Leicameter MR problems

[agricola]

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

 

[colyn]

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.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

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!

 

[agricola]

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?

 

[colyn]

As of a few months ago QLM was still going strong..

 

[agricola]

thanks colyn

 

[SolaresLarrave]

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!

 

[Roger Hicks]

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.

 

[agricola]

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 🙂