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F2 prisms and batteries

de-1 dp-11 lr44

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3 replies to this topic

#1
David

David

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Hi

I have just received a really nice F2 in its original box. It came with a DP-11 prism and an unused, mint condition DE-1 as part of the deal. I guess the DE-1 was original to the camera body in the late 1970s and the owner decided to upgrade the meter to the DP-11 and store the DE-1? Should I keep the DE-1 because it is original to the camera, or sell this and keep the DP-11 to use with the F2? I understand that the DE-1 is the basic model but commands a good price as most were forgotten about in favour of more expensive prisms. I think the body is from 1977 (serial number is 7888xxx), so would this have shipped new with a DE-1 attached at that time?

Secondly, I have fitted two new LR44 batteires but the DP-11 meter needle continues to sit far right in the window and doesn't move at all. I don't get any movement when I look through the viewfinder and changes shutter speeds and f-stops either. Is the DP-11 broken? Am i using the wrong batteries? The camera and prism are not far from mint condition, so I am assuming both have had little use over the years.



#2
Merco_61

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Have you remembered to switch the meter on by moving the film-advance lever to the standoff position?

 

The DP-11 should have silver-oxide, not alkaline button cells. What you need in modern nomenclature are SR44 cells. I think they shipped with S76 cells originally. It should power up on new alkalines, but the meter will be erratic as the alkalines drop voltage as they are used.



#3
David

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Yes, I know about the red dot behind the advance lever. Thanks, I will order two SR44 cells. The finder itself looks to be in great condition, so I hope that will do it. What is your opinion on the DE-1 - keep or sell?



#4
Merco_61

Merco_61

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Try the DE-1 before you sell it. It is easier to focus with and brighter than the photomics as the prism is simpler as there is no need for the meter sensor. I usually had one around while I had my F2-s to use in the studio and other simple or controlled lighting.