Issue with Pentax ZX-M

Jakedm80 · 03-27-2011, 08:19 PM

I have a ZX-M that I have not used for some time. I can see through the viewfinder, but there is no information displayed in the view. Also, the LCD screen does not show any information except the film light blinking. There is no display of film error or exposure count. Also, the camera will not take a picture. It sounds like a motor is running, but the shutter will not open. Thanks in advance for any information.

Adam · 03-27-2011, 09:04 PM

Flat battery perhaps?

Jakedm80 · 03-28-2011, 02:22 PM

The camera had been stored without batteries and I put new ones in first thing.

MysteryOnion · 03-29-2011, 10:09 AM

I am sorry to suggest, but a common problem on the old Z family plastic cameras is that the plastic gear on the motor will crack with age and the motor will just spin its spindle uselessly. The repair is to upgrade the motor to a full all metal gear and this is not an easy DIY as it requires lots of desoldering and dismantling. The part itself is about $20 dollars... labor... $$$. Check with Eric Hendrickson otherwise the instruction for the DIY of the motor is available.

03-27-2011, 08:19 PM	#1
Jakedm80 Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 2	Issue with Pentax ZX-M I have a ZX-M that I have not used for some time. I can see through the viewfinder, but there is no information displayed in the view. Also, the LCD screen does not show any information except the film light blinking. There is no display of film error or exposure count. Also, the camera will not take a picture. It sounds like a motor is running, but the shutter will not open. Thanks in advance for any information.

03-27-2011, 09:04 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Flat battery perhaps? Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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03-28-2011, 02:22 PM	#3
Jakedm80 Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 2 Original Poster	The camera had been stored without batteries and I put new ones in first thing.

03-29-2011, 10:09 AM	#4
MysteryOnion Giveaway winner! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: beantown Photos: Albums Posts: 944	I am sorry to suggest, but a common problem on the old Z family plastic cameras is that the plastic gear on the motor will crack with age and the motor will just spin its spindle uselessly. The repair is to upgrade the motor to a full all metal gear and this is not an easy DIY as it requires lots of desoldering and dismantling. The part itself is about $20 dollars... labor... $$$. Check with Eric Hendrickson otherwise the instruction for the DIY of the motor is available.