M6 TTL Batteries

[healyzh]

Is the M6 TTL prone to eating batteries? In the 2+ weeks I've had the camera I've gone through two sets of batteries. Is this a case of my needing to remember to turn it off, or do I have a problem?

 

[degruyl]

Sounds like the meter is running. The TTL version has an off position, right? (for the non-ttl version the option is to put the shutter speed on B or not advance the film).

 

[healyzh]

Yes, the TTL version has an "off" position. My problem is I'm used to my Nikon FM2, where I never worry about such things.

On a positive note, I learned yesterday that the meter is a good way to know you left the lens cap on!

 

[Rob-F]

If you put the camera away in a bag with the meter not turned off, and the shutter button gets depressed even slightly by the bag or something next to the camera, then the meter stays on, using up the battery. I would say that is the #1 cause of early battery failure.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

Yes it happened to me a lot.Now after I learn that I dont have any problems...

 

[JohnTF]

I found the "off" switch, a bit late, no batteries in Puerto Vallarta to fit.

 

[healyzh]

Thanks all, I thought it was a case of "stupid user error" and am glad to have it confirmed!

 

[snausages]

Haven't switched my batteries in at least a year and I'm not diligent about the Off thing unless I'm packing the camera for a flight or something...

 

[anu L ogy]

I think you can leave it "On" as long as the shutter doesnt become depressed. If you have a soft release or whatever those shutter buttons are called, it is almost impossible to not trip the meter when you put your camera in your bag.

 

[MartinP]

If the shutter does become depressed then you may have to spend a lot of money sending it to counselling sessions.....

 

[Thardy]

Take extra batteries with you. Yeah, the meter will them down quickly.

 

[healyzh]

The way I have the camera crammed in the bag with a strap, I could easily see the button getting depressed.

 

[arseniii]

2 weeks sounds about right. I have to admit this is a problem with TTLs mine had the same thing. You can actually live with that, just put the camera to OFF everytime you are not using it.

 

[Steve_F]

My M6 TTL had the same issues. First time - 4 rolls. Xtra care - 7 rolls. Then I came across this:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77616&highlight=battery+life

Scroll through until you find the the advice from 'Tom A'. Since I have carried this out I am easily over a dozen films and have not bothered counting any more.

Steve.

 

[healyzh]

Steve, that is good to know! I think I'm good there though, as both contacts are recessed. I really think I'm to blame on this since I need to learn to turn the camera off. I spent too many years of not worrying about it with my Nikon FM2, I typically forget to turn off my F3, and a part of the time I even forget my D300 (at least it has a rechargeable battery).

 

[Tim Gray]

My M6 classic definitely will run the batteries down if I put it in the bag without switching it to B. Not everyone has this problem, but not everyone has the same bag and packs their camera the same way.

 

[RFluhver]

Hey guys....I'm planning on either M6 or M7. Just got a question about batteries now.

Do I have to use "DL 1/3 N" or can I substitute that with either LR44 or SR44? And if I substitute, is there a degradation in performance?

Thanks.