Leicina 8 (S, V, SV) lightmeter repair

[joelpierre]

Please, excuse the faults of language (Google Translator):

I have several Leicina 8 (S, V, SV) whose light meter are down.

Is it possible to repair these lightmeter myself and how?

Is it possible to operate with these cameras in manual exposure mode without light meter?

[joelpierre]

Some sample pages from the Leicina Servicing instructions:

33-36: http://cjoint.com/11jn/AFfqwC87e41_33-36.pdf

43: http://cjoint.com/11jn/AFfqxyHefKn_43.pdf

106: http://cjoint.com/11jn/AFfqx77ra8L_106.pdf

108: http://cjoint.com/11jn/AFfqyGfAVbp_108.pdf

111: http://cjoint.com/11jn/AFfqzeUPBb9_111.pdf

141: http://cjoint.com/11jn/AFfqzIO574r_141.pdf

161: http://cjoint.com/11jn/AFfqAgNCE6y_161.pdf

163: http://cjoint.com/11jn/AFfqAOMXs0y_163.pdf

[71er]

I tried with two repairshops now and the answer was no. There is no spare parts anymore and they could not do a replacement; one said it is very unlikely to find anybody who could do it.
I wonder if you changed the CdS cell with a different one and did adjust the resistors in the bridge accordingly - could it work? I'm unfortunately not very good in electronics, so I'd need some help myself.

[joelpierre]

What a pity that these cameras can not be repaired!

They are so well builded. Even better than Leicina Super 8.

Maybe it is not the CDs cell that is down, but it can be the diaphragm mesuring mechanism…

It remains the possibility of using them without diaphragm — wide aperture open — with neutral gray filters.

But it is not very practical…

[aj]

I wonder if you changed the CdS cell with a different one and did adjust the resistors in the bridge accordingly - could it work? I'm unfortunately not very good in electronics, so I'd need some help myself.

There is still a number of CdS cells in several types and shapes available. New from current stock! No need to pay Euro 50 or something.

Then there are also many cameras which can act as parts spenders. Not necessarily of the same model or brand. I.e. a Euro 5 thing may hold the proper cell

[71er]

I had a little look into CdS cells. They have a certain "dark" resistance and when light hits them the resistance changes more or less linearly with intensity - every cell type with another characteristic. The first problem is: we don't know the original characteristic of the CdS cell in the Leicina; the second one: even if we knew, it is very unlikely that a similar cell is produced nowadays.

[aj]

It is a bit theory as you don't know what is wrong with the camera.

You are not very good at electronics but know the characteristics of CdS cells of 50 years ago and of those of today and conclude they are not the same...

Better start a quick check with Conrad, RS electronics or other suppliers. And then work from there. There are different sizes and specifications.