Battery Problems with My MP

[Listak]

Anybody else had any problems their MP battery and light meter? I originally thought I need a new batter but then got one which only lasted about 2 hours. I'm a new owner Leica Junkie, anybody have good advice for this?

I appreciate it!

Spastic Rookie

 

[Shadowplay]

I had some problems when it was really cold last winter, but that's to be expected and that's all I've seen.

Are you sure the shutter is cocked? It won't meter if it isn't.

 

[maddoc]

It depends on which type of batteries you use, LR44, SR44 ? LR44 are not well applicable for M-cameras. Better to use V76PX, D 357 or Lithium DL 1/3 N, CR 1/3 N.

BTW, I had the same problems with my MP... 😡 Had sent it to Leica for service and they fixed it under warranty.

 

[Listak]

Did they say what was wrong with your MP? It's just strange. I drop a new battery in and it doesn't last. It's a good thing I bought 7 of them from B&H or I would have no idea that a new one worked at all after the first one.

 

[maddoc]

I had sent it to Leica Japan and as I remember, the electronic (or parts of it) were exchanged. After the repair, the on-board meter gave more consistent results at least. 🙂

 

[maddoc]

One more thing (but not sure if memory serves me right here), I heard about a "test-pin" in the battery compartment, which - when it sticks out to much - short-cuts the battery contacts and drain them quickly. But I am not sure if this "test-pin" is used in the MP.

 

[Listak]

Great info. That sounds about right but not what I wanted to hear. The truth hurts on occasion. 🙂

 

[sepiareverb]

Yes- keep the shutter speed to B when you put the camera away. And cold weather does sap the 1/3 N batteries- I get 3x more films through my M's when the weather is warm.

As well I've gotten several 1/3 N batteries from B&H that seemed to just be duds, would not last regardless of the weather. A new set in the camera would be fine, nothing changed. I have no means of measuring battery strength, but suspect that some of the 1/3 N batteries just don't cut it.

 

[pfoto]

I use Zbattery for my MP and the Sanyo batteries have been very reliable:

http://www.zbattery.com/Sanyo-CR-1-3N-3V-Lithium-Battery?sc=2&category=3191

 

[bobkonos]

For what it is worth, I use Tom A.'s wonderful Softies on my MP annd M6 and I have noticed that if they touch the sides of my camera bag, the light meter is tripped so batteries drain faster (the shutter release is very sensitive to touch). I like the idea posted here of setting the shutter speed dial to B when putting thecamera away-thanks.

I am using Varta 357 batteries with success.

 

[Listak]

Amazing, helpful posts! Thank you fellow addicts! My MP seems to be working fine now. To be honest, I dont know why but that's another post altogether.

Thanks for the help and have a great week!

Spastic.

 

[tmfabian]

yeah, my bet is on dud batteries. I only buy batteries from large distribution places like mcmasterco because their inventory never sits still...and batteries are guaranteed fresh, plus they sell varta batteries which are pretty banging. My first set of batteries on my m7 bought brand new from the dealer when i bought the camera died in 2 days, they were just duds.

 

[35mmdelux]

had same problem and sent MP to Leica New Jersey under warranty. Longest 4 weeks ever. changed out electronic part supposedly. works great now.

had camera one week before it took a dive.

 

[fstop]

My much abused 2-year old MP had the same problem too. It drained three sets of batteries over a week when I was travelling in India. Luckily I had a CV meter and basic knowledge of the sunny 16 rule. The camera is now in Solms undergoing repairs.