Konica C35 EF Light Meter Issue

[DrJamf]

Hello, I recently purchased a Konica C35 EF and am having a strange light meter issue. When I first got the camera and installed a 1.5V battery for the light meter, the meter worked perfectly, reacting immediately and as expected to changes in the amount of ambient light. However, when I took the camera out to take a few pictures a few days later I noticed that the exposure indicator needle was now constantly pegged at the very top of the display, indicating overexposure. The needle stays pegged at the maximum exposure regardless of the actual amount of light; it stays there even when the lens cap is on and there is no light coming into the meter. If I take the battery out, the needle immediately drops to the bottom of the display. I have also changed out the battery and got the exact same results. According to other users, the 1.5V battery should work well with the camera, and did so in mine, albeit briefly. Any thoughts of what could be wrong? It's definitely not stuck up there and it worked well at first so I don't think it's a voltage issue. Thank you!!

 

[Huss]

Have you tried dry firing it? Have the back open so you have a rough idea as to how long the shutter stays open?

Also, I would try and use those 1.35v Wein cells so you have the correct voltage.

 

[Sharktooth]

It sounds like the CDS meter cell is shorted. In that case, your camera's done like dinner.

Another possibility is that you have the flash turned on, and the camera is not using the meter system for exposure setting (it uses the focus distance to determine flash exposure). If the flash is turned on, try turning it off, and see it the meter starts working normally again. Oh, and cross your fingers, and try a hail Mary or two.

 

[4season]

Hello, I recently purchased a Konica C35 EF and am having a strange light meter issue. When I first got the camera and installed a 1.5V battery for the light meter, the meter worked perfectly, reacting immediately and as expected to changes in the amount of ambient light. However, when I took the camera out to take a few pictures a few days later I noticed that the exposure indicator needle was now constantly pegged at the very top of the display, indicating overexposure. The needle stays pegged at the maximum exposure regardless of the actual amount of light; it stays there even when the lens cap is on and there is no light coming into the meter. If I take the battery out, the needle immediately drops to the bottom of the display. I have also changed out the battery and got the exact same results. According to other users, the 1.5V battery should work well with the camera, and did so in mine, albeit briefly. Any thoughts of what could be wrong? It's definitely not stuck up there and it worked well at first so I don't think it's a voltage issue. Thank you!!

Sounds familiar: I have a Konica S3 in my repair queue, and the CdS cell is really out of whack. When not exposed to light, it should have a resistance measured in megohms, but mine maxes out at a fraction of that. Pretty much any replacement part which fits will be a big improvement.