Minolta Hi Matic battery life

I just got my 2nd Hi Matic 7s, intended as a carry around camera for my mrs.

On my first model, I turn the power to the meter off by switching the ISO dial to "off". Two problems with that... you have to remember the speed you're shooting at if the camera sits for some time... and that switch is a real fingernail killer! Not a feature that a wife who likes the occasional manicure appreciates.

Many of my older 35's (I shoot with my 60's era FTQL often, love that big metal brick) a lens cap saves the battery and there's no power switch. Are all CDS meters the same? Will a lens cap keep the circuit off (or at least lower the drain) without the power switched off? The manual says the "off" switch powers down the circuit, no mention of lens cap effect.

(I swear I'm thinking of sticking a micro switch on that thing somewhere...)

I have 2 7s from the 1970's. The mercury batteries lasted for years. Just the lenscap is used. The ISO (ASA)
lever beneath lens has an 'off' position but it just covers the split photo-cell and why change your setting? Maybe
used when camera is empty of film. The Rokkor lens is great!

/Clay

Thanks a bunch - so the "off" switch doesn't actually open a circuit, just a physical cover? Good to know.

I dig the little camera, and my wife, with zero photo training, is one of the best shooters I know... she just "sees" awesome photos and her phone pics are intriguing and sometimes amazing. So I showed her her new hi matic, she tried the focus and said "where's some film"? Married a good one!

I think I'll find her a swanky recovering kit and style it up for her, the 7s is about the easiest recover job there is.