Contarex Meter/Sensor

[andyfalsetta]

My Zeiss Ikon Series I Contarex has a few problems I am working through. One issue is an inoperative meter. I noticed that when measuring the two leads off the cell, it shows a sensitivity to light; but I can't find any information on what the acceptable range would be. I did find info on a west coast repair site indicating the wiring needs to be replaced but other than that, not much info. Anyone here have experience with these cameras they would want to share?

[rodeo_joe1]

For a Selenium cell the diameter of that on the Contarex, I think a reasonable output would be in the region of 250 microamps in full sunlight.

 

That's based on the output of a good Weston meter cell, which is about twice the diameter.

 

If you have a multimeter, a variable power supply and a resistor of 47 or 100Kohms, you can force a known current into the camera's meter and see what its FSD current is. You'll then have a good idea what current to expect from the cell.

 

However, I'd be prepared for the cell to be beyond use.

[JDMvW]

Light meters are not immortal. Especially on older cameras with extinct technology, etc.

 

My solution for older cameras was to buy a Gossen Luna-Pro SBC, which has the additional benefit of using standard 9-volt batteries. I'd suspect that would work better than the cyclops meter anyhow.