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LightMate

LightMate Lite 2R

LightMate Lite 2R

Regular price £58.00 GBP
Regular price Sale price £58.00 GBP
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Introduction

LightMate Lite 2R is a compact reflective ambient light digital exposure meter (light meter). It is installed on the camera shoe bracket to measure visible light and convert it into the exposure parameters required by the camera equipment. LightMate Lite 2R provides aperture auto mode, shutter speed auto mode, manual mode and EV mode to meet almost all exposure measurement needs.

Installation Requirements

1.The camera must support manual control of aperture and shutter speed.

2.The camera must have a hot shoe mount.

 

Body Material: Aluminum alloy
Warranty: 1-year warranty for the LightMate main unit. 

Unsure if it fits your camera? Send a photo of your camera's hot shoe to customer service for consultation! :)

Official Website: Lightmate.pro
(Manuals, firmware, firmware update instructions, user guides, etc.)

Features

LightMate Lite 2R is the next-generation product of the Lite series exposure meters, featuring the following new enhancements:

1.The field of view of the metering lens has been adjusted from 35° to 30° for more precise metering.

2.A magnetic filter mount has been added, allowing for the attachment of accessories like an incident light metering sphere.

3.Updated to the 2nd generation ball-lock securing hot shoe mount.

4.The metering button has been updated from a two-stage button to a more user-friendly single-stage button.

Supported Stops

ISO
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 64, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200, 4000, 5000, 6400, 8000

Aperture
F1, F1.1, F1.2, F1.3, F1.4, F1.5, F1.6, F1.7, F1.8, F1.9, F2, F2.2, F2.4, F2.5, F2.6, F2.8, F3, F3.2, F3.5, F3.7, F4, F4.5, F5, F5.2, F5.6, F6.3, F6.7, F7.1, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12, F13, F14, F15, F16, F17, F18, F19, F20, F21, F22, F25, F27, F29, F32, F36, F40, F45, F50, F55, F60, F64

Shutter
1/8000, 1/6400, 1/5000, 1/4000, 1/3200, 1/2500, 1/2000, 1/1600, 1/1250, 1/1000, 1/800, 1/640, 1/500, 1/400, 1/320, 1/250, 1/200, 1/160, 1/125, 1/100, 1/80, 1/60, 1/50, 1/40, 1/30, 1/25, 1/20, 1/15, 1/13, 1/10, 1/8, 1/6, 1/5, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1s ~ 60s (in 1-second increments)

EV Comp
-2, -1.5, -1.0, -0.5, 0, +0.5, +1.0, +1.5, +2.0

ND Filter
ND2, ND4, ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64, ND128, ND256, ND512, ND1000

Lens Formats (for DOF Scale)
Full-frame
Half-frame, APS-C
Medium format 645, 660, 670, 680, 690, 612, 617, 624
Large format 2x3, 4x5, 4x10, 5x7, 5x12, 7x11, 8x6, 8x10, 8x20, 11x14, 12x20, 14x17, 16x20, 20x24

Distance (for DOF Scale)
0.1m, 0.2m, 0.3m, 0.4m, 0.5m, 0.6m, 0.7m, 0.8m, 0.9m, 1m, 1.2m, 1.5m, 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m, 7m, 8m, 9m, 10m, 11m, 12m, 13m, 14m, 15m, 16m, 17m, 18m, 19m, 20m, 21m, 22m, 23m, 24m, 25m, 26m, 27m, 28m, 29m, 30m, ∞

Excellent Metering Lens Design

The metering lens of the LightMate Lite 2R has a diagonal angle of view of approximately 30°, equivalent to an 80mm lens in 135 format. It can be used with 28mm~100mm lenses!

The metering lens uses H-K9L optical glass, which concentrates light and has high light transmittance, effectively improving measurement performance in low-light environments!

Digital Depth of Field Scale

The "Digital Depth of Field Scale" displayed at the bottom of the interface allows you to accurately and quickly calculate the depth of field range for your current lens focus and aperture settings. It helps you with zone focusing for street photography or creating beautiful shallow depth of field effects!

It is also a great assistant for lenses that lack a depth of field scale!

For example:
When using a 35mm lens on a full-frame system (indicated by the 'F' icon) at an aperture of F1.5 and a focus distance of 1.5m,
the depth of field range is 1.59m - 1.41m = 0.18m.

When focusing on a model's eyes for a close-up portrait,
this 18cm shallow depth of field range perfectly covers most of the model's body,
resulting in a sharp subject with a beautifully blurred background.

