My Lunasix F meter went up in smoke. Advice needed

[Bennybee]

Hi all,

I need your ideas about what to do next. A while ago I bought a Gossen Lunasix F light meter on evilbay (I think it's called the Luna Pro F in the U.S.). I also got the spot attachment for measuring buildings etc. when trying to 'slow down' and optimize the exposure with my Mamiya RB67. As I am a sort of perfectionist, I was somewhat disturbed by the fact that the dial of the light meter was not perfectly clear anymore : it had a sort of light haze to it (or maybe the disc was not crystal clear anymore because of discoloration of the plastic due to age). So I grabbed my screwdrivers and opened the meter from the back. Soon enough it was clear that I could not loosen the dial from the back : the electronic print covers everything and seemed well fastened or stuck somewhere. While trying to lift it up without breaking it, it suddenly occurred to me that the meter had a funny smell. Then I saw miniature sparks somewhere below the print and soon enough a little puff of smoke. Okay, this light meter was fried now !

Stupid. Next time I'll remove the battery first! So the meter is minty but fried, and I still have that spot attachment.
Question : should I spend another USD100.00 or so and get me a another good used one (same model - to go with the spot attachment), or should I buy a brand new Sekonic L398A for USD150.00
I like the Sekonic as well (had one a long time ago), but I am wondering if it is good/handy enough for reflective metering off a distant subject with that crazy perforated 'Lumigrid' disc thing? After all, they're not called 'Studio Deluxe' for nothing : they're great for incident metering, but for distant reflective ?

Thanks and good light to you all !

[PFMcFarland]

I've got one of those ProF's. Have to change-out the battery connector because when the 9v decided to give up, it corroded the connector so bad, the ends came off. So if you opt for the Sekonic, Benny, I could use the adapters for the Pro F.

But since you're looking to use the meter outdoors mainly, getting another Lunasix F would be a better choice.

PF

[Bennybee]

Hi Phil, thanks for your reply. I also thought that another Lunasix F would be the best option. I may try to find a cheap or dirty one to swap the prints.
I do have a few brand new connectors for 9V batteries. They come with wires on them to solder. I bought a few a while back, just in case. If you cannot find these I'd be happy to mail you one.

[PFMcFarland]

Thanks, Benny, but I got a pack of five before Radio Shack went under. Now if I could just get the workbench area cleared up...

PF