Hi-Matic F Meter Question

[camera.bear]

Hey All,

I just got my Hi-Matic F today and I have a question. Does any one know if the CdS Meter on the Hi-Matic F draws power all the time it is exposed to light, i.e. lens cap off, or does it only become active when the shutter release is slightly pressed? The latter is my guess as this is when the camera decides if it should warn of slow shutter speed. I have not been able to find an answer in the lit available about the camera. :bang:

Thanks in advance for any light that can be shed on this.

 

[camera.bear]

Here is the reply that I got from the Yahoo! group Classic 35mm Compacts

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/classic35mmcompacts/

Wayne:

The Minolta Hi Matic F is one of my favorites for casual shooting with the assurance that my images will be very good.

It is not quite as good as the bigger Hi Matic E, but it is a very nice machine.

I find that I get excellent images with the "F" using alkaline cells, because the electronic shutter is not as dependent on battery voltage as the more simpler metering systems.

Roland F. Harriston

Roland, thank you again.

 

[bostonwolf]

I just picked up a Hi-Matic 9 and there is an "off" position on the ISO level that cuts power to the meter. The only downside is you have to remember what ISO film you put in the camera or you are out of luck!

 

[camera.bear]

Bostonwolf,

Thanks for the reply. I got a Hi-Matic 9 a little while ago and I love it. I hope you enjoy yours as well. It is set up differently than the Hi-Matic F. What I have been able to find out is that the F has an electronic shutter/aperture combo that is not active until the shutter release is pressed part way. It uses more juice, but is less dependent on the voltage being provided and seems to work ok with the modern 1.5v replacement batteries.

I am shooting my test roll now and hope to have the film developed soon so I can see if this info translates into good pics.

Wayne