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Minolta Spotmeter F

RalphLambrecht

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Sep 19, 2003
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15,131
Location
K,Germany
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I got one of the above but after 40 years, and the last 20 in inactivity, it has given up the ghost; I did the typical things (fresh batteries, on/off a few times, but nothing). The display is stuck on '0 EV and it take a measurement. I can change the ISO and all measuring modes, but I can't take a reading. I noticed that all buttons on the left are lost when pushed. Thet lost the firm response. Any ideas and a repair place suggestion for Germany?
 

The spotmeter F buttons are standard membrane style buttons (like on a game controller). Its common with game pads for the membranes to get out of position, for the conductive ink to become dirty, for pcbs to crack, and or for posts to break.

If it were me I’d open the meter (video online does not make this look hard), and simply inspect and clean the membranes and the pads on the pcb, reassemble and see if that does the trick.

Not being able to take a reading makes me think of how the meter behaves when it’s still in set ISO mode. Just double checking that you’re able to move it between ISO and Time modes as the meter will not take readings while in ISO setting mode.
 

that was it. you fixed it and removed one of my headaches.thanks a lot!
 
RalphLambrecht said:
that was it. you fixed it and removed one of my headaches.thanks a lot!
Click to expand...

Good to hear.

I’ve got a Pentax V but I like the Minolta Spotmeter interface better and would buy one if the condition and function were good.
 
The Minolta Spot-meters were one of the shining lights in the accessories made by them. I had mine stolen some years back and have never found another in as good a condition. I replaced it with a Minolta autometer 3 which came with a semi spot attachment (I think about 10degree reading instead of 1 degree) and have found that to be also 100% reliable. They are both real gems.
 

I had a M and it was a great tool.

I'd forgo a "F" type for a "M" if the M is in great working order, but, i heard the M hermatictly sealed and a cracked shell can result in a false reading.

Has anyone heard similar about the Minolta spotmeters?
 

Hi - can you share a link to the video you mentioned (I can't seem to find it). Also, what would you use to clean the membranes and pads?

Thanks
 
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