SBC - R.I.P.?

BradleyK · Apr 5, 2014

So, after 33 years, 3 months and a couple of days (exact date of expiration is unknown), my beloved and trusty Gossen Luna Pro SBC has (apparently) decided to depart for photo gear heaven. A change of batteries (Duracell Copper Tops, right out of the package) elicited no response: the needle did not even deign to budge from its resting position. Is this chestnut worth repairing (vs picking up something more modern)? To my fellow Canadian APUGers (or my friends just south of the 49th): where would one send this device for an repair appraisal? BTW: The meter was a Christmas gift (1980) from my late parents, so there is, needless to say, more than a little sentimental value to the SBC.

jerrybro · Apr 5, 2014

They die? I have 3 and feel they are almost the perfect meter. I even use the monster 1, 5, 10 degree spot meter head on the one in my LF case.

There is a guy in Los Angeles that only repairs meters and is highly respected. A little google-fu ought to reveal his identity.

snapguy · Apr 5, 2014

sugat

I was under the apprehension that I was the #1 Sugar Daddy to the battery companies. Good luck with your meter.

Arvee · Apr 5, 2014

Sometimes the rivets in the center of the 9V connection pins become corroded and voltage is not delivered to the circuitry inside. I would first suspect that or a broken wire leading from the 9V battery connector. I have two and they are built like tanks. A q-tip and some baking soda solution will clean out any corrosion on the connector. I had another device that the 9V connector failed with a cold solder joint on those connection pins.

Tom1956 · Apr 5, 2014

bad wire or connector

Trask · Apr 5, 2014

Perhaps Quality Light Metric in LA can assist?

jerrybro · Apr 5, 2014

Thats them!

Tom1956 · Apr 5, 2014

Fix it yourself. Got to Radio Shack and get a 9v connector and splice it in

bdial · Apr 5, 2014

If you aren't confident in attempting a DIY repair, Quality Light Metric in L.A. would be the place to send it. They don't have a website, so far as I know. You deal with them the old-fashioned way by phone and mail. But, they do good work and they are fast.

The cost would probably be about the same as a replacement Luna Pro SBC in working condition would run, but that wouldn't be one your parents had bought you.

Dan Fromm · Apr 5, 2014

You could send it to Gossen: http://www.gossen-photo.us/

MattKing · Apr 5, 2014

I've communicated with Quality Light Metric by email. They don't have website, but they have a web prescence of sorts. PM me if you need me to look through my records.
My Profisix was of the same sort of vintage and also recently died. I was using my other meters for a while, but ended up buying a Profisix F recently - for the flash meter function. I lose some low light sensitivity, but gain the built in flash capability.

Xmas · Apr 5, 2014

clean the meters battery contacts qtips & Zippo.

BradleyK · Apr 5, 2014

Thanks for the quick replies and the suggestions all. Batteries were checked, wiring appears to be all intact and there is no sign of corrosion or residue anywhere visible. Being mechanically declined, I do not wish to push my luck and cause further problems for the repair person. Thanks again, to all who replied. BLK

MartinCrabtree · Apr 6, 2014

+1 for Quality Light Metric. George is his name and he is a dying breed. 353-467-2265

gone · Apr 6, 2014

Yes, Quality Light Meter seems the be the place to go. I was standing around talking w/ a stranger recently who noticed that I was using a hand held meter (Sekonic L 188), and he mentioned that years ago he had sent his Weston to them.

AgX · Apr 6, 2014

Dan Fromm said:
You could send it to Gossen: http://www.gossen-photo.us/

That meter is no longer listed as to be serviced. So in any case contact the US or german workshop in advance.

AgX · Apr 6, 2014

Tom1956 said:
Fix it yourself. Got to Radio Shack and get a 9v connector and splice it in

One could test the leads by means of resistance-meter. In case switching the meter on (metering button) without moving those leads would yield different results, one can be sure the leads are not the cause. Then opening the casing would be necessary.

Tom1956 · Apr 6, 2014

Rules of repair for knucklehead-boobs (like me). 1) First do no harm. 2) if you open it, do so without signs of tampering, make your determination, and 3 )get out and close it up. Never give the next boob any reason to curse YOUR efforts. Somewhere in the course of that, the problem usually jumps out at you. Unless it is hiding. Perfect Repair for Knuckleheads.

AgX · Apr 6, 2014

Gossen gear of that period is not easy to open anyway...

Tom1956 · Apr 6, 2014

Yeah. That sheetmetal MUST be kept pristine. And it's nearly as thin as a printing plate. That glue was spotty and very ornery.

John_Nikon_F · Apr 6, 2014

Bradley, if you want it done more locally, I suspect Northwest Camera Repair can handle it. Dead Link Removed. Guy's name is Scott. Tell him I sent you there.

-J

Born2Late · Apr 6, 2014

Send it to Quality Light Metric. It won't cost you anything except shipping to find out if it can be repaired. They do great work.

Paul Goutiere · Apr 6, 2014

Tom1956 said:
Yeah. That sheetmetal MUST be kept pristine. And it's nearly as thin as a printing plate. That glue was spotty and very ornery.

The metal can be removed, in pristine condition by the application of heat.

I used a butane soldering iron with the tip that is used for heat shrink tubing.

paul ron · Apr 6, 2014

But even if he got the metal plate off.. he is mechanically chalenged.. now what?

He's better off sending to someone that does repairs or sell it to me for parts real cheap? HINT HINT?

More than likely its the battery leads. My Gossens are tough as nails n mine are older than dirt!

Sirius Glass · Apr 6, 2014

paul ron said:
He's better off sending to someone that does repairs or sell it to me for parts real cheap? HINT HINT?

+1

SBC - R.I.P.?

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency