New camera(manual)-NEED HELP-Light meter?

ok so i picked up a manual Minolta camera with back, nice strap, leather case, flash, and large lense at a garage sale for my photo class,
question is, when using the light meter, it says 'M' at the top (in red) then there is a red mark on the shutter speed im using and below a red mark on the aperature im using.
(The meter goes down the side so i can see what aperature and shutter speed im at in the view finder).
Its all red and i cant get it to say anyhting else but 'M'.

Anyone know what 'M' means? or is the camera just boken
P.S. no manual came with it.

Its a Minolta x-370

Your nice Minolta camera has a model number ... let us know what it is and we can help you better.

Your camera may need a new battery for the light meter to work. The "M" may be telling you the battery is dead. It uses a mercury battery which was banned many years ago, so you will have to find a replacement. Until then you can use the "sunny 16" rule ... 1/ISO of the film you are using at f/16 in bright sun.

http://www.photobattery.com/zincair.html

There is a red mark next to the distance index on the lenses focusing that is where you would "re-focus" if you were using IR film.

M means Manual operation the light meter is not working correctly. Replace the battery. From your discrption I wil assume it is an old SRT100 SRT101 or SRT102. The battery is under a screw open door on the bottom.

Go to the Mfg website get a phone number or email technical support. Often times they will mail a free manual to customers.