Intro
The Gossen Sixtomat is a compact, battery-free light meter produced in West Germany in the early to mid 1950s. I found an ivory-bodied example (serial J226903) at an antique market and was surprised to see that its selenium cell still responds to light. Even with its simplicity, this meter represents a meaningful moment in photographic history (kind of wild that it says “WEST Germany”!). This overview explains what it is, how it works, and why it remains an interesting tool for collectors and film photographers today.
What Is the Gossen Sixtomat Light Meter?
The Gossen Sixtomat is a selenium-based analog light meter made for both still photography and early cinematography. Its design follows mid-century modern principles: a compact ivory or cream housing, clean geometric lines, and chrome rails that frame the device. Inside, it relies on a self-powered selenium photocell, which allows it to function without batteries. The specific version I found aligns with what collectors often refer to as a first-generation Sixtomat.
Some characteristics of early units:
- Ivory or cream plastic housing
- Chrome side rails
- Early enamel-style Sixtomat badge
- Letter-prefixed serial number (J)
- Metal roll blind protecting the selenium cell
- Cine exposure card (at least on my version)
These attributes are commonly associated with what some refer to as the “Model J” era, but the device itself is widely known simply as the Gossen Sixtomat.
How the Gossen Sixtomat Works
Using the Sixtomat is a straightforward analog process. The selenium cell reacts to incoming light and moves the internal needle accordingly. Exposure is determined by rotating the main dial until the indicator line matches the needle’s position. Once aligned, the scale at the top shows usable combinations of shutter speed and aperture.
The Cine insert relies on the same system but is calibrated for frame rates like 8, 16, 24, and 64 frames per second. These values reflect the common speeds used in 8 mm and 16 mm filmmaking of the era. The meter’s battery-free operation and mechanical simplicity encourage a slower, more intentional approach to reading light, which can be refreshing.
For anyone interested in the original documentation, the Gossen Sixtomat manual is available online (in German) and includes the full set of operating instructions:
https://www.cameramanuals.org/flashes_meters/gossen_sixtomat_j.pdf
Image Source: Ebay
Image Source: Ebay
Historical Significance of the Gossen Sixtomat
The Sixtomat emerged during a period when West Germany was rebuilding its reputation for precision engineering after the Second World War. Companies such as Gossen, Leica, Zeiss, and Agfa were central to that recovery, producing instruments that set new standards for reliability and design.
Because most cameras of the time did not include built-in meters, tools like the Sixtomat played an essential role in everyday photography. They offered accurate exposure information to hobbyists, travelers, and emerging filmmakers, making photographic technique more accessible.
Selenium technology was also a major step forward. These cells generated their own current when exposed to light, eliminating the need for batteries and providing an instant reading. Many selenium meters, including the Sixtomat I found, still function today when stored correctly.
The inclusion of a Cine exposure insert also positions this meter within the broader rise of home movie recording, which became a meaningful cultural shift in the 1950s. Its physical design, which blends simplicity with strong geometric lines, reflects early European modernism and continues to appeal to photographers who appreciate well-made, functional objects.
Identifying First-Generation Gossen Sixtomat Models
The unit I found matches the characteristics of early Sixtomat production. These early versions are identifiable by their lighter body color, chrome framing, metal blinds, and compact rectangular shape. Serial numbers often began with letters, such as J.
Although some refer to these early versions informally as “Model J”, the Sixtomat name itself remained consistent. Later models introduced darker plastics, updated scales, molded bodies, and, eventually, electronic CdS-based meters in the 1960s.
Understanding these distinctions helps place this particular meter within the evolution of the Sixtomat line.
How the Gossen Sixtomat Compared to Other 1950s Light Meters
The Sixtomat was part of a competitive landscape of mid-century light meters. In the United States, the Weston Master II and III were widely considered professional standards and were used extensively in journalism and studio photography. In Japan, Sekonic was beginning to emerge as a strong competitor with compact, precise meters that reflected Japan’s expanding optical industry. West Germany also produced the Zeiss Ikon Ikophot, often marketed as a premium accessory for Zeiss cameras.
Within this context, the Sixtomat served as a practical and reliable option. It was accurate, accessible, and well positioned for both still photography and home movie creators.
Gossen Sixtomat Value and Collectability Today
Collectors tend to value early, working selenium meters with clean cosmetics. Non-working Sixtomats may sell between $10 to $40 USD. Functional units in good condition typically range from $40 to $90 USD. Meters in exceptional condition, especially with original cases or accessories, can exceed $100 USD.
A first-generation unit with a working selenium cell and Cine insert, like the one described here, usually falls toward the higher end of the typical value range.
Image Source: Etsy
Why the Gossen Sixtomat Remains a Noteworthy Find
The Sixtomat represents a transition in photography when exposure shifted from intuition to consistent measurement. It reflects the resurgence of West German manufacturing, the rise of home filmmaking, and the progression from mechanical to electronic metering. Its continued functionality also demonstrates the durability of mid-century engineering. For an analog photography collection, the Sixtomat offers both historical value and a clear connection to mid-century design and technology.
Warm regards,
Lexi
Resources
Sixtomat Manuals (Butkus):
https://www.butkus.org/chinon/flashes_meters/gossen/gossen_sixtomat/gossen_sixtomat.htmAlternate Butkus Manual Link:
https://www.butkus.org/chinon/flashes_meters/gossen_sixtomat/gossen_sixtomat.htmSixtomat J Manual (German):
https://www.cameramanuals.org/flashes_meters/gossen_sixtomat_j.pdfJames Jollinger’s Light Meter Collection (Gossen Sixtomat page):
https://www.jollinger.com/photo/meters/meters/gossen_sixtomat.htmlTLRgraphy: Gossen Sixtomat History and Versions:
https://tlrgraphy.com/2012/09/12/gossen-sixtomat/Camera-Wiki: Gossen Sixtomat Overview:
https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/SixtomatGossen “Previous Devices” Archive (Legacy Products):
https://www.gossen-photo.de/en/previous-devices-photo/Selenium Light Meter Overview (Wikipedia):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selenium_meterRangefinder Forum Discussion on Selenium Meter Longevity:
https://rangefinderforum.com/threads/life-expectancy-of-selenium-meters.75907/Example eBay Listing:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283968220944Example eBay UK Listing:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274448727698
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