ME super light meter.

FLOPGUY · 01-01-2010, 02:13 PM

I baught my ME super in 1981 and have had it since. I recently pulled it out and it locked up. I was able to gently unlock it and it seems to work fine. Thru the years I was never able to take great photo's. I think mostly it was user error.

I read in the link below that they had mention about a bad light meter. I read online how to remove the top and adjust the meter.

How do you know if your light meter is bad or needs adjustment?

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/71292-me-super...0mm-1-4-a.html

stevebrot · 01-01-2010, 03:54 PM

Hi...Welcome to the forum!

You can take the camera to your friendly local camera repair. They should be able to fully assess the camera's functionality including the meter. In all likelihood, the meter is fine, but it doesn't hurt to have them check it.

Steve

Raptorman · 01-03-2010, 01:45 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Hi...Welcome to the forum!

You can take the camera to your friendly local camera repair. They should be able to fully assess the camera's functionality including the meter. In all likelihood, the meter is fine, but it doesn't hurt to have them check it.

Steve

Be sure your selective about what shop to take your camera too. I had an MX I was gonna get repaired but the shop was basically gonna rape me on cost.

(Richmond Camera is a bunch of D-bags)

Some places sub-contract their work, and I warn you to be wary of anyone that doesn't do in-house repair.

J.Scott · 01-03-2010, 05:44 AM

Originally posted by FLOPGUY

I baught my ME super in 1981 and have had it since. I recently pulled it out and it locked up. I was able to gently unlock it and it seems to work fine. Thru the years I was never able to take great photo's. I think mostly it was user error.

I read in the link below that they had mention about a bad light meter. I read online how to remove the top and adjust the meter.

How do you know if your light meter is bad or needs adjustment?

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/71292-me-super...0mm-1-4-a.html

Go the simplest route first.
Compare the light meter on the ME Super with another camera's light meter.
Set both cameras up with same ASA , point in the same direction and compare readings.
Better yet, invest in a small (cheap) Sekonic light meter. Keep it in your camera bag at all times.

I'd be doing a lot of things before I tore open the camera to fiddle with the light meter adjustment.

FLOPGUY · 01-03-2010, 09:16 AM

Originally posted by J.Scott

Go the simplest route first.
Compare the light meter on the ME Super with another camera's light meter.
Set both cameras up with same ASA , point in the same direction and compare readings.
Better yet, invest in a small (cheap) Sekonic light meter. Keep it in your camera bag at all times.

I'd be doing a lot of things before I tore open the camera to fiddle with the light meter adjustment.

Thank you all for the good ideas.

Your right though, I am going to do everything in my power to not open them camera. I have a fear of people doing work for me. I always feel they either lack the ability or willingness to do the job correctly.

Good point about the sekonic light meter. I need to find some kind of base line for compare.

stevebrot · 01-03-2010, 02:52 PM

Originally posted by J.Scott

Better yet, invest in a small (cheap) Sekonic light meter. Keep it in your camera bag at all times.

+1 regarding the light meter. KEH has a couple of selenium Sekonics in EX condition for under $30 USD.

Comparison to another camera is a good idea. Use a blank white wall with even lighting at about 10 feet and with focus set to infinity. If possible, use the same lens for both cameras and the same exposure mode. Check at the extremes and mid-point for ASA/ISO settings as well as the full range of lens apertures. Do not compare to a Pentax dSLR metering in green button mode.

My suggestion regarding the repair place was in the interest in getting a diagnosis along with a bid. They have a standardized light source. Actual choice of a repairman is another matter. Conventional wisdom is to send your Pentax to Eric, but no sense doing so if there is nothing that needs fixing.

Steve

(Has a Gossen Luna Lux due to arrive any day now...)

jgredline · 01-03-2010, 04:51 PM

One thing about the ME SUPERS that I have seen, is that they are super sensitive to leaking light seals. Even the slightest leak will goober up the film. I agree in sending it to Eric. I sent all three of mine to him and have been very happy.

On a second note, I used the light meter in my K10D back in the day when the battery in my K1000 died. Worked pretty good too. Then I also learned the sunny 16 rule, that I still use.

FLOPGUY · 01-17-2010, 07:02 PM

Originally posted by jgredline

One thing about the ME SUPERS that I have seen, is that they are super sensitive to leaking light seals. Even the slightest leak will goober up the film. I agree in sending it to Eric. I sent all three of mine to him and have been very happy.

