The review: new mechanically coupled light meter for 2.8F and 3.5F
Pic 1-4 how does it work?
When you change exposure settings (shutter, aperture, iso, and exposure compensation) a little metal tab will go up and down. The new meter has a spring loaded nib that will sense the location of the metal tab, thus it's mechanically coupled with Rollei's original system.
Pic 5-6 In it's working state:
you can see with two different exposure settings the digital needle moves up and down.
Pic 7 calibration:
When first installed, you have to go through menus to set max (1/500 shutter, f22, iso100) and min (1s shutter, f3.5, iso100) so the meter is calibrated.
Pic 8-9 in action:
note that the new meter is about a few mm taller than original. you can see a small opening facing forward that's where the photo sensor is, blocking it will mess with the function of the meter.
Miscs:
- not the simplest to install and calibrate, you pretty much have to install and seat the meter blindly in, it took me a few tries. The kit did come with all the tools but you are better off with you own.
- price and where to buy, I bought on Taobao for 859 RMB, which is a bit over 100 USD. Dont ask me for links please, do your own research
- accuracy, fairly accurate compare to my dedicated meter and smartphone.
- compatibility: as long as your rollei body can make that little metal tab move, you should be good, YMMV though.