Flip Screen Display

Enter [Average Metering Mode]

Aim the meter at point 1, move along the path to point 3

Obtain the average exposure value for the path

Use 1/500, F8, ISO100 for the shot

The Craftmanship Behind the Design

32-Bit Main Controller
Powered by STMicroelectronics
Independent crystal oscillator
for enhanced stability and precision

Multi-Layer Battery Protection
Overheat, overcharge & over-discharge protection
Imported power management IC
Charging overvoltage protection
Reliable, efficient, energy-saving

HRS Connector (Japan)
Built-in battery charging temperature sensor
FPC flexible cable design
Prevents charging under extreme temperatures
Stable, reliable, and solder-free modular construction

Beauty Meets Brawn

2x ESD Protection Diodes for Buttons
Strategically placed to absorb static discharge
Prevents electrostatic damage

3x ESD Protection Diodes for Dials
Shield sensitive components from static interference
Ensures long-term durability

No Compromise on Quality
We use premium imported components—higher performance, higher cost—
with over 6 types of electrical protection circuits,
all to enhance the reliability and stability of Lite 2.

1x Reverse Polarity Protection Diode
Even a faulty charging cable won't harm your meter

1x Resettable Fuse
Prevents damage from charger malfunctions or overvoltage

Every shoot matters. Every frame counts.

Panasonic Switches (Japan)
Precision-crafted for crisp, tactile feedback

Mitsumi Dials (Japan)
Smooth, accurate control, built to last

1x TVS Surge Protection Diode
Absorbs high-voltage spikes during USB connection
Safeguards internal circuitry

3x ESD Protection Diodes for USB Port
Multi-layer static defense for worry-free connectivity


*Note: All LightMate Lite 2 versions feature the same high-quality internal design.*

Product Shots

Specifications

Product Name:
LightMate Lite 2R

Product Type:
Ambient Light Digital Exposure Meter

Model Number:
9632

Light Reception Method:
Reflected Light

Light Reception Angle:
Approx. 30°

Sensing Element:
Silicon Photodiode Array

Metering Modes:
Aperture-Priority / Shutter-Priority / EV Metering

Metering Range (ISO 100):
EV -1.1 to EV 21

Metering Accuracy:
±0.1 EV

Display Range:

ISO: ISO 1 ~ ISO 8000

Shutter: 60s ~ 1/8000s

Aperture: F1 ~ F64

EV: EV -1.1 ~ EV 21

Exposure Compensation:
EV -2 ~ EV +2

Screen Specifications:
0.96" OLED Display / 128 x 64 Pixels

Battery Type:
Built-in Polymer Lithium-Ion Battery, 3.7V / 110mAh

Charging Specifications:
USB-C Interface / DC5V ±10% / Max Current 0.2A
Charging Time: Approx. 1 Hour

Operating Temperature:
-10°C ~ 60°C

Operating Humidity:
30% ~ 80%

Storage Temperature:
-20°C ~ 70°C

Dimensions:

-Without Hot Shoe: 38mm × 29.5mm × 14mm

-With Hot Shoe: 38mm × 29.5mm × 18mm

Weight:
26g

LightMate Series Exposure Meters Comparison Chart

LightMate 2R

LightMate Area 2S

+OV-X1 17°

LightMate Area 2S

+OV-X2 17°

LightMate AirPro 
Model 9632 9832+6622 9832+6322 9722
Body Material Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum
Color Options Silver / Black Silver / Black Silver / Black Silver / Black
Release Date 2024.11 2024.12 2025.1 2024.6
Positioning Entry-Level! Advanced! Advanced!
Highlights Filter mount, Digital DOF scale, Multiple dials! Visible narrow-angle zone metering! Viewfinder port, Visible narrow-angle zone metering! Viewfinder with bright frame, Visible narrow-angle zone metering! 3 independent dials! A/S modes with manual control, 10+ manual dial modes!
Best For Beginners, Fast street photography, Great value Zone metering, Fast street photography, External viewfinder composition Zone metering, Fast street photography, Vintage experience, Tactile feel Beginners, Fast street photography
Basic Specs
Metering Type Reflective Reflective Reflective Reflective
Metering Angle Approx. 30° (80mm equivalent) Approx. 17° (135mm equivalent) Approx. 35° (68mm equivalent) Approx. 17° (135mm equivalent)
Metering Range (ISO100) EV -1.1 ~ 21.0, Accuracy ±0.1EV EV -1.1 ~ 21.0, Accuracy ±0.1EV EV -1.1 ~ 21.0, Accuracy ±0.1EV EV -1.1 ~ 21.0, Accuracy ±0.1EV
ISO Support ISO 1 ~ 8000 ISO 1 ~ 3200 ISO 1 ~ 3200 ISO 1 ~ 8000
Shutter Speed 60s ~ 1/8000s 60s ~ 1/8000s 60s ~ 1/8000s 60s ~ 1/8000s
Aperture Support F1.0 ~ F64 F1.0 ~ F64 F1.0 ~ F64 F1.0 ~ F64
Shutter Priority (S) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Aperture Priority (A) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manual Mode (M) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Full/1/3 Stop Switching Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manual/Single Metering Yes Yes Yes Yes
Auto/Continuous Metering Yes Yes Yes Yes
Auto Reciprocity Yes Yes Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation Yes Yes Yes Yes
Screen Brightness Adj. Yes Yes Yes Yes
Flip Screen Display Yes Yes Yes Yes
Adjustable Shoe Position Yes Yes Yes Yes
Auto Shoe Lock Yes Yes Yes Yes
Power Supply Built-in rechargeable battery, USB-C charging Built-in rechargeable battery, USB-C charging Built-in rechargeable battery, USB-C charging Built-in rechargeable battery, USB-C charging
Advanced Features
Multiple Dials Yes Yes
Manual Exposure Indicator Yes Yes
vfPort Viewfinder Interface Yes Yes
Magnetic Filter Mount Yes Yes Yes
Average Metering Yes
Digital DOF Scale Yes
Digital ND Filter Yes
Shutter Button Mount Yes
Firmware Update via USB Yes Yes Yes Yes

