How to Fix a Dead Meter on a Canon Demi EE17

The Canon Demi EE17 is a classic 35mm rangefinder camera known for its compact size and excellent image quality. However, like many vintage cameras, it can suffer from issues with its battery meter. A dead meter can be frustrating, as it prevents you from accurately determining the correct exposure settings. This article will guide you through the process of fixing a dead meter on a Canon Demi EE17, a common problem that can be resolved with some basic tools and techniques.

Understanding the Issue

The dead meter problem on a Canon Demi EE17 is often caused by a corroded battery meter wire. This wire connects the battery compartment to the meter, and over time, it can become damaged due to moisture, oxidation, or simply age. When the wire is corroded, it breaks the electrical circuit, preventing the meter from functioning.

Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

Small Phillips screwdriver
Wire cutters
Soldering iron
Solder
Wire (preferably insulated)
Flux
Magnifying glass (optional)

Repairing the Dead Meter

Follow these steps to repair the dead meter on your Canon Demi EE17:

Remove the battery compartment cover. Locate the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera and unscrew the cover using the Phillips screwdriver.
Locate the battery meter wire. The battery meter wire is a thin, usually red wire that connects to the battery terminal and runs towards the meter. It may be hidden under a small piece of tape or insulation.
Inspect the wire for corrosion. Carefully examine the wire for any signs of corrosion or damage. Look for areas where the wire is discolored, brittle, or broken.
Remove the corroded wire. If you find corrosion, use the wire cutters to carefully cut away the damaged section of the wire. Ensure that you leave enough length on either side to connect the new wire.
Prepare the new wire. Strip a small amount of insulation from both ends of the new wire using the wire cutters. The length of the stripped wire should be sufficient to make a secure connection.
Solder the new wire. Using the soldering iron and solder, carefully solder the new wire to the remaining ends of the old wire. Apply flux to ensure a clean and strong connection.
Test the meter. After soldering, insert a fresh battery into the camera and turn it on. Check if the meter is working. If it's still not functioning, re-check your connections and soldering.
Reassemble the camera. Once you're satisfied with the repair, reassemble the camera by securing the battery compartment cover.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the meter is still not working after following these steps, consider the following:

Check the battery. Ensure that you are using a fresh and compatible battery. A weak battery may not provide enough power to activate the meter.
Inspect the meter itself. The meter might have internal damage or a faulty mechanism. If you suspect this, it's best to seek professional repair.
Clean the contacts. Clean any dirt or corrosion from the battery terminals and the meter contacts using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

Conclusion

Repairing a dead meter on a Canon Demi EE17 is a relatively simple process that can be accomplished with some basic tools and a little patience. By following these steps, you can breathe new life into your vintage camera and enjoy its classic photography capabilities once again.

Remember that working with electronics can be dangerous. If you are unsure about any part of the repair process, it's best to consult a professional technician.

How to Fix a Dead Meter on a Canon Demi EE17