Canonet GIII Meter prob....

[Tim]

Dug the Canonet out the other day, the meter needle won't go down past f2.8. It's like it hits a physical stop - if you shine a light in the cell the needle flicks own and then just stops.
I pulled the top tonight; there's no physical problem with the meter needle.
Replaced the battery - nope, that's not the issue either.
It really is like it just hits a stop at that point.
Annoying thing is, it was working perfectly last time it was used - about a month ago. Was then just put in the camera cupboard. Don't think it's been bashed around.

Anyone got any ideas?

And no, suggestions to just use it manually don't count - it's the missus' second camera and she uses the meter.
Guess if it's not fixable I might just have to get her a Bessa...... :bang:

 

[wyk_penguin]

Does it feel stiff near that point?

 

[Tim]

stiff? if you mean the aperture ring, no.......
and the aperture is opening and closing correctly.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

So it will not move between F1.7~F2.8, or F2.8~F16?

This is a "trap needle" system. If that pin-thin needle is bent out of shape, it could be jamming up on that mechanism. I'm sure Dave (greyhoundman) will be along, or try sending him a PM.

Canonets are his specialty.

Of course, she might go for that Bessa.

 

[Tim]

between f2,8 ~f16.

yeh, a bent needle was the first thing i thought of - but nope, it swings freely. it's gotta be something obvious, but i can't see what.......

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Are you sure that the Guide Number system is not activated? If it is set to use flash, it might do this. The Canonet leaves the meter running when the GN system is activated. If there is a lot of light, the ambient reading takes over. If light is dim, the F-Stop used depends on the GN and distance. So if it was focussed farther out as you tested it, would "clip" at F2.8.

Best I got.