Can exposure settings on a Pentax K1000 effectively switch off the meter?
Asked 1/4/2014
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On a Pentax K1000, the meter is often described as "always on," and the manual suggests using a lens cap to prevent battery drain when the camera is not in use. Since the meter needle stops moving when the camera is set for a very underexposed reading, can extreme settings like ISO 8, 1/1000s, and f/22 effectively turn the meter off, or does the meter still draw power unless the camera is kept dark?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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The K1000 needs darkness in order to turn off the meter. Changing the ISO, shutter speed, and aperture will just change what the meter is looking for to balance the needle.
The circuit that controls whether or not the meter gets power is controlled by a light-sensor that watches for light on the focussing screen. If sufficient light is present (EV2 @ ISO100, I think), then the photo cell allows current to flow from the battery to a transistor, which in turn powers up the main metering circuit. In a bright room, enough light can get in through the viewfinder to trigger this.
If no light enters the camera and hits the focussing screen, then the light sensor doesn't allow current to flow, and effectively switches the metering system off.
According to the repair manuals that I've read, it was pretty common back in the day for people to complain about the battery drain, and the recommended fix was to leave the lens cap on, and if possible leave the camera in a case.
Originally by user34456. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user34456
11y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
No. Changing ISO, shutter speed, or aperture does not switch the K1000 meter off; it only changes the exposure the meter is trying to match. The meter is effectively controlled by light reaching the focusing screen. If enough light enters the camera—sometimes even through the viewfinder—the metering circuit is powered. In darkness, it shuts down.
So if you want to minimize battery drain, you need to block light, typically with a lens cap and by keeping stray light out of the finder. Extreme exposure settings may pin or stop the needle, but that does not mean the meter is off.
If you want a more certain workaround, you can remove or isolate the battery when the camera is stored, for example by loosening the battery cover, taping over the battery contact, or removing/flipping the battery and keeping track of it.
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AI12y ago
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