Pentax Spotmatic ES11 problem

Gordon Lafleur · 10-20-2015, 11:17 AM

I have a pair of Pentax ES11 cameras. I've never been able to make the first one work, even when I put batteries in (AG13s) the light meter and electronic shutter does not work. I assumed it was broken. Now I've aquired a second ES11 and have the same issues. Am I missing something?

bertwert · 10-20-2015, 11:19 AM

Originally posted by Gordon Lafleur

I have a pair of Pentax ES11 cameras. I've never been able to make the first one work, even when I put batteries in (AG13s) the light meter and electronic shutter does not work. I assumed it was broken. Now I've aquired a second ES11 and have the same issues. Am I missing something?

I'm not sure.
But this may help:
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/m42/esii_ps.pdf

Gordon Lafleur · 10-20-2015, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

I'm not sure.
But this may help:
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/m42/esii_ps.pdf

Thanks, I've already looked, it didn't help

Parallax · 10-20-2015, 11:25 AM

Are you setting shutter speed manually? According to a post in this thread,

Quote:

The four 1.5 volt batteries fit in a row under the lens mount under a long cover. As mentioned, the manual speeds are limited to 1/60 125,250,500,1000 and if you use them, the light meter is disabled. You will have to use sunny 16 or another light meter.

Of course that wouldn't explain the shutter not working.

6BQ5 · 10-20-2015, 11:50 AM

The shutter not working after completely winding the lever is a strange tangle. Something is not working for sure. A broken spring? A broken gear? Those assemblies are usually pretty reliable.

The light meter in the Electrospotmatics only worked with more "modern" Takumar lenses that had an aperture arm or you had to use stop-down metering. You may be railed at 1/1000 if you have too much light coming in.

Gordon Lafleur · 10-21-2015, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

The shutter not working after completely winding the lever is a strange tangle. Something is not working for sure. A broken spring? A broken gear? Those assemblies are usually pretty reliable.

The light meter in the Electrospotmatics only worked with more "modern" Takumar lenses that had an aperture arm or you had to use stop-down metering. You may be railed at 1/1000 if you have too much light coming in.

The shutter works fine on manual speeds. Auto does not work. Even with new batteries

10-20-2015, 11:17 AM	#1
Gordon Lafleur New Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 3	Pentax Spotmatic ES11 problem I have a pair of Pentax ES11 cameras. I've never been able to make the first one work, even when I put batteries in (AG13s) the light meter and electronic shutter does not work. I assumed it was broken. Now I've aquired a second ES11 and have the same issues. Am I missing something?

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10-20-2015, 11:19 AM	#2
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172	Originally posted by Gordon Lafleur I have a pair of Pentax ES11 cameras. I've never been able to make the first one work, even when I put batteries in (AG13s) the light meter and electronic shutter does not work. I assumed it was broken. Now I've aquired a second ES11 and have the same issues. Am I missing something? I'm not sure. But this may help: http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/m42/esii_ps.pdf

10-20-2015, 11:20 AM	#3
Gordon Lafleur New Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Originally posted by bertwert I'm not sure. But this may help: http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/m42/esii_ps.pdf Thanks, I've already looked, it didn't help

10-20-2015, 11:25 AM	#4
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,333	Are you setting shutter speed manually? According to a post in this thread, Quote: The four 1.5 volt batteries fit in a row under the lens mount under a long cover. As mentioned, the manual speeds are limited to 1/60 125,250,500,1000 and if you use them, the light meter is disabled. You will have to use sunny 16 or another light meter. Of course that wouldn't explain the shutter not working.

10-20-2015, 11:50 AM	#5
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	The shutter not working after completely winding the lever is a strange tangle. Something is not working for sure. A broken spring? A broken gear? Those assemblies are usually pretty reliable. The light meter in the Electrospotmatics only worked with more "modern" Takumar lenses that had an aperture arm or you had to use stop-down metering. You may be railed at 1/1000 if you have too much light coming in.

10-21-2015, 02:19 PM	#6
Gordon Lafleur New Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Originally posted by 6BQ5 The shutter not working after completely winding the lever is a strange tangle. Something is not working for sure. A broken spring? A broken gear? Those assemblies are usually pretty reliable. The light meter in the Electrospotmatics only worked with more "modern" Takumar lenses that had an aperture arm or you had to use stop-down metering. You may be railed at 1/1000 if you have too much light coming in. The shutter works fine on manual speeds. Auto does not work. Even with new batteries