clintock
Galleryless Gearhead
The camera may be calibrated for the original mercury cell, but got shipped with a modern alkaline cell, or perhaps a silver oxide, either would drive the meter to reading too 'high'.
rob hodnett
Member
Hi Clint,
I thought of that, but sadly it was shipped with an original Varta PX625 mercury battery. I also tried a wein cell zinc/air 1.35v battery which should have done the trick.
It is odd - it does seem like it's behaving like it would had the meter been recalibrated, but for a lower voltage cell, not a higher voltage.
I await the seller's response - he's talking with his Leica expert, Mr Willem van Manen (I think) of the the Netherlands. Has anyone had any experience with him?
Best,
Rob
I thought of that, but sadly it was shipped with an original Varta PX625 mercury battery. I also tried a wein cell zinc/air 1.35v battery which should have done the trick.
It is odd - it does seem like it's behaving like it would had the meter been recalibrated, but for a lower voltage cell, not a higher voltage.
I await the seller's response - he's talking with his Leica expert, Mr Willem van Manen (I think) of the the Netherlands. Has anyone had any experience with him?
Best,
Rob
ChrisN
Striving
Possible silly question, but you are metering with a lens fitted?
venchka
Veteran
I have Bigfoot in hand
I have Bigfoot in hand
Rob,
I finally have my M5 in hand. If this is redundant, I apologize. Here's what I see happening in the viewfinder of a camera that I know functions correctly.
The stationary needle moves left or right as the shutter speed or ASA dial is changed. Once set, it remains stationary and acts as an index mark for the given shutter speed & ASA setting.
With the shutter cocked and the meter arm in place, the moving needle swings left or right as the amount of light varies. I moved my hand over the lens to vary the light and the needle moved from full left (no light) to full right (bright outdoors light through a glass door). Changing the aperture from 1.4 to 16 had the same effect.
If your M5 behaves differently it needs professional attention. In my very unprofessional opinion.
Good luck!
I have Bigfoot in hand
Rob,
I finally have my M5 in hand. If this is redundant, I apologize. Here's what I see happening in the viewfinder of a camera that I know functions correctly.
The stationary needle moves left or right as the shutter speed or ASA dial is changed. Once set, it remains stationary and acts as an index mark for the given shutter speed & ASA setting.
With the shutter cocked and the meter arm in place, the moving needle swings left or right as the amount of light varies. I moved my hand over the lens to vary the light and the needle moved from full left (no light) to full right (bright outdoors light through a glass door). Changing the aperture from 1.4 to 16 had the same effect.
If your M5 behaves differently it needs professional attention. In my very unprofessional opinion.
Good luck!
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
In case it is relevant, there are two functional issues that could affect the apparent meter reading.
First, you cannot depress the shutter release button at all when making a reading. Even the slightest pressure will cause the meter arm to start to retract and seriously affect the reading.
Second, the M5 will only give accurate readings in the horizontal position. If you are by chance metering in the vertical position, you will not get an accurate reading.
These were both spelled out in the original instructions but most cameras have become separated from the booklet after several owner changes.
First, you cannot depress the shutter release button at all when making a reading. Even the slightest pressure will cause the meter arm to start to retract and seriously affect the reading.
Second, the M5 will only give accurate readings in the horizontal position. If you are by chance metering in the vertical position, you will not get an accurate reading.
These were both spelled out in the original instructions but most cameras have become separated from the booklet after several owner changes.
rob hodnett
Member
Chris - yep I am metering with a lens fitted (meter response has been the same with both lenses I've tried - 50 cron and 35 biogon)
Wayne - I think you're right - professional help is required - the meter on mine is giving me full right at f16 (f22 on the biogon) for bright outdoors light - which to me doesn't seem right.
JNewell - I've read through the manual online, so I was aware of both issues. Thanks for pointing these up though
)
All the best,
Rob
Wayne - I think you're right - professional help is required - the meter on mine is giving me full right at f16 (f22 on the biogon) for bright outdoors light - which to me doesn't seem right.
JNewell - I've read through the manual online, so I was aware of both issues. Thanks for pointing these up though
)All the best,
Rob
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
rob hodnett said:JNewell - I've read through the manual online, so I was aware of both issues. Thanks for pointing these up though
Figured you were probably aware, but you never know...also, who knows who will find this thread in the future...best luck, it is a great camera - persevere.