Gossen Luna-Pro S

Review Date
January 5, 2010

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Reviewed by
Robert Kornfeld , Expert

Price Paid
$150.00 at b&h

Photography Experience
21+ years , Other

Summary
Like some others I learned from my dad using this type of meter in the 1960's. Once you get accostomed it is very quick and intuitive. I like this meter more than digitals that I have owned because you can see the whole story in one glance rather than navigating bits of information one at a time. I like using reflected and incident readings, and using the optional spot attachment.

If you are looking for a light meter and not relying on a built-in or auto meter, you probably will like this one, whether you are a student, serious amateur or professional. Even when I have used a digital flash meter I would keep this old friend packed in my bag. I bought it more than twenty years ago and find it completely reliable.

Strengths
It is the best tool for the job unless you have a specialized need like a flash meter or a color analyzer. To me it has a great feel, like a well broken-in twin lens Rollei or a smooth shifting five speed car. If that is the kind of feel that you like, you will love this meter too.

Weaknesses
If you want a spot meter with a very small angle for determining your contrast range (like if you are developing b&w sheet film) then the spot attachment may be too imprecise, and a digital spot meter would be better, although I feel that if you are familiar with your equipment you know how to interpret the data.

If you like digital equipment with a lot of functions and connectivity this might not be a good choice -- it will never be an app on your Ipod.

I would suggest watching the needle for a few seconds before locking the setting to make sure that the reading is representative.

Similar Products Used
Weston, other Gossen, various digital

Customer Service
never had a problem

Review Date
December 23, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.43 of 5, 7 votes

Reviewed by
Sandy Rand , Expert , from Chestertown, NY

Price Paid
$210.00 at Adorama

Photography Experience
21+ years , Sports

Summary
The best meter for the money. Excellent for low light measurements. Accuracy is absolutely the best. One hint for outdoor photographers using the Luna-Pro S in extreme cold: The SR-44 silver batteries stop operating at 10-15F. Use a lithium 1/3N camera battery and it is good to -40F. The 1/3N is totally compatible with this unit, and is less expensive than the silver batteries. 'Nuff said!

Strengths
Tremendous accuracy, compact, intuitive operation!

Weaknesses
None.

Similar Products Used
Most Sekonic digitals.

Customer Service
Never needed.

Review Date
July 8, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by
Arty G , Intermediate , from Naperville, Il

Photography Experience
21+ years , People

Summary
I first learned photography with my Dad's Luna Pro and an old Exacta when I was 13. The meter has been in use by me ever since. The meter has always worke flawlessly and the readings are still dead nuts on! Although many meters have come and gone the Luna Pro is still in my case!

Strengths
Very very accurate. Ease of use - intuitive. Spot attachment. Exposure Range. Analog!!!

Weaknesses
No mercury batteries however Gossen sells an adapter.

Similar Products Used
A multitude of other meters.

Customer Service
Never needed it in approx 30 years

Review Date
June 2, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by
Prince Caspian , Professional , from Miami, Fl

Photography Experience
21+ years , People

Summary
Bought mine in '75 and it's still ticking and just as accurate, so is my Gossen sixtar/super pilot that I bought used the year before. If you do night work or work with very low existing light, this meter is unmatched at it's price to performance. Old meters are the same as current ones and DO NOT require the use of air cells because of mercury batteries being unavailable in the states. Gossen provides an adaptor/converter for alkaline replacement types without any modification or recalibration and is part of current meter. Zone system compensation was originally a field modification of the meter by Fred Picker. Gossen's inclusion is convenience to those students of the Zone System and not a function of the meter or needs additional amplification in the operator's manual. In 28 years, several camera systems/accessories have been used/worn to "beyond economic repair" status. Only my Luna Pro,Sixtar,Leica M4's,Leitz Tiltall,and Bessler 23C have been rugged enough to survive over a quarter century of daily use and abuse to be still dependable and remain in use today. If I had to replace it today, I'd be hard pressed to select anything else that compares.

Strengths
Built like a tank/dependable
Extremely sensitive
versatile

Weaknesses
CDS cell exhibits memory effect
Dirt/dust easily finds itself under dial's poor seal
meter indicates relative value that has to be interpeted into EV values
Meter lock rarely captures needle as actual measurement
Darkroom attachement is a silly fudge that has to be calibrated to a "perfect print/exposure" I.E. exposure comparator type readings.
Spot meter attachment difficult to view in virtually any ambient light level but actually works very well

Similar Products Used
Weston Ranger
Gossen Sixtar(super pilot)

Customer Service
Never needed in 26 years

Review Date
April 3, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by
Bob Todrick , Expert , from Edmonton, Alberta Canada

Photography Experience
21+ years , Fine Art

Summary
As with watches and pretty well everything else, the fact that the Luna Pro is analogue is its big draw. At a glance you can see the entire F-stop/shutter speed combinations without having to run up or down a scale. No small thing in my mind.
As well the thing is bullet proof. My digital meters seemed to be constantly in for repair. I purchased a new Luna Pro three years ago (after getting rid of one to go 'digital 10 years ago) and have had no problems.

Strengths
Simplicity of operation
Sturdiness

Weaknesses
None found so far

Similar Products Used
Gossen digital
Sekonic digital

Customer Service
None needed