Originally posted by stevebrot
The LX metering is something of legend and as with all legends there are elements that are a distortion of fact. The LX meter is silicon photodiode (SPD), the same as most high end cameras of the time. The base sensitivity is comparable to other other cameras with similar meter cells, 1 to EV 19. OTF exposure control in Av mode is stated as -6.5 to 20 EV, with the range on the low end being dictated by the 125s maximum exposure time for the system. Note that the OTF exposure is based upon real-time photon accumulation during exposure, not a static pre-exposure reading.
The camera manual is pretty clear about the distinction in the specifications. In light levels below 1 EV (2s at f/1.4 with ISO 100 film) the meter is not accurate in manual mode. In Av mode for low light, an estimated exposure time is shown in the viewfinder with the final exposure time being based on the OTF system after the shutter opens. Values from the OTF system are never displayed (for obvious reasons) in the viewfinder.
Steve
I don't have the schematic to it and although the sensitivity is certainly based on the SPD, I am most certain there are considerably more circuitry associated in providing the final results.
I am sure you incorrectly stated inaccuracy in manual mode as those are easiest to check - as well as reported by magazine reviews, and they are good even on both of my none factory fresh LX's.
In aperture priority auto exposure under controlled lighting, I have tested both of mine to all my assortment of bodies (film and digital) for as long as they can go and again both my bodies are good. The second longest autoexposure body I have is the Olympus OM4T and it goes out to 4 minutes. Besides that I have tested my LX's to over 4 hours and they have never failed to render a proper exposure.
You are right that the LX's metering is legendary but not as a distortion of fact but because it is the only body -
past or present of any brand, that can properly aperture priority autoexpose a scene for as long as it takes or the batteries die.
This one is on Kodak Ektar 100 for about 40 minutes . . .
This one on Kodak Gold 100-7 for more than 3 hours . . .
Legendary status can die quickly if there was no truth to it . . .