Light meter issue I can't get to the bottom of (Konica C35)

crimdelacrim

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Mar 1, 2014
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Like most old cameras, this one takes batteries that aren't made anymore. So, picked up some zinc air batteries (heard positive results from everybody that tried them with this camera). It should also be noted that this camera has automatic aperture and shutter speed. You just focus and shoot.

I throw the batteries in and see the light meter needle move and everything was fine... or so I thought. Well, i get to messing around. I quickly point the camera at a light and notice that something is not right. The needle bounces around freely and (seemingly) correctly in the darker ranges but as soon as the needle hits just below f/4 and 1/125 sec, it stops. I mean it stops abruptly. You know how these needles normally wobble a tiny bit light they are fighting equilibrium even on a constant light source? Or how they smoothly adjust to a reading? Yeah, that wasn't happening. In my opinion, it seemed like the needle wanted to continue going but something was in the way. Like, maybe a brick wall. Again, it moves freely and correctly indoors. When outside, nope. It is stuck at the reading that it really wants to go past.

Now, depending on what the needle does for the camera, I don't care. Remember that this camera does aperture and shutter speed automatically so as long as those two things aren't read from my needle, it isn't a big deal. The only thing I would lose is the ability to know when the light is too much for my camera's fastest shutter speed. However, if my aperture and shutter speed depend on my needles position, I have a problem.

Would you imagine it is a battery, wiring, light cell, or blocked needle issue? If blocked or sticky needle, will it affect my cameras shutter speed and aperture? In bright settings, is the shutter speed faster than what the needle is allowed to read? Here is a picture when looking at a light bulb. http://i.imgur.com/EVRdWpZ.jpg Again, it moves freely below this reading but stops here. Thank you for checking out this issue.
 
Hi
I'm new on this forum, so I don't know where I can post my question...I hope I'm in the relevant thread...
I have just bought the Konica C35 EF for a few bucks last week. It is in good condition, the electronic flash works well etc.
However I have a problem with the light meter too. When I put the battery (675 zinc-air, 1.4V), the needle rises slowly until the overexposure area where it stops, even if I am in a dark place.
How can I fix this ? Is it broken ?
And, the most important question : can we use the Konica C35 without the light meter ?
Will the pictures be underexposed / overexposed ?

Many thanks !
 
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