What's a device for testing lightwave emission?

[Genecks]

I'm looking forward to doing some photography projects indoors, but I'm having a hard time differing between sources of light around me. I suspect that the lighting system in my basement is not as bright as I suspect it to be. Thus, I came to the conclusion that the upstairs room was a lot brighter, but I don't have anyway to actually test this.

I was wondering if there was any type of device to actually test how the brightness is different in each room.

Incase you would like to know what type of lighting system I am using, I am using a http://home.howstuffworks.com/fluorescent-lamp.htm".

It's very important that I keep the room lit properly because my pictures are darkening where I don't want them to. I was wondering if there were any types of devices that tested the wavelength or brightness of a certain area in a room or the room itself.

Hopefully something affordable.

 

[Integral]

The device you are looking for is called a light meter

I did a quick qoogle search found http://www.extechproducts.com/" a co worker recently ordered a light meter from them. You should also be able to find light meters at your local photography store. Stand alones meters are not as common as they used to be, today most cameras have them built in.

 

[brewnog]

You can get old Weston analogue light meters for peanuts on eBay. I got given a beautiful old Weston Euro Master a few years ago. They use selenium (I think) and hence don't need batteries. It's absolutely lovely, in a brushed aluminium case with a leather cover. I thought it must be worth a fortune, but it seems that there are so many of them about that they sell really cheaply. This one's currently 15 quid with 45 minutes to go, it must have cost 10 times that much when it was new.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WESTON-MASTER-III-LIGHTMETER-CASE-GOOD-WORKING-ORDER_W0QQitemZ7578945372QQcategoryZ706QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

In any case, it'll easily do the job, and it's an excuse to spend a small amount of money on a really nice piece of kit with some soul!

 

[fasterthanjoao]

i did an experiment with light meters in high school. they're easy to use, and if you want to pay a bit extra it's simple to interface with your computer (the system also allows for countless other addons, budding experiments). unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the software I used... might have it on another computer, i'll check.

bottom line, its simple. buy a standalone and you can walk around your friends houses complaining about the lack of light with backup. or something.