Re: [Leica] M Meters

["Roger L. Bunting" <rlbunting@ameritech.net>]

Bob,

I've used a MR meter on my M3. I used it often and rarely failed. It
reads the area of the 90mm lens and it is quite easy to jostle the frame
lines to 90mm at the same time as pushing the meter on switch. The meter
reading is locked when you release the switch and the shutter speed is
coupled to the shutter speed ring. Really quite fool proof to transfer
the reading to the aperature (or re-adjust both), shallow learning
curve.

Draw backs: batteries, scuffs the top of the camera body. The scuff
marks may lower the value of a 'premium' M3 body by as much as $200-300
- - others may care to comment on the valuation numbers I'm just going
from recent numbers on Don Chatterton's site. The shutter speeds are
slightly off at the ower end. the 1/8 vrs 1/10 sequencing but you make
the adjustment very easily.

I no longer am using the MR4. Have switched to a Sekonic 308BII. Very
much like the quick operating of this hand-held and the convenience of
incident metering.

T.A. has reported on the new Cocina clip on metering. I'm sure if you
search the archives you will find those postings, they are quite recent.
Check http://www.cosina.co.jp/ - think that's correct.

Regards,
Roger

BOB KRAMER wrote:
> 
> The current thread on M6 metering has got me thinking about the quickest and
> most convenient way to meter with my M3.  Actually, I have been thinking
> about it for some time, and have tried various options like hand held meters
> as well as the older MC Meter coupled to the camera.  The hand held metering
> is accurate using my Gossen Luna-Pro, but is slow and averages a fairly
> large metering area.  The coupled meter is quicker and more convenient, but
> the old MC meter I have is not the most sensitive meter I have ever use, to
> but it gently.
> 
> I am wondering if I should consider the newer MR-4 meters, and was hoping
> some of you could share your experiences using them.  How big is the
> metering area?  How do they compare to the M6 meter in terms of accuracy?
> Are they significantly better than the earlier MC and MR meters?  Are there
> any particular drawbacks to using them?
> 
> Thanks for your help and insights.
> 
> Bob Kramer
> bobkramer@coopercarry.com