3 Years Later, Negative Supply Still Hasn’t Delivered Light Meter to Kickstarter Backers

Last Updated on 08/15/2024 by Chris Gampat

A while back, the Phoblographer did an in-depth report on Negative Supply and their light meter. The company sought funding for it on Kickstarter. But three years later, backers are getting really concerned. Further, the company’s alleged actions with silencing comments about it has caused some commotion. Readers reached out to us, and we’re providing an update on our previous coverage.

Below is our updated text to our original article. You can read the entire article here at this link.

Update August 2024

Earlier this month, a reader reached out to us to let us know that Negative Supply hadn’t given backers an update on the manufacturing of the light meter since May 2024. That’s four months — which equates to 1/3rd of a year. We did some looking around on the Kickstarter page and confirmed this to be true within the updates section. Here’s what they said:

“We are now in possession of the final sensor modules, those had to get reworked last week (a diode was installed backwards, but now fixed) and things are working in initial testing. We are trying to track down why there’s a bug in the most recent version of the firmware affecting flash metering, previous versions are functional though. 

This week and next we have a few more hands in the building at NS, notably individuals that will help focusing on the LM1 launch. AJ is going to work with them to get parts anodized and ready to ship for a small batch of 20x units that we will send out first, and then we will work towards the next wave. Right now each batch of 20x will take about 3 weeks, but we expect that to drop. Another update should happen in mid to late June when units are going out.”

I did get clarification on a few things. These 20 units are beta units going out to testers. I get the feeling from Saxon that these are close to production ready. Also, someone asked about the machined units being aluminum. I inquired and was told that we have all machined housings ready and in the building. Both brass and aluminum so they are all ready to go. 

Best,
Brennan

However, Brennan and the crew haven’t updated since then — and it has surely concerned lots of backers. The problem has become so apparent that backers are trying to reach out to Negative Supply and allegedly being mistreated. In the comments section of the Kickstarter page, a user states that they tried to ask for some more info and that their comment was deleted.

“Don’t get me wrong, I do not want Negative Supply to fail as a company, in fact, I have quite a bit of their equipment, but all of us who have backed this product are just asking for communication, even if that communication is, we have nothing to report this month, please stay tuned,” is what the person who emailed us stated. “With these types of Kickstarters, when projects are not done on time, it just feels like you have no recourse. Hence, why I reached out…”

For this update, the Phoblographer didn’t reach out to Negative Supply for commentary. We’ve got a working press relationship with them, and we’ve already provided quite a bit of information by speaking with this about the project previously. Instead, at this time, it’s really tough to not agree with the backers. Several months and three years since? That’s very rough.

Update from Negative Supply

Brennan at Negative Supply got back to us on August 13th, 2024:

Sorry, I meant to reply yesterday but I was pretty tied up in meetings. I didn’t see the article but I got a chance to look at it when you emailed. I am very aware the project has been delayed and that updates have slowed. We are, as always, committed to delivering the LM1 to backers. There will be an update later this week or early next that will address many complaints. For updates, I’m at the mercy of what the LM1 team can and will give me. The reality is that the LM1 team is comprised of Saxon who has hired part time and contract engineers who also have their own schedules and projects. Trust me, I would like this project delivered as much as anyone else.