We’re Re-Imagining the Light Meter: The Story of the Light Meter Watch by Increment Labs

Written by Richard Soler

As with most photography stories, this journey begins with a significant case of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). Specifically, it was the eBay purchase of my beloved Minolta Hi-Matic 7S-ii (in the rarer black variety, which of course means better pictures); previously picked up from a yard sale somewhere in the US, re-sold untested with no further information by the seller.

In hindsight, I probably should have spent the extra money for a fully functional and tested model. Or better yet, a different camera altogether. But hey, the Hi-Matic had an incomprehensible lure over me and my wallet (did I mention it was the rarer black version?).

The reason I say this is because once the crumbling light seals were replaced, and the lens had a proper inspection via my local repair shop, there was only one lingering problem that could not be fixed. That was of course a dodgy internal light meter which probably had the equivalent light-sensing capabilities of a worm.

“Fine.” I thought to myself, “I’ll use this as a chance to learn manual photography!” which to be fair was reasoned to myself in complete earnest.

When Life Gets in the Way of Photography

Now, I do want to stress, this isn’t my first camera. I’ve played around with old point and shoots and own a DSLR, which I’ve used for some small projects and social events. Saying that, I was never a ‘photographer’ per se, but I was always keen for learning the core basics of the medium, so I had a genuine desire to widen my skills. I mean, how hard can it be?

That was my first mistake. See, as a 20-something year old living in London, juggling work life, a social circle, and a relationship, in tandem with the overbearing weight of a cost-of-living crisis, it‘s quite rare that I was really afforded the luxury of going outside and actually learning photography.

Of course, I’d take my camera out on weekends, but then that camera would be quickly left at home if I knew my plans had a chance of going later into the evening. With no flash, and the ever-present risk of beer spills on sticky dance floors, it’s best to leave the 50-year old Minolta at home than run the risk of having my camera doubling as a vessel for Heineken.

See, for me, it’s not the learning that’s tricky, but more so finding the time in my daily life to dedicate to learning photography. Photo sessions were infrequent and rarely was I able to get ‘in the zone’ enough to train my eyes and immediately recognize the difference between Av 5.6 or Av 8. And yes, while this is just a normal pain associated with learning any new skill, for someone with a busy life outside of photography, I wasn’t exactly going to bring my camera on the underground for my rush hour morning commute.

In reality, if I measured the amount of time spent with my camera in my hand versus total time spent being awake, the number would probably be under 1%.

The Start of Increment Labs

“If only there was a way I can test my eye on aperture and shutter every day, without needing a camera in my hand?” And that’s when it hit me. What if there was a tool you can wear? Something portable, like a watch which people wear anyway, that had the ability to measure light everywhere you go.

This way you can test yourself in daily life, especially at times when you wouldn’t have a camera on you, making you a better photographer over time. Sounds simple enough. I mean, light meters have been around for decades in different varieties. SURELY this has to exist?

Turns out after extensive Googling and trawling old Reddit forums this wasn’t the case. Honestly, I was a little surprised. Maybe I’d missed something? Perhaps there’s a reason this hasn’t been made yet? I knew I had to dig deeper. But, I knew I couldn’t do this alone. Long story short I’m a ‘words’ person, very much a type B personality, and I simply don’t possess the mathematical chops needed to bring something like this to life.

It’s at this stage that I partnered with my long-time friend Eddie. Tracing our friendship back to our first day of uni, we’d always joke about the idea of starting a business together. Not only was he an avid Star Wars fan (very important) but more importantly he had a background in electrical engineering, so when the ‘light meter watch’ became a serious concept I knew he was the first person to call.

After explaining the idea, a firm handshake and a pint to seal the deal, we got to work and started Increment Labs.

The Light Meter Watch

We started by understanding if this idea was solving a real problem or if it was the figment of someone deeply out of touch with reality. Reassuringly it was the former, and what’s better is the more we pulled on this thread, the more reasons we uncovered for photographers needing this product.

Street photographers needed something inconspicuous so they could meter without raising a camera to their face. Professionals were burdened with clunky equipment littering their camera bag and wanted a way to alleviate that bulk. Digital users wanted to rely more on their intuition and less on their screen.

The light meter watch had value for everyone, and each person came with exciting new suggestions we hadn’t even considered. Cool things like exposure compensation, flash sync, and a golden hour alarm were all features we can easily add to our watch.

Fueled by the sudden discovery of an untapped gap in the market, we knew we had to turn this from a dream to a reality. We immediately started work on our first prototype. Partnering with a UK engineering firm to provide the technical know-how, we’ve been slowly refining our idea.

Creating a Prototype

18 months down the line we’ve created a concept for a watch unlike any other. A watch that we believe will bridge the gap for photographers, giving them the first truly portable and accessible option for those who are serious about learning manual photography.

Now I’m not going to say we’ll replace Sekonic, and that’s fine. But people want something ergonomic and quick, enough of sense-check for your intuition in those moments when you’re not sure whether you’re in the shadows or light. Reasonably priced, reliable, accessible and more importantly, portable.

With time, we hope our trusty light meter watch encourages people to engage with photography on a more technical level, giving people the confidence to take the leap and turn the mode dial from an ‘A’ to ‘M,’ enjoying the creative control granted with shooting manual.

What Comes Next?

So where does this bring us? Right now, we’ve done our homework, polished our designs and completed the maths. All that’s missing is raising enough funding to go into production and get our feet on the ground.

Our first model will start with a reflective meter, but we quickly want to move to incident metering once we’re up and running.

We’re launching our Kickstarter with a looming deadline of May 5^th, so if this light meter watch sounds like something you’d be into, follow our socials and join our VIP list. We’re giving VIP members access to our guaranteed lowest price (£110 down from £185), along with the chance to become product testers once we start production so don’t miss out.

I hope our story strikes a chord with the other would-be photographers out there. In a world that’s obsessed with gear and specs, there’s a rightful place for an accessory designed to train the core fundamentals of shutter speed and aperture.

At the very least, it’s a cool gadget that separates you from the other Casio wearers out there.

Thank you so much, Richard! You can find out more about Increment Labs on their website and Instagram, and you can support the LMW-V1 Light Meter Watch here.

Leave your questions about the Increment Labs Light Meter Watch below in the comments!

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