Is it my CL or battery adapter?

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jholiday

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So I've been playing with my Leica CL for about 2 months now. When I received it there was already a battery installed, so I figured everything was good. Of course, I started noticing that my pictures seemed to be underexposed. It had a 1.5v battery installed. I recently bought a CRIS MR-9 Adapter and checked the light meter. Comparing the CL's meter to 2 handheld meters and a few SLR's, I have concluded that I am still about 2 stops off. Do you all think it's the CL or the adapter that's the problem? Should I try a Wein Cell?

Errol
 
Trying a Wein cell would be your cheapest option.
The meter is the weak point of the CL.
May need a CLA, or just use a handheld meter.
 
Leica CL Meter

Leica CL Meter

A well-respected Leica repair person told that the Metering Cell is only good for approx. 30-years. All of the CLs are way beyond that 30-year mark, so they are all on borrowed time.

I recently acquired a CL. I installed a Wein Cell in it. The meter seemed to work, the battery check worked, although I never checked it against a handheld meter.

The exposures looked good, etc. I just sent it in for a CLA, and apparently, the meter may have a 'short'. I'm personally not too fond of the meter reliability in this camera, but I guess it's something I have to live with.

Brad
 
Yes, meter reliability in the CL's was always their shortcoming. I just bought mine back from a fellow RFF'er (thanks Tim) and have been having a ball w/ it. Right now I just have a J-8 on it w/ an adapter, and the only thing I might change is to go to an adapter that will just leave the 40 frame lines up, as it's too cluttered seeing the 40 and the 50 at the same time. The 40 will be close enough I'm sure.

As for the meter, mine has that problem solved. It's a deader. So I just shoot it like an M3 w/ my hand held meter and it works perfectly. Never have to worry about the meter going bad either, as that's out of the way and I can just get on w/ it now.
 
also meter readings for 50mm lens and 21mm lens are different on my CL, may be wide angle lens has larger covereage over the meter cell ...
well just use hand-held meter ( i.e. L308B ) and enjoy the compactness of CL in street photography.
 
I doubt if the problem is your adapter. I use about 4 or 5 of different types of those Kanto (made in Japan) adapters and they work fine.
 
CL Repair person

CL Repair person

Sherry Krauter supposedly trained the Leica technicians on CL repair. Also, she pretty much acquired most of the Leica CL parts, since Leica does not repair them anymore.

She is very good and thorough. A general CL overhaul goes for approx. $250.00, plus small parts. If the metering cell is weak or faulty, add another $200.00+ There have been several CL upgrades, enhancements or 'bug-fixes' since the earlier models. She can also get your CL modernized with a metal take-up spool, newer film advance lever, and more.

DAG is very good too. I trust them both as they have repaired my Leica cameras and lenses several times each.

Their contact info is available on the RFF or you can 'Google' to find them.

Brad
 
I purchased the MR9 with battery, actually 4 so I could use them in several units and surprise, surprise, the 2 of the batteries I received were old and it took some time to figure it. I thought my meter had finally given up the ghost. Though the CL meter and the Metrastar (also using a CHRIS MR9 as the original battery was a PX13/625) readings were close the readings were off from my expected reading from expereince. I finally pulled the batteries and tested them with a VOM and both were below 1.3 volts. The 2nd pair I received are good. All 4 were refridgerated from the time I bought them to when I used them.

With the known good ones installed, the readings are dead on. I went this route as my camera has been working with no issues so I had no reason to have it serviced. However, at some point when I do have it serviced, I'll probably have the meter circuit adjusted if it can be confirmed there is no downside. I am concerned the addtioanl voltage may stress components not spec'd for the higher voltages.
 
I just had a Cl cla'd. The meter was off and is adjusted. But now the battery check is off. It's one or the other. According to my repair man older CDS meters tend to get weaker over time.
Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema
 
Have a similar question and didn't want to start a new thread.

I just picked up a Leica CL (my first leica) and it came with a battery made in germany. I assume this is the original mercury cell. it was sold by a leica dealer/camera shop who stated the meter was working. However, I tested it against a wein battery and the wein cell read 1 stop brighter than the original battery. is this typical unless i get the camera modified or is the mercury cell getting old?
 
Did you try shooting to see if the wein cell was accurate? also was the meter up or down? the CL's meter reads upside down.
It's tricky to pinpoint the problem due to different battery voltages and the tendency of the meters wearing out over time. A test roll will help you out a lot. Good luck!
 
Got the test roll back and something funny happened. looks like in general the meter is about 1 stop over or normal. however in the lower end of the ev spectrum (pretty much anytime i have to go lower tham 1/60) the meter is completely unresponsive. seems like a general loss in sensitivity over the years.
 
Sounds like time for a servicing. As for the unreliability claim, hey 30 years working seems quite reliable. I've had several electronic cameras, computers, cars etc. that never got near the longevity.
 
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