Originally posted by bit_film I just purchased the honeywell spotmatic online from a seller who says everything works fine and has even bought new batteries..
You didn't mention which Spotmatic model it is, but if it's not an F or an ES, I believe you need to stop down the lens to get a meter reading -- did you do that? Also check the ISO dial... for testing a meter I usually set it to 1600 or 3200, that'll get a reaction from the meter indoors.
If the seller wasn't a "camera person" then it's possible they may have thought the camera was working but did not properly test the meter. (Good reason to keep those eBay descriptions as thin as possible...)
If the meter is indeed broken... if it was listed on eBay as "used" with the full description (including the words "fully functional"), that is the basis for a return at the seller's expense, even if the seller doesn't take returns. (It's an INAD -- Item Not As Described). I have been able to return cameras using this "out" even when the seller didn't take returns.
I don't (yet) own a Spotmatic so I don't know about the prospects for meter repair. I do know that a general CLA will cost around $100, give or take. If the camera is otherwise in good shape, it might be worth it to negotiate a partial refund and invest that in repair. If what you paid is comparable to Spotties that are advertised as having tested and working meters, it might be better off to return it and buy another camera.
I have found the best tool for buying on eBay is patience. Get a feel for prices, and sooner or later the right camera will come along at the right price.
HTH
Aaron