Pentax K1000 Meter Repair

[Shiladitya]

The meter on my otherwise perfectly working K1000 was dead since the time I got it. I decided to get a little adventurous and try to repair it myself. As a result I started reading the 109 page K1000 service manual very intently .

Anyway, after removing the bottom cover and the battery chamber, the first part of the problem was encountered. The black wire that connects to the negative battery terminal had come off.

So I am happy, at least for now I do not have to open the top cover to reach the actual metering circuit and photocells and the rest of it. But going by the Service manual I have the later model of the camera which has a stainless steel battery terminal and it is difficult to solder a wire to stainless steel. It recommends that a conductive adhesive be used like conductive epoxy.

Would this work. Click here to see on Ebay

Can anyone suggest any alternatives that can be used.

EDIT: Will a copper or Silver conductive adhesive tape work?

Thanks for all the help.

[visualopsins]

that is the correct epoxy to use, but it is expensive! your local electronics supply store is probably a more economical source.

another alternative is to use a mechanical connection, such as a crimp or a tiny nut&bolt (if room enough) -- the goal is an airtight connection that will not corrode and degrade over time.

[unclemack]

In the past for a quick repair I've cut off the wire-clamp part of an automotive crimp connector and soldered a wire to it, then crimped it to the battery terminal. Works just fine!

[Shiladitya]

Thanks siriusdogstar for confirming. My search in the local strores did not prove successful. Will try some bigger shops during the weekend.

What about the conductive tapes? Would they work here?

unclemack, The crimp connector idea is good as well, will try this if I do not get the epoxy.