Why is the needle in the meter of SRT-101 always at the top?

<p>I have recently got my hands on a SRT-101, very excited to get a PowerOne p625u battery and a new roll of film to get started.<br>

After I put in the battery, I turned it to B.C. as instructed in the manual, the meter wasn't moving.<br>

Then I checked to see if I inserted the battery incorrectly, tried both sides, same response.<br>

1) Did anyone experience this before?<br>

2) What are the possible causes of this?<br>

3) How did you resolve it at last?<br>

Please help.</p>

<p>K</p>

<p>BC stands for Battery Check. If the battery/meter is operational the needle should respond.<br>

I believe "On" is the correct setting for metering.</p>

<p>When you set the camera to B.C., the needle should move down and touch the rectangle that protrudes into the viewfinder. If it doesn't do that, the battery is dead or the meter is dead or the needle has become trapped in some way. If you turn the camera to On, the needle should move in response to changes in light. Open the lens all the way up and point toward a light. The needle shouldn't stay stuck at the top. One other thing: make sure the stop-down button isn't pushed in. It is at the bottom of the lens mount. And be sure the ASA setting on the camera isn't absurdly low. Oh yes, try this: turn the camera On, open the lens all the way, and face the camera toward light. Let it sit for a time, and then see if it has awakened. The meter needle is one of the few delicate spots in a tough camera. </p>

<p>I think Red covered all the bases with his reply. I'd just add to check that the battery is in properly, and is not loose in the holder. I recently bought some Wien cells, which are zinc-air type batteries. They need to have a cover removed before they work at all (gotta let the "air" in), and need some "warm up" time. Also, out of the 4 I ordered, I got one dud that doesn't work at all. Not sure about the battery you mention, if it is that type or not.</p>

<p>The battery is ok. Not the right voltage but isn't the cause of your problem. Most likely it's the battery switch. It can be fixed fairly easy.</p>

<p>Bebu, you hit one I never thought of. The switch, Dr. Watson!</p>

<p>The seal up by the prism may be gooey, that could have oozed into the meter and stuck the needle, I've had that happen with about 9 of my SRTs. It may just need a CLA. Check Mike's Minolta SRT Page: <a href="http://www.willegal.net/photo/srt/photo-srt.htm">http://www.willegal.net/photo/srt/photo-srt.htm</a></p>