Gossen SIXTOMAT F2
Photography December 8, 2025
This powerful meter offers both incident and reflected light readings, so you can measure the light that falls on your subject or the light bouncing off it. It is absolutely packed with features. It works with natural light, continuous studio lighting and flash making it suitable for both studio and outside work. There is support for flash readings with a cable or triggered by the light burst itself, so it fits well with many different styles of photography. There are also useful modes for mixed lighting to help keep exposures correct in tricky situations.
The exposure range is very wide, from very fast shutter speeds for bright outdoor work right through to long exposures for low light shooting. It also supports frame rates used in film making, so video users can benefit from proper exposure control as well. This flexibility makes it a helpful for people who work in varied environments from daylight street scenes to controlled studio sessions.
Some of the new features include determination of f-stop for adjustable film speeds ranging from 8 to 96 fps, as well as correction factor for sectors deviating from 180°. Entry or measurement within a range of ± 9.9 EV correction values in 1/10 increments and for measured values less than 3 EV, the display is automatically illuminated for 5 s. It can determine f-stop for adjustable frame rate from 24 to 120 fps corresponds to exposure time from 1/24 s to 1/120 s.
Power comes from a single AA battery and the meter includes automatic power saving to keep it running longer. The controls are nicely laid out which keeps everyday use smooth once you learn where everything is.
The main drawback is that the large set of features means there is a bit of a learning curve for complete beginners. It also costs more than basic meters. However, the overall performance is excellent. If you want reliable and accurate exposure results with full creative control, the Gossen Sixtomat F2 is a strong piece of equipment to add to your kit. RRP €332.01
- Accurate exposure readings for both incident and reflected light
- Works with natural light, continuous lighting and flash
- Wide exposure range and support for film making frame rates
- Clear display and logical controls
- Runs on a single AA battery with good power saving
- Learning curve for complete beginners
- Higher cost than basic light meters
- Not as compact as some very small pocket meters
