Pentax spot meters - help

[George Collier]

I have had two Pentax Digital 1 degree spot meters that I've been using since the early 80's. I just replaced the battery in both, and I notice that when I hold the trigger down longer than a second, the digital display fades rapidly. One lasts about 2-3 seconds, the other maybe 7-8 seconds. I don't remember this before. I tested one of the batteries (purchased from Freestyle maybe 6 months ago) and it reads 5v (should be 6).
Anyone know about this? Is it the batteries? I don't want to replace them if these meters (both about the same age) do this after 25 years of use.
BTW, use is not daily, sometimes not for months at a time. Contacts, including the spring in the bottom of the cavity, look new.
What goes?

 

[raucousimages]

If your batteries are down by a full volt replace them. They may be even lower than you think. If a VOM shows 5V at no load that is just what is called surface charge. The voltage under load or core voltage may be lower. Purchase your batteries local if you can so you can see the date of manufacture.