Strange issue with Pentax Spotmeter 1/21

[Paul Sorensen]

I am trying out an old Pentax Spotmeter 1/21 that seems to be having some strange issues. It seems to work correctly at the low setting, or at least fairly close, but at the upper settings it is correct sometimes and sometimes shoots up to ridiculously high numbers. For example, it will suddenly read that the white wall across from me light by indirect window light through a shade is 18EV, almost the highest the meter will go. I have just replaced both batteries, it uses the 9v and 1.3v batteries and I had to use a 1.5v alkaline battery instead of the 1.3 v mercury one. I am wondering, although I have never heard of it, is this a symptom of using the wrong battery?

I would appreciate it if anyone has any idea about this.

Thanks!

Paul.

[Paul Sorensen]

I am bumping this in hopes that someone with some info missed it the first time around.

Thanks!

Paul.

[juan]

Well, now I've read the post for the second time. I was going to suggest that you change both batteries, but I see that you have done that. I don't think it's a symptom of using the wrong battery. I would suspect a faulty eletrical connection of some kind - corrosion on a battery terminal, a bad wire, worn trigger switch, or a bad solder joint. Can you get the meter to return to normal by moving it around or bumping it?
juan

[Paul Sorensen]

It seems that it starts out with the wacky numbers and then "calms down" to the correct reading after a bit. I haven't tried bumping, but I will now. The readings are in the correct ballpark once it has stopped with the sillyness, but it is beyond irritating to have to deal with this. I am suspicious that this will also get worse unless it is repaird, especially if what you suspect is correct.

Thanks,

Paul.

[Paul Sorensen]

I just tried bumping it and that indeed does seem to "fix" it temporarily. I am just going to return it to the shop where I bought it unless they are willing to fix it themselves. I got it for only $75 untested with a return privelege, but I am not sure they will want to sell it for that if they have to actually fix the thing. I guess I will find out. Thanks!

Paul.