sdh Posted October 23, 2009 Share #1 Posted October 23, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm facing a bit of a quandary. I have a 1984 vintage M6 in very good shape except that the meter has died and the repair estimates are between US $400 and $500. I can get a very good handheld meter (Gossen or Sekonic) for much less money. If it were your camera, would you get the repair done? Anyone else face that decision? I'd appreciate your thoughts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 23, 2009 Posted October 23, 2009 Hi sdh, Take a look here Would You Repair It?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
earleygallery Posted October 23, 2009 Share #2 Posted October 23, 2009 If it were me I'd use a handheld meter. I often use it with my TTL cameras in any case, as I much prefer incident light readings, you will become more aware of light generally and in time feel confident to use your own judgment in many cases (sunny 16). Maybe at some point in the future when the camera needs a CLA you could look at having the meter fixed at the same time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
E.M Posted October 23, 2009 Share #3 Posted October 23, 2009 I also like incident light reading , and use a handheld meter most of the time. But I would have the M6 repaired, because I like having my gear in top condition , and sometimes I want to go out with just the camera. Etienne Michiels Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aesop Posted October 23, 2009 Share #4 Posted October 23, 2009 ...if it were my M6 I would repair it as soon as possible. No point in owning a defective tool, functional shutter notwithstanding. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted October 23, 2009 Share #5 Posted October 23, 2009 I agree. I'd repair it too. I find the camera meters very accurate and use an external for incident only. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted October 23, 2009 Share #6 Posted October 23, 2009 Repair it or it will sulk. The alternative is to change the 6 to a 4 with some Tippex... Are you sure it is the meter? Cameras of that age can suffer from a buildup of gunk on the battery contacts. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
haris Posted October 23, 2009 Share #7 Posted October 23, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Compromise solution is to give it on estimation. If it as Bill said just need cleaning battery contacts and like then I would repair it. If it is really meter broken you still can decide to repair it or to use it without it's meter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasw_ Posted October 23, 2009 Share #8 Posted October 23, 2009 The M6 is much like a M4-P but with the meter. In fact the reason that most folks cite for wanting a M6 over the less expensive classic M2s, M3s and M4s is the convenience of the built in meter. So if this convenience is now not worth it for you, then your course is clear. If the convenience of having a built in meter during social occasions or for inside shooting in general is apparent, then get it repaired. NB: In my experience, there are times when pointing a meter at someone in a social situation will destroy the scene or mood. Street shooting can sometimes be even more effective when done w/o an internal meter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted October 23, 2009 Share #9 Posted October 23, 2009 My equipment is always in first rate order. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted October 23, 2009 Share #10 Posted October 23, 2009 NB: In my experience, there are times when pointing a meter at someone in a social situation will destroy the scene or mood. Street shooting can sometimes be even more effective when done w/o an internal meter. Why would you do that? You meter 'off scene' then shoot away, there's no need to point a meter at anyone. You will begin to trust your own instinct and know when to open/close a stop. Essentially it makes you a faster more discrete street shooter! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lux50 Posted October 24, 2009 Share #11 Posted October 24, 2009 Get it repaired - you won't regret it and so much quicker to use.than handheld. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdozier Posted October 24, 2009 Share #12 Posted October 24, 2009 mine failed right after I got it.I sent it to DAG and never regretted it. get it fixed and restored to it's intended state, you won't regret it. m Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasw_ Posted October 25, 2009 Share #13 Posted October 25, 2009 Why would you do that? You meter 'off scene' then shoot away, there's no need to point a meter at anyone.......! A few good reasons why inside in a social situation I'd prefer to have an in-camera meter. The light you want to meter can't discreetly be hand metered and it is different off scene than on scene in some tricky way. You don't to draw any attention to yourself hand metering; it is enough to just focus, adjust and shoot. I agree that on the street where light is not as variable generally, that shooting with a hand held meter can be more effective and that it encourages one to really learn to read light. That said, low light inside with its variable lighting conditions even within a room can be tricky. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
enboe Posted October 31, 2009 Share #14 Posted October 31, 2009 I always believe in keeping gear in top-notch operating condition. Having your camera meter repaired with a concurrent clean, lube, and adjust, should meet your needs for the next 20 years or more. A small handheld, such as the Gossen Digisix or Digiflash, is useful for situations where center-weighted reflective metering fails. Enjoy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
garygsandhu Posted October 31, 2009 Share #15 Posted October 31, 2009 I don't like the meter in my M6. I find it's faster to guess or use an incident meter. I wouldn't repair it for that amount. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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