first steps with the KEKS M Meter

[hans_kohler]

I recently purchased the new KEKS M-Meter and wanted to share my experience regarding its battery performance, since this aspect is not clearly communicated in the official product information.
According to the KEKS website and product manual, the M-Meter comes with a rechargeable 240 mAh battery that provides “>10 hours continuous use” after a full charge. This matches what some reviews have reported – for example, Digital Camera World mentioned that after shooting 12 rolls of film over two weeks, around 30% battery was still left
However, in my own use I noticed something different: even when the M-Meter is switched off and left unused, the battery drains by more than 50% within a few days. Within one to two weeks of not using it, the battery is completely empty.
I contacted KEKS support and here is their reply (quoted):
> “Regarding the battery drainage issue you've experienced with your KEKS M-Meter, we can confirm that this behavior is completely normal. The M-Meter does draw a small amount of power even when it is not actively in use, which is why the battery will gradually deplete over time. It is indeed normal for the meter to fully drain within a couple of weeks if left unused. If you leave the screen on, it will last for over 12 hours.”

So, while the official specifications are technically correct (>10 hours of continuous use), what is not disclosed is that the device constantly consumes power, even when not in use. This means you cannot leave it sitting in your bag for a couple of weeks and expect it to still have charge.
Personally, I find this disappointing. In my opinion, a well-designed light meter should consume zero power in the “off” state. At the very least, the manufacturer should clearly state this limitation in the product documentation so users can plan accordingly.
In practice, the solution is to keep the M-Meter charged regularly or carry a power bank when shooting. But for potential buyers: be aware that the battery will not hold charge for long if the device is left unused.

 

[splitimageview]

Good info to know. How long does it take to charge? Shouldn't be long at all.

In my experience with devices that have small rechargeables, for example Shokz headphones, it's best to charge them only until full but not plug them in for extended periods. Otherwise the batteries have a much shorter life and they are not replaceable so that means the headphone must be thrown away, something I have had to do more than once.

For an easy automatic charging system, I've set up a Kasa smart plug, which is programmable. The Shokz will charge in about 90 minutes to full, so I program the smart plug to automatically turn off after 90 minutes, and the Shokz charging block plugs into the smart plug.

Press the on switch once, and walk away, no need to remember to disconnect the Shokz, the charging will stop automatically.

I have several rechargeable devices that use this same system.

@keks_camera maybe something that should be mentioned in the user manual!

 

[oldwino]

I recently purchased the new KEKS M-Meter and wanted to share my experience regarding its battery performance, since this aspect is not clearly communicated in the official product information.
According to the KEKS website and product manual, the M-Meter comes with a rechargeable 240 mAh battery that provides “>10 hours continuous use” after a full charge. This matches what some reviews have reported – for example, Digital Camera World mentioned that after shooting 12 rolls of film over two weeks, around 30% battery was still left
However, in my own use I noticed something different: even when the M-Meter is switched off and left unused, the battery drains by more than 50% within a few days. Within one to two weeks of not using it, the battery is completely empty.
I contacted KEKS support and here is their reply (quoted):
> “Regarding the battery drainage issue you've experienced with your KEKS M-Meter, we can confirm that this behavior is completely normal. The M-Meter does draw a small amount of power even when it is not actively in use, which is why the battery will gradually deplete over time. It is indeed normal for the meter to fully drain within a couple of weeks if left unused. If you leave the screen on, it will last for over 12 hours.”

So, while the official specifications are technically correct (>10 hours of continuous use), what is not disclosed is that the device constantly consumes power, even when not in use. This means you cannot leave it sitting in your bag for a couple of weeks and expect it to still have charge.
Personally, I find this disappointing. In my opinion, a well-designed light meter should consume zero power in the “off” state. At the very least, the manufacturer should clearly state this limitation in the product documentation so users can plan accordingly.
In practice, the solution is to keep the M-Meter charged regularly or carry a power bank when shooting. But for potential buyers: be aware that the battery will not hold charge for long if the device is left unused.

That's disappointing. I wonder why the unit has to have power all the time, even when "off"...

 

[shawn]

Probably because it has to be watching for the button press to turn it on. It isn't a physical switch that disconnects the battery, it is the same button you use to take a meter reading.

 

[splitimageview]

If the battery completely dies is the ISO setting retained in NVRAM or does it have to be reset? If so what's the default ISO when power is restored?

 

[Alpsman]

Thanks, I've always been interested in how long the battery charge on these little light meters lasts when not in use.

PS: Servus aus dem Mostviertel ;-)