"New" CLE possible meter problem

[Saxophool]

Hi,
I just got my father's old CLE which seems to be in really nice shape. I put new batteries and a roll of film in it and started shooting. All seems to be working properly except the meter's led indicators. I can tell the shutter is opening faster or slower according to the light situations by the sound it makes but I'd like to get that led thing working. Any tricks anyone can suggest or is it going to be a trip to the repair shop?
Thanks, Tom

 

[chambrenoire]

I guess it's on Automatic (A)? Try exchaging the batteries. Hmm. Check that the lightmeter is clean? Etc. If you can't get the LED's to work maybe you can take it to a repair shop. Also read through this: http://www.cameraquest.com/cle.htm

Good luck! I love my CLE to death.

 

[Saxophool]

Hi,
Yes, I have it on A. (I read the whole manual believe it or not.) Thought there might be some little "twist this, poke that" deal I can do.
Tom

 

[Palaeoboy]

So are any LED's lighting up in the viewfinder on A? Does the battery check light work when you press the button on the bottom?

 

[Saxophool]

Hi,
Yes, the battery check light works. No leds light up in the viewfinder. Seems odd that everything would work but that one thing which is the main thing someone would buy the camera for.
Tom

 

[Palaeoboy]

Interesting, I have never encountered a failure of the LED's on the own, if the main circuit fails then so does the Aperture Priority Automation and the LED's together so it it doesnt appear to be that. It may be something as simple as a loose connection to the LED display. However its not so simple in that it wil need to go to a qualified repairer. Not sure where you are located so you may like to say so people close to you can recommend a good technician close to you.

 

[Saxophool]

In the shop

In the shop

Don't know how qualified they are yet but it's at Seawood Photo in San Anselmo, CA now. He said he'd give me a call next week so we'll see.
Tom

 

[George S.]

Don't know how qualified they are and you gave it to them??? Sounds like a recipe for disaster, (I hope not). You should have waited for recommendations.

 

[Saxophool]

George,
Thanks for the recommendation.
Tom

 

[Saxophool]

So, I got the CLE back from the shop yesterday and it looks and works great now. The technician, Karl Christoffersen has been doing repairs since 1983. Said it just needed some of the contacts cleaned up. He also cleaned the lens and viewfinder and made it look pretty near new. I'm still getting used to this idea of not knowing what your pictures look like right away. I hope to finish up a roll this weekend and see what they look like.
Thanks again for the responses.
Tom

 

[back alley]

it's a great little camera, i think you'll enjoy it.

joe