Well damn.
Battery usage hasn't been bad, but recently it started killing batteries faster than before. After the last 6v battery died unexpectedly, I decided to try the trick of using 3xLR44 and 1 LR45 batteries (much cheaper option). That fit fine and the battery check light indicated success. The next morning, however, the check light is again dead AND the batteries have expanded, making removal impossible.
It's on my bench at the moment and I'll see if I can tease out the battery tray, but I suspect the rapid increase in battery consumption indicates a worsening problem.
BTW, I noticed the little slide door lens cover doesn't quite close all the way, staying gapped by a hair. I wonder if the meter shut-off is connected to that door, which would imply the meter is running the entire time. That would account for the battery consumption. If I can get it apart, I may try cleaning the moving surfaces and see if that addresses it.
I still have 6 rolls of 110 film to shoot.
Chris