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This section provides an overview for light meters as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 21 light meter manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked light meter companies as of May, 2025: 1.Konica Minolta Sensing Americas Inc., 2.Gigahertz Optik GmbH, 3.Omega Engineering, Inc..
Table of Contents
An exposure meter is a device used in photography to measure the intensity of light on a subject or in the environment and to calculate the optimal exposure value.
The measurement made with this machine is called light metering. Light meters are installed in most cameras today to determine the best exposure for a given photo.
Stand-alone products continue to be produced and sold, and the advantage of using an exposure meter is that it can measure light with high accuracy, regardless of the reflectance (brightness, color, etc.) of the subject.
Light meters are used either built into the camera or as stand-alone instruments to calculate the exposure value of a picture to ensure that the picture is taken with the correct exposure.
Light meters are useful not only for professional photographers but also for amateur photographers. For example, when taking landscape or portrait photographs, light meters are used to adjust the brightness of the subject and the background.
Light meters are also useful when the subject has strong contrasts. For example, when the subject is exposed directly to sunlight or when dark and bright areas are in the picture at the same time. Using a light meter allows the photographer to adjust the exposure so as not to cause white-outs or blackouts.
Furthermore, a light meter is also useful when using a flash. When using a flash, it is important to use the light meter to adjust the brightness of the flash. If the brightness of the flash is too strong, the subject will be blown out, so the appropriate brightness must be set.
The principles of exposure meters are classified into two types according to the light metering method.
The reflected-light type, which detects the light reflected from the subject and determines the optimum exposure, is the type built into many cameras. With a reflected-light type exposure meter, all subjects are considered to be 18% reflective gray, and the exposure value is determined by calculating the intensity of the light reflected from the subject.
While this has the advantage of metering from the shooting position, it has the disadvantage of not being able to determine the exposure properly for extremely reflective or low reflective subjects such as white or black that are far from the 18% reflectance gray as the standard.
In addition, the camera's built-in light meter allows the photographer to set the range over which metering is performed.
The incident light method, often used in stand-alone cameras, determines exposure based on the light itself that enters the exposure meter. Since exposure is determined based on absolute light intensity rather than reflected light, it is not affected by the color of the subject and has the advantage of allowing the photographer to take pictures exactly as seen by the eye.
However, because it requires metering at the location of the subject, in principle it cannot be built into the camera.
When choosing a light meter, it is important to consider the following points:
If it is difficult to measure light close to the subject, such as in landscapes, choose a reflected-light exposure meter. If it is possible to measure light close to the subject, as in portrait or product photography, an incident-light type exposure meter is the best choice.
If both cases are possible, an exposure meter that can measure both reflected and incident light is recommended.
Light meters that display digitally are often equipped with a wide range of functions. However, because of the abundance of functions, knowledge of time and photography is required to master the use of this type of meter.
Analog-type light meters, which display the result of a measurement at the position indicated by the needle, have simple functions, so even beginners can quickly master their use.
Light meters are not used for long periods of time, so the batteries do not need to be changed or recharged frequently. However, if you neglect to check the remaining battery level, the batteries may run out at the shooting site. In such cases, the type of batteries easily available at convenience stores can be used to take care of the situation immediately.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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L-com was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts. The company serves many industries including electronics, medical, industrial automation, military, and telecommunications a manufacturer and servicer of wired and wireless communications products. The company’s custom product capabilities include customized cable assemblies, WiFi antennas, adapters, and surge protectors. Through its parent company, Infinite Electronics, the company offers a broad range of RF components and assemblies to over 100,000 global customers.
OMEGA Engineering Inc., founded in Norwalk, CT, in 1962 is a manufacturer of products used to measure temperature and humidity, flow and level, and pressure. The company's product portfolio includes thermocouple probes and assemblies, pressure gauges and switches, and air velocity measurement systems, wireless systems and portable optic sensors. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. The company also offers customer services that include support, custom research projects and customized services.
OAI, founded in 1976 with headquarters in the USA, is a manufacturer specializing in precision equipment and resistivity meters for solar, photovoltaic, semiconductor, MEMS, and microfluidics manufacturers. The company's product line includes UV exposure systems, UV intensity meters, continuous wave solar power meters, large substrate mask aligners used in the semiconductor manufacturing process, and powder resistivity meters. It offers an extensive array of custom manufacturing processes and methods that include design, engineering, and prototyping. The company also works with clients in the photolithography, biomedical, advanced packaging, and photobiology markets.
