Thursday, July 30, 2020

Repairs for MetroLux and PocketSpot

METROLUX REPAIR

MetroLux is getting pretty old.  I made the first one in about 1983.  Hand wired.  MetroLux has proven to be a robust design.  I receive very few inquiries for repair, but recently I have had two.  Both I fixed by email: a 'socially distanced' repair.  

Both units were MetroLux IIs.  They had completely different symptoms.  If your MetroLux II is doing something weird, then you probably need a RESET.  This is very simple, but the instructions are in that lost instruction manual.  I can't even find mine.  

Here's what you do.  First, write down your calibration numbers.  There are two of them.  These can be seen by pressing/holding the SETUP button.  Locations #1 and #2.  Write those down.  

Next, turn off MetroLux.  Then, while holding the SETUP button down, turn on MetroLux and release the button.  I believe "1.1" will appear as the 'time' on the display.  Now push the "START" or "EXPOSE" button (Same button, different names depending on the when your unit was manufactured.)  

The memory has now been cleared and reset.  Reload the CAL numbers and test again.  

If this doesn't work, it can be that your hardware is broken.  

I'm still repairing both MetroLux Ones and IIs.  Minimum cost is $50 plus return shipping.  All repairs to date have been the minimum.

POCKETSPOT REPAIR

I had never repaired a PocketSpot until a couple of months ago I fixed one that was 10 years old.  Repair charges for PocketSpot are the same as for MetroLux: $50 minimum + return shipping + parts and labor.  Most parts are in stock.  There is no reset for a light meter.

If you contact me by email, I will try to do what I can to avoid you shipping the meter here.  As I have only repaired one unit, I can't give you any history except it was relatively easy to fix and costs were held to the minimum.  

Feel free to contact me with questions.  Put METROLUX or POCKETSPOT in the title.

ejwoodbury at gmail dot com

1 comment:

Hélcio said...

What a timer! Never heard of any user complaint. My Metrolux II (SN 2459) is running perfect for all those years!

Pocket Spot

Pocket Spot
Metering in the Office, 10 2/3 EVs

Pocket Spot

Pocket Spot
Metering in the Office, 4 1/3 EVs

Pocket Spot Spec Sheet

Pocket Spot Digital Light Meter Specs

Display: 2-digit Red LED with 1/3, 2/3 LED indicators

Dial: White, laser-engraved on Meter's anodized color background. Intermost dial is ISO with f/# on the outside. f/1.0 to f/128. Outer dial is shutter speeds from 8 minutes to 1/4000 sec on the inside and EV on the outside. EVs from -1 to 20. Body is marked with Zones from Zero to X (10). [Romans didn't have a zero, but what are you going to do? ]

ISO: 3 to 12800 ISO, marked in 1/3 stops

EV range: -1 2/3 to 23 at 100 ISO

Spectral Sensitivity: Compensated for "typical" B&W film, i.e. HP5+ or Tri-X

Angle of View: approximately 1 degree, smaller at very high EVs and 3 degrees at lower EVs

Viewing: Bore-sight through the hole the length of the chassis. Meter is held about 12" or 300mm from the eye (length of strap)

Linearity: about 1% from low to high.

Calibration: Not required. No adjustments inside.

Finish: Black anodized over a solid block of machined aluminum. Texture is random tumble over stones before anodize. Other colors in consideration at extra cost are RED and BLUE.

Battery: 6V PX28 or equivalent, Supplied

Dimensions: 2.25" x 2" x 3/4" (L x W x T) 57 x 50 x 19 mm
Dial on top is 1/8" thick, 3 mm

Weight: 4 1/8 oz (117 grams) with strap and battery, both included.


specifications subject to change

More pictures on page two near bottom.