olympus om4 faulty metering,

[nigel_sinkins]

<p>hi there, iam am not sure if ive posted this in the correct category, but ill give it a go and hope someone kindly gives me a little advice.I have recently purchased an olympus om4 second hand described as in excellent condition. On first inspection that seemed to be the case, after i had put in new batteries. However i have just been giving the camera a little workout in reasonably low light conditions and it seems that on automatic using center weighted metering the shutter stays open a lot longer than is indicated in the viewfinder e.g. set at F8 for about 1/4 or 1/2 a second the shutter stays open for about 30 seconds. This does not seem to happen when using a manual shutter speed or when taking a spot reading but only a said when set on automatic using center weighted metering. also was wondering when the spotmeter button is pressed is the little red light supposed to light up because when i press the spotmeter button on mine it does not, so if that is the case wondered what its function is supposed to be.</p>

<p>cheers<br>

nigel</p>

[jim_momary]

<p>Isn't that the battery test light?<br>

User manual here (small donation would be kind).<br>

<a href="http://butkus.org/chinon/olympus.htm">http://butkus.org/chinon/olympus.htm</a><br>

Jim</p>

[bebu_lamar]

<p>The Olympus OM2 and OM4 uses different meter system for displaying and for actual exposure. In center weighted mode the camera takes another reading after the mirror goes up and then for exposure longer than 1/60 sec it continuously monitors the light and adjust exposure according. So you should see a difference between display and actual exposure but what you saw is excessive. I think the sensor in the bottom of the camera is dirty. If you can lock the shutter open you should be able to see the sensor with the back open and possible blow some air to clean.</p>

[bebu_lamar]

<p>Oh I am sorry. You will see a significant difference between display and actual exposure time if you don't have film in the camera. The sensor reads the light reflected from the film. No film it reads off the pressure plate which has a lot less reflectance than the film.</p>

[chrisnielsen]

<p>And the red light flashes when you have saved a meter reading using the Memory switch, not when you press the spot button</p>

[nigel_sinkins]

<p>hi there<br>

would just like to say thanks for all your replies, they were very helpful.</p>

<p>chheers<br>

nigel</p>