Pentax Zone V completely off

[PatrickMarq]

I developed today about 11 sheets of film: 4 Ilford Ortho 80, 4 Rollei IR 400 (with and R72 Filter) and HP+ 400. All taken on the same day and the same place.

All of the images are under exposed, by one or two stops. I have used several lenses so this could not be it. Quite strange because I have the habit to slightly overexpose my images 1/2 stop, not on purpose but …

So first I thought it was the new developer, and then I checked the Pentax and the meter was horrible off using the test button. Going to replace the battery because I have no idea how old this is.

So how do I know if the meter is still fine, I will calibrate it again after the battery replacement (can’t remember if I did that in the past).
Going to take off course a test shot but still ?

[Eric Woodbury]

Use a grey card and compare to f/16 rule. Always do a mental check of your exposures even when the meter functions.

[Michael R]

Do you have a camera with built in meter which you can compare with?

I developed today about 11 sheets of film: 4 Ilford Ortho 80, 4 Rollei IR 400 (with and R72 Filter) and HP+ 400. All taken on the same day and the same place.

All of the images are under exposed, by one or two stops. I have used several lenses so this could not be it. Quite strange because I have the habit to slightly overexpose my images 1/2 stop, not on purpose but …

So first I thought it was the new developer, and then I checked the Pentax and the meter was horrible off using the test button. Going to replace the battery because I have no idea how old this is.

So how do I know if the meter is still fine, I will calibrate it again after the battery replacement (can’t remember if I did that in the past).
Going to take off course a test shot but still ?

[ic-racer]

Rollei IR 400 (with and R72 Filter)

Have you used that film with the meter before? I suspect that film would need to be exposed by trial and error.

[ic-racer]

You can calibrate you meter by exposing a uniform target 4 stops under at various settings on the meters 'ASA' dial.
Keep notes and the processed negative that cuts out 1/3 stop of light (compared to blank frame) when placed over the meter, is the correctly exposed negative. That frame's 'ASA' is your meter's 'ASA' setting for that film.

[Drew Wiley]

If it needs recalibration it should be professionally done. But if you don't want to do that, you'll have to take a grey card reading from a trusted meter and see if they match or not.
But indeed, always start with the simplest potential issue. Replace the battery and make sure there is no corrosion.

[PatrickMarq]

Do you have a camera with built in meter which you can compare with?

Yes I do, time to compare this weekend

[PatrickMarq]

Have you used that film with the meter before? I suspect that film would need to be exposed by trial and error.

Not with 4x5 , but with 120 and perfect results. But as I said it happend with 3 kind of filmstock and two lenses.

[PatrickMarq]

If it needs recalibration it should be professionally done. But if you don't want to do that, you'll have to take a grey card reading from a trusted meter and see if they match or not.
But indeed, always start with the simplest potential issue. Replace the battery and make sure there is no corrosion.

I know, but I would like to try and see if the grey card is a bit accurate, and compare with a digital camera as Michael M pointed out.
Shipping the meter off would make me feel naked. Almost everything I have is out for repair/CLA.
Bronica, Fuji GA645Zi and my Polaroid SX-70.
I have a backup Seiconic 758, but still …

[Robert Opheim]

I sometimes forget: bellows factor, and reciprocity factor exposure correction, reciprocity development correction. stopping down. ASA setting on the meter, etc. Way too many things to remember. I don't even try to use CC filters to correct for color shift with long color exposures. How old is the battery in the Pentax V? I have had to replace the battery before. I have two of these meters and I compare their exposures values with each other.