General Electric PR-1 Exposure Meter

Object/Artifact

-

The TRP Camera Obscura Collection

Name/Title

General Electric PR-1 Exposure Meter

Entry/Object ID

293

Tags

Iconic

Description

The GE PR-1 is a legendary tool from the golden age of analog photography. Known as "The Meter with a Memory," it was designed to be operated with one hand. When you point the meter at your subject and press the button on the side, the needle moves; when you release the button, the needle "remembers" the reading by locking in place. You then turn the dial to match the needle, which gives you the correct f-stop and shutter speed combinations. It features a dual-range capability for "High" and "Low" light conditions, toggled by a small door on the back. This device is essentially a solar-powered calculator. It uses a selenium cell to convert light directly into electricity to move the needle. Because it doesn't need batteries, it’s a "forever" tool, though selenium cells can weaken over 70 years if left in direct sunlight.

Category

Accessories, light meter

Made/Created

Manufacturer

General Electric

Date made

1947 - 1952

Other Names

Name Type

Model

Other Name

PR-1 "The Meter with a Memory"