M6 metering

[MarS1234]

Hello all,

This is my very first post on RFF but I have ocassionally dropped in to see what folks are discussing about.

Last month I bought a chrome M6 (whoppee!) to replace my Bessa. However when I'm shooting on my M6, I ocassionally encounter a situation where the metering arrows does not light up when I depress the shutter button half way. Now I've read that this can occur when the light levels are too low (I think) of if the shutter curtain is not tensioned enough. Normally I rectify the situation by either switching the shutter dial to B mode and then back again, or try to tension the shutter curtain by using my right thumb on the film forward crank, or by just using my right index finger to push down the small lever that you push to allow the film to be rewound..
When I was testing the camera at the shop, this occurance did not happen as like I said, it only happens ocassionally but too many times for my liking and it's something I don't want to be fiddling on when I'm trying to get the shot.

The batteries are new, the light conditions are sufficient, the film is wound and cocked. And like I mentioned, it only happens ocassionally.

What I want to know if this is "normal" for a M6 and if it's not, is it something a CLA can fix.

Cheers

Martin

 

[kipkeston]

I had this problem when I received my used M6 from KEH. I made a thread and there were a bunch of suggestions, but I just sent it back and got another one. It's probably an easy fix.

 

[farce]

I don't have my cameras next to me at this moment, but I think
the wind lever should not be flush with the body, just pull it back
slightly and then depress the shiutter slightly (or was that for the cl or canonet?)

-Francis

 

[Gary Sandhu]

My M6 classic does not do this. I would suggest returning it.

 

[JNewell]

It is not normal. What is your serial number (you can omit the last three digits)? My early M6 did this for a year before the metering circuit completely died, requiring a fairly expensive replacement.

 

[MarS1234]

Thanks to all for the replies. I will be bringing the camera back to the shop tomorrow during lunch time.

Martin

 

[JNewell]

There are two differernt types of metering circuits in the M6. The earlier one goes dark if the light is below its low end, the later type blinks.

What I don't remember is whether all of the earlier type is subject to failure or only the earlier production of the earlier type. The failure of the earlier type (or at least the earlier production of the earlier type) is well documented.

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

What serial numbers indicate an early M6?

 

[MarS1234]

Hi JNewell,

I found your old post about your M6 Classic flakey metering problem. So what was the outcome?
I brought mine back to the shop just now. I had to press the shutter a few times before the problem showed itself so I could show to the guy. Did a check on my batteries and proclaimed the batteries were "swollen" and hence not in good condition and was the cause of the problem. He also said that the shutter contacts might be dirty and that if the problem still occured, to bring it back and he'll clean it for me.

Martin

 

[JNewell]

I found your old post about your M6 Classic flakey metering problem. So what was the outcome?

A trip to a tech - diagnosis, failed circuit board - replaced.

 

[like2fiddle]

Hi JNewell,

I found your old post about your M6 Classic flakey metering problem. So what was the outcome?
I brought mine back to the shop just now. I had to press the shutter a few times before the problem showed itself so I could show to the guy. Did a check on my batteries and proclaimed the batteries were "swollen" and hence not in good condition and was the cause of the problem. He also said that the shutter contacts might be dirty and that if the problem still occured, to bring it back and he'll clean it for me.

Martin

I am awaiting the return of my early M6 that had a similar problem...mine needed a circuit board, and I'm afraid you are likely looking at one too. Try a white eraser on the contacts first, good luck

 

[JNewell]

He also said that the shutter contacts might be dirty and that if the problem still occured, to bring it back and he'll clean it for me.

I hope he knows his way around the inside of a Leica M...

 

[MarS1234]

A trip to a tech - diagnosis, failed circuit board - replaced.

Gosh..sounds painful..what was the total cost if I may ask? Just to brace myself for the worst.

 

[JNewell]

Honestly, I don't remember. I had it done w/ a CLA. I think it (that is, the meter repair, not the CLA/repair total) was north of $200, but how much I don't remember, and I might be mis-remembering. You could call DAG or Sherry Krauter and get a hypothetical estimate.

 

[JNewell]

Coming back with another thought here - one reason I'd be cautious in your situation is that my M6 was kind of intermittently flakey for over a year before the meter finally became fully inoperative. If you are in a situation where you have any kind of warranty or return opportunity, I'd force things now. In my case, the warranty and return periods had expired.