 

Q&A

Q: What is the difference between "Single Metering" mode and "Continuous Trigger Metering" mode?

A: In "Single Metering" mode, you need to manually press the metering button each time to trigger a measurement, and the result will be displayed on the screen. In "Continuous Trigger Metering" mode, you do not need to press the button each time. The meter will automatically trigger measurements at a set interval, continuously updating the results on the screen until you exit this mode. The trigger interval may vary depending on the light intensity, typically ranging from 100ms to 300ms.

"Single Metering" mode maximizes the battery life of the meter. "Continuous Trigger Metering" mode allows for hands-free operation.


Q: How do I switch between and use "Single Metering" and "Continuous Trigger Metering" modes?

A: On the metering interface, press and hold the M metering button to bring up the C option. Rotate the S dial to select either "Single Metering" or "Continuous Trigger Metering" mode, then press the M button to confirm. In "Single Metering" mode, the LED will flash once after metering is complete, and the icon "S" will be displayed on the screen. In "Continuous Trigger Metering" mode, the LED will flash continuously during metering, and the icon "C" will flash on the screen.


Q: What is EV on the metering interface? Why does its value change after each metering? Is it exposure compensation?

A: This EV value represents the current light intensity. EV stands for Exposure Value, which is a way to measure light intensity. It changes because the light intensity may differ each time you meter. The shutter and aperture values are calculated based on this EV value. Standard exposure compensation is an adjustment made based on this value. By default, exposure compensation is not enabled on the meter.

Exposure compensation needs to be set in the "Digital ND Filter" option within the settings menu.


Q: How do I perform accurate metering with the LightMate Lite 2R/2S?

A: We strongly recommend using the meter mounted on your camera's hot shoe for the best experience. Unless you are experienced, avoid using the meter separately from the camera.

When metering, try to keep the meter steady and still until the measurement is complete to ensure accuracy.

When possible, use an 18% gray card for reflective light metering, or meter a subject that is close to 18% gray. When metering very bright white or very dark black subjects, you need to add or reduce compensation based on your experience.


Q: What is "Average Metering" mode? How do I use it?

A: "Average Metering" mode allows you to measure the exposure value over a continuous area, effectively increasing the metering angle of the meter. This mode is useful when the area you need to meter is larger than the meter's standard metering angle.

Press and hold the M metering button to bring up the C option. Rotate the S dial to select "Average Metering" mode, then press the M button to confirm.

To use "Average Metering" mode, aim the metering lens at the starting point of the area you want to measure. Press the M button once, slowly move the lens across to the end point of the area, then press the M button again. The screen will display the exposure parameters for that entire area.


Q: How can I simply test the metering accuracy of my LightMate Lite 2R/2S?

A: We recommend using a large, solid-colored background for a simple comparative test of the LightMate Lite 2R/2S's accuracy. This helps minimize other interfering factors. For example, you can use the 18% gray side of the LightMate Lite 2R/2S packaging box to compare it with other professional reflective light meters.

When testing, ensure the ambient light source is a stable, pure artificial light. Then, using both the LightMate Lite 2R/2S and another professional meter, take multiple metering readings from about 15cm away from the gray side of the box. Compare the differences between the results.


Q: Why are the metering results from my LightMate Lite 2R/2S different from those of my film camera / digital camera / app?

