M6 meter problem

[Peterkant]

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Hello, I have just bought a Leica M6 TTL in great shape, but I got one problem, the meter nevers turns off, and the battery only last a few hours. Any idea? The camera looks like new, but maybe need service.

 

Thanks for your help!

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In a well behaved M6 the meter will turn itself on when you lightly press the shutter release. It will turn itself off again after some twelve (?) seconds or after releasing the shutter. It will not turn itself on at all if the shutter is not cocked or if the time is set to "B".

 

Hence, I see two possible causes for your problem:

1. You store your camera in a way such that the shutter release button is permanently depressed, possibly by a short distance only
   
2. The switch in the release button has become stuck and has to be repaired. That has happened to my own M6.
   

 

You can prolong the life time of your battery by only cocking your shutter shortly before shooting and by setting the time to "B" when storing the camera or not using it for a longer time at a stretch.

[Xmas]

Hi

 

Try leaving the M6 at the bottom of a cool airing cupboard/hot water tank enclosure overnight and then operating the shutter release 100 times... You can remove the battery for all this and replace it afterwards.

 

But you probably need the top plate off and a degrease... it is likely to be something else going wrong next.

 

This will probably not work if the LED stay on when the shutter is fired.

 

If you store the camera naked in a gbag the battery may go flat during carriage.

 

Noel

[PasMichiel]

In a well behaved M6 the meter will turn itself on when you lightly press the shutter release. It will turn itself off again after some twelve (?) seconds or after releasing the shutter. It will not turn itself on at all if the shutter is not cocked or if the time is set to "B".

 

Hence, I see two possible causes for your problem:

1. You store your camera in a way such that the shutter release button is permanently depressed, possibly by a short distance only
   
2. The switch in the release button has become stuck and has to be repaired. That has happened to my own M6.
   

 

You can prolong the life time of your battery by only cocking your shutter shortly before shooting and by setting the time to "B" when storing the camera or not using it for a longer time at a stretch.

 

normaly when you don't wind the m6 the meter doesn't work is not activated), or not?

[juergen]

normaly when you don't wind the m6 the meter doesn't work is not activated), or not?

 

That is exactly what Philipp said.

 

Juergen

[normclarke]

The meter on the TTL has an off position on the shutter speed dial. If this is not working I would suggest you take the battery out and check that the two terminals in the battery compartment are not shorting the battery!

 

Best

 

normclarke.

[Peterkant]

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Thanks friends for your help, is I fire the camera the meter turns off, if I don’t wind the camera the meter remains off. If I put the off position in the shutter speed dial the meter is off. I think that the problem is in the shutter release, maybe is always making contact. Do you think is a good idea to remove the top plate and try to clean it?

Best

[PasMichiel]

Thanks friends for your help, is I fire the camera the meter turns off, if I don’t wind the camera the meter remains off. If I put the off position in the shutter speed dial the meter is off. I think that the problem is in the shutter release, maybe is always making contact. Do you think is a good idea to remove the top plate and try to clean it?

Best

 

if you never done it, don't... You also need some tooling for it.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwQGNcJEdDk

[PasMichiel]

Oh and the youtube is only the Classic, the ttl is a bit different.

[PasMichiel]

That tooling can be found at micro-tools:

 

Flexi Clamps

[mikebidwell]

if you never done it, don't...

 

YouTube - How to remove Leica M6 camera top plate - DIY

 

I would have to echo the above comment that if you've never attempted anything like this before 'LEAVE WELL ALONE'

 

What I find strange is that if you've only just bought the M6 why haven't you taken it back from whence it came. Surely you must have some form of warranty. If you have and you attempt to do it then the warranty becomes void.

 

Best wishes

 

Mike

[Peterkant]

I bought the camera last week in Hong Kong, I was there only for two days, I saw the camera in a shop, looks like new and the price was ok. I got the invoice but I will not come back Hong Kong until next year. I have service (some DIY works like lube or change the seals ) my other cameras, like hasselblad and mamiya, maybe I get the tools and try to fix it.

[PasMichiel]

I bought the camera last week in Hong Kong, I was there only for two days, I saw the camera in a shop, looks like new and the price was ok. I got the invoice but I will not come back Hong Kong until next year. I have service (some DIY works like lube or change the seals ) my other cameras, like hasselblad and mamiya, maybe I get the tools and try to fix it.

 

take your time. trie not to change anything on the the viewfinder.

 

and keep it don't be when you start.....

[Xmas]

Hi

 

I'd try the airing cupboard first, if that works you know you don't need a new switch, if it does not work then you may need to replace the switch, and it may be better sending it off unless you can get a spare.

 

Noel

[Peterkant]

Hi

 

I'd try the airing cupboard first, if that works you know you don't need a new switch, if it does not work then you may need to replace the switch, and it may be better sending it off unless you can get a spare.

 

Noel

 

Thanks Noel, I don’t have airing cupboard at home, what is the purpose? Do you mean keep the camera in a warm place? Maybe I can put the camera near a warm heater?

[Xmas]

Normally micro switches and other mechanical bits in a camera stop working when the grease lubricant turns to wax from age or water ingress (or both).

 

Gentle heat for a time can soften the wax so it might release the micro switch.

 

It is likely to stop again the first cold day you allow the camera to acclimitiase but it indicates the switch might recover if given a zippo drip drip 'torture', with the top off.

 

I know people who would try a drip down the side of the release button, I'd not do that myself.

 

I'd not like a radiator as that is rather warm stick a sock between the M and the radiator, and keep the M beside the radiator rather than on top.

 

If you are going to get the tool set then it is impatient to try the heat unless it is controlled, my airing cupboard is cool as the tank is insulated with a cast on foam jacket, and thermostatically controlled for luke warm water.

 

Noel

[juergen]

Why not putting it in the oven for a while at low temerature?

During summer, in bright sunlight, the camera must stand much higher teperatures.

 

Juergen

[Peterkant]

Thanks for your help, I try to warn a little the shuter release, If not works I will send it to service.

 

Best

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[Xmas]

Hi Juergen

 

Why not putting it in the oven for a while at low temerature?

because it is hotter and riskier, you look away & daughter sticks in a baked potato, for quick snack... nicely cooked M6...

During summer, in bright sunlight, the camera must stand much higher teperatures.

True but this is also not desirable, best to keep in gbag in between shots in winter inner outer jacket pocket.

 

When you are trying to fix something it is desirable to be more cautious.

 

Noel