Leica CL CDS Meter Replacement

[Mike254]

Hi everyone, first post on the forums.

Recently I purchased a CL from ebay on its last leg for very cheap. It came bundled with a zorki 1 & industar lens for $135 + shipping. The camera was completely busted but I figured that I couldn't lose at that price.

Shutter curtains were stuck open, internal parts were broken/ misaligned, pinhole in shutter curtain, film counter not working, film advance lever was not engaging etc... Tons of problems.

It took me about 10+ hours but I finally fixed almost everything through trial and error and I am extremely pleased to say the least.

The only thing left that doesn't work is the meter. I have looked everywhere but I cant find a supplier of CDS replacements for the camera. Does anyone know where can get one online? I would really appreciate it. I've already put this much work into it, I'd like to finish the job myself and not send it out to be repaired since I already got the hard parts out of the way.

Thanks so much!

 

[Ljós]

Hi, and welcome to RFF!

Are you located in the US? Apparently Sherry Krauter http://www.sherrykrauter.com/index.php has a very good reputation when it comes to fixing the Leica CL. I do not know whether she has CL parts for sale, but it could be worth your while to email her oder phone her.
All the best, Ljós

 

[zuikologist]

Welcome .

If a repair is Not possible or expensive, a shoe mount VC meter or Sekonic Twinmate would work well. Or Sunny 16 and practice.

 

[Dez]

It is unusual for the actual CDS cell to be defective in these cameras, but it sounds like yours has been through the mill so anything is possible. The usual failure mode is dirt/corrosion under the sliding contact that is activated by the battery check button on the front. It can be cleaned, but this area is rather difficult to access. If you remove the plate containing the lensmount (easy) you can see it.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[Mike254]

It is unusual for the actual CDS cell to be defective in these cameras, but it sounds like yours has been through the mill so anything is possible. The usual failure mode is dirt/corrosion under the sliding contact that is activated by the battery check button on the front. It can be cleaned, but this area is rather difficult to access. If you remove the plate containing the lensmount (easy) you can see it.

Cheers,
Dez

Awesome! I have no problem taking it apart again because I had it completery stripped down before. I had to re-solder the wires to the circuit board so I know what you are talking about.

Thanks everyone, and I'll shoot an email to Sherry just in case.

 

[Ronald M]

Sherry Krauter , owner of Golden Touch Camera Repair, bought all the spare parts from Leica.

Send it off and she will put all the updates in plus a new cell.

 

[Ronald M]

Sherry Krauter , owner of Golden Touch Camera Repair, bought all the spare parts from Leica.

Send it off and she will put all the updates in plus a new cell.

 

[Dante_Stella]

It is unusual for the actual CDS cell to be defective in these cameras, but it sounds like yours has been through the mill so anything is possible. The usual failure mode is dirt/corrosion under the sliding contact that is activated by the battery check button on the front. It can be cleaned, but this area is rather difficult to access. If you remove the plate containing the lensmount (easy) you can see it.

Cheers,
Dez

It's common for CdS cells to chemically break down over time, using losing their resistance. This is an issue with Nikon metered finders and older Polaroid cameras.

Dante