This is placeholder page. I don't actually have this meter. I've never seen it for sale. In fact, this advertisement in the September 1941 issue of Minicam Photography magazine, and the blurb for it in the new products feature (October 1941 of Minicam) are the only evidence I've seen that it existed at all. But since it's the only other Phaostron meter of which I'm aware, and I've already got the others, I thought I'd give this its own page in case someone runs across it and wants to know more about it.

This model D was a departure from the previous meters. Whereas the Models A, B and C all had the same case and layout, and differed mainly by their calculator dials, this Model D has three major changes.

First is the cosmetics: it's slimmer and a horizontal rectangle, similar to the Weston 650; which probably made it a little easier to hold.

Second is the movement of the comparison light from being next to the viewing window to being inside the window itself, which probably makes it a little easier to do the comparison. The SEI Photometer does it that way.

The big difference is the addition of a compensation control knob. All the Phaostrons (in fact, all comparometers) run on batteries and they light a little lamp. As the batteries weaken with use and the voltage drops, the bulb gets dimmer. On the older Phaostrons, you just have to change batteries every 4 months or 180 meter readings (yeah, you'll keep track). On this one there's a battery check, so you can make adjustments over time to compensate for the battery voltage. Once you can't compensate anymore, it's time for new batteries. A very nice feature to have.

This meter came just before the US entered World World II, and I believe its rarity is due to that; there weren't many made before Phaostron switched over to war production (they made a variety of electrical equipment). After the war, Phaostron did not resume production.

If anyone has this meter, I'd appreciate it muchly if you'd send me an email and let me know about it. Especially a photo I could put here.