G & R Labs Products, founded in 1995 and based in Santa Clara, California, USA, is a manufacturer of UV Light Meters and offers light meter calibration services. The company's products, such as the Model 100 UV Light Meter and Model 200 UV Light Meter, are used for measuring and monitoring UV light in various applications including UV curing, medical, dental, disinfection, and adhesives material. The company calibrates to NIST standards for all UVA, UVB, UVC and near-infrared wavelengths and holds an ISO 9001-2008 certification.
Traceable was established in 1978 and is headquartered in Webster, Texas, US, as a manufacturer and designer of serialized, calibrated, and certified Traceable lab instruments. The product portfolio includes thermometers, barometers, hygrometers, manometers, controllers, timers, clocks, stopwatches, and lab tools. These products find applications in diverse fields, serving purposes such as temperature and atmospheric pressure measurement, humidity monitoring, pressure measurements, process control, timekeeping, and laboratory analysis. These products are utilized across various industries, including healthcare, laboratory, and industrial sectors, as well as in biopharmaceutical industries.
International Light Technologies was established in 1965 as a manufacturer of light-measuring instruments based in Peabody, Massachusetts. The company provides light measurement products that include light meters, spectrophotometers, radiometers, and spectroradiometers for applications that require measuring of UV, visible light, and of infrared. There are also other accessories such as detectors, filters, calibrations, and integrating spheres that are used along with the main products. The products can withstand harsh environments such as underwater applications and have extensive use in medical, scientific, and industrial manufacturing processes.
Konica Minolta Sensing Americas Inc., founded in Ramsey, NJ, is a manufacturer of optical products that measures the elements of color and light. The company's product portfolio includes Spectrophotometers, Spectroradiometers, Color Meters, Color Readers, and Colorimeter. The company serves markets including Medical and Healthcare, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, customer service and Custom Manufacturing.
Tri-State Instrument Laboratory was established in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 159. Tri-State is a distributor and provider of calibration and related services. Tri-State also manufacturers voltage dividers, motor rotation indicators, and phase sequence indicators. Calibration services include calibration of various types off multimeters, clamp meters, electrical and resistance testers, power recorders, loop, process, and temperature calibrators, infrared and contact thermometers, and analog and digital panel meters. In addition to calibration services, Tri-State specializes in meggers, process calibrators, clamp meters, thermometers, multimeters, and other products such as digital counters, ,hour meters, and hard cases.
Colonial TelTek was founded in 1972 and operates in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Colonial TelTek is a division of Colonial Electric Supplies. Colonial TelTek primarily serves the telecommunications and utility industries as a parts distributor and emergency service provider. Colonial TelTek is offers 8 major product lines including aerial hardware components, bridge conduit systems and conduit accessories, fiber optic cable and splice accessories, handholes and racking products, pulling products, PVC, HDPE, and fiberglass conduit, as well as tools and accessories.
Tes Electrical Electronic Corp., founded in 1988 and based in Taipei, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of test instruments that are sold worldwide. Its products include digital earth testers, LAN cable meters, micro-ohmmeters, power analyzers, and battery capacity testers, used in various areas, including clean room inspection, measuring electrical energy waste, evaluating solar system performance, light testing, and monitoring exposure levels of noise. The company has an annual revenue of 10 million USD. It is ISO 9002 certified, and its calibration laboratory is TAF (Taiwan Accreditation Foundation) and ilac-MRA accredited.
Gigahertz Optik GmbH, founded in Turkenfeld, Bayern, in 1985 is a manufacturer of optic mechanics, and measurement equipment The company’s product portfolio includes and cylindrical lenses, Optical Filters, optical coatings and thin films, optical components and optoelectronic devices. They also do applications such as LED Manufacturing and Assembling, General and Special Lighting and Optical Material Properties Determination. They serve markets such as Life Sciences, Analytical, Spectroscopy, Defense, Aerospace, and Semiconductors. The company also offers customer services that include technical support, engineering and customized services.
