Removing Leica Meter From Camera: A Step-By-Step Guide

Leica has been selling light meters for use with its cameras since 1951. The Leica MR meter, for example, can be removed from an M3 body by lining up the marker on the meter's control dial with the inverted L-shaped line on the side of the meter, then pulling up and rotating in the direction of the horizontal line to unlock it. The same method can be used to remove a Leica Light Meter MC from a Leica M2.

Align the mark/line on the side of the dial with the arrow on the meter

To remove the light meter from your Leica camera, you must first align the mark or line on the side of the dial with the arrow on the meter. This step is crucial to ensure the light meter is properly unlocked and can be safely removed without causing any damage to the camera.

The mark or line on the dial is often described as looking like an inverted L. You should also locate the red marker on the meter's control dial. This marker needs to be aligned with the inverted L-shaped line. Once these two elements are aligned, you can proceed to the next step of removing the light meter.

It is important to follow this specific alignment instruction, as it ensures that the light meter is properly disengaged from the camera's shutter speed dial. The Leica light meter is designed to couple with the shutter speed dial, providing an accurate reading for exposure settings. Therefore, by aligning the mark/line on the dial with the arrow on the meter, you can safely unlock the light meter for removal.

After aligning the dial and the arrow, you can then lift the dial up and pull the meter out. This action will detach the light meter from the camera's accessory shoe. It is important to perform this step gently and with caution to avoid any accidental damage to the camera or the light meter.

By following these steps, you can successfully remove the light meter from your Leica camera without causing any harm to this special piece of equipment.

Lift the dial up

To remove the Leica MR meter from an M3 body, you must first locate the line on the side of the meter that looks like an inverted L. This line should be aligned with the red marker on the meter's control dial. Once aligned, pull up on the dial and then rotate it in the direction of the horizontal line to unlock the meter. After unlocking, you can simply slide the meter back from the shoe.

For a Leica M2 with a Light Meter MC attached, the process is slightly different. First, align the mark or line on the side of the dial with the arrow on the meter. Then, lift the dial up and pull the meter out.

Pull the meter out

To remove the Leica meter from your camera, you will need to perform a series of steps to ensure the process is done correctly and safely. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, align the marker on the meter's control dial with the inverted L-shaped line on the side of the meter. This marker could be red, and it is important to ensure a proper alignment. Once aligned, lift the dial up and then rotate it in the direction of the horizontal line of the inverted L. This action will unlock the meter from its secured position.

Now, you can gently pull the meter out of the camera's accessory shoe. Be careful not to pull too forcefully, as you do not want to damage the camera or the meter. A gentle and steady pull should be sufficient to remove the meter.

If your Leica meter model has a dial, ensure that it is set to BULB before attempting to remove the meter. This step is crucial to disengaging the meter from the camera's functions.

Additionally, some Leica meter models may require you to remove the battery before attempting to pull out the meter. Refer to your specific Leica meter's manual for detailed instructions on battery removal if necessary.

Once you have successfully pulled out the meter, you can now safely store or transport your Leica meter separately from the camera body. Remember always to handle the meter with care to avoid any potential damage.

Remove the shutter speed and film speed selection disks on the top

To remove the shutter speed and film speed selection disks on the top of your Leicameter MR4, follow these steps:

First, use a small spanner to loosen and remove the central screw. Make sure you take note of the order of the washers. Depending on your model, there may be a copper spring washer (curvature upwards), followed by the speed dial, a large brown plastic washer, and two steel washers with square holes.

Next, remove the screws on the side of the cover, as well as the two screws on top of the meter that were hidden by the selector disks.

Now for the tricky part: while lifting the top cover, simultaneously move the battery-check button to the left.

Please note that you won't be able to access the window directly. First, you'll need to remove the black plate behind the meter needle. Be very careful not to bend the wires attached to the brass washer. Take note of the washers (brown plastic, brass, and transparent) and carefully remove the black plate, being mindful not to touch or bend the meter needle.

With the black plate removed, you can now access the window and proceed with cleaning or further disassembly. Remember to take precautions and work carefully throughout the process to avoid damaging any sensitive components.

Remove the battery

To remove the battery from a camera, the first step is to turn the camera off. Then, open the battery chamber cover. Depending on the camera, you may need to press the battery latch to release the battery before removing it by hand. In some cases, there may be a battery ejection sheet that needs to be pulled out to remove the battery.

Leica M2 with Light Meter MC

First, align the mark or line on the side of the dial with the arrow on the meter. Then, lift the dial up and pull out the meter.

Leica M3 with Light Meter MR

There is a line on the side of the meter that looks like an inverted L. Line up the marker on the meter's control dial with that line and pull up, then rotate the meter in the direction of the horizontal line to unlock it. It should then slide back from the shoe normally.

Leica LEICAMETER MR or LEICAMETER MR-4

• Remove the LEICAMETER from the Leica camera body.
• Look at the bottom of the LEICAMETER, follow the directions on the sticker, and slide the battery cover carefully to the right.
• Take out the old battery and put in a new one.
• Close the cover carefully, pressing it down and sliding it to the left.

It is important to note that some cameras may have different procedures for removing the battery, so it is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your camera model.

Frequently asked questions