Exposure Metering; Turning On The Exposure Meter - Leica MP Instructions Manual

Exposure metering

On the LEICA MP, exposure metering for the
available ambient light is done selectively
through the lens with the working aperture. The
light reflected by a bright metering spot is cap-
tured by a photodiode (arrow) and measured.
This silicon photo diode with a convex lens in
front of it is positioned on the left above the
shutter. The metering spot (12 mm diameter, cor-
responding to approx. 13 % of negative format) is
situated in the center of the first shutter curtain.
The uneven coverage of the white paint is not the
result of faults in production. Rather, it is due to
the fact that it is not possible to apply a sealed,
thick coat of paint to the flexible rubber blanket
of the shutter without impairing the shutter
function. The uneven structure of the metering
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spot in no way impairs the exposure result.
The appropriate shutter speed/aperture combi-
nations for correct exposure are determined
using a light balance consisting of three red
LEDs ( ) in the viewfinder display. When
the setting is correct, only the central circular
LED lights up.

Turning on the exposure meter

The exposure meter is turned on by lightly
pressing the shutter release button (7) to the
pressure point, provided that the camera is
turned on, i.e. the shutter speed setting dial (10)
is at a position other than B/OFF, and the shut-
ter is fully cocked.
If the exposure meter is ready to use, one of the
two triangular LEDs lights up and stays lit, in
some cases along with the central circular LED.
If the shutter release button is let go, without
releasing the shutter, the exposure meter re-
mains turned on for around 14 s more, and the
LED(s) remain lit for the same time.
After releasing the shutter and shutter move-
ment, the exposure meter is turned off and the
LED(s) in the viewfinder go out.