Damn & blast!! I think a problem has occured with my Praktica MTL3 SLr - I was adjusting the speed when the dial seemed to stick for a fraction and then suddenly jumped onto the next setting. When I tried to use the button on the front to give me a light meter reading, the needle now just plummets to below the '-' mark, irrelevant of what shutter speed I'm using. I've tried changing the ASA setting too, just to see if that made a difference but alas, NO!!! aaaargh!!! I've got 3 options as I see it. The camera cost me nothing, but replacing it will obviously mean a purchase which, to be honest, I can't afford right now. 1. Cut my losses, buy a cheap light meter and live with it, spending as much on one of these guys will almost buy a second hand one of the same make and model. 2. Get an estimate on a repair, which in all seriousness will probably cost as much as a cheap second hand one again. 3. Try it myself with either the consequence of it working or once again having to buy a second hand one. Anyone any experience here? Any suggestions? Damn, even noticed it makes a little rattle noise from that area if you jiggle it up & down. (",)

almost all slr's make a rattle noise when you shake it. Things like the mirrors are never hard fastened, because if they were, what would happen if you dropped it from a very low height? The mirror would shatter because there wouldn't be any "give". Having it just a little loose allows it some give. You likely just never noticed the rattle before hand. Of course, it could actually mean it's FUBAR.... but u never know. how much did the camera cost exactly? If a little piece if off kilter inside, it seriously shouldn't cost too much if you bring it to a respectable repair shop (look around for those "Mom n'Pop" type shops, they tend to be a little more honest and are more likely to give u a better deal). At the very least, get an estimate. If it's too much, get a new camera, and then also get a handheld light meter if you can afford one. Hand helds will give you , generally, a much more acurate reading than an in-camera light meter, and are much more useful for shyte like studio shoots, or ones where you have time to use a hand held.

Sorry mate I have no experience with Prakticas It sounds pretty bad to me :( My experiences of repairs are that they cost the earth and replacements always a better option. I would cost the repair and the replacement and go from there. I often get asked if I am interested in seconhand stuff through my club or at work do you want me to keep an eye out for you? :O)