Leica R4 shows clear underexposure

[Uncle Pete]

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Dear experienced Leica users,

 

having purchased a very well shaped Leica R4 with Summicron 90mm f2 I shot 3 rolls of negative films (color, b/w) and had to learn that the camera has a clear tendency to underexpose by approx 1 - 1,5 exposure values no matter what program setting has been chosen.

 

Does anybody share this and could comment on this experience?

Would you consider to have it serviced by a licensed Leica dealer?

 

Thanks for some advice,

Peter

[wagner]

Hi Peter!

 

The first thing, I would do, is to get the speeds checked at a repair place. That shouldn't even cost money. Then you will know, if it's just an electronically adjustment issue or if the shutter/mechanic needs a service. (Theoretically, it could be the case, that just the ASA dial is not aligned properly.)

 

My XD 7 had once the tendency for underexposing and in this case the shutter was the problem.(Has got the same shutter) But it wasn't a constant problem. Only a few pics did show underexposure. (But then they were very dark.) I could get it repaired for a fair price. (ca. 70Euros)

When you say, that all pics are underexposed by 1 stop, that it might be "only" an adjustment necessary.

 

The defect on my XD 7 was relatively easy to see, while firing the shutter- shutter over sync. speed- with the back open against a bright surface.

The visible "shutter-gap" was uneven- speeds are not constant - or it was even completely dark.

 

Good luck,

 

Torsten

 

 

By the way: My R4's never showed a problem with the shutter - and timing - itself, the exposure was always fine. But in some cases a sticky release magnet was causing trouble.....

[dkCambridgeshire]

1) Check that the exposure compensation is set to zero and not stuck on a negative value and also check the battery using the camera's battery test button. Replace battery if necessary. Clean the battery terminals. Make sure the ISO setting on the camera agrees with the film ISO rating.

 

2) If all is OK in (1) Measure the optimum exposure with a hand held meter and compare it with the camera's meter reading. Take both reflected and incident readings with the hand held meter - all readings should be the same if reflected readings are taken from an area of average brightness. If the camera's reading disagrees with the hand held meter then the problem might be identified ie meter underexposing.

 

3) If all exposure readings are the same, expose the film using each of the programme modes - making a note of which modes were used for each exposure.

 

4) Try fully manual settings (ie set both aperture and shutter speed manually) using the hand held meter settings - make a note of which frames are used.

 

5) Check exposed results from (3) and (4) and thus identify which modes might be underexposing (if any)

 

The foregoing might assist in narrowing down the cause and thus possible remedy for the underexposure - assuming the film is developed correctly and that it is 'in date'. Best to use slide film rather than negative film if you are not used to assessing negatives.

 

dunk

[Uncle Pete]

Thanks Dunk, this is a real good systematic approach which I tend to try beginning with purchasing or rather borrowing a hand held meter. Enjoy and have a light-flooded weekend:D, Peter

[Uncle Pete]

Thanks, Torsten, for your advice from own experience! I really hope to have reliable tool after solving those little cumbrous problems following take-over of a camera not exactly knowing its history. Cheers, Peter