SPII Meter. Need Help.

Swift1 · 11-23-2010, 04:30 PM

I recently picked up a Spotmatic SPII. It came with no battery (not very surprising), so after a bit of looking, I found a Varta V392 1.5v battery. The battery fits rather loosely but it does fit. When I switch the meter on, the needle just goes about 3/4 of the way to the top and stays there no matter what aperture/shutter/iso combo.
Is the meter shot or is this a battery problem?
The first time I put the battery in I put it in upside down and the meter did the opposite, i.e. the needle went down instead of up.

Any help is much appreciated,

**Canada_Rockies** · 11-24-2010, 06:35 PM

I don't think that is the correct replacement battery. The battery should fit snugly. In case I'm mistaken (not the first time) use a pencil eraser to clean the battery chamber contacts thoroughly.

**seventhdr** · 11-24-2010, 06:36 PM

Colton,

Your problem could come down to the fact that Spotmatic II cameras are designed to use a 1.3V cell, where as you are trying to use a 1.5V cell. This will much up the electronics of the metering.

I'd suggest that you search battery suppliers on the Internet or eBay for appropriate 1.3V batteries.

Also see the camera review section of this website for more details of what sort of battery is appropriate for which camera.

Regards

Chris Stone

Swift1 · 11-24-2010, 07:36 PM

I have read on various sites that this battery should work, but it may be wrong.
I ordered a Wein Cell for it so hopefully that will work.

Stratman · 11-25-2010, 09:20 PM

I use an Energizer 392 in my Spottie SP II, and SP 1000 and all is well, works just fine. I did get a small o-ring to help keep the battery centered in the compartment....

pickles · 11-25-2010, 10:14 PM

I've got an SP 11 & 1.5v batteries work fine.
Don't know what your actual problem is, but maybe if you placed some sort of stuff, tape etc around the battery to keep it in a central location, it may work properly.....there are lots of battery threads on this forum.
Cheers, Pickles.

11-23-2010, 04:30 PM	#1
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	SPII Meter. Need Help. I recently picked up a Spotmatic SPII. It came with no battery (not very surprising), so after a bit of looking, I found a Varta V392 1.5v battery. The battery fits rather loosely but it does fit. When I switch the meter on, the needle just goes about 3/4 of the way to the top and stays there no matter what aperture/shutter/iso combo. Is the meter shot or is this a battery problem? The first time I put the battery in I put it in upside down and the meter did the opposite, i.e. the needle went down instead of up. Any help is much appreciated,

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11-24-2010, 06:35 PM	#2
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	I don't think that is the correct replacement battery. The battery should fit snugly. In case I'm mistaken (not the first time) use a pencil eraser to clean the battery chamber contacts thoroughly.

11-24-2010, 06:36 PM	#3
seventhdr Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,440	Colton, Your problem could come down to the fact that Spotmatic II cameras are designed to use a 1.3V cell, where as you are trying to use a 1.5V cell. This will much up the electronics of the metering. I'd suggest that you search battery suppliers on the Internet or eBay for appropriate 1.3V batteries. Also see the camera review section of this website for more details of what sort of battery is appropriate for which camera. Regards Chris Stone

11-24-2010, 07:36 PM	#4
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079 Original Poster	I have read on various sites that this battery should work, but it may be wrong. I ordered a Wein Cell for it so hopefully that will work.

11-25-2010, 09:20 PM	#5
Stratman Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: St Louis, Missouri U S A Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,464	I use an Energizer 392 in my Spottie SP II, and SP 1000 and all is well, works just fine. I did get a small o-ring to help keep the battery centered in the compartment....

11-25-2010, 10:14 PM	#6
pickles Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: melbourne Posts: 937	I've got an SP 11 & 1.5v batteries work fine. Don't know what your actual problem is, but maybe if you placed some sort of stuff, tape etc around the battery to keep it in a central location, it may work properly.....there are lots of battery threads on this forum. Cheers, Pickles.