PDA

View Full Version : The W.G.H. Turl Spot Meter


S Raff
1st February 2009, 10:43 AM
I have a W.G.H. Turl Spot Meter. This was the original meter that the S.E.I meter was based upon. It is beautifully hand made and in lovely looking condition.

I would be very interested in hearing from anyone that has owned/used one of the Turl meters as I would love to get mine working and possibly into use.

Many thanks
Stephen

S Raff
1st February 2009, 04:50 PM
Well I've now managed to get the meter working. I was a little confused as I have a few spare inserts made out of bakelite to allow for a change on battery dimensions. I was amazed that the bulb still works. I am able now to lighten and darken the spot on the mirror by withdrawing the inner barrel and match its brightness to that of the subject being metered, I believe the spot meter is within half a degree. Now I just need to understand the scale and attempt to calibrate the meter.

I am very excited about being able to use this meter.

Barry
1st February 2009, 09:03 PM
Never seen one of these Stephen, post an image if you get time.

S Raff
2nd February 2009, 08:11 AM
Hopefully a few images, sorry I cant figure how to make them part of the post.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28757089@N02/3246235301/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28757089@N02/3246235203/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28757089@N02/3246235125/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28757089@N02/3247060596/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28757089@N02/3246234923/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28757089@N02/3247060434/

This meter was invented by my Great Grandfather 'W.G.H Turl' the design was later adapted to produce the well known S.E.I meter. The meter I have is among many which he made by hand on commission in the shed at the end of his garden, the only thing that he had made for the meter was the scale. He supplied these to many people including the following:- H.M. Air Ministry, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Australian Standard Laboratory, H.M. Experimental Laboratories.

Trevor Crone
2nd February 2009, 10:31 AM
What a fantastic heritage; thank you for sharing Stephen:)

I can certainly see where the S.E.I got its design from.

Trevor Crone
2nd February 2009, 11:25 AM
Stephen, I've attached a composite scan from Ansel Adams 1976 edition of Camera and Lens (Basic Photo One). Where he writes about the S.E.I. I hope you can read it. If not and you are interested just let me know and I'll type it in:)

If you right click on the image and open link in a new window it is easier to read.

S Raff
2nd February 2009, 01:45 PM
Thank you for the attachment Trevor. It would seem that there is a fair amount of information available for the S.E.I meter but little for my Great Grandfathers. I have found out today a cousin in France used to use one regularly so I am attempting to contact them. I am already using on of my Great Grandfathers 35mm cameras an old Pentax S1a and it would be wonderful to be working out my exposures with one of his meters too.