On a second note, I used the light meter in my K10D back in the day when the battery in my K1000 died. Worked pretty good too. Then I also learned the sunny 16 rule, that I still use.

Yea I learned the sunny 16 rule too. The problem I have is the shutter speed on my camera does not match the film. I usually use 400 and there is now shutter speed for 1/400.

I found the light leek. I got a reseal kit and installed it very carefully. When I got to the very last seal (mounted on the door itself near the latch). It was not there and it was clean as a wistle. It must have fell out when the camera was relatively new.

I shot a roll before the reseal and after. The before photos were really dark and the after photo's were not bad. Both rolls shot outside on mostly sunny days. I still feel I have user issues though. I have not mastered the 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x settings yet. I shot people on a bright day and some of my faces came out a little dark.

stevebrot · 01-17-2010, 08:42 PM

Originally posted by FLOPGUY

Yea I learned the sunny 16 rule too. The problem I have is the shutter speed on my camera does not match the film. I usually use 400 and there is now shutter speed for 1/400...

1/500s is close enough.

Steve

jgredline · 01-17-2010, 10:44 PM

Originally posted by FLOPGUY

. I have not mastered the 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x settings yet. I shot people on a bright day and some of my faces came out a little dark.

Forget these for now. I never use them As Steve said 1/500 is close enough as the DR range of film is very good. I also set up mine to over expose by appx 1/3 by cheating the ASA settings.

FLOPGUY · 01-18-2010, 08:27 PM

Originally posted by jgredline

Forget these for now. I never use them As Steve said 1/500 is close enough as the DR range of film is very good. I also set up mine to over expose by appx 1/3 by cheating the ASA settings.

So if I understand you correctly, I should leave it set at 1x and for 400 film set the ASA to 300? Then what range should the shutter speed be (in the green) speeds?
Will this work for indoor and outdoor shots?

I wish they had forums years ago, it wouldnt take me 29 years to take good photos.

01-01-2010, 02:13 PM	#1
FLOPGUY New Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 13	ME super light meter. I baught my ME super in 1981 and have had it since. I recently pulled it out and it locked up. I was able to gently unlock it and it seems to work fine. Thru the years I was never able to take great photo's. I think mostly it was user error. I read in the link below that they had mention about a bad light meter. I read online how to remove the top and adjust the meter. How do you know if your light meter is bad or needs adjustment? https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/71292-me-super...0mm-1-4-a.html

01-18-2010, 08:27 PM	#11
FLOPGUY New Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 13 Original Poster	Originally posted by jgredline Forget these for now. I never use them As Steve said 1/500 is close enough as the DR range of film is very good. I also set up mine to over expose by appx 1/3 by cheating the ASA settings. So if I understand you correctly, I should leave it set at 1x and for 400 film set the ASA to 300? Then what range should the shutter speed be (in the green) speeds? Will this work for indoor and outdoor shots? I wish they had forums years ago, it wouldnt take me 29 years to take good photos. Last edited by FLOPGUY; 01-18-2010 at 08:53 PM.

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01-01-2010, 03:54 PM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Hi...Welcome to the forum! You can take the camera to your friendly local camera repair. They should be able to fully assess the camera's functionality including the meter. In all likelihood, the meter is fine, but it doesn't hurt to have them check it. Steve

01-03-2010, 01:45 AM	#3
Raptorman Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Somewhere in VA Posts: 104	Originally posted by stevebrot Hi...Welcome to the forum! You can take the camera to your friendly local camera repair. They should be able to fully assess the camera's functionality including the meter. In all likelihood, the meter is fine, but it doesn't hurt to have them check it. Steve Be sure your selective about what shop to take your camera too. I had an MX I was gonna get repaired but the shop was basically gonna rape me on cost. (Richmond Camera is a bunch of D-bags) Some places sub-contract their work, and I warn you to be wary of anyone that doesn't do in-house repair.

