Smartphone Light Meter Review
Every digital camera has one, even every basic smartphone has one built-in. We are talking about a light meter, the part that tells the camera which aperture, shutter speed, and sensitivity to set.
However, this is a bit different with analog cameras; not every camera where you can set the exposure has a light meter. Admittedly, you don’t need one for a Holga, but for a Lubitel or another TLR or SLR, a light meter is a good thing. If you don’t want to or can’t estimate the exposure yourself, you need an external light meter.
Now you can get a light meter used, as they were needed in the past. Unfortunately, you have to deal with problems like batteries or accuracy, there are exceptions, of course, but it’s not really great.
Another option would be to buy a modern external light meter. However, these start in the lower three-digit range, and you don’t even need most of the functions.
One way or another, the creators of Lumu, not to be confused with Lumi or Lomo, must have thought something similar and started a project on Kickstarter to finance a light meter for smartphones. The project was successful, and you can now buy the Lumu.
The scope of delivery includes, besides the light meter, a small leather case, a chain, a short instruction, and two stickers. The whole thing comes in a chic metal tin.
The leather case can be attached to a camera strap with two loops on the back if desired. And for the fashion-conscious, the Lumu light meter can also be worn around the neck.
You can order the Lumu light meter, as far as I know, only through Lu.mu. You can choose between a black and a silver version, both costing 99 euros.
Shipping costs are included. Shipping is done with DHL Express, so the shipping time is correspondingly short, from Slovenia, where the creators are also based.
Conclusion
My conclusion? I’m thrilled! The app is great, the device itself is well-made, takes up practically no space, and does what it’s supposed to do. What more could you want?
Do you have any negative or positive thoughts? Feel free to comment.
However, I do have one real drawback: the Lumu cannot measure flashes. So I have to keep using my rickety light meter. Damn!
Note: For all photos in this article, apart from the screenshots, the exposure was measured with the Lumu.