Hmm...if it's Spotmatic F, I believe it does have a meter switch. It should be right where the red circle indicates....
As far as I can tell that's for stop down metering, and it operates the pusher at the bottom of the mirror box, which is quite clear of the mirror. The meter is always on. After read your first post I had to find out what that switch did, and that's what led me to getting the meter working. But operating that switch does not cause anything I can see in the mirror box to jam the mirror up. Do appreciate your help.
Thanks Toffle,
Out with the screwdriver, hammer and light machine oil...Maybe a look-see first
As far as I can tell that's for stop down metering, and it operates the pusher at the bottom of the mirror box.
I also think that this stop down lever turns on the meter too. I'm sure it does on my Spotmatic. Don't know about the 'F' though.
Steve.
The manual on Mike Butkus' site states, "Remove the lens cap. Now the shutter circuit is on," which just does not make sense to me.
4 TURN ON LIGHT METER SWITCH.
Push up the switch button with your thumb, and the small window on the switch button will turn to red indicating that the meter is switched on. Through the viewfinder, you will observe the movement of the meters needle on the right side of the ground glass. Be sure to turn off the meters switch when not actually taking readings
I've had a Spotmatic F for about a year now, and my research and experience is that the meter is turned on and off by removing and replacing the lens cap. The switch is for use with older Takumar and other screwmount lenses that need to be stopped down to engage the meter.
How to check it
1. Set the shutter speed dial to B (bulb) position.
2. Turn the ASA dial to ASA 100.
3. Push the meter switch to "on" position.
Look at the meters needle through the viewfinder. If the needle rapidly drops, the meter battery has sufficient capacity; if it does not, replace the mercury battery.
You're correct Steve, what I mean to say is that for lenses other than the SMC Takumars (which work automatically), the switch needs to be pushed up to engage the meter. The switch in effect stops down the aperture and turns on the meter.
I have 2 Yashinon lenses which require the switch in the up position to activate the meter.
I focus with the switch off and meter with the switch on.
Tom:
It's the light itself that turns the meter "on".
So by making it dark, a lens cap turns it off.
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