Keks M-Meter review: The ultimate light meter upgrade for Leica film cameras

Shooting with a classic Leica M film camera is a tactile, deliberate experience—one rooted in simplicity and mechanical precision. But for those of us using meterless models like the M2, M3, or M4, that simplicity often comes at the cost of accurate exposure metering. While the romanticism of the Sunny 16 rule has its charm, it rarely holds up in unpredictable light.

Enter the Keks M‑Meter: a modern, rechargeable light meter designed specifically to complement the Leica aesthetic while offering reliable, real-time exposure readings. I’ve spent the past few weeks putting it through its paces on my 1965 Leica M2, and it’s safe to say—this little device might just be the best upgrade a vintage Leica shooter can make.

Keks M‑Meter: Specification

Keks M‑Meter: Build & Handling

From the moment you mount the M‑Meter, it’s clear Keks has done its homework. It borrows the footprint and coupling system of Leica’s original MR meter, yet updates it for the modern age with a body machined from aluminum or brass and a discreet yet bright OLED screen up top.

The unit couples directly to the M2’s shutter speed dial, turning in unison as I adjust settings - a tactile delight and a welcome break from metering apps or handheld devices. What impresses me most is how intuitive it is.

Everything is controlled via a simple rear button, and navigating the menu couldn’t be easier. Within seconds, I was setting minimum and maximum aperture ranges for whichever lens I was using - especially helpful when switching between a fast 28mm and a slower vintage 90mm.

Exposure compensation is just as slick: three quick clicks and I’d dialled in a +1 stop for some dreamy overexposure, ready to go. It feels like the M‑Meter was designed not just for Leica shooters, but by one.

Keks M‑Meter: Performance

In use, the M‑Meter doesn’t falter. I’ve tested it across a range of situations - bright beaches, shadowy interiors, and mixed light - and it metered them all with confidence.

What makes it truly versatile is the ability to switch between single reading mode and a clever continuous mode. A quick double press on the back button activates the latter, and a subtle “C” appears on the display to let you know it’s watching the light for you.

This is perfect when you're on the move - street photography, family trips, or scenes with rapidly shifting light. For those who prefer a slower, more deliberate pace, single mode is ready out of the box: one press for a reading, then it powers down until summoned again. And the battery life? Outstanding.

I charged it fully via USB-C in under an hour and, two weeks later - after shooting 12 rolls of film - I still had 30% left. That’s the kind of reliability you want when you’re miles from the nearest power socket.

Image Gallery

Image 1 of 3

Keks M‑Meter: Final verdict

The Keks M‑Meter isn’t just a light meter - It’s a reinvention of a beloved concept, refined for modern film shooters who crave both function and aesthetic.

It fits beautifully onto a Leica M2, M3, M4, M-A, or any of the older meterless models, and it does so without disrupting the visual harmony of these timeless machines.

It’s one of those rare accessories that actually improves your shooting experience while staying entirely out of the way. The build quality is excellent, the interface is slick and intuitive, and it offers just the right amount of customization to make it feel personal to your workflow.

At around $120 to $140, it’s a very small price to pay for the precision, peace of mind, and polished experience it delivers. And the fact that it comes in chrome, black, or black paint shows just how much Keks understands its audience.

This isn’t a gimmick - it’s a serious tool that feels right at home on one of the world’s most iconic cameras.