Testo, founded in 1957, in Southern Germany, is the designer, developer, and manufacturer of portable test and measurement instrumentation and solutions. The company offers a wide range of products including handheld and stationary instruments, thermal imaging cameras, flue gas analyzers, and air quality monitors. Additionally, It offers HVAC testing tools, food safety devices, and calibration services. These products are broadly applied in diverse sectors, such as HVAC, food safety, pharmaceuticals, and more. With 60 years of measuring engineering experience and ISO 9001 certification, the company's aim is to offer the sector’s finest quality, service, and importance.
Greenlee, founded in Rockford, Illinois, in 1862 is a manufacturer of Electrical Tools and Telecommunications Tools. The company's product portfolio includes Plumbing Tools, Utility Tools, Power Tools and Accessories, and Wire and Cable Electrical Test and Measurement equipment. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. They also provide services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing.
Amprobe, founded in Everett, WA, in 1948 is a manufacturer of Ultrasonic Leak Detectors. The company's product portfolio includes battery testers, Electrical and HVAC Test and Measurement Tools, Digital Multimeters, Clamp Meters, and Wire Tracers & Cable Locators. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. They also provide services including product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
Teledyne FLIR LLC, originally known as FLIR Systems and founded in 1978, is an American manufacturer headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon, specializing in thermal imaging cameras and sensors, now operating as a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) offers handheld and fixed mount thermal cameras, thermal security cameras, thermography cameras, machine vision cameras, and gas detection cameras. They provide airborne systems, unmanned aerial and ground systems, land and maritime systems, and traffic management software. These products find applications in various fields and industries, such as airborne law enforcement, border and maritime patrol, critical infrastructure and force protection, search and rescue operations.
Durán Electrónicais a manufacturer and supplier of gas as well as fire detection systems and equipment established in 1973 and based in Madrid, Spain. The company produces complete analog or conventional fire detection systems, centralized gas detection systems, and standalone detectors. It also offers modular as well as compact weather stations, atmospheric sensors, and anemometers for environmental control purposes. Aside from its products, the company provides product customization, consultation, and training services for its client wine cellars, laboratories, and tunnel builders.
PCE Instruments UK Ltd., started in 199 and headquartered in Manchester, UK, is a manufacturer and supplier of test instruments, equipment, and tools for weighing, measuring, and control systems. The company offers more than 500 test equipment, including analyzers, inspection cameras, meters, detectors, and sensors, with applications in various fields like data acquisition, electrical engineering, environmental science, building inspection, and food processing. Its manufacturing and development division is ISO 9001 certified, all its test instruments, equipment, and tools are factory calibrated, and the company also provides services for custom test instrument design, installation, and maintenance.
Klein Tools is a fifth-generation family-run producer of hand tools founded in 187 and headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Klein Tools sells worldwide directly and through distributors. Klein Tools has a family of companies under its brand including Alco, Civitella, Mumme Tools, Tulmex, and Wattmaster. Klein Tools serves several industries including construction, HVAC/R, plumbing, telecom, municipal, and industrial. Some of the tools Klein Tools produces include non-contact voltage tester bens, multi-bit screwdrivers, digital circuit breaker finders, advanced circuit tracer kits, and multi-bit electronics screwdrivers.
SEKONIK specializes in lighting, optical hygrothermograph equipment, and more. Established in 1951, SEKONIK takes technology beyond the cutting edge and has been providing superior-quality of strategic optics and mechatronics for three-quarters of a century. With an equally high focus on quality, SEKONIK has obtained ISO9001 certification and strives to achieve ever greater customer satisfaction. SEKONIK is focused on environmental sustainability across supply chains in all its business processes, establishing the "Green Procurement Guidelines" in February 2008. SEKONIC offers easily navigable English and Japanese websites to help meet needs of customers around the world with an eye on protecting the environment.
Panomex Inc., an established manufacturing company based in India with more than 15 years of experience, specializes in a wide range of industrial and scientific instruments. Their product portfolio includes digital moisture meters, gas detectors, ultrasonic thickness gauges, and more. The company also continues to deliver advanced solutions to a wide range industries, and owns manufacturing unit equipping with research and development lab, with an engineering team with sound experience in meteorology. They offer products to both Indian market and export to overseas mainly in Asia, Africa and Middle East countries.
