M6TTL Battery life

[chilohm]

Hi there
Sorry for the boring question, but... How long should a pair of batteries last in my M6TTL? I have used it at normal temperatures all of the time. I'm getting through batteries pretty fast - I replaced some two weeks ago, went on holiday, took about 3 rolls, left the camera on for one night (but as I understand it this shouldn't make too much difference) and already I need a new set.

I am using Duracell batteries, not cheapies.

Is this normal?

 

[elshaneo]

This is weird, it should last for around 50 rolls or even more.

Your Leica M6 TTL is certainly draining batteries too quick. Send it for a check up...

 

[ian_w]

It's unusual for the TTL to get through batteries at a rate unless it's left on with the shutter release pressed (even lightly) against something like the inside of a camera bag, as this activates the metering. Soft releases make this situation more likely. That said I don't think I've ever managed to get through a set of cells in that length of time.

Ian

 

[chilohm]

Rubbish! I'd better send it off then. Is CRR in Luton my best bet? I'm in Manchester.

 

[elshaneo]

CRR Luton is the best in UK for Leica Repair, go for it !!!

 

[drsimonwong]

The base of the battery compartment has 2 tiny metal discs which seem to be the source of the battery drain. Covering them with tape seems to help the problem. There was a reason for the problem and cure but I can't remember, sorry.
Simon

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

Stating the obvious: if you don't turn the shutter speed dial to OFF or B slight pressure on the shutter release will drain your batteries. Make sure you're not doing that before you send the camera off for repairs.

 

[alecj]

I had the same problem with an early model M6TTL. Sent it back under warranty and they repaired it by changing a circuit board. No problem since, although I still use a Rose to make sure.

 

[Dralowid]

'PAIR' of batteries? Mine takes one. Lasts for ages...

Re Peter at CRR. Absolutely first class. Don't even bother with email, you have to phone.

Best

Michael

 

[ailardi]

I second Andrew Sowerby's comments. My M6ttl (I have two bodies) batteries seem to last forever -- until I forget to turn the dial to off when I put the camera away.

 

[Tom A]

When you remove the batteries from a TTL -underneath, in the bottom of the "well" there are two small,round contacts (silver colored as stated above). Take a pencil and run the tip of the pencil over them. If you can feel that the top of the contacts are protruding above the "well" floor" - carefully push them down slightly. You can secure them with a piece of electricians tape too.
These contacts are for service and checking the electronic circuitry in the camera. For some reason Leica saw fit to only have them "push" fit and they can "creep" up and if the do - they will keep the circuit open and drain the batteries quickly.
Both my Millennium M6 and another TTL had this problem and by doing the "surgery" they are now holding batteries with charge for 40-50 rolls with no problems.

 

[maddoc]

As Tom said. Or ... you have a problem with the shutter button and it keeps the electronic circuit permanently switched on. Just check if the meter switches off after ~ 15 sec after releasing the shutter button.

 

[Leica All Day]

OK....I have been having the same problem with my m6ttl for the last 2 years (battery drain)...as long as I turn off the camera, then everything seemed ok...if I left the camera on, for a couple of hours, the batteries would die....well, I just read what Tom and Maddoc wrote and I checked my m6ttl...I was hoping that the problem would be what Tom said, and all I would need to do would push the contacts back down....but damn it.....I turned the meter on and after 30 seconds, it started to blink, but it did not go off....then it was a steady light again for another 30 seconds, and then it started blinking agian...after 2 minutes of looking through my viewfinder sliently cursing the electronics in my camera (while the light was still on) I turned the camera off...not sure how long the light will stay on for, but I imagine a long time..anyways..now I know that I have a problem with the shutter button as Maddoc stated above....well, there is no way that i am going to send it in to get fixed now (I am living in Bangkok and I don't want to send it anywhere)...I have been using it like this for the last two years.....and now I have an m3 and m2 and I have been carrying my meter with me for the last couple of months.....I guess I will just live with it for now.....as long as I tun off the camera I should be fine....thanks to everybody for all the information above...now I know that the electronics in my m6 suck......cheers, michael

 

[sirius]

Thanks Tom A. you are such a gem!

 

[chilohm]

Thanks so much everybody! I've done what Tom suggested and it looked as he described... I'll let you know how it goes.