tim_hicks Posted July 23, 2003 Share Posted July 23, 2003 I've been looking for a nice XE-1 recently. Most feedback seems to suggest these are very well made and reliable but I have come across 2 with the same fault now and I wonder if it is a common problem. On full aperture metering, the meter needle tends to wobble a little and then give a very optimistic reading leading to underexposure by several stops. Adjusting the aperture seems to make no difference to the shutter speed meter reading on manual or aperture priority settings. But on stopdown metering the meter gives a very consistent good reading. Has anyone else come across this problem on the XE-1/XE-5 ore XE-7? Is it a common problem? I do like the handling and solid build quality of the XE-1 but they are 25 years old now so would I be better to go for an XD7 or something more recent. I would appreciate some views on the XE series, thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rokkor fan Posted July 23, 2003 Share Posted July 23, 2003 The XE-1 has a ceramic plate under the film speed dial that can crack, resulting in the problem you describe. It is a common problem for this model. If you wish I can probably obtain the replacement part for you, I am having my local repairer fix mine now with exactly the same problem. Please advise me if you want it and I will get a price for you. Alternatively, simply send it to a Leica repairer, I believe that this part is also in the R3 so they will be able to fix it for you. Personally, I prefer the XD11 for the better metering and brighter viewfinder with interchangeable screens. I will keep the XE however, primarily for use as a manual body when shooting slide film with an external spotmeter. Best regards, Antony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim_hicks Posted July 23, 2003 Author Share Posted July 23, 2003 Many thanks for the offer Anthony. It sounds like a straight-forward repair task. I bought one of the 2 XE-1's I saw with this fault very cheaply for the 50/1.4 MC that came with it so I will find a repairer in the UK who is willing to deal with it. I dont have the tools or the competence to do repairs myself. I take your point about the brighter screen of the XD11/XD7, it would be a plus for use with the macro lens I have. Many Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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