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Leica CL - busted cell ? Please advise


salomons

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Just got myself a Leica CL, always lusted for it and saw a good deal on the great auction site from a reputable dealer. Was aware of dead meter cells and upon arrival I checked and I think Imight have gotten a lemon. I performed the following tests:

1) Put in a battery – after pushing the battery test button the meter moves. This means that the circuit board is in working order as well as the meter.

2) Took off the lens. When the shutter is cocked, the light meter is in front of the lens as it Is supposed to. The cell looks clean,

3) When changing the shutter speed dial, the light meter moves – this means that the mechanical connection is working.

4) The light meter centers when set on ½ second exposure at 400 ISO and moves when the ISO value is changed

5) When moving the aperture ring, the diaphragm closes but the light meter does not move.

6) When aiming the camera at a lamp or to a dark surface, the light meter does not move.

Also,before buying the camera I downloaded the manual and studied it, so I think I know what I am doing.

Would appreciate any suggestions of tests i overlooked. Also any indication of repair cost would be appreciated. Am based in Switzerland but will ship it to wherever to get it fixed.

Many thanks in advance.

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Golden Touch Camera Repair.

 

Sherry bought all the spare parts for CL line. She worked for Leica repair at the time and does excellent work.

 

Her e mail does not always go through, so call on the phone if you want to contact.

 

Word is she and Don Goldberg are swamped now that Leica USA is not repairing film cameras.

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I have had work done by Peter at CRR Luton. He comes highly recommended and is well thought of. Don't bother with email though just give him a ring, very friendly and helpful. Can give the CL a new lease of life!

 

CRR Luton

 

The other well respected Leica man in the UK is Malcolm Taylor. He doesn't have a web site but here are the contact details:

 

Address: Upper Lye Farm, Aymestrey, Hereford, HR6 9SZ

Phone: 44 1568 770 542

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I'm assuming that the 'reputable dealer' sold it to you on the basis that the meter wasn't functioning? I'd send it straight back if not, or at least come to some arrangement over the repair costs.

 

The other option to repair of course is to use a hand held meter instead, which should offer more options and accuracy in any case.

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Golden Touch Camera Repair.

 

Sherry bought all the spare parts for CL line. She worked for Leica repair at the time and does excellent work.

 

I totally agree with Tobey. Sherry CLAed my CL 3 years ago, including changing the meter cell, for $450. The camera now functions as new. Call or e-mail her:

 

Sherry Krauter.com -- Home of the Golden Touch.***

 

Guy

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Have you double checked to make sure the correct mercury battery is being used? If a Wein cell has been substituted it might need a short time to activate.

 

If the meter is faulty then insist dealer gives you a refund - especially as the camera could be away for a long time if repairable.

 

Cheers

 

dunk

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