Voigtlander VC II Meter ISO Ring Turns Too Easily

<p>I just bought a cosmetically beautiful used Voigtlander VC II meter and unfortunately the ISO ring will not hold it's position and turns with very little resistance, almost freely. Consequently, I have gotten several bad exposures because I didn't check the ISO between each shot. </p>

<p>The seller is willing to take the meter back but says that it was that way from the day he bought it and that he heard they were all like that. I know they are not all like that because I also have a new VC II, and it works perfectly.</p>

<p>Before I return the meter, is there any way I can fix this loose ring myself? </p>

<p>I hope there's a solution. I've had one from new and it's exactly the same. I've thought of putting a drop of glue to lock it at at my most used ISO and making mental adjustments when I'm using some other film. But I don't trust myself to always remember.</p>

<p>I did glue mine in place, at ISO 400, so far it has worked well and I don't have to worry about surprises. I have taken the top of the assembly apart by turning the small disk at the center of the ISO assembly. There is a small friction tab under there to keep the ISO from moving so easily, I adjusted the tab by bending it a bit and I was good to go for a period of time but it loosened up again so I resorted to using the glue. The meter is very handy and I've added a small ring to the area the hotshoe foot would sit and added a lanyard so I can wear it around my neck when I'm out and about.</p>

<p>This is disheartening to hear. I hope the ISO ring on my new meter does not loosen up. I know I'll keep forgetting to check it's position and get a bunch of bad exposures.</p>

<p>This can't be normal. Say it ain't so!</p>

<p>I shot an email to Stephen Gandy with a link to this thread. Lets hope he chimes in.</p>

<p>Email response from Stephen Gandy (<a href="http://www.cameraquest.com/voivcmet2.htm">CameraQuest</a>):</p>

<p><em><strong>Not true. I've sold hundreds of VC II meters.<br />they are amazingly trouble free. I've never done a warranty repair on one.<br /><br />there is no telling how your used meter was treated<br />it should be given to a trained tech, not a DIYS that could make it worse.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Stephen</strong></em></p>

<p>Well I guess that settles it for me. I'm going to returning the used meter. </p>

<p>FWIW: I bought mine new from a dealer and it is accurate and the wheels turn nicely and as expected - not loose.</p>

<p>I bought my meter new and initally there were no problems, then as time went on I noticed the condition. By making the adjustment to the brass friction disk within the assembly, the meter was the same as purchased. I must add I rarely used the meter mounted on camera, I usually carry it in my pocket or on the lanyard around my neck with occasional readings. In those situations the ISO setting adjustment could get more than the normal amount of movement. The meter has traveled extensively with me and has seen quite a bit of use, I think it's a good meter and is likely to last a very long time. Your mileage may vary.</p>

<p>B. Tipton</p>

<p>What is the name and size of the tool you used to remove the ring? I looks like it requires a tiny spanner wrench, but what size?</p>

<p>Well, I bought mine from Stephen too, and it's been the same from new. I've lived with it. It's a common problem and there have been posts from time to time about the problem. With the right tool to take the dial off there should be a something we could do.</p>

<p>Maybe Stephen could get the manufacturer to offer a kit including a friction disk made of something else.</p>

<p>John,</p>

<p>I just purchased another new VC meter from Stephen today. You mean your ISO ring was loose when you got the meter? Why didn't you send it back? </p>

<p>The first looseness I notice, the offending meter is going back right away, if it's still under warranty.</p>

<p>Mr. Hooper,<br /> I used two very small steel pins and a small pair of needle nose pliers to remove the center ring. I inserted the pins into the holes and used the pliers to hold both pins at the same time, perpendicular two the pins, and turned the assembly, using my thumb to hold the disk with the ISO window in place. Once the center ring or disk is unscrewed the outer disk, with the ISO window, will be free. Under this is a small copper disk that has bends I can describe as pleats such as in a curtain. I bent the pleats in the copper disk so they are more raised and will create more tension within the assembly. I reassembled everything and was good to go for awhile. Having the ring with the two small holes secured also contributes to having a tight ISO setting. When the assembly is apart it's important not to turn the inner shaft and to remember the orientation of the disk with the ISO numbers printed on it. The shaft all this screws onto is keyed but reassembly could be done 180 degrees out. The work isn't nearly as complicated as it sounds. It's been a while since I went through the procedure so I'm describing it from memory, hopefully I have the details correct.<br /> I purchased my meter (as a backup to a much larger Gossen I've had for years) from a retail store while I was on a trip and when the issue occurred I decided to try a fix myself rather than go through having warranty work completed. I still use the meter occasionally with my M4-P and I'm pleased with it's accuracy and unobtrusive size. I don't regret buying the meter and it has served me well.<br /> Good luck!</p>

<p>Robert, the ISO setting is too easy to move. I can live with it when the unit is on a camera. When it's in and out of my pocket it's something I need to watch.</p>

<p>I have a tool that I can use to remove the dial. I'll have a go and report back.</p>

<p>this problem has been known for a long time and there is a quick and easy remedy. use a spanner wrench to remove the dial then slip a thin, preferably plastic/nylon washer under the iso selector.</p>

Any drug store will have needle point tweezers. Just tighten up the retaining nut.

<p>"Just tighten up the retaining nut."</p>

<p>That's not the problem. It is tight, but the spring washer is not able to offer enough friction. I tried bending it a bit more which helped only a tiny bit. I tried a fibre washer but that will need to be sanded much thinner to enable the nut to be tight while at the same time putting just enough material in the space (currently occupied by the spring washer) to offer the right combination of friction plus some opportunity for deliberate movement (in order to alter the ISO setting).</p>

<p>I had the same problem with the 1st version VC meter and is why I don't use it any more. I never thought it was all that accurate, and I would end up using tape to hole the ISO steady.</p>

<p>B Tipton,</p>

<p>Thanks for the tips. If either or both of my new Voigtlander meters start to exhibit the dreaded loose ISO wheel syndrom after warranty, I will use your method to tighten it.</p>

<p>I am really surprised Voigtlander has not corrected the problem which seems to have carried over from the version I meter. There seems to be anecdotal evidence to dispute Stephen's claim that this is not a problem. </p>

<p>I have had mine for two years now and the ISO setting was accidentally changed only once. It has seen plenty of opportunities for it to be knocked loose, but has always stayed firm.</p>

THis is the main design flaw with the VC II - it was worse on the original version from what I know. On mine, the shutter speed wheel would get knocked out of position, too.

 

It is a neat little meter, but I did sell mine in a downsizing spree and have found the Sekonic 208, which is around half the price, much more practical. You can also keep the Sekonic in a pocket - I found if you did that with the VC II, sometimes the little orange button for taking a reading would get depressed and the battery would run down.