I have purchased this meter while visiting St. Albans, at some point in 1999. There was a small vintage photographic equipment shop, near the abbey’s grounds, so naturally I was attracted like the proverbial moth. An elderly gentleman was the owner, and fount of knowledge he was. At his recommendation, I bought this Weston, which was reading with a slight variation of perhaps 1 stop at that time. No major issue, as I was accustomed to adjusting the cameras in relation to my other meter, an even battered Sekonic.
It had served me well, and I really abused it many times. Not falling on concrete, you understand, but abused it was and it always stood its ground never letting me down. I have stored it in 2004, and took it out in 2016 to revisit the old times, as it were. To my surprise, the meter was still in good condition, but the 1 stop became almost 2 stops under, which was understandable, I guess. So, after a search on who is doing repairs on these models, I have encountered a gentleman, Ian Partridge of www.ian-partridge.com in the UK, and had sent the meter to him. He returned it in about a month, completely overhauled and in pristine condition.
The cell was reading like this meter was made the day before. The cost was excellent and completely affordable, and dealing with Mr. Partridge was a pleasure really. By the way, you should visit his website, you will be amazed what this gentleman has to show for a professional.
I do not use it much these days, but it is always nice to accompany an old Leica with an old meter, like this one that I was talking here about. An old timer, still fighting his way in this digital world.
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