Sekonic
ActiveOverview
Sekonic Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in precision light and color meters, exposure meters, and related devices for photographers, cinematographers, and professionals in film, video, and digital photography. It holds a prominent position in the market for light measurement tools used in cameras and lighting applications, with products that have been utilized in high-profile contexts such as NASA space missions.
History
Sekonic was established in June 1951 as Seiko Electronic Co. Ltd. in Toshima, Tokyo, Japan, by Ryuichi Mitani, releasing its first branded exposure meter, the Sekonic L-1 (also referenced as P-1), that year. In 1984, models like the Digipro X-1 and L-518 were used on NASA Space Shuttle missions. The company reached its 70th anniversary in 2021, continuing development of meters for photography and cinematography markets.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Exposure Meters | Incident and reflected light measurement for photography | $200 - $800 |
| Color Meters | Color temperature and illumination analysis | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Spectrometers | Spectral analysis for lighting professionals | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Industrial Meters | Light measurement for non-photographic applications | $300 - $1,200 |
Manufacturing
Sekonic Corporation is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with manufacturing operations based there. It maintains in-house production focused on precision optics and mechatronics, holding ISO9001 certification for quality control.
Notable Products
- L-858D - Flagship exposure meter with high-speed sync and touchscreen for cine and still photography.
- C-800 - Spectrometer and color meter measuring illuminance, color temperature, and spectral distribution.
- L-308X-U - Compact flash and ambient light meter with multiple measuring modes.
- Digipro X-1 - Early digital meter taken to space on NASA Shuttle in 1984.
- L-518 - Exposure meter used alongside Digipro X-1 in space missions.
Reputation
Sekonic is highly regarded by photographers and cinematographers for the accuracy and reliability of its light meters, often considered a standard in professional workflows. Enthusiasts praise its durable build and advanced features like wireless integration. Some users note higher price points compared to basic alternatives, though quality justifies the cost for precision work.