Flash Meter

[Garfield]

Sorry to be a pain in the butt guys but more questions and they may seem daft

Do I really need a flash / light meter for studio work - is it really worth the expense?

I have never used such a beast it all my years with a camera and the reports I read seem to conflict whether they are worthwhile given the availability of Histograms on a digital camera.

Before I buy one and ask even more questions on how to use it properly is it worth it?

[chaz]

When I use my studio lighting I always use a flash meter, depending on lighting setup, I can meter the background and adjust accordingly, I can meter main light, fill, etc to get the effect I want, I have worked this way from my film days so just carried on, I know lots of togs use the histgram method, just do what works for you, with experience you can guess your exposures.

[BarryM]

I also use a meter, the histogram is great but takes time to take shot, look at image, goto details of image, i can check the whole of background (thanks stevie for that tip lol) in seconds and make minor adjustments very quickly.

[lostmysnorkel]

I wouldn't dream of setting studio lights without a flash meter.

What a PITA it wold be using trial and error.