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Message |
    
Marooncorduroy
Tinkerer
Username: Marooncorduroy
Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2012
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 01, 2012 - 07:20 pm: | 
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I have an old General Electric exposure meter, type DW-58 N. P. 115086. I have only recently become interested in classic cameras at the aquistion of several devices from relatives and know virtually nothing about what I am doing. For some reason, the exposure meter does not register light at all and I am wondering if anyone knows what might be wrong. |
Mr_flibble
Tinkerer
Username: Mr_flibble
Post Number: 66
Registered: 10-2011
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 - 03:33 am: |
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The problem is most likely either a dead Selenium Cell or a broken circuit.
Oxidation and humity are the meter's biggest enemy.
You can clean the oxidation off the contacts and wire connections if you can get into the case.
Finding a replacement Selenium Cell is a little tougher though.
Does the adjustment (screw on the front or slide on the back) change anything in the readings? |
Marooncorduroy
Tinkerer
Username: Marooncorduroy
Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2012
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 - 12:45 pm: |
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The screw on the front adjusts the reading between zero and slightly less than zero.
Thank you for the information. |
Br1078lum
Tinkerer
Username: Br1078lum
Post Number: 299
Registered: 11-2010
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 - 01:46 pm: |
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I do know that you can use the solar cell out of a Panasonic calculator to rebuild the meter circuit in a Zenit-E camera, while installing a variable resistor to fine tune the circuit. Maybe there is a solar cell out there that will fit in the GE case.
PF |
Hollenbj
Tinkerer
Username: Hollenbj
Post Number: 41
Registered: 03-2012
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2012 - 11:05 am: |
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My advice is to go the cheapest and easiest route:
Visit a thriftstore (or multiple thriftstores) and purchase another old light meter. Check to see that it responds to light and fork over the $1 or so it should cost. I see a lot of old light meters in thrift stores, yard sales, swap meets, etc. Sometimes the seller thinks they have something special and ask $50 for it. They don't. They're abundant.
If you can't locate another meter, I'm sure I have several in the junk drawer...Don't get me wrong. I use a light meter ("classic"? made in 1970s/80s), and you need one too to use many of our favorite classic cameras. Unless your current meter has sentimental value, I'd get another one and start making exposures with your cameras.
You can still attempt repair of your GE meter. I once saw a website selling Selenium cells of many sizes and shapes (sorry I don't have the web address) so you should be able to replace the cell; Might have to cut it down to size. Now, corrosion might signal a bad connection or the need to replace wiring. That seems like a pain. |
Glenn
Tinkerer
Username: Glenn
Post Number: 990
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2012 - 11:15 am: |
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Get yourself a good secondhand modern meter, there are plenty about these days. Film and processing is too expensive these days to be messing about with dodgy 'Classic' exposure meters - collect the things by all means but always have an accurate meter in your pocket. |
Hollenbj
Tinkerer
Username: Hollenbj
Post Number: 43
Registered: 03-2012
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2012 - 12:21 pm: |
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Glenn,
I suppose that depends on how "purist" the original poster wants to be. For me, my Gossen Super Pilot is a reliable, accurate meter that I consider modern, but when I think about its age it almost qualifies for this forum. It was likely made during early 1980s.
In any case, I agree about having the best tools possible for making great photographs. Isn't that why we prefer those older cameras? Those old meters on the other hand.... |
Marooncorduroy
Tinkerer
Username: Marooncorduroy
Post Number: 3
Registered: 05-2012
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2012 - 08:02 pm: |
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This meter is certainly 'classic' at circa 1946.
It does have some sentimental value, being from my grandfather, but I may end up packing it up and buying a newer meter for actual use.
Thank you for all the help. |
Glenn
Tinkerer
Username: Glenn
Post Number: 992
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 04, 2012 - 10:25 am: |
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Jeff,
Quite correct in your thinking on the Gossen. My everyday meters are all black cased Gossen Lunasix 3's and I even use one with my Leica M9 and Nikon D3x when the client's demands are way out of the box.
Why do I make special mention of the black cased meters? Well not only are they the latest re-incarnation of the Lunasix family, but Gossen Germany not only provide a very cheap service/calibration for the black models but they will provide small parts gratis - battery compartment doors, case screws, data plates etc - so one can keep these meters looking mint and working accurately. |
Hollenbj
Tinkerer
Username: Hollenbj
Post Number: 45
Registered: 03-2012
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 04, 2012 - 12:18 pm: |
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I do love my Gossen. It goes with me regardless of which camera system I take (and regardless of built in metering). Lately that's been meter-less Leica and Leica clone RFs.
I've never had to find replacement parts for my meter, but I'm happy to hear Gossen takes care of us. I suppose if the original poster is looking for a suggested brand -- there's 2 votes for Gossen.
jeff. |
