M9reno Posted April 20, 2017 Share #1 Posted April 20, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) After hesitating for a while, I decided to make the move on a mint-looking R6.2 on eBay. It arrived today, and in the meantime I had discovered an old thread where cracking inside an R6.2 mirror-box is described: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/35122-r62-mirror-box-lining-cracked-clues/?do=findComment&comment=3258552 On opening my new camera, this is the first thing that I looked for. Sadly, the cracking was there. The other issue that I am experiencing with the camera may or may not be related to this cracking. It is very peculiar: - I began by using a v.1 135mm Elmarit and observed that the R6.2 (properly focused and set to selective metering onto uniformly lit, mid-reflectance surfaces) was reckoning correct exposure to be at f/11 when correct exposure (repeatedly measured by a Seconic L-758DR on spot meter and confirmed by incident readings, both by this same meter and a 308S) was two stops greater, at f/5.6. - Then, sticking on a 100 Apo-Macro-Elmarit, readings were exactly correct! - Confirming with a 280 f/4 Apo-Telyt, readings were also correct (actually, maybe off by no more than half a stop, or so, but within a margin of error, in any case). - Switching to a 80 Summilux, readings off by a stop (camera asking for f/5.6, when actually f/4). - Finally, on a v. 1 50 Summicron, off again by two stops (camera asking for f/11 for a f/5.6 subject). My only guess is that, depending on the lens used, there is more or less internal reflection caused inside the deteriorated mirror-box, throwing off the meter. Why a 100 and a 280 would be fine, but not a 135, however, seems strange to me. A possible pattern: newer lenses seem to do better than older ones. Anyway... what could be going on? Have other people experienced this? Should I return the camera? Thanks for any and all advice! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 20, 2017 Posted April 20, 2017 Hi M9reno, Take a look here R6.2 Light meter all over the place. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
M9reno Posted April 20, 2017 Author Share #2 Posted April 20, 2017 (edited) Some illustrations of the crazing /cracking on the three sides inside the mirror box, holding up the mirror in B mode. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited April 20, 2017 by M9reno Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/271618-r62-light-meter-all-over-the-place/?do=findComment&comment=3258761'>More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted April 20, 2017 Share #3 Posted April 20, 2017 Hello Al, Were your readings at "stop down" or "full aperture" metering? You might set them all at a medium aperture such as F8 & then stop down the lenses manually & measure. It could be that the LINKAGE that tells the camera which aperture is set is not acting correctly. Perhaps some exercising of the camera mechanisms at all positions, ie: Various shutter speeds, moving lens apertures back & forth with the lens on the camera, etc, will help things both in the lenses & in the camera.. Best Regards, Michael 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M9reno Posted April 21, 2017 Author Share #4 Posted April 21, 2017 I'll be darned - manually stopping down the lens with the depth of field preview yields correct measurements (at least on the 135 Elmarit)! Could it be a simple mechanical solution on the camera in this case? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M9reno Posted April 21, 2017 Author Share #5 Posted April 21, 2017 (edited) Same on the v.1 Summicron. Readings are correct only when aperture is set at f/2 or using the depth of filed preview when stopped down. Looks like the deciding factor is the presence of the 3rd/'R' cam on the lens - now it all makes sense. Edited April 21, 2017 by M9reno Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted April 21, 2017 Share #6 Posted April 21, 2017 Wondered the same thing M9, V1 lens may be one cam, or two? What of the cracking though? It would be a deal-breaker for me. Gary 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted April 21, 2017 Share #7 Posted April 21, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) Same on the v.1 Summicron. Readings are correct only when aperture is set at f/2 or using the depth of filed preview when stopped down. Looks like the deciding factor is the presence of the 3rd/'R' cam on the lens - now it all makes sense. Yes you must have a 3 cam or 'R' only lens for open aperture metering to work! The cracking seems to be an age related thing - unless it's falling away I'd leave it alone. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M9reno Posted April 21, 2017 Author Share #8 Posted April 21, 2017 (edited) I re-tested with the three-cammed 80 Summilux again, and it works as it should. My 'problem' was only with the 135 and 50, both early/mid-70's two-cam lenses. Gary, the cracking might well be a deal-breaker. I suspect that there are no replacement parts to be found, and that repair would not be economical even if there were. In any case, even if the cracking does not get worse and surface remains in place, it will affect the value of the camera, and I paid near-mint price (£600). James, I hope you are right: the fact that there have been reports of the problem on this forum but, it seems, only with aesthetic consequences is vaguely encouraging. It seems I need to consult a tech. Edited April 21, 2017 by M9reno Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted April 21, 2017 Share #9 Posted April 21, 2017 Give the guys at Leica Mayfair (service dept) a call. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M9reno Posted April 21, 2017 Author Share #10 Posted April 21, 2017 Good idea - I've sent Jimmy Hughes a message. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sc_rufctr Posted April 22, 2017 Share #11 Posted April 22, 2017 Some illustrations of the crazing /cracking on the three sides inside the mirror box, holding up the mirror in B mode. Mine's the same & I use it almost daily... No issues for me. I wouldn't worry about it unless some of the "foam" starts to flakes off. I have thought about replacing it but it would be extremely difficult to do and finding the appropriate thin foam may also be very difficult. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M9reno Posted April 22, 2017 Author Share #12 Posted April 22, 2017 The seller has provided a generous discount, so all good for now... 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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