Leicameter ...

[Godfrey]

I acquired a Leicameter MR-4 for my M4-2. Took it for the first walk today.

It is such a pleasure to use! I almost prefer using it over the in-viewfinder metering of the M6 and M9. I like being able to look down at the top of the camera and seeing the meter reading, all the settings, etc, in one glance.

The whole camera is a pleasure to use. Just the right size, just the right viewfinder, not overly heavy yet substantial enough to feel good in the hand.

Good things...

G

 

[JoelM]

Great looking rig.

 

[Jorgen Udvang]

That meter is so cool it would be tempting to buy a Leica just to have something to mount it on

 

[Godfrey]

That meter is so cool it would be tempting to buy a Leica just to have something to mount it on

I like that!

G

 

[trisberg]

What do you use for batteries? I tried the Wein cells in mine but they seem to die pretty quickly.

-Thomas

 

[Godfrey]

What do you use for batteries? I tried the Wein cells in mine but they seem to die pretty quickly.

None of the Wein cell or alkaline cell adaptations have been very consistent in my experience.

I have a small stock remaining of fresh, original PX625 Mercury cells.. About six left out of a dozen or so I bought in 1994. They last almost forever when refrigerated, these have been refrigerated since I got them. Put one in, works perfectly.

One alternative is to use one of the CRIS MR-9 battery adapters with voltage regulation. These take a silver oxide cell, step down the voltage to 1.35V, and provide the form factor adaptation. They work well.

The other alternative is to send the meter to a specialist who can recalibrate it for modern, available lithium or silver cells. Quality Light Metric in SoCal ((323) 467-2265) is one such shop. Don't know what they charge, or whether they can handle the Leicameter (can't imagine why not, really), but it's worth a phone call.

G

 

[trisberg]

Thanks for the info Godfrey. I think I'll try the CRIS MR-9 battery adapter. Seems like a good first step. I don't have a stash of the Mercury cells.

-Thomas