Ring to select the range.
When measuring ambient light, make sure to select Range L ( ).
( ) or Range H ( )
P100, P102)
When the Measuring Button is pressed at the dark calibration
to the correct position and the Measuring screen will be displayed.
Dark Calibration Position
Dark Calibration

8
2. Before Use
Measurements and display will take longer in light levels below 30lx. The LCD illumination
Power OFF
1. Press and hold the Power Button for 1 second or longer.
The meter will turn OFF.
Please wait 3 seconds between repeated power on and power off sessions.
All settings and measurements made during use are saved in memory even after the meter
is powered off.