M6 Classic - Light meter doesn't like alkaline batteries

[stuart d]

This isn't a question. I want to share this experience with forum

members, in the hope that it will save someone time and aggravation.

 

In February I picked up a Mint- M6 classic for a good price. It was

sold As-Is, but cosmetically and mechanically everything seemed

absolutely fine when I tried it in the dealer's presence.

 

I took it home and ran a couple of rolls of film through it. Pretty

quickly I came to realize the meter was reading erratically. Having

moved the shutter speed from B to activate the meter, the first

reading was fine. But having cocked the shutter for a second photo

in the exact same lighting conditions, only the left diode

displayed. Opening up the aperture, or slowing the shutter speed

multiple stops had no effect. Waiting a couple of minutes seemed to

clear the problem. As did switching the meter off and back on again,

but what a pain it was to set the shutter speed to B and then move it

back again.

 

First thing I did was to change the batteries, thinking that they

were running low on juice. Same result. I didn't have a manual for

the M6, so I searched the archives here. No-one else complained of

this problem, but I did read that the M6 classic's meter is less

sensitive than that of the M6TTL, which I also own. Could it be the

lower sensitivity was the problem? Most of my photos were taken in

low light.

 

Fast forward two months, and I finally had the time to shoot in

daylight. The same problem manifested itself. On Monday I paid John

Van Stelten at Focal Point a visit and mentioned the problem. He

opened up the battery cover and revealed two LR44 1.5V alkaline

batteries. "Try silver oxide batteries instead."

 

Sure enough, having replaced the LR44s with two Varta V76PX

batteries, the meter reads consistently, exposure after exposure.

Problem solved. Guess who won't be buying any more alkaline

batteries?

[henry_ting2]

I use mostly lithium batteries and haven't encountered similar problem as your's.

[harry_soletsky1]

M6 instruction book clearly lists only silver oxide and Lithium batteries are to be used.

[henry_chu2]

Stuart, John does not like lithium batteries either. Claims they

are more temperature sensitive.

[stuart d]

Harry, as I wrote above: <i> "I didn't have a manual for the M6, so I searched the archives here." </i> But thank you for that confirmation - it's good to know.

 

<p> Henry, you're right - John was very specific that I should try silver oxide batteries.

 

<p> Does anyone have a copy of the instruction manual, either electronic or hardcopy?

[george_conboy1]

I have an M6 manual and if you e-mail me with your address I will send you a copy. My secretary is too busy with real work to scan this sort of thing for me so it will have to be by mail, if you wish.

[stephen___4]

Conversly I have found mt TTL's will only work properly with

Lithium batteries.

[andrew_lee2]

<a href="http://www.forloren.dk/lbf/LeicaM6manual.htm" >classic manual</a>

[stuart d]

George,

 

Thank you for your kind offer. In an email, another forum member pointed me to a Danish website where an electronic copy of the manual exists: <a href="http://www.forloren.dk/lbf/LeicaM6manual.htm" >M6 Classic Manual</a>

 

<p> Cheers, Stuart

[stuart d]

Looks like Andrew beat me to the hyperlink.

[jay_.]

I thought it was a well-known fact that Alkaline A76's do not function accurately over time unless the meter circuit has a voltage regulator. Alkalines lose voltage as their power is used up over time, whereas silver oxide, lithium--and Mercury--cells' voltages remain stabile until they rather suddenly cough and die. This is why converting a PX625 (mercury)camera like the SL and SL2 and M5 and CL, to 1.5V and using a PX625A "Alkaline" is iffy. You need to change the batteries long before they wear out to keep the meter accurate. A much better solution is to washer-shim an MS76 (silver)cell, or skip the conversion and use the CRIS MR9 adaptor with an MS76.

[stuart d]

Jay, in my case these were brand new alkaline batteries, straight out of the packaging. Each time I turned the meter on, they would give faulty meter readings after a single correct reading. A valuable lesson learned for me. I'm steering clear of them in future. Thanks for your comments.

[bob_lazzarini]

Thanks to the two gentlemen for posting the link to the pdf file. My manual is looking more than a wee chewed up, and now I can print out a copy whenever I like.

 

Now if there is a link where I can download a renewable copy of the camera I would be most obliged. :-)

[george_b1]

I bought one of the very first M6 "classics." Silver oxide batteries are the way to go. They're relatively cheap, are accessible almost anywhere, and an extra set can easily fit into your pocket. RTFM