KEKS has announced their new M-Meter, a modernized version of the old analog Leica M-Meters, and I can’t help but think of that line from the Bob Fosse biopic All That Jazz: “Everything old is new again.”
If you’re unfamiliar with the old Leicameter, let’s do a bit of a dive into Leica’s early adulthood. The first M-mount bodies—really, every M-mount body up to the M5—were meterless. Early Leica photographers had to rely on analog handheld meters to get a proper exposure, use the “Sunny 16” rule, or just take a best guess. Leica solved this problem with a relatively small, top-mounted series of analog meters that would clip onto the top plate and connect to the shutter speed dial. This was a fairly elegant solution, but it wasn’t perfect. First, the meter tended to scratch the top plate of the camera—not a problem for serious shooters, but a huge problem for camera collectors.
The second, and perhaps more serious, issue is that as they aged, they became unreliable tools for measuring light. The earliest Leicameters were simply dials unconnected to the shutter speed dial, but they were self-powered by a selenium cell and required no batteries. Later models, like the Leicameter MR, were designed specifically for M bodies, were more sensitive, and were battery-powered. The problem with older selenium cell light meters is that, with enough exposure, they begin to lose consistency and can become unreliable.
From what I’ve seen—both in press materials and online—the KEKS M-Meter replicates the measurements, form, and function of the Leica MR but updates it with a modern digital meter. According to KEKS, “The new M-Meter is a light meter designed specifically for meterless Leica M bodies. Inspired by the iconic Leica MR Meter, the M-Meter couples with your Leica's shutter speed dial for intuitive operation. The 1.3-inch OLED screen displays all readings and information, while built-in settings allow for customization to suit your shooting style.” Further, it’s powered by a rechargeable internal battery that provides ten hours of battery life. The top features a 1.3-inch OLED display, which looks to make getting a reading easier and faster than the old MR meter’s dial system. The battery, according to the press material, can be charged through a USB-C cable, is replaceable, and is easy to source. It’s being offered in chrome, black chrome, and black paint (presumably a flatter black).
I haven’t yet had the chance to try it out, but I’m optimistic. Last year, I bought the KEKS Rapidwinder and found it to be very well engineered and easy to install. Within the next few weeks, I hope to be able to put my hands on one and compare it to other modern and classic light meters. But I’m optimistic about this item for other reasons—it’s one of a number of items that have come out in the last year catering to classic Leica analog systems. This is a trend that I hope continues to catch on. I’ve loved shooting on my old M3s, both for myself and for work, and it’s always lovely to see new items that keep that old warhorse in the trenches.
Specs
- Color: Chrome / Black Chrome / Black Paint
- Materials: Aluminum / Brass (Black Paint)
- Battery: 240 mAh / 10 hours battery life / Full charge in 1 hour
- Charging port: USB-C
- Display: 1.3-inch OLED display
- Metering: 30° average metering (approximately 50mm lens view)
- Metering mode: Single Metering / Continuous Metering
- Exposure mode: Shutter Priority
- Exposure compensation range: -3 to +3 (1/3)
- Aperture stops: Full, Half, Third
- Aperture value: f/1.0–f/128
- ISO stops: Full, Half, Third
- ISO value: 6–3,200
- EV Range: 1–20
