A light meter is an essential tool for analog/film photographers to measure the intensity of light in a scene. It helps determine the optimal exposure settings (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) to achieve a well-exposed photograph. Light meters can be built into cameras or used as separate handheld devices. There are two types of light meters: reflective and incident. Reflective light meters measure the light bouncing off the subject, which is what in-camera meters typically do. Incident light meters measure the light falling onto the subject and provide a more accurate exposure reading, especially in tricky lighting conditions. By using a light meter, photographers can ensure their images are neither too dark nor too bright, preserving detail and color accuracy.