Bronica ETRS AE II meter problem

[Josh Harmon]

I have a ETRS with a AE II meter and mine is spot on, when I shoot slides (Velvia/Astia) my exposures are spot on even with filters... That being said, have you checked the contacts/mount where the prism is mounted? Is the glass on the bottom of the prism fogged or marked?

I would recommend getting yours "tuned" up but on KEH a new AE prism would probably be cheaper unfortunately.

I love my Bronica and yours should work!

-Josh

[stradibarrius]

I have several cameras where the meters are great so I disagree that the built in meter are nevr correct. That said I have checked and cleaned the contacts on bothe the prism and the lens. This is the second AE-II. I have tried two new alkaline batteries and three different lenses. The only thing that is common to the problem is the body...
I have been just using my hand held meter and am really pleased with the results from this camera. Actually I seem to be producing better photos from this camera than my Mamiya M645??? I would have never expected that.
I would prefer that the built in meter work but if I can't figure out the problem I will just us my hand held as suggested.

[paul ron]

Have you played with the exposure compensation settings?

What type of battery are you using in the body, alkaline or lithium?

The manual for your prism is here....
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/bronica...i_finder_e.htm

[stradibarrius]

Alkaline batteries and I have only tried moving the E/C settings back and forth to see if ti may possibly be dirty? But remember this happens with two different VF's, both of them in excellent condition.
I have the prism manual and it sheds no light on the subject.

[paul ron]

Well since you say it happens on 2 different metered prisms, contacts are the problem, or it's the body electronics. Try em on another body? Clean the contacts with a pencil eraser? Do any of em look worn down and uneven? Is the prism locking on tighly enough or does it have alot of up n down play in it? Does the meter read differently when you move it on the mount? Mounts can be adjusted too.

[lxdude]

If I remember correctly, the contacts are gold plated, so it's not a good idea to clean them with an eraser. Or any other abrasive. Alcohol's OK. Agreed that it could be some problem with the contacts or body electronics.

[stradibarrius]

I have an electronics background and the contacts are bright and shiny. They do not look worn at all I will try cleaning them with some de-natured alcohol. If that does not do it then it must be body electronics???? I don't have another body test out but the camera takes excellent photos, I just have to use my hand held meter which is not the end of the world.

[paul ron]

I've seen your pics and they are wonderful. Be sure to switch off the prism so it doesn't interfear with the exposures. Hand hels is the way to go, I love my spot meter.

Maybe one day you will come meet another body in your travels and can try the meters on that.

[stradibarrius]

Good idea. Thanks for your efforts.