Leica MP Meter not working with Film in Camera

[drwatson1234]

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Anyone out there ever experienced anything like this?

I just picked up a used (maybe refurbished) Silver Leica MP.  The light meter works with no film in the camera.  However, as soon as I load up a roll of film, the light meter won't activate, or 'turn on'.  To rule out what I have done vs. what I haven't tried: 

I have tested with a couple different rolls of film.  I fired test shots until Frame 5 on a film, just to see if the camera needed the shutter count to be past '0' in order to initiate the meter (not the case with my M6TTL, but it was worth testing). 

I have tested with new batteries. 

And, as far as loading the film properly - I have a Leica M3 and M6TTL, so I won't say definitively that I'm not doing it wrong, but this isn't my first attempt at loading film in a Leica film body.  

The problem appears to be somewhere in the 'take up spool' tension.  Only basis for saying that is: the camera meter works perfectly when the camera is not loaded with film.  When I put in a roll of film across the back, but not yet 'wound' the first roll onto the take up spool (it is simply resting between the 3-prong grooves), the meter continues to work.  However, after firing the shutter, and winding the first time (aka the film is not being wound around the take up spool), the meter goes dead.  

 

Anyone's thoughts would be greatly appreciated!  I have contacted the seller, who is reputable, and I know will help me get this sorted out or money refunded.  But, I thought I'd ask the community for comments in the waiting time.

Thanks,
DMR

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[Doc Henry]

Battery is it unique like CR1/3N Varta lithium 6 V ? 

Rg  H 

 

[drwatson1234]

Thanks for the thought. So I’ve done a bit more testing, and determined:

Pushing on the film door back, with the base plate on, did not engage the meter. 
 

Separately, pushing on the film door back, with the base plate off, does engage the meter and it works. 
 

I spoke to Leica NJ, and the answer is to send it back for repair. Shame for that to have to happen, but that’s my next step. Thanks for the reply/thought Doc Henry. 

[adan]

Yah - the three meter contacts that carry the ISO setting signal (from the back) to the meter circuit (in the camera) must be failing to "contact."

You might just check them visually - it might save a trip to NJ if you can spot dust or crud on them, or if one of the spring-loaded pins is jammed and can be popped back into position with a thumbnail.

Alternatively, there may be some distortion of the bottom plate, that prevents it pushing the back as tightly into place as it should. A couple of slim slivers of black tape where the bottom overlaps the door's bottom edge may provide the additional pressure to get the meter back on the job.