Inspector Tools, founded in 1999 and based in Ventura, California, is a distributor and supplier of test equipment catering to sectors such as facility maintenance, building inspection, and energy conservation. The company maintains a diverse inventory featuring products from over 20 brands, including Extech Instruments, Met One Instruments Inc., and General Wire Spring Company. Offerings range from home inspection kits to carbon monoxide detectors and infrared cameras. Inspector Tools provides customers with an online catalog showcasing its entire product range. Additionally, customers can create digital accounts for faster checkouts and access to order history.
Ranking as of May 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Konica Minolta Sensing Americas Inc. |
12.8%
|
| 2 | Gigahertz Optik GmbH |
9.2%
|
| 3 | G & R Labs |
8.2%
|
| 4 | Omega Engineering, Inc. |
8.2%
|
| 5 | L-com |
6.6%
|
| 6 | OAI |
5.1%
|
| 7 | Klein Tools, Inc. |
5.1%
|
| 8 | SEKONIC CORPORATION |
5.1%
|
| 9 | Tes Electronical Electronic Corp |
4.6%
|
| 10 | Panomex Inc. |
4.6%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the light meter page as of May 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
9 | 56.3% |
|
Germany
|
2 | 12.5% |
|
Taiwan
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
Spain
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
United Kingdom
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
Japan
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
India
|
1 | 6.3% |
22 products found
22 products
SEKONIC CORPORATION
380+ people viewing
Compatible with incident light type and flash light (reflected light type 5° is also available as an option). Comes with exposure profile function....
2 models listed
SEKONIC CORPORATION
380+ people viewing
Last viewed: 5 hours ago
■High-speed synchronization compatible model that can measure flash duration The Speedmaster L-858D is a top-of-the-line exposure meter that incorp...
SEKONIC CORPORATION
260+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
■Evolved lightweight, compact and easy-to-operate exposure meter An exposure meter that is compatible with various types of shooting, including pho...
Sanko Seikosho Co., Ltd.
260+ people viewing
Last viewed: 7 hours ago
■Applications Optical condensing equipment, reflection mirrors for projection, exposure equipment for LCD devices, exposure equipment for IC equipm...
SEKONIC CORPORATION
250+ people viewing
■Standard for exposure meters A long-selling product that continues to be loved for a long time. The standard light meter used by many photographer...
SEKONIC CORPORATION
440+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■World's first* Equipped with SSI Equipped with 4 types of color rendering indexes, which are new indicators for quantifying sensations *Sekonic re...
Sanko Seikosho Co., Ltd.
230+ people viewing
Last viewed: 19 hours ago
■Applications Exposure equipment for LCD devices, exposure equipment for IC equipment, exposure equipment for printed circuit boards, automatic sol...
SEKONIC CORPORATION
370+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
■Spectral colorimeter suitable for industrial use Spectrometer C-7000 is a spectroscopic color illuminometer that is small and lightweight and can ...
SEKONIC CORPORATION
260+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
■Compact incident/reflection meter Equipped with both incident and reflection functions in a body that fits comfortably in your hand. If you attach...
SEKONIC CORPORATION
160+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
Spectrometer C-800 is equipped with four new color rendering indices: SSI, TLCI, TM-30-18, and CRI, which quantify sensations. Compatible with ligh...
Tsubosaka Electric Co., Ltd.
190+ people viewing
Last viewed: 18 hours ago
■Features ・Inspect the camera's appropriate exposure amount ・Exposure time can be measured at the same time, ideal for production lines ・For com...
Dakota Japan Co., Ltd.
160+ people viewing
■Summary ・Easy and accurate measurement of ferrite content ・Ideal for controlling the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of stainless...
Tsubosaka Electric Co., Ltd.
160+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
■Features ・Measurement of lens shutter and aperture characteristics ・Support for digital camera shutter operation ・Effective exposure time/conta...
Tsubosaka Electric Co., Ltd.
160+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Features ・High performance transmission shutter tester ・Measure focal plane shutter exposure time, curtain speed, exposure unevenness, X delay, ...
Tsubosaka Electric Co., Ltd.
130+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Features ・High performance reflective shutter tester ・Measure focal plane shutter exposure time, curtain speed, exposure unevenness, X delay, et...
Tsubosaka Electric Co., Ltd.
120+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Features ・Measure the operating time and aperture ratio of the lens shutter, single shutter, and aperture ・Use LS mode when measuring lens shutt...
