Pentax MX mirror problem

ChrisR

ChrisR

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Hi all, I went on a walking holiday in Cornwall, and the first day we were out in continuous rain and drizzle. I kept shooting black and white in my Pentax MX as I thought it looked somewhat atmospheric, but after a dozen or so shots there was a very different sound as I fired the shutter, and eventually I worked out that the mirror had locked down. That evening I found that turning to a very slow shutter speed freed it, but only temporarily. I took the film out and kept working at it (winding on and firing the shutter), and eventually it seemed OK, but if I leave it for a day or so and then try it again I get the same or a similar problem for the first shot. Can anyone suggest a remedy, or do I need yet another CLA on it?
 
Another CLA :rolleyes: well either the first wasn't done properly or it's one of those cameras (like the T90) that need firing about once a month.
 
excalibur2 said:
Another CLA :rolleyes: well either the first wasn't done properly or it's one of those cameras (like the T90) that need firing about once a month.
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Neither of these in fact; I've had it for a few years and it's not shown any problems before after periods of disuse (it's my "black and white" MX, so shares time with the colour one). It was working fine after its last CLA (by Miles), I attribute the current problems to abuse on my part... it's never been claimed as weather sealed, AFAIK, and I just ignored that and kept on shooting in the rain. Quite what the fault mechanism is, I'm not sure, though.
 
ChrisR said:
Neither of these in fact; I've had it for a few years and it's not shown any problems before after periods of disuse (it's my "black and white" MX, so shares time with the colour one). It was working fine after its last CLA (by Miles), I attribute the current problems to abuse on my part... it's never been claimed as weather sealed, AFAIK, and I just ignored that and kept on shooting in the rain. Quite what the fault mechanism is, I'm not sure, though.
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I take it you've tested the battery and contacts?

The more usual problem with cameras of that age is mirror stuck up - the usual sticky mirror damper.

Not likely when it's had a Miles Makeover.
 
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ChrisR said:
Neither of these in fact; I've had it for a few years and it's not shown any problems before after periods of disuse (it's my "black and white" MX, so shares time with the colour one). It was working fine after its last CLA (by Miles), I attribute the current problems to abuse on my part... it's never been claimed as weather sealed, AFAIK, and I just ignored that and kept on shooting in the rain. Quite what the fault mechanism is, I'm not sure, though.
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H'mm could be the rain I suppose but my S3 is about 15 years older than yours and still works perfectly although about 20 years ago busted the wind on trying to get the last frame and had to have that repaired whether he serviced the camera at the same time I don't know.
 
On devving the film, there are slow shutter speed shots with different exposure left/right, the same fault I had a year or so ago at the Bristol meet (also shooting in the rain). It went back to Miles for fixing after that. I'm beginning to think a "new" Pentax MX might be a good investment... or maybe treat myself to a LX... :) :) :)

ETA researching listings on fleabay, I found one that referred to occasional mirror problems on that particular MX. Maybe it's a known issue?
 
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My ME Super can get sticky if it's not fired regularly. The shutter only fires every three turns of the advance lever, until it's had a bit of fiddling with. I got it for free from a good friend though. so I don't mind firing it off every now and again to keep it working! One of my favourite cameras.

Oh, and the LX is even more prone to shutter stick, I'm afraid. That, and it's a lot heavier.
 
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