Mirror stuck in up position on SP500 camera

sllimde · 04-20-2021, 01:40 PM

Hello
I found my old SP500 in the bottom of my closet that I haven't seen or used in 20+ years.
I'm selling it so in the process of taking pictures I activated the shutter with the lens off and the viewing mirror popped up and now it stuck in the up position. How do I get it back down??

Sandy Hancock · 04-20-2021, 02:40 PM

Hi Ed, and welcome to the Forums.

Your query might get better traction posted in the "Pentax Film SLR Discussion" sub forum

STARHUNTER94 · 04-20-2021, 06:42 PM

Welcome! I bet there are lots of people here who could help you. Good luck

**ismaelg** · 04-20-2021, 09:26 PM

Hello,

Most likely your mirror return gear needs lubrication.
While this picture is from a different model (K1000) it is very similar and illustrates where it is:

That would need to be cleaned and put the SMALLEST drop of light oil (like sewing machine oil). Exercise it a few times and it should start responding.
That is one of the most common causes of it but of course it could be something else.

Thanks,
Ismael

archaeodude · 04-20-2021, 11:31 PM

Welcome to the forum from the fenlands of England!

**Kerrowdown** · 04-22-2021, 02:23 AM

Welcome to the forum, hope you get your issue resolved quickly

04-20-2021, 01:40 PM	#1
sllimde New Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Posts: 1	Mirror stuck in up position on SP500 camera Hello I found my old SP500 in the bottom of my closet that I haven't seen or used in 20+ years. I'm selling it so in the process of taking pictures I activated the shutter with the lens off and the viewing mirror popped up and now it stuck in the up position. How do I get it back down??

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04-20-2021, 02:40 PM	#2
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Hi Ed, and welcome to the Forums. Your query might get better traction posted in the "Pentax Film SLR Discussion" sub forum

04-20-2021, 06:42 PM	#3
STARHUNTER94 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2019 Posts: 771	Welcome! I bet there are lots of people here who could help you. Good luck

04-20-2021, 09:26 PM	#4
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,683	Hello, Most likely your mirror return gear needs lubrication. While this picture is from a different model (K1000) it is very similar and illustrates where it is: That would need to be cleaned and put the SMALLEST drop of light oil (like sewing machine oil). Exercise it a few times and it should start responding. That is one of the most common causes of it but of course it could be something else. Thanks, Ismael

04-20-2021, 11:31 PM	#5
archaeodude Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Fens Posts: 524	Welcome to the forum from the fenlands of England!

04-22-2021, 02:23 AM	#6
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,833	Welcome to the forum, hope you get your issue resolved quickly