The transition energies of nine low energy primary transitions from high spin isomers in 196, i98,199,zoo,zolpb have been measured with conversion electron spectroscopy using e-e-and e-7 coincidences. B(E2) values as deduced from the measured lifetimes and transition energies are discussed in terms of seniority shell model configurations and of a quasiparticle Tamm-Dancoff approach using the surface delta interaction. A revised discussion of the effective E2 charge in neutron deficient Pb isotopes is presented.