cesar_gomez1 Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 I just bought an FTb with what I think is a broken meter. The meter needle doesswing up and down depending on the amount of light. But the aperture needle isalways just above the meter index no matter what aperture setting I use. Even instop-down mode, the needle stays in the same place (It's supposed to swing allthe way down, right?). Is this an easy fix? Or am I missing something? I know Ican use the camera without the meter, but it is a lot more convenient thancarrying around a handheld meter. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
User_502260 Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 If the camera was dropped then the mechanism can be broken. If not then there is either dirt or oil in the mechanism or the wire connecting the battery compartment to the meter mechanism needs to be replaced. The original FTb (all metal film advance lever) went out of production in about 1974. This means that the very newest one is 34 years old. The FTbN (plastic tip film advance lever) was made for several more years but even the newest one is about 30 year old now. If you like the camera I would recommend that you send it to Essex Camera Service in Carlstadt, NJ. For about $110 they will completely overhaul it. That price might even include modifying the camera to acceot 1.5 violt batteries. You will then have a camera in good working order and which should give many years of dependable use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cesar_gomez1 Posted May 31, 2008 Author Share Posted May 31, 2008 The camera is the early model. It doesn't show any signs of being dropped, but I could be wrong. The price for even a cheap hand held meter is $100+ which means that an overhaul makes more sense, since it would get a CLA and the meter adjusted. Should be good for another 20 years! Just to clarify, the only way to fix that needle would be to open up the camera, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_wire Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Cesar, I have an old beater F1 which has a similar problem. The mechanical coupling from the aperture needle in the meter window to the lens aperture arm is probably not following (spring repair?). I'm told it is a simple fix during a CLA. Who knows. Good luck. Regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
User_4136860 Posted June 11, 2008 Share Posted June 11, 2008 Have you tried replacing the battery ? before you go any further . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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