Another GX Meter Issue

[mcooperfarlinsky]

Hello all,

Got an Electro 35 GX on ebay a week ago and it appears to be metering incorrectly, indicating that a lot of shots are underexposed which, when compared to the GSN I also have, seem to have plenty of light (full daylight inside). Where the GX says a given shot is underexposed at f/2, the gsn gives no yellow light until f/8. Set, of course, at the same film speed (400).

I am assuming this is a problem, but I'm new to all this. I can still return the camera to the ebay seller.

Thoughts?

Much obliged.

david

 

[mcooperfarlinsky]

Perhaps I've muddled the question, which essentially is: should a gsn and a gx meter about the same for the same shot, given identical film speed, correct battery charge, identical composition?

As it is, the gx gives me a low exposure light significantly earlier than the gsn does, under the same light conditions, and both wide open at f/1.7. So I can shoot with less light with the gsn. Does that seem unusual?

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

David, yes, they should meter similarly. Maybe one click difference in which the under or over light comes on. But, not f/2 vs. f/8.

I created a page for how to test an Electro. Most of the points will apply to your GX.

 

[mcooperfarlinsky]

Thank you kindly, Col. Sebastian! Just what I needed. I believe the meter is actually alright, after going through the tests you recommend. I also ran a roll of film through it and it came out alright.

A final question, though: if the meter was off, how would it show it in the developed film?

Thanks again so much.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

David --

Look at your negatives, not the prints or scans. Judge them for proper density.

A good negative will be rich with a broad range of densities. If it's very dark everywhere, that's over exposure. If it's "thin" that's under exposure. (Note that color negatives have a strong orange cast overall; that's normal.)

If you are not familiar, go to images.google.com and search on "c-41 negative" for examples.