A: Possible reasons: 1. Your film camera's built-in meter might be inaccurate. Most film cameras are at least 25 years old. These vintage devices may have aged, lack maintenance, have outdated circuits, and are prone to various faults. 2. Your digital camera's meter might be inaccurate. Different digital camera manufacturers have their own tendencies for ISO calibration. CMOS sensors and film are two completely different photographic mediums with distinct physical characteristics, and manufacturers may not calibrate exposure strictly according to standard film ISO. 3. Your phone's metering app might be inaccurate. There are countless phone models, and apps cannot be specifically calibrated for each one. Even if they use the same CMOS model, the manufacturer's tuning for color rendition can vary between different phone models. 4. Differences in the optical axis between the meter and the camera lens, differences in the field of view between the meter's lens and the camera lens, and differences in the metering mode used by the camera versus the meter can all affect the results.

No manufacturer of metering equipment can guarantee that the results from your light meter will be identical to through-the-lens (TTL) metering from your camera.


Q: What is the battery life of the LightMate Lite 2R/2S? How long is the charging time?

A: In "Single Metering" mode with normal use, the battery life is approximately 20 hours. In "Continuous Trigger Metering" mode, the maximum battery life is about 6 hours. Based on an average measurement interval of 100ms, this allows for approximately 216,000 measurements in 6 hours. A full charge takes about 1 hour. You can use a power bank or any standard Type-C charger. The meter can be used while charging. It will automatically stop charging when full. It consumes almost no power when turned off, so a full charge can last for at least 6 months in storage.


Q: Can the LightMate Lite 2R/2S be used for shooting reversal film (slide film)?

A: Yes, it can. The most important factor for shooting reversal film is metering experience. Modern light meters can all meet the requirements. The LightMate Lite 2R/2S has a metering accuracy of ±0.1EV, which meets the exposure precision requirements for reversal film.

Color reversal film typically has an exposure latitude of about 5EV (-3EV to +2EV), which is narrower than color negative film's 7EV (-3EV to +4EV) and black and white negative film's 9EV (-4EV to +5EV). Expired film may have even less latitude. Metering experience is paramount when shooting reversal film; the equipment is secondary.


Q: How do I change the format and lens focal length for the Digital Depth of Field Scale on the LightMate Lite 2R/2S?

A: You can go to "Settings - Digital DOF Scale" menu and select "Change DOF Scale" to adjust the lens focal length. Currently, only prime lenses are supported. "Full" represents Full-frame, "Half" represents Half-frame, formats starting with "M" (e.g., M645) represent Medium Format (like 6x4.5), and formats starting with "L" (e.g., L45) represent Large Format (like 4x5). The lens focal length can be set from 10mm to 250mm. You do not need to convert to 35mm equivalent; simply set it directly according to the focal length marked on your lens.


Q: What should I do if I can't see the screen clearly on my LightMate Lite 2R/2S outdoors?

A: You can increase the screen brightness in the "Settings - Screen & Power" menu to improve visibility. The default brightness is level 3, and it can be adjusted up to level 10. Increasing screen brightness will reduce battery life. In low-light conditions where the screen is perfectly visible, adjust the brightness down to save power.


Q: What is the purpose of the LED indicator on the LightMate Lite 2R/2S? Can it be turned off?

A: While charging, a red light indicates charging in progress, and a green light indicates a full charge. During metering, a flashing red LED indicates that the measurement is complete. If needed, you can disable the LED flash indication for metering in the "Settings - Metering" menu.


Q: Why does my LightMate Lite 2R/2S automatically power off?

A: The LightMate Lite 2R/2S has a power-saving management feature. By default, the screen dims after 30 seconds of inactivity, and the meter automatically turns off after 2 minutes. Any operation will reset the power-saving timer. If needed, you can modify the auto power-off time in the "Settings - Screen & Power" menu, with options ranging from 2 minutes to 30 minutes. Extending the auto power-off time will reduce battery life.


Q: I'm a beginner. Do you have any advice for using an external light meter?

A: A light meter is a simple tool for measuring light intensity. Like a thermometer, it cannot understand your creative intent. It might even seem a bit "dumb" as it doesn't offer the what-you-see-is-what-you-get experience of a modern digital camera's metering system. You shouldn't expect to take perfect photos immediately after buying a light meter. It requires learning photographic exposure methods, thinking carefully, and practicing a lot.

Often, you can rely on the built-in meter in your film camera. You just compose, focus, and press the shutter. In many cases, you'll get a well-exposed subject. This isn't necessarily because the camera's metering system is so advanced, but largely thanks to the latitude of the film (especially when using negative film).

However, there are situations where you might get overexposed or underexposed photos. The most common scenario is high-contrast lighting. In such cases, the "one-click metering, one-click shooting" method may no longer work, and you should prioritize metering for your main subject. In these situations, you need a good understanding of the latitude of the film you are using, and then use the light meter for spot/zone metering to determine the final exposure parameters through comprehensive analysis.

Sometimes, you inevitably have to make compromises, allowing non-essential parts of the scene outside the film's latitude to be over or underexposed. It's easy to understand that this is not the fault of the light meter.

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