01-03-2010, 05:44 AM	#4
J.Scott Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,675	Originally posted by FLOPGUY I baught my ME super in 1981 and have had it since. I recently pulled it out and it locked up. I was able to gently unlock it and it seems to work fine. Thru the years I was never able to take great photo's. I think mostly it was user error. I read in the link below that they had mention about a bad light meter. I read online how to remove the top and adjust the meter. How do you know if your light meter is bad or needs adjustment? https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/71292-me-super...0mm-1-4-a.html Go the simplest route first. Compare the light meter on the ME Super with another camera's light meter. Set both cameras up with same ASA , point in the same direction and compare readings. Better yet, invest in a small (cheap) Sekonic light meter. Keep it in your camera bag at all times. I'd be doing a lot of things before I tore open the camera to fiddle with the light meter adjustment.

01-03-2010, 09:16 AM	#5
FLOPGUY New Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 13 Original Poster	Originally posted by J.Scott Go the simplest route first. Compare the light meter on the ME Super with another camera's light meter. Set both cameras up with same ASA , point in the same direction and compare readings. Better yet, invest in a small (cheap) Sekonic light meter. Keep it in your camera bag at all times. I'd be doing a lot of things before I tore open the camera to fiddle with the light meter adjustment. Thank you all for the good ideas. Your right though, I am going to do everything in my power to not open them camera. I have a fear of people doing work for me. I always feel they either lack the ability or willingness to do the job correctly. Good point about the sekonic light meter. I need to find some kind of base line for compare.

01-03-2010, 02:52 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by J.Scott Better yet, invest in a small (cheap) Sekonic light meter. Keep it in your camera bag at all times. +1 regarding the light meter. KEH has a couple of selenium Sekonics in EX condition for under $30 USD. Comparison to another camera is a good idea. Use a blank white wall with even lighting at about 10 feet and with focus set to infinity. If possible, use the same lens for both cameras and the same exposure mode. Check at the extremes and mid-point for ASA/ISO settings as well as the full range of lens apertures. Do not compare to a Pentax dSLR metering in green button mode. My suggestion regarding the repair place was in the interest in getting a diagnosis along with a bid. They have a standardized light source. Actual choice of a repairman is another matter. Conventional wisdom is to send your Pentax to Eric, but no sense doing so if there is nothing that needs fixing. Steve (Has a Gossen Luna Lux due to arrive any day now...)

01-03-2010, 04:51 PM	#7
jgredline Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LosAngeles, Ca. Photos: Albums Posts: 10,628	One thing about the ME SUPERS that I have seen, is that they are super sensitive to leaking light seals. Even the slightest leak will goober up the film. I agree in sending it to Eric. I sent all three of mine to him and have been very happy. On a second note, I used the light meter in my K10D back in the day when the battery in my K1000 died. Worked pretty good too. Then I also learned the sunny 16 rule, that I still use.

01-17-2010, 07:02 PM	#8
FLOPGUY New Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 13 Original Poster	Originally posted by jgredline One thing about the ME SUPERS that I have seen, is that they are super sensitive to leaking light seals. Even the slightest leak will goober up the film. I agree in sending it to Eric. I sent all three of mine to him and have been very happy. On a second note, I used the light meter in my K10D back in the day when the battery in my K1000 died. Worked pretty good too. Then I also learned the sunny 16 rule, that I still use. Yea I learned the sunny 16 rule too. The problem I have is the shutter speed on my camera does not match the film. I usually use 400 and there is now shutter speed for 1/400. I found the light leek. I got a reseal kit and installed it very carefully. When I got to the very last seal (mounted on the door itself near the latch). It was not there and it was clean as a wistle. It must have fell out when the camera was relatively new. I shot a roll before the reseal and after. The before photos were really dark and the after photo's were not bad. Both rolls shot outside on mostly sunny days. I still feel I have user issues though. I have not mastered the 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x settings yet. I shot people on a bright day and some of my faces came out a little dark.

01-17-2010, 08:42 PM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by FLOPGUY Yea I learned the sunny 16 rule too. The problem I have is the shutter speed on my camera does not match the film. I usually use 400 and there is now shutter speed for 1/400... 1/500s is close enough. Steve

01-17-2010, 10:44 PM	#10
jgredline Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LosAngeles, Ca. Photos: Albums Posts: 10,628	Originally posted by FLOPGUY . I have not mastered the 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x settings yet. I shot people on a bright day and some of my faces came out a little dark. Forget these for now. I never use them As Steve said 1/500 is close enough as the DR range of film is very good. I also set up mine to over expose by appx 1/3 by cheating the ASA settings.