Konica Minolta T-10A
Reference-grade lux meter with cosine error within 3%, ±2% linearity and readings down to 0.01 lux. Sold by quote, aimed at labs and lighting audits.
Specs
| Range | 0.01–299,900 lux |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | Linearity ±2% ±1 digit |
| Cosine corrected | Yes, f2 within 3% |
| Melanopic reading | No |
| Sensor | Detachable head; 1–10 m corded versions |
| Spectral match | f1′ within 6% of V(λ) |
| Class | JIS C 1609-1 Class AA (except cosine), DIN 5032-7 Class B |
| Receptor | Silicon photocell |
| Output | USB, analog |
| Battery | 2 × AA, 72+ hours |
| Weight | 200 g |
Specs from the manufacturer and the sources listed below. Last verified Oct 20, 2026.
Good
- Every accuracy figure that matters is published: cosine error, spectral match, linearity and drift
- Reads down to 0.01 lux, low enough to check a dark bedroom against the 1 lux sleep target
- Corded receptor versions (T-10MA, T-10WsA, T-10WLA) on 1, 5 or 10 m cords
- USB output for logging to a computer
Not so good
- Quote only; no public US price
- Far more meter than you need to check one SAD lamp
- No melanopic or spectral output
- Separating the standard head from the body needs optional adapters and a LAN cable
The T-10A is what accuracy looks like when it is fully specified. Konica Minolta publishes the figures budget meters leave out: cosine response within 3%, spectral match to the eye’s sensitivity curve within 6%, linearity of ±2% ±1 digit, and temperature and humidity drift within ±3%. It meets JIS C 1609-1 Class AA (except for cosine response) and DIN 5032-7 Class B.
Those numbers translate into practical advantages. A 3% cosine error means light from a side window or overhead panel is weighted correctly. A tight spectral match means LED light reads close to true, without the 10 to 20% swings independent tests have found on budget meters.
The range runs from 0.01 lux to 299,900 lux. The low end matters for circadian use: the 2022 consensus recommends a sleeping room at 1 lux melanopic EDI or less (Brown 2022), and most budget meters cannot resolve that level meaningfully. The high end covers bright daylight.
The standard T-10A’s receptor head can be detached and linked to the body with a LAN cable through optional adapters. For a ready-made corded sensor, the T-10MA has a 1 m cord, and the T-10WsA and T-10WLA have 5 m and 10 m cords. Readings can go to a computer over USB.
The catch is buying one. Konica Minolta sells it by quote, with no public US price. For a single household checking a lamp and a few rooms, an Extech LT300 or LT45 gets close enough for a fraction of the effort. The T-10A makes sense if you audit lighting, run a study, or want a reference to check cheaper meters against.
Like any lux meter, it measures brightness to the eye, not melanopic light. For that, see the UPRtek MK350S Premium.
Sources
Alternatives
- Best overallExtech LT300$244
- Best budgetDr.meter LX1330B$45
- Best for melanopic lightUPRtek MK350S Premium$4,125
- Best for LED lampsExtech LT45$359