lichtmeters

A Lichtmeter, or light meter, is a device used to measure the amount of light in a scene or environment. It is commonly employed in photography and cinematography to determine correct exposure, but it is also used in architecture, horticulture, and safety applications to assess lighting levels and quality.

Light meters come in several forms. Handheld meters can measure incident light, which is light falling on a subject, or reflected light, which is light bouncing off the subject. Some meters offer spot metering that samples only a narrow field of view, while others provide broader readings. Camera-integrated meters estimate exposure based on the scene’s light and can be supplemented by external meters for more complex lighting setups. In addition, luminance meters measure the brightness of surfaces rather than the light reaching a scene.

Meters typically use photodiodes or other solid-state sensors and aim to approximate the human eye’s photopic response. Readouts are usually given in photometric units such as illuminance (lux or foot-candle) or, for surfaces, luminance (candela per square meter). Exposure values (EV) are commonly provided in photography to indicate required camera settings. Some devices include color temperature compensation to account for lighting color.

Calibration is essential for accuracy, with traceable calibration against reference sources and adherence to international standards. Modern Lichtmeters range from traditional optical instruments to digital devices and smartphone applications, often offering data logging, memory, and spectral considerations. They remain a standard tool for achieving reliable lighting and exposure in professional and scientific contexts.