Weston Master I Lightmeter – Tested – With Case – VGC

Overview

The Weston Master I is one of the earliest and most iconic selenium‑cell exposure meters, valued for its robust build, classic design and historical significance. Produced in the 1930s–40s, it remains a desirable collector’s item and a functional tool for vintage photography.
This example is tested and working, supplied with its original case.

Condition

Overall Condition: Very Good (age‑appropriate)

• Needle responsive and stable
• Meter reacts correctly to changes in light
• Scales and dials turn smoothly
• Display window clear with light age‑related marks
• Selenium cell active (rare for this age)
• Exterior shows light to moderate cosmetic wear consistent with age
• Case in very good condition with light handling marks

Included

• Weston Master I lightmeter
• Original case

Key Features

• Early Weston Master selenium‑cell meter
• Fully mechanical, no batteries required
• Classic analogue needle display
• Durable metal construction
• Suitable for film cameras lacking built‑in meters
• Highly collectible early Weston model

Compatibility

Suitable for:

• 35mm, medium‑format and large‑format film cameras
• Manual exposure workflows
• Ambient‑light metering indoors and outdoors

Not suitable for:

• Flash metering
• Precision metering in very low light (typical of early selenium meters)

Collectors Notes

The Master I is one of the most historically significant Weston meters and increasingly scarce in working order. Clean, responsive examples with their original case remain highly desirable among collectors of early photographic instruments.

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