Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/01/04
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I have a relatively large collection of Leica meters, ranging from the early Weston model through the LC60 and on up to a couple of MR-4's. Here are some tips on these guys: First, selenium meter cells are really rugged and generally maintain their strength for decades or centuries. However, they are subject to failure from becoming damp through failure of the cell's sealing, and they require a relatively complex mechaincal linkage which, also, can become a-gley through knocking or bumping or the like. Second, selenium meters have a rather large acceptance angle, which is why older photographers are sometimes seen 'waving' a meter over a subject to get a general response. Third, selenium is the material which most closely matches the response pattern of most modern films. Thus, with its many limitations, a selenium meter will generally provide quite accurate results. Fourth, boosters for low-light use were produced for use on the Leica-Meter, the Leica-Meter 2, the Leica-Meter 3, the Leicameter M, and for the Leicameter MC. These are generally quite easy to find, though the Leica-Meters themselves can be as elusive as a Swift 831 3" refractor. Fifth, the original MR meter works quite nicely on an M2 or M3 but will crimp your fingers when attempting to rewind the film on an M4 or later camera body. That is why the "MR-4" was introduced by the factory -- though note that neither Leica nor the manufacturer, Metrawatt AG of Nürnberg, ever called it such, listing all MR meters by that simple moniker. Sixth, the MR and MR-4 meters will work perfectly well with a silver-oxide cell, though the mercury cells are still being made in the Orient and are not that hard to find. And, as John pointed out, George Milton at Quality Light-Metric repairs all of these puppies (he has overhauled my Weston Leica-Meter and my LC 60, along with a number of later meters). I have an MR meter on my M3 at present, and it works like a charm. Marc msmall@infi.net FAX: +276/343-7315 Cha robh bąs fir gun ghrąs fir! - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html