Leica M6 TTL light meter indicator issue

pkr1979 · Sep 23, 2023

Hi all,

So, Im having an issue with my Leica M6 TTL. The meter gives good readings, but the indicator gives feedback for a split second. I can press the release button halfway quickly numerous times, but it is somewhat annoying. Turning the camera on the meter indicator will at first light up a little longer, but the triangles will blink when in the combination with the dot (confirming correct exposure). Then I will have to repress the release button several times if I want to see the reading a bit longer than a split second.

So, Im assuming there is nothing wrong with the meter (it works fine with the flash as far as I can tell), but the indicator light isnt working as it should. As mentioned above it stays on too short.

Does anyone know whats causing this? Can it be fixed? If it can be fixed, is this something I can do myself?

Cheers
Peter

Ian David · Sep 23, 2023

I guess you've tried a new battery?

250swb · Sep 24, 2023

Page 56 of the Leica M6 TTL manual offers a clue, 'If the red LED is flickering, i.e. the brightness fluctuates, the batteries should be replaced'. I'm fairly sure it's a DIY job.

pkr1979 · Sep 24, 2023

Yep, I already tried changing the battery as I assumed that was what the flickering could mean, but it didnt help. Maybe using a single CR1 instead of two LR44s will help. And maybe cleaning up some contacts after the current roll of film will help as well. Its the first time Im experiencing this issue though so any help is appreciated.

Nitroplait · Sep 24, 2023

pkr1979 said:
Yep, I already tried changing the battery as I assumed that was what the flickering could mean, but it didnt help. Maybe using a single CR1 instead of two LR44s will help. And maybe cleaning up some contacts after the current roll of film will help as well. Its the first time Im experiencing this issue though so any help is appreciated.

It is not uncommon that alkaline LR44s comes partially depleted.
It is advisable to use silver oxide SR44 in your M6, not only for better discharge profile, but also because they are less likely to leak.
CR1/3N lithium is even better if your camera allows (the M6 does) and the shelf life is very long so you can buy them in bulk.

pkr1979 · Sep 24, 2023

@Nitroplait indeed you are right. Another set of batteries sorted it out

mshchem · Sep 24, 2023

I have a couple of these cameras, some examples have a flawed meter switch under the shutter button, I had Yye fix one of my cameras, final issue was meter wouldn't time out.

Sounds like you have sorted out the problem. I buy the cells/batteries online to get proper fresh USA/Japan/German etc made fresh product. There's a lot of really poor batteries out there.

I really like the ttl camera, I even use a little Leica (Metz) flash for fill from time to time

Nitroplait · Sep 25, 2023

mshchem said:
I buy the cells/batteries online to get proper fresh USA/Japan/German etc made fresh product. There's a lot of really poor batteries out there.

+1!
Yes, it is my experience that the known brands with skin-in-the-game, made in countries with known oversight of quality and environmental impact have more predictable quality than those cheap no-brand made in authoritarian regimes without transparency and unknown environmental impact.

pkr1979 · Sep 25, 2023

mshchem said:
I really like the ttl camera, I even use a little Leica (Metz) flash for fill from time to time

+1

Leica M6 TTL light meter indicator issue

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