berk_sirman2 Posted July 8, 2004 Share Posted July 8, 2004 I bought a "mint-" condition Spotmatic and it actually came as described except for the lightmeter switch. First of all it does not return after the shutter is released and sometimes it freezes the camera by sliding by itself between on and off position instead of remaining on. Then when the shutter release button is pushed the mirror goes up and the shutter actually does not release. Then I need to switch the lightmeter off (slide it down all the way) and push the shutter release button for the second time in order to un-freeze the camera. Can this be fixed easily? I can send the camera back I guess but the shipping will cost so much that it wont be worth it. (The camera literally travelled accross the world-the time difference between where I am and where I bought the camera is 12 hours!) As I said before other than this problem the camera is fine, cosmetically and mechanically. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
titrisol Posted July 8, 2004 Share Posted July 8, 2004 I guess you could return it as that is not mint- condition. Or you could negotiate to get it CLAd and split the cost with the seller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathan_stark Posted July 8, 2004 Share Posted July 8, 2004 This is probably not what you want to hear...... the light meter switch stopped turning off by itself years ago in both my Spotmatics. I just turn it off by hand. I've heard the problem is general in Spotmatics, and this is the Achilles heel of an otherwise excellent design. If the rest of the camera works OK, I would let it be if I were you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connealy Posted July 8, 2004 Share Posted July 8, 2004 I have to confess that I didn't know the meter switch was supposed to return to the off position when the shutter is tripped. I've always pushed the meter on to check and set the exposure, and then turned it off manually before shooting so as to better see what I'm doing. So, the problem wouldn't likely worry me much, though I can understand how it might be a little bothersome in a camera you expected to be in perfect condition. Seems like a repairman familiar with the Spotmatic should be able to provide a pretty firm quote on fixing the switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_chiappini Posted July 9, 2004 Share Posted July 9, 2004 The light meter switch is supposed to go back on it own!? I never knew that either. I had one where it actually worked, and a few where it didn't and I thought the one that worked was quirky. Is the freezing problem definitely related? Maybe it just needs some lighter fluid under the bottom cover on the shutter mover thing. What's that called? Will it stick on faster speeds too, or just slower speeds. There is probably just a spring connected to the light meter switch from the shutter that wore out, or maybe there is some dirt in there thats making it stick. If you can even get it so that it just stays on until you turn it off I would suggest keeping it... or giving it to me. -Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berk_sirman2 Posted July 9, 2004 Author Share Posted July 9, 2004 I had the Spotmatic CLAd today by a repairman who fixed my Yashica TL Electro X a week ago. He did a wonderful job, fixed the problem and returned the camera in less than 6 hours. And he charged me only (approx.) $25. I guess Turkey is a good place to have old cameras fixed. Now I am waiting for the PX400 wein cells to see if the meter is working as I was told when buying the camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay_. Posted July 9, 2004 Share Posted July 9, 2004 You don't need Wein cells. Any 1.2 to 1.55v battery that will fit the compartment and make contact will work, because the Spotmatic meter has a bridge circuit that regulates the voltage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connealy Posted July 9, 2004 Share Posted July 9, 2004 First time I've heard that I can use something other than the Wein cells in my old Spotmatic. Yet another reason to keep these great old cameras going. Thanks.<br> Berk, you didn't mention which lens you got with the camera. I think they're all good. Send along some pictures to show us what it will do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h._p. Posted July 9, 2004 Share Posted July 9, 2004 I'm afraid Jay is handing out doubtfull information again, as is his habit. The Spotmatic F has a bridge circuit and so can handle different batteries but the earlier Spotmatics use a straight-forward resistive circuit. You can adjust the sensitivity using the variable resistor that lives under the film reminder dial which is a partial fix to the problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
titrisol Posted July 9, 2004 Share Posted July 9, 2004 I have used LR44 batteries for a long while in mine. Just put some some tape to make them fit and lift the prong at the bottom. Most of the pics I took with that camera came out well exposed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
titrisol Posted July 9, 2004 Share Posted July 9, 2004 PS I forgot, you have to put it backwards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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