M6 Meter Underexposes: Repair or Not?

[maddoc]

I have an M6 with 0.72 viewfinder and the batteries just died recently. Until this moment the exposure was accurate and the meter of the M6 gave nearly always same values as my Gossen Digisix handheld meter (tested with the Summilux 50mm). I use LR44 type cells in both, the MP and M6 (as written in the manuals).

- Gabor

 

[maitrestanley]

That's funny - my batteries just died last week! I'm using Energizer EPX76's but I haven't had the time to develop the 2 rolls I shot since I put them in so I can't comment yet.

 

[raid]

I have an M6 classic .85 and it underexposes by about a stop compared to my Bessa R. I have been thinking about the same issues as you, but it is in the repairshop at the moment getting serviced as it is jammed. When it comes back I will see if it has made any difference to the metering.

Mark: At least now I know that I am using the right type of batteries. I am not alone then.

Raid

 

[sepiareverb]

I have duracell 303/357's in my early M6 and meter seems dead on. Old batteries did underexpose before they were replaced, but only for a few frames- then meter went dead- I questioned the readings too, when I went to reshoot no lights in the VF. Took readings with the M5 till I got to the drugstore around the block for batteries. They now agree- and the M5 was recently rebuilt by Sherry so that meter is as good as meters get.

 

[raid]

I have duracell 303/357's in my early M6 and meter seems dead on. Old batteries did underexpose before they were replaced, but only for a few frames- then meter went dead- I questioned the readings too, when I went to reshoot no lights in the VF. Took readings with the M5 till I got to the drugstore around the block for batteries. They now agree- and the M5 was recently rebuilt by Sherry so that meter is as good as meters get.

Are he 303/357 equivalent to the LC44?

Raid

 

[ferider]

Hi Raid,

I just browsed the web, googled for "Leica M6 batteries". Apparently the Owners manual says to use either 2 1.5V Silver Oxide cells or a 3V type DL 1/3 N Lithium battery (the latter you can get at Radioshack). Karen Nakamura recommends the Lithium type which is why I'm using it. LR44
batteries are alkaline and have a different discharge curve.

Might not be the problem, but I would try if I were you.

Best,

Roland.

 

[nasmformyzombie]

Hi Raid,

...Apparently the Owners manual says to use either 2 1.5V Silver Oxide cells or a 3V type DL 1/3 N Lithium battery. Karen Nakamura recommends the Lithium type which is why I'm using it. LR44 batteries are alkaline and have a different discharge curve.

Best,

Roland.

I too have had good results with the 1/3 N lithium in my M6 classic. Raid, I would use only lithium or silver batteries in a camera with a meter. Just a suggestion.

 

[raid]

Roland and Gary: Thanks for the tip. I will get some Lithium batteries then and see if then the meter of the M6 agrees with my external lightmeter or not.

Raid

 

[sepiareverb]

The 303/357's are 1.5 V