Nizo Pro Meter Sticking

[rlorenz2]

The past couple times I have used my Nizo Pro the meter occasionally gets stuck. It sticks anywhere between f2 and f5.6. I have to tap the side of the camera to free the needle in the view finder. It is also happening when moving the switch to test batteries. I have opened up the camera and cannot see any obstructions in the aperture. Any idea what is causing this or how to fix?

[bolextech]

I receive Nizo cameras for repair occasionally and it seems to be a common problem. In fact, I have one right now that does the exact same thing. In automatic exposure mode, the needle should move very freely. It is inside the meter movement itself (i.e. the galvanometer) that the sticking is happening. For some reason, Nizo meters seem more prone to this.

Inside every galvanometer is a permanent magnet.
Sometimes minuscule metal chips or other debris stick to the magnet and impede the movement of the moving coil. Sometimes this can be cleaned out but on the Nizo, it is very difficult to get inside the galvanometer without screwing it up permanently.

When parts were easily available, we would just order and install a new galvanometer. Alas, this is no longer an option.

Luckily, this sticking is usually not a problem in manual aperture mode.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[rlorenz2]

Thank you for your response. I know it is a hard item to access maybe I can try some compressed air now that I know something in the galvanometer may be causing the problem.

My camera is also sticking in manual aperture mode as well does this mean its worse?

How much are people charging to have this repaired by a professional?

[bolextech]

The galvanometer is completely enclosed and even if you could access it easily, using compressed air might completely destroy the meter.

If it sticks even in manual, then it's a serious blockage or the meter is way out of balance.

I don't have new meters. Wish I had. From what I understand, only Kino Video Technik Schacherl might have new parts. http://www.video-technik-schacherl.de/

Good luck!

Jean-Louis

[Andreas Wideroe]

I have used Kino Video Technik Schacherl before and I can recommend them (allthough I didn't have a problem with the meter sticking. I just needed a general service and some lense repairs).

/Andreas

[ekoe]

Would a carefully directed squirt of electronic contact cleaner help, and then a blast of air?

[bolextech]

Hi ekoe,

I would stronger urge you not to do this squirting attempt.

There is little one can do without first extracting the exposure meter unit from the camera.

If I succeed in repairing mine, I'll post my findings.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[rlorenz2]

Have you had any luck in repairing your meter?

[bolextech]

I'm still working on it.
Will give results as soon as I can.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[bolextech]

It turns out, in my camera, that it wasn't the galvanometer at all that was the problem.

The Nizo has two photocells. One for regular exposure metering and one that controls the automatic time-lapse and automatic time exposure duration. I have discovered that my camera's meter will react when the second photocell is exposed to light, which it's not supposed to do in normal shooting. This is why I was getting such erratic results. This will require more investigation. The camera does show signs of having been tampered with previously which probably explains this phenomenon.

If your camera still sticks between f/2 and f/5.6 and moves when you tap the camera, I still think it is a physical obstruction inside your galvanometer.

A trip to the repair tech is indicated.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[rlorenz2]

Thanks for the response. I have tried the compressed air. I sprayed a few short bursts into where the aperture blades come out and a small opening in the galvanometer itself and this seemed to solve the problem.

[bolextech]

You're very lucky!!
Let's hope this "repair" lasts.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis