M6 TTL meter problem (with CV lenses?)

[DxPhoto]

I just got a M6 TTL off from ebay. I don't have leica lenses so I bought the LTM to M rings to put my CV 35/2.5C and 50/1.5 lenses on.

Then I noticed the M6 meter intended to give faster shutter speed because I was shooting in a gallery. So I got home and compared the meter with my old R, which has never give me any problems. I used the same lenses and I found out the M6 gives 2-3 EV stop higher readings. I was aim at a wall with ambient light. The M6 told me for ISO400 I should shoot at f4 with 1/60s, and the R told me to use f4 with 1/15. I used a spot meter and it read close to R's reading.

I have no idea why it is like that. I talked to the previous owner and he said he never had any problem. Giving the fact the 5 year old camera has been taken good care of, the only thing I can think of is either I did something wrong or the CV lenses don't like M6 -- which is unheard of.

I swap the battery and tried again, same result. I used the fresh battery, same result.

Then I took the lenses off, and compare them again, they matched with in 1/3-1/2 stops.

what is going on???? anyone can help me on this?

(P.S. 3 times when I dial from 1/8s to 1/2s I heard a click like the shutter firing, but it was not the shutter, I don't know what it is).

 

[oscroft]

I have no idea why it is like that. I talked to the previous owner and he said he never had any problem. Giving the fact the 5 year old camera has been taken good care of, the only thing I can think of is either I did something wrong or the CV lenses don't like M6 -- which is unheard of.

Sorry I can't tell you what the problem is, but there's definitely no incompatibility issue between the CV lenses and the M6. I don't have a 50/1.5, but I do have a CV 35/2.5C which I use on my M6 and the meter agrees with all the other meters I have.

 

[DxPhoto]

hi alan,

if you take lens off, do they still agree with each other? I am trying to find out if the adapter or the lens itself has some issues..... 🙁

Thanks.

 

[jbf]

Personaly I think its the camera. Obviously if you are hearing noises that you shouldnt be hearing then it sounds like the camera. Try to borrow other lenses from someone you know. Try them. If the camera still reports big differences between EV then its obvious that its the camera.

 

[Kim Coxon]

I have used several CV lenses with my M6 (and ZM and Pentax and FSU ones) and have never had a problem. I would suspect the camera as others have said.

Kim

 

[oscroft]

if you take lens off, do they still agree with each other?

Yes. I've just checked my M6 against my R4A, both without lenses, and they both give the same shutter speed.

 

[DxPhoto]

:bang: :bang: :bang:

 

[DxPhoto]

How much to have it fixed (or a CLA). I called Leica and they wouldn't tell me until I ship it to them. essentially I can live it by rating the 400 file as 100 film (leica goes to iso 6 and I think iso 25 is the slowest film available??) , but still......

anyway, anyone uses those 1.25 magnifier? I say they have off brand on ebay for 60 bucks. anyone used those. My M6 is .58 and I use the 50mm most the time (until I can afford any leica 35mm lenses).

Thanks guys.

 

[Thea]

Not sure if this is any help, but I had a similar problem with my F3, because the previous ower had left the iso setting at 800 for about 5 years whilst it was stored away, it was stuck on giving reading for this speed and nothing else. A good CLA sorted it out, although I always still check it with a light meter, if I dont think it's correct.

My suggestion: a good service would certainly not hurt and probably sort the problem.

 

[DxPhoto]

Thanks guys, you are all so wonderful.

I took the camera to a dealer. He tried a few M lenses on and he concluded the meter was off. So the story ends here. He said it would take 3-4 hundreds USD to have it fixed by leica, and they might take up to 2-3 months to do the job, if they can do it in US.

So I guess I will just live with it by offset the dial to slower ISO for a while.

The funny thing is -- I had one slides film processed. the indoor results are much worse. the outdoor pictures I took today were not bad. Strange.

Hi Thea, the asa dial does work 🙁 I change the setting and it changes the metering. I don't know if it is a good idea to have the regular shop work on the M6.

 

[DxPhoto]

forgot to say, with the 50mm lens, 2 stop off, with the 35mm lens, 1 stop off. with no lens, -1/2 off. anyone who knows how the leica metering system works... maybe a clue here?

 

[JNewell]

Have you considered returning the camera to the seller? Sounds like it was not as represented in the auction.

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

I own three CV lenses in LTM mount: Heliar Aspherical 15 mm f/ 4.5, Ultron Aspherical 35 mm f/ 1.7 and Apo Lanthar 90 mm f/ 3.5. When i use these lenses on my MP or M5, don't have any problem.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[kipkeston]

I thought I had a problem. I just edited the post. I changed the battery and it's a champ. Silly me!