Operating Modes
You can use the meter for reflectance and incident readings with available light and flash. In fact, the meter will read both together to determine the level of fill flash--it's called the "flash analyze" function. For ambi measurement alone, the meter can be set for Aperture- or Shutter-Priority or to display readings in EVs (Exposure Values). Flash readings are Shutter-Priority, considering flash sync speeds.

When the L-558R is used with flash alone, readings can be made in Cord or Cordless mode (flash analyze works in both). Cord mode makes use of the X-sync terminal on the meter, triggering the flash from the L-558R. In Cordless mode, the flash is popped independently while the meter is in standby. Or, as we mentioned, the meter can be used for wireless flash triggering with the built-in radio transmitter.

You can measure flash in individual bursts, or take cumulative measurements with multiple pops of the strobe. The meter will produce a final read-out, while counting strobe bursts. Why multiple pops? Sometimes the light is insufficient to produce the needed depth of field as is. More light, resulting from multiple bursts recorded in the same exposure, gives you greater depth of field (in place of adding more lights or employing more powerful lighting).

In Conclusion
The Sekonic L-558R has proven itself in a number of tests. It didn't take long to gain a working familiarity with the meter, although one or two of the more esoteric functions did require more effort, not because of the meter but because of poor instructions in the manual. That aside, all the buttons are conveniently located, and there are only as many buttons as necessary, leading to a smooth workflow.

I tested spot metering in skyline shots and incident metering with an indoor still life. While the in camera meter's sophisticated evaluative metering system produced competitive results with a range of test subjects outdoors, the most dramatic difference can be seen when the camera is confronted with bright porcelain dinnerware, in a still life. The underexposure using the in camera meter was pronounced, whereas an incident reading with the L-558R produced a good exposure without bracketing. I proceeded to test the meter's flash analyze function after mixing strobe with window light, which again led to successful results (getting the right mix of flash and daylight did take a few minutes). But when all was said and done, the results and ease of use of the L-558R convinced me to buy this meter.

(Sidebar) Why Bother With Contrast Readings?
The idea behind exposure control is to avoid a loss of important highlight or shadow detail and poor lighting. After all, a good exposure captures detail where it's needed, and properly positioned lights bring out important features, while subduing others. If that something lurking in the shadows is important to the picture and to the visual statement you're making, it needs to be addressed before the shutter is released. Otherwise, you risk losing valuable information. Even with digital capture, lost highlight and shadow detail is lost detail. There is only so much you can do in Photoshop and still retain the tonal and color integrity of
the image.

PROS
· Versatile, fast, and reliable
· Very readable high-contrast digital display plus analog scale (indicates readings in memory), with additional internal display for spot readings
· Automatic backlight automatically senses low-light situations, so no manual activation required
· Analyze function measures relative contribution of flash and available light for better fill-flash photos
· Contrast measurement and averaging of multiple readings
· White dome can be quickly and efficiently recessed for lighting ratio measurement without the need to switch to a flat diffuser
· 1Þ spot meter built-in, with diopter correction--operates just like any dedicated spot meter
· Built-in wireless radio transmitter for compatible radio-receiver-equipped strobe or camera
· All-weather design (but don't go swimming with it)
· Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, and EV ambient-light readings, plus cord/cordless flash and cumulative flash (and cine, for those who need it)
· Front-threaded for filters, or you can manually input a digital filter (or exposure) correction
· Custom settings (for example, to choose full, 1/2, or 1/3 steps--I went with 1/3)

CONS
· Pricey (but worth every penny)
· Can be confusing, intimidating, and a bit much for novice users who might better benefit from the simpler and less expensive Sekonic FlashMate L-308S or Flash Master L-358
· Bulky (owing to the built-in spot meter)
· Incident turret rotates but no longer tilts as on some older Sekonic meters (tilting made it easier to aim the meter from any position)
· Jog wheel is difficult to use with sweaty or wet hands
· Instruction manual is not always clear on procedures

The Sekonic DualMaster L-558R (only) costs $499 (street); the Sekonic X-Rite Digital Suite costs $699 (street). For more information, contact Sekonic, 8 Westchester Plaza, Elmsford, NY 10523; (914) 347-3300; www.sekonic.com. Also check out these websites: www.sekonic.com/Products/L-558R.html and www.xritephoto.com/product/optixxr.

The X-Rite Factor: How Suite It Is...
The process of CRT and LCD monitor calibration and profiling is intimidating to many of us. Just say the words and we cringe at the mere thought of it, and especially at the cost in time, money, and effort. Have no fear: MonacoOPTIXXR is an affordable package that takes the painstaking drudgery out of the process, made even sweeter when bundled into the Sekonic X-Rite Digital Suite.

Obviously, you're not going to spend $699 on this combo meter-and-monitor calibration package if you already own a capable handheld meter, or successfully tackled monitor calibration. This package is designed for those of us who want to upgrade their light meter and either have no calibration/profiling tools installed on the computer or are seeking an effective alternative. As tantalizing as the entire package is, an initiate to handheld meters will likely find the Sekonic L-558R meter overwhelming, with features you may never use--and what a waste of good greenbacks that would be. It does seem a bit incongruous to package such a fancy meter with such a basic and straightforward monitor profiler. The Sekonic L-358 would have been a better choice for beginners (perhaps Mamiya and X-Rite will consider offering an alternate package).

As for the MonacoOPTIXXR component in this package, it brings you MonacoOPTIX software and an X-Rite colorimeter. X-Rite is well-known for its color/density-measurement devices, dating back to analog photography days.
The colorimeter (the device placed over the screen for a series of measurements) comes with a counterweight, so it doesn't test the limits of the thin USB cable. For CRT monitors--and only CRT--there is a suction cup, which acts like a mountain climber's carabiner to prevent slippage and secure the device in place. Never use the suction cup on an LCD display, as this may damage the screen.

Installing the software was effortless--and a mandatory first step. I plugged the colorimeter into the USB port on my Dell (hardware driver installation came next--also unproblematic on a Windows XP machine) and planted the device on the CRT, after launching the software. The software graphically shows you exactly where to position the device on the screen and guides you in the process of calibration and profiling in very easy-to-follow steps. I had my new monitor profile in minutes. I checked the computer's display settings to ensure the new profile was in effect, and it was. MonacoOPTIXXR also supports Mac.