Need help with older Blad meter head

[Eric Rose]

It's an older 45 degree finder with built in meter. It has the battery compartment just below the eyepiece, the f-stop dial on the right side and the asa dial on the left I believe. Both of these dials are back near the eyepiece. I need to find out what battery it takes and what the model number is so I can search for more info. I've heard the meters are pretty useless, but what the heck might as well give it a try.

Your help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Eric

 

[Stan. L-B]

Hi Eric.
It seem that you refer to the PME 51 meter prism finder which takes a battery of the Lithium Type, 28 L, it is six volt and the same used for Hasselblad FC cameras.
I am sorry but, I have to disagree with your remark about the meter sysem in the PME51, I have used it to very effect on transpranancy work when the Sekonic 358 is not to hand with good results.

 

[Eric Rose]

I checked out that meter and it is a newer model than mine. I am going to try and attach a picture of it here:

 

[Stan. L-B]

Hi Eric.
Before the PME51, the 45s metered viewing screens were, PME5 and PME3. They are calibrated for the 'acute-mat' screen, the readout is in EV values. They are also powered by a six volt PX 28 battery.

Going back to the first meter prism, the exposure was indicated by a swing needle which which it is said, is not suitable for modern photographic techniques, not my view but Hasselblad!

Next came the PME/VC6 prism finder which was designed for the old type focussing screens.

From your photograph, I am unable to be more specific, but it must be one of those mentioned as there are no other meter prism finders prior to the PME51 that were produced by Hasselblad. Stan. L-B

 

[Eric Rose]

It has the swing needle EV readout. I will see if I can get a PX28 battery. I don't have an Acute-mat screen I think, but should be able to bias the meter to compensate I hope.

 

[Allan Swindles]

Hi EricR,

From your picture I think that this meter/finder uses a PX625 mercury battery 1.35 volt which is no longer available. The current versions are 1.5 volt lithium and are unsuitable. However, I believe that an adaptor is available via the Rollei website to convert to the 675 Zinc Air 1.4 volt.

Regards - Allan.