film keeps winding without me taking pictures.

carlos__sanchez · 10-09-2015, 07:04 PM

Hey guys! I need some help with my camera.
I just bought a used Pentax zx-50, I have no prior knowledge of this camera and I have several issues that I don't know how to handle.
Every time I change a setting the film winds like if I have taken a picture. For example I was switching between the modes "portrait" "landscape" etc., and it keeps winding the film.
and when I try to take the picture nothing happens there is no shutter indicating a picture has been taken and when the shutter does go off the mirror stays up and doesn't allow me to see through the viewfinder. please help!

Adam · 10-09-2015, 07:19 PM

Is the film inserted properly?

Not a Number · 10-09-2015, 07:39 PM

Sounds like symptoms of the cracked pinion gear.

carlos__sanchez · 10-15-2015, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by carlos__sanchez

Hey guys! I need some help with my camera.
I just bought a used Pentax zx-50, I have no prior knowledge of this camera and I have several issues that I don't know how to handle.
Every time I change a setting the film winds like if I have taken a picture. For example I was switching between the modes "portrait" "landscape" etc., and it keeps winding the film.
and when I try to take the picture nothing happens there is no shutter indicating a picture has been taken and when the shutter does go off the mirror stays up and doesn't allow me to see through the viewfinder. please help!

yes the film was installed properly.

Not a Number · 10-15-2015, 06:46 PM

Probably related to this very common problem with the zx/mz series of cameras

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/39450-mz5n-m...ce-manual.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/54794-lookin...n-mz-50-a.html

My ZX-50 mirror locked up and the motor keeps running. The flash has the popup problem too. Not worth repairing.

10-09-2015, 07:04 PM	#1
carlos__sanchez New Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 2	film keeps winding without me taking pictures. Hey guys! I need some help with my camera. I just bought a used Pentax zx-50, I have no prior knowledge of this camera and I have several issues that I don't know how to handle. Every time I change a setting the film winds like if I have taken a picture. For example I was switching between the modes "portrait" "landscape" etc., and it keeps winding the film. and when I try to take the picture nothing happens there is no shutter indicating a picture has been taken and when the shutter does go off the mirror stays up and doesn't allow me to see through the viewfinder. please help!

10-09-2015, 07:19 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Is the film inserted properly? 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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10-09-2015, 07:39 PM	#3
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Sounds like symptoms of the cracked pinion gear.

10-15-2015, 04:29 PM	#4
carlos__sanchez New Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 2 Original Poster	Originally posted by carlos__sanchez Hey guys! I need some help with my camera. I just bought a used Pentax zx-50, I have no prior knowledge of this camera and I have several issues that I don't know how to handle. Every time I change a setting the film winds like if I have taken a picture. For example I was switching between the modes "portrait" "landscape" etc., and it keeps winding the film. and when I try to take the picture nothing happens there is no shutter indicating a picture has been taken and when the shutter does go off the mirror stays up and doesn't allow me to see through the viewfinder. please help! yes the film was installed properly.

10-15-2015, 06:46 PM	#5
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Probably related to this very common problem with the zx/mz series of cameras https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/39450-mz5n-m...ce-manual.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/54794-lookin...n-mz-50-a.html My ZX-50 mirror locked up and the motor keeps running. The flash has the popup problem too. Not worth repairing.