M6 meter problem

[sjgslack]

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Hi All,

 

My M6 has an intermittent meter problem. I was wondering if anyone else had seen the same:

 

The meter will be overexposing dramatically (ie: showing a low reading in lots of light). A characteristic of when it is happening is that one of the LEDs in the VF will dim whilst the shutter button is half pressed. As though the power is low of something (?). Sometimes the LEDs dim completely and disappear.

 

I've pinned down exactly when it happens:

It will be metering fine. Then I take a shot, and the meter goes dim and becomes inaccurate... THEN I turn the shutter speed dial to around 1/8th and back again, then it meters fine again UNTIL i take another shot and wind on. I then need to turn it back again. When it's working it's perfectly accurate.

 

It seems to me that it could be a loose connection in the circuit that tests whether it's rewound, but maybe somebody has a better insight?

 

I've replaced the batteries, so we can rule that out.

 

Many Thanks!

 

Silas

[madNbad]

M6 Classic? Most likely an age related problem. Your estimate there is a loose connection is most likely right. Make an investment in a CLA and the viewfinder upgrade and have a camera you can use for years.

[Guest Ansel_Adams]

I dont know if its related but M6 classic meter lights will dim and start flashing in certain situations and I am not sure why. I understand that one or other LED will flash intermittently when shutter/aperture are more than 1 stop out from ideal, but what about when both are flashing at the same time when the reading is correct? They both dim slightly when this happens too. Normally in low light.

 

Edit: it was the batteries in my case... needed changing.

[CalArts 99]

fwiw, I had a similar issue not too long ago with my M6. It turned out to be a cold solder joint. I had DAG repair it. He said that having to replace the entire meter circuit board is very uncommon, but even then it's not very expensive (according to him it's under 100USD for the board.)

[sjgslack]

Thanks people!

 

It's reassuring to hear that it may not be too serious.

 

I'm going to send it in to Leica to be fixed and to have the VF upgraded too. It had a CLA around a year ago so hopefully won't need a full one.

 

Silas