Minolta hi-matic 7s meter problem

[morpe]

Hello, I'm new in this forum, my name is paolo and I'm italian, so sorry in advance for my english! I have just bought a beautiful Minolta hi-matic 7s rangefinder, good overall condition, but the light meter doesn't work correctly. I use a 675 z.a. battery instead of the original 625px. The meter reacts to the strong lights, for example pointing directly at a bulb light, but normally the needle remains in the underexposed position, even changing ASA up to 800. In addition if I rotate the camera 90° CW, the needle becomes more sensitive, but not correct! If I rotate 180° needle goes in the overexposed red area and here it remains. Has anyone ever encountered this problem? How can I fix it??

Thanks to all, paolo

 

[p.giannakis]

Is the battery compartment clean? Are there any signs of battery leak?

 

[morpe]

Is the battery compartment clean? Are there any signs of battery leak?

When I opened the battery compartment I found it wet and there was old 625px battery, but I tried to dry and clean the metal contact plate

 

[p.giannakis]

Leave it on a windowsill for a few days to make sure that everything dries up. Then with a rubber try to rub the battery contacts to see if it makes any difference.

 

[morpe]

Thanks p.giannakis, I'm trying this way now!

 

[Trius]

A bit of vinegar can help clean contacts of any corrosion.