Freakin' battery cap - Leica M6

[martin s]

Of course the unslotted one, it just doesn't want to come off. I searched and tried virtually everything I found (rubber gloves, cloth, ..) how about wd40? Could I use a drop of that?

Thanks, martin

[Livesteamer]

If you resort to WD 40 the key is tiny amounts. You do not want that stuff getting into the camera. Try dipping a toothpick into a small amount of penetrating oil and then touch the toothpick to the edge of the battery cap. Let it sit a day or two and try again. Be patient and Good Luck. Joe

[Pablito]

This happened to me while visiting Japan. I had to use long-nose pliers. Then I replaced the battery covers on both my M6s with the slotted ones when I got home.

"let it sit a day or two" is not always possible.

[Bill58]

Could it be cross-threaded? If so, I'd take/send it to an experienced camera techperson. If it's corrosion (unlikely) use Aerokroil: http://www.kanolabs.com/

[Pablito]

Probably not cross threaded or corrosion. This just happens, it gets stuck. Pain in the as$. Bite the bullet and use the pliers. You'll get a little paint loss. Then replace the cap with the slotted one. They should have sold the camera with the slotted cap to begin with. I guess they were concerned about "looks".

[martin s]

Pliers it is, I'm afraid to break something with the WD40. I'll let you guys know.

martin

[martin s]

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6324/photo57h.jpg

Quick and simple, worked like charm. Thanks!

martin

[SolaresLarrave]

Don Goldberg's solution to this problem: put some masking tape on the battery cap top, apply finger, turn to open.

I've done this and it works. It also helps when the cap is not tightly screwed on.

[KM-25]

I wish to heck I could find or someone would make that infamous meter switch cap. I am tired of keeping my M6TTL shutter in the off position in the bag when it should be ready to shoot.

[hans voralberg]

Anyone has a schematic for the meter off cap?