Olympus 35RC - Meter Issues

[thedarknight]

Hello, I'm kinda new to RFs and have a question regarding the light meter in the Olympus 35RC. Having shot digital (full electronic metering) and TLRs (no meter in my TLRs) in the past, I'm super new to this trap needle type of meter on the RC.

The issue is that my RC has this problem where it meters fine, but after awhile when I put it in the bag, the meter would stop working. How I can get it to work again is to give it a slight shake and the meter will come back to life again.

Any experienced users know what the cause of such a problem is? Could it be that the wire is not connected well or that the CdS cell is dying? It was CLAed a week ago by P&G, who said he calibrated the meter. I currently use a 1.5v alkaline battery and could it be that the discharge is not consistent?

Hope somebody can help me out with this.

 

[crispy12]

The camera relies on constant battery voltage to provide reliable metering so the meter will gradually become more and more inaccurate after use. Did you se the camera to 'off' when not in use?

However sounds like you have a wiring fault esp when you mention having to shake the camera.

 

[ricohflex]

It uses a PX625 battery.
Check with Unicell.
2nd floor Sim Lim Square
Sim Lim Square #02-70/41, 1 Rochor Canal Road 188504
Tel 6742 6631

Better still. Forget it and use a hand held meter.

 

[thedarknight]

Thanks for the tips guys. I think it might be a battery drain issue. I forgot to set it to OFF the last time round.

When I installed a new battery recently, I could use the meter for awhile. Then I left it to sit for a few hours, now the meter does not work anymore.

Have anybody encountered such a problem with any of your cameras before? Any ideas what the fix could be?

 

[ricohflex]

I think you are using the wrong battery. Are you using LR44 battery? Maybe discharge rate is different. Should be PX625.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to solve your Olympus 35 RC battery drain problem:

When not using the camera, turn off the battery

When the camera is not in use, rotate the
F/stop ring and set the "OFF" position to the
center index.

How to check whether battery energy is sufficient

To test the battery, remove the lens cap, set the
red mark "A", to the central index red line, and
turning the camera toward a bright object,
depress the shutter release button.
If shutter is released, the battery is properly
inserted. If not, check the polarity of the battery or try a fresh battery.

The battery should be replaced once a year.

 

[thedarknight]

Ive actually tried 3 fresh batteries and returned to P&G 3-4 times. David told me that I have a battery drain issue. I find it a little bit annoying that he didnt mention it to me beforehand, allowing me to waste money buying so many batteries.

Anyway I will never return to P&G for another CLA work. Mr Tay at DeCamera Consultant is wayyyyyyyyyyy better. David's work is sloppy at best, didnt even clean the VF, and quite dirty when returned. I had to clean up alot of it myself. On the other hand, when Mr Tay returned another one of my other cameras it was sparkling and almost brand new.

I guess I'll just use it on manual mode and meter the scenes with my phone.

 

[ricohflex]

Philip Tay is a perfectionist. He is proud of his craft.
But don't disturb him, chase him to finish faster or annoy him.