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Leicameter repair worth it?
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Author:  HarryBH [ Thu Oct 20, 2016 10:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Leicameter repair worth it?

I recently acquired an M3 in excellent condition. Along with the camera there is a Leicameter with a booster. The meter indicates the battery is good but will not take any readings. If I attach the booster the meter will indicate a light level as the needle will move. I don't know if the meter reading is accurate.
The question is this: Is the Leicameter worth having repaired and where would be best to have the work done?
Thanks for any response...
Harry

Author:  James Lehrer [ Fri Oct 21, 2016 10:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Leicameter repair worth it?

Harry:
I wouldn't venture to say whether your Leicameter is worth repairing. It depends on how much you have invested in it. Since it came with the camera, if you got the camera for a reasonable price, you might consider that the Leicameter was "thrown in," and that you haven't really put any money into the Leicameter itself. (Yes, I have a tendency to rationalize ;) ).
The decision to repair will also depend on what (if anything) is wrong with the Leicameter and whether any rare part(s) need to be replaced.
There is only one service I would use, or recommend, for light meter repair and/or calibration: Quality Light-Metric in Hollywood, California, telephone (323) 467-2265. The proprietor, George Milton, has long experience and his service is widely used by filmmakers. I had him calibrate my Gossen Luna-Pro SBC meter a couple of years ago, and the turn-around was one day. His service is not cheap, and I don't know if he would work on a Leicameter. Also, these days his shop is not a walk-in establishment; meters must be shipped to him for service.

Author:  JDLaing [ Fri Oct 21, 2016 1:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leicameter repair worth it?

I don't believe it is prudent. A stand alone meter is readily available inexpensively.

Author:  HarryBH [ Fri Oct 21, 2016 1:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leicameter repair worth it?

Thanks for the response James.
It was "thrown in" in the M3 transaction. I doubt I will get it repaired as I have two dependable handheld meters.

Author:  James Lehrer [ Fri Oct 21, 2016 6:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leicameter repair worth it?

Harry:
I did some research after I responded to your question, and I agree with JD...it's not worth it. The fact that the meter (presumably a model MC) works only with the booster suggests that the cell has lost much of its sensitivity to lower and probably middle light levels. The cell would have to be replaced, and I have no idea if any are still available.
Calibration on my Gossen at Quality Light-Metric was over $100, several years ago. I think replacing the cell (assuming one could be found) at today's rates would cost considerably more.

Author:  Shetland [ Sat Oct 22, 2016 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leicameter repair worth it?

How about the Voigtländer Light Meters as an option?

Author:  JDLaing [ Sat Oct 22, 2016 7:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Leicameter repair worth it?

Shetland wrote:
How about the Voigtländer Light Meters as an option?


They work very well.

Author:  ejenks2004 [ Wed Oct 11, 2017 8:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Leicameter repair worth it?

Probably not worth it unless it’s a later model (I use one from the m4 era on my M3). Even then, I only spent $110 on mine a few years back in working order.

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