•Article updated on April 30, 2023 at 11:14 AM GMT
As a professional photographer, having an external light meter can make all the difference in the world, especially when it comes to color correction and overall exposure. I recently had the chance to test out the AstrHori AH-M1 Light Meter, and I must say that I was thoroughly impressed. So much so that I wanted to write this review in order to share my experience with as many people as possible.
First of all, let's talk about the design. The AstrHori AH-M1 is incredibly compact and lightweight, weighing in at just 48g. The aluminum body not only feels sturdy, but it also looks sleek and professional. And the dial operation is simple and easy to use, even for those who might be new to using an external light meter.
One feature that really stood out to me was the double energy-saving mode. The AstrHori AH-M1 can continuously meter for up to 12 hours on a single charge, thanks to its built-in 120mAH lithium battery. And if you forget to turn it off, it will enter low-power sleep mode after 25 seconds of no operation. Plus, it will automatically shut down after 3 hours of sleep. When it's time to charge the light meter, you can use a 5V power supply and USB Type-C interface. It only takes about 40 minutes to fully charge, making it easy to use whenever you need it.
When it comes to performance, the AstrHori AH-M1 is incredibly precise. It has an average metering angle of about 30 degrees and can meter a single shot in less than half a second. The metering range is impressive, ranging from EV1 to EV22 at ISO100. And the Aperture adjustment range is from F1 to F32, while the Shutter time adjustment range is from 32s to 1/8000s. The ISO adjustment range is from ISO6400 to ISO5, and the Exposure compensation range is from +3EV to -3EV. In short, this light meter is incredibly versatile and can be used for any number of shooting situations.
The AstrHori AH-M1 also has a unique A/T Mode Switching feature. By double-clicking the button, you can switch between Aperture-priority mode (A) and Shutter time-priority mode (T). In A mode, you can set the aperture value through the dial, and the light meter will calculate the recommended shutter time. In T mode, you can set the shutter time by dial, and the light meter will calculate the recommended aperture value. This feature alone can save you a lot of time and hassle on the job.
Finally, there is the ISO Adjustment and Exposure Compensation Settings. By double-clicking the key, you can switch to ISO adjustment mode. The minimum adjustment can be 1/3 gear, and you can set the ISO through the dial. By double-clicking the key and pressing the key for about 3.5 seconds for the second time, you can switch to the exposure compensation setting. The minimum value can be adjusted by 1/3 EV, and you can use the dial to change the recommended value calculated by the light meter.
In conclusion, the AstrHori AH-M1 Light Meter is a fantastic tool for any photographer, whether you're a professional or an amateur. It's lightweight, compact, and easy to use, with a variety of features that make it incredibly versatile. And because it's compatible with a wide range of cameras, including vintage Leicas and other rangefinder models, it's a great investment for anyone who wants to improve their photography game. I highly recommend the AstrHori AH-M1 to anyone who is serious about their craft and wants to take their photography to the next level.
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