plasticman Posted November 8, 2007 Share #1 Posted November 8, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) The other day taking a walk with the M6TTL I experienced a strange effect while metering. I haven't thoroughly tested the 'hitch' yet and I only did a couple of cursory searches in the archives, but I just thought I'd ask if anyone else has experienced this particular problem to get an idea if it's anything I need to worry about. The hitch: while I was out on a walk during a rather cold day (approx 3 degrees C, 37,5F), the meter LCDs blinked in the way they're supposed to do when there's insufficient light - this was in bright sunlight. They also didn't stay lit for the normal 12 seconds, but switched-off immediately I released pressure from the shutter release. They were not dim in the way that indicates low battery. They appeared to indicate correct values (will obviously only know this part for sure when the film is developed). Because I suspected the cold might be a problem, I waited for the camera to warm up when I got home, and in fact the functionality gradually improved until it was totally back to normal at room temperature after about an hour. The question is, surely these sorts of temperatures shouldn't be causing the camera any problems? And if temperature was the culprit - what mechanism would actually cause this behavior? Sorry if this seems like I'm fussing over nothing. I'm not losing any sleep over it anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 8, 2007 Posted November 8, 2007 Hi plasticman, Take a look here Very minor problem with M6 - advice?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
harald_ludwig Posted November 8, 2007 Share #2 Posted November 8, 2007 Hello, I had similar light meter behaviour in the cold, with my M6 TTL some time ago. I realised that the problem was the low battery power. When you use new batteries this problem should be gone. Harald Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathan_r Posted November 8, 2007 Share #3 Posted November 8, 2007 Are you using a Lithium battery, or 2 silver oxides? Lithium are less sensitive to cold. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
plasticman Posted November 8, 2007 Author Share #4 Posted November 8, 2007 Thanks guys for the answers. I don't remember the battery type right now, I'll check when I'm back home - but I'm surprised it's a low battery symptom: I thought the battery power would show with the dimming indicators first. I was actually a little concerned that this type of behavior might be symptomatic of poor contacts somewhere - which might conceivably manifest in extra-cold (but by no means extreme) conditions. Ok - time for some new batteries then! Thanks again! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
likea Posted November 8, 2007 Share #5 Posted November 8, 2007 I too have had this problem with my M6TTL. It's definitely the battery. They dissipate far faster than expected. Jonathan is right; the Li lasts longer and is more resistant to cold. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted November 9, 2007 Share #6 Posted November 9, 2007 Weather dependent. For what it is worth I have always found that patricular style battery recess problomatic. I am pretty sure its the relatively open nature of the compartment, current leakage, and the antiquated circuitry behind it. Not a large problem, though numerous times at teh start of a trip I have had to replace what were relatively new batteries and use my spares, slap on the forehead weve had bad weather last month, and so have had no further spares. R9, presumably R8, different battery system, modern, I dont think it knows what batteries are, it doesnt ever seem to have found them. Probably at twice expectancy Leica advises in the manual and still not replaced. Larger battery, buried deep and dry. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBA Posted November 9, 2007 Share #7 Posted November 9, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Duly noted. Considering I have an M6 on the way, this battery discussion should prove useful in pre-empting any problems. Is it possible to get rechargable lithium batteries at the proper specification? Also, from what I've read about the M6, its weakness is that if put in a bag with the shutter cocked, there's the danger of the shutter release getting pressed to the first detente, turning on the meter and draining the battery. 'B' on the shutter speed dial is the off switch. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
j. white Posted November 9, 2007 Share #8 Posted November 9, 2007 Also, from what I've read about the M6, its weakness is that if put in a bag with the shutter cocked, there's the danger of the shutter release getting pressed to the first detente, turning on the meter and draining the battery. 'B' on the shutter speed dial is the off switch. This is all too common an occurance and I carry extra batteries as a rule. The on/off switch is one of the most attractive features of the M7 (and M8) for this very reason. Although I rather wish the M6 worked like the Nikon FM2 which locks the meter and shutter release button when the rewind lever is flush against the camera body. My 2 cents... -J. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted November 9, 2007 Share #9 Posted November 9, 2007 Batteries are pretty cheap. Rechargables are never the voltage of disposables, and I havent seen any this size. I carry a plastic film can with two sets of two 1.5V spares. Whats that...little over Au$8.00 Nothing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
plasticman Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share #10 Posted November 9, 2007 Totally agree about the superiority of the M7 on-off switch: locks the shutter (meaning no 'inside-bag' shots), and ensures that there's no accidental battery drain by forgetting to twist the dial all the way round to 'off' (which is also a slight pain when you want to take a shot in a hurry). But the M6 is still an outstanding workhorse... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gyoung Posted November 12, 2007 Share #11 Posted November 12, 2007 This is all too common an occurance and I carry extra batteries as a rule. The on/off switch is one of the most attractive features of the M7 (and M8) for this very reason. Although I rather wish the M6 worked like the Nikon FM2 which locks the meter and shutter release button when the rewind lever is flush against the camera body. My 2 cents... -J. Didn't somebody make a replacement battery compartment cover for the M6, with a switch built in? I would't mind one of those but have lost the details! Gerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted November 12, 2007 Share #12 Posted November 12, 2007 Totally agree about the superiority of the M7 on-off switch: locks the shutter (meaning no 'inside-bag' shots), and ensures that there's no accidental battery drain by forgetting to twist the dial all the way round to 'off' (which is also a slight pain when you want to take a shot in a hurry). But the M6 is still an outstanding workhorse... After my initial failure to turn my M6 shutter dial to 'off' and suffering a short-lived battery life, it has now become second nature to do so. Although my film usage has declined somewhat this year, I still manage to make a battery set last 12 months when I change it anyway for a new set. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted November 12, 2007 Share #13 Posted November 12, 2007 Didn't somebody make a replacement battery compartment cover for the M6, with a switch built in? I would't mind one of those but have lost the details! Gerry I can't remember that alternative although I did order from Leica UK the alternative battery cover which a coin tip will unscrew rather more easily than the cover supplied initially. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted November 13, 2007 Share #14 Posted November 13, 2007 Didn't somebody make a replacement battery compartment cover for the M6, with a switch built in? I would't mind one of those but have lost the details! Gerry Yes, there was one. I cannot remember who made it or if it is still available. It was however, quite fiddly and setting the M6 to 'B' was an easier alternative. Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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