agricola
Well-known
Hi - I'm very new to Leica - like yesterday. True.
It's a steep learning curve. After lurking here for ages and being fascinated by the rangefinders I am now trying to come to grips with an M4 serial # 1183 461.
The immediate problem on which I would be very grateful for some advice is getting the Leicameter MR to function.
It had a PX625 battery which just did not move the needle when sliding the test button on the front.
Then I tried a new V625U-LR9 Alkaline rated at 1.5V - the needle did not move when sliding the check button. There was a bit of movement of the needle when pushing the button to take a reading, but not much - not beyond the band next to the -0- band.
The base of the Leicameter MR has a diagram showing that a PX-13 battery can also be used. There was one of those in a Sekonic meter nearby and that meter was working fine. So I put it in the Leicameter.
The PX-13 moved the needle on battery check but not entirely over the white dot. It went too far to one side - see attached pic.
When trying to take a reading with the PX-13 it moved the needle just a little bit. But once again not beyond the band next to the -0- band.
Is it just a flat battery problem (the PX-13 is pretty old) and should I simply order one of the PX625 Wein Cell batteries which is said to be a replacement for the PX625 and PX13 ?
Or could it be something fundamentally wrong with the Leicameter MR itself? It looks as if it hasn't been used for a decade or so.
many thanks
first pic is the battery test of the PX-13
It's a steep learning curve. After lurking here for ages and being fascinated by the rangefinders I am now trying to come to grips with an M4 serial # 1183 461.
The immediate problem on which I would be very grateful for some advice is getting the Leicameter MR to function.
It had a PX625 battery which just did not move the needle when sliding the test button on the front.
Then I tried a new V625U-LR9 Alkaline rated at 1.5V - the needle did not move when sliding the check button. There was a bit of movement of the needle when pushing the button to take a reading, but not much - not beyond the band next to the -0- band.
The base of the Leicameter MR has a diagram showing that a PX-13 battery can also be used. There was one of those in a Sekonic meter nearby and that meter was working fine. So I put it in the Leicameter.
The PX-13 moved the needle on battery check but not entirely over the white dot. It went too far to one side - see attached pic.
When trying to take a reading with the PX-13 it moved the needle just a little bit. But once again not beyond the band next to the -0- band.
Is it just a flat battery problem (the PX-13 is pretty old) and should I simply order one of the PX625 Wein Cell batteries which is said to be a replacement for the PX625 and PX13 ?
Or could it be something fundamentally wrong with the Leicameter MR itself? It looks as if it hasn't been used for a decade or so.
many thanks
first pic is the battery test of the PX-13
Last edited:
colyn
ישו משיח
Take a pencil eraser and clean both contacts on the meter and then clean the battery.
If this does not correct the problem then you have a dead meter.
If this does not correct the problem then you have a dead meter.
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Did you try revert the polarization of the battery? If I remember correctly, the positive end goes face up in the meter.
If you try and still get no results, send the meter to George Milton, in Hollywood CA. I think his business is called Industrial Light Metric, but cannot recall it now. Let me look and I may give you his e-mail address. He is the Sherry Krauter/Don Goldberg of light meters and has revived my two MR meters. His services aren't that expensive; he's charged me about $80 for every cleaning and calibration of a meter.
Again, try reverse the battery polarity... just in case. Mind you, these meters are very accurate when they work. I have two like yours: one in silver and the other in black. For some reason (don't ask me) I really like them!
Good luck!
If you try and still get no results, send the meter to George Milton, in Hollywood CA. I think his business is called Industrial Light Metric, but cannot recall it now. Let me look and I may give you his e-mail address. He is the Sherry Krauter/Don Goldberg of light meters and has revived my two MR meters. His services aren't that expensive; he's charged me about $80 for every cleaning and calibration of a meter.
Again, try reverse the battery polarity... just in case. Mind you, these meters are very accurate when they work. I have two like yours: one in silver and the other in black. For some reason (don't ask me) I really like them!
Good luck!
agricola
Well-known
Colyn, Francisco - thanks. Tried your suggestions. No improvement.
I found this (at www.leica.org) for George Milton, anyone know if he is still in business?
Quality Light-Metric
Attention: Mr George Milton 7060 Hollywood Boulevard Suite 415
Los Angeles, California 90028 Tel 323-467-2265
As to pricing, call George or Tracy and ask.
If there are any Aussies reading this, could you recommend someone in Australia?
I found this (at www.leica.org) for George Milton, anyone know if he is still in business?
Quality Light-Metric
Attention: Mr George Milton 7060 Hollywood Boulevard Suite 415
Los Angeles, California 90028 Tel 323-467-2265
As to pricing, call George or Tracy and ask.
If there are any Aussies reading this, could you recommend someone in Australia?
colyn
ישו משיח
As of a few months ago QLM was still going strong..
agricola
Well-known
thanks colyn
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Send a note to George to this address:
georgepmilton at worldnet.att.net
Sorry about taking this long... but we are laying tiles on the basement floor these days and it's a kind of adventure for both of us, my wife and I.
Take care!
georgepmilton at worldnet.att.net
Sorry about taking this long... but we are laying tiles on the basement floor these days and it's a kind of adventure for both of us, my wife and I.
Take care!
Roger Hicks
Veteran
I had this problem 25 years ago in India duriing the monsoon season. It was down to rotten internal switch contacts. I cleaned these repeatedly. Each time, the meter would work perfectly for a while -- then die until they were cleaned again.
Solution? Probably new contacts and a conductive grease on the contacts. But I didn't realize that in the mid-80s.
Cheers,
R.
Solution? Probably new contacts and a conductive grease on the contacts. But I didn't realize that in the mid-80s.
Cheers,
R.
agricola
Well-known
Francisco - thanks for the address - I will drop him a line. Did the tiling myself a few years ago. Main memory is of how sore my back and knees were! all the best.
Roger - thanks also - looks like it should be sent to an expert then if I want to get some use out of it - will do that and report back later. I have been using the M4 using hyperfocal focussing and sunny 16 metering just for fun. It is a great 'feeling' camera. I would like to bring it up to its best.
If either of you (or anyone else) has any comments on my rangefinder control arm question/post I would be grateful.
A suggestion as to the most reliable repair person ? I don't mind if I have to send it to the States. If any Aussies are lurking then advice on a shop down under wouldn't go astray
Roger - thanks also - looks like it should be sent to an expert then if I want to get some use out of it - will do that and report back later. I have been using the M4 using hyperfocal focussing and sunny 16 metering just for fun. It is a great 'feeling' camera. I would like to bring it up to its best.
If either of you (or anyone else) has any comments on my rangefinder control arm question/post I would be grateful.
A suggestion as to the most reliable repair person ? I don't mind if I have to send it to the States. If any Aussies are lurking then advice on a shop down under wouldn't go astray