Pentax ESll viewfinder issues.

JimboWalker · 09-03-2018, 12:47 PM

I have recently purchased a very nice, fully functional ESll, but the viewfinder has an annoying fuzzy horizontal line near the bottom third. When I back my eye away from the finder the line comes into focus as sharp, line of something that may be the edge of one of the mirrors or adhesive. My focus seems to be OK. I have seen this before with a Spotmatic on ebay. I am not willing to open this camera up myself. Any good repair people left to take a look? I may ignore and shoot anyway, but I love this camera otherwise! Thanks!

**gofour3** · 09-03-2018, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by JimboWalker

I have recently purchased a very nice, fully functional ESll, but the viewfinder has an annoying fuzzy horizontal line near the bottom third. When I back my eye away from the finder the line comes into focus as sharp, line of something that may be the edge of one of the mirrors or adhesive. My focus seems to be OK. I have seen this before with a Spotmatic on ebay. I am not willing to open this camera up myself. Any good repair people left to take a look? I may ignore and shoot anyway, but I love this camera otherwise! Thanks!

Welcome to the forum!

Give Eric a shout, he can fix it:

Pentax Camera Repairs

Phil.

**twilhelm** · 09-03-2018, 03:13 PM

Camera repair people have become scarce. I have a good one down the road from me, but if you don’t live by me, or have one locally, give Eric a shout. A good CLA and your ESII will last a long time.

**Just1MoreDave** · 09-03-2018, 06:26 PM

Doesn't the ESII have viewfinder blinds? Most cameras don't, so you have to cap the viewfinder to limit stray light altering the meter for a long exposure. But I think the ESII has an internal blind that you can set to block the viewfinder, and that may be what you see. Look up a manual and see if I'm right.

lesmore49 · 09-03-2018, 07:37 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

Doesn't the ESII have viewfinder blinds? Most cameras don't, so you have to cap the viewfinder to limit stray light altering the meter for a long exposure. But I think the ESII has an internal blind that you can set to block the viewfinder, and that may be what you see. Look up a manual and see if I'm right.

It does and I agree with your suggestion to the OP...to try that before he sends it off.

JimboWalker · 09-04-2018, 03:35 PM

I have contacted Eric and he gave a general quote, but he is not taking any more work until December. Yes, I have working blinds in the finder, but that is not the problem. I think a mirror has come loose in the prism and I'm seeing some edge of adhesive? A sharp, uneven black line when I move my eye back from the eyepiece. The camera shows no sign of impact though.

09-03-2018, 12:47 PM	#1
JimboWalker Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 52	Pentax ESll viewfinder issues. I have recently purchased a very nice, fully functional ESll, but the viewfinder has an annoying fuzzy horizontal line near the bottom third. When I back my eye away from the finder the line comes into focus as sharp, line of something that may be the edge of one of the mirrors or adhesive. My focus seems to be OK. I have seen this before with a Spotmatic on ebay. I am not willing to open this camera up myself. Any good repair people left to take a look? I may ignore and shoot anyway, but I love this camera otherwise! Thanks!

09-04-2018, 03:35 PM	#6
JimboWalker Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 52 Original Poster	Thanks! I have contacted Eric and he gave a general quote, but he is not taking any more work until December. Yes, I have working blinds in the finder, but that is not the problem. I think a mirror has come loose in the prism and I'm seeing some edge of adhesive? A sharp, uneven black line when I move my eye back from the eyepiece. The camera shows no sign of impact though.

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09-03-2018, 02:19 PM	#2
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,088	Originally posted by JimboWalker I have recently purchased a very nice, fully functional ESll, but the viewfinder has an annoying fuzzy horizontal line near the bottom third. When I back my eye away from the finder the line comes into focus as sharp, line of something that may be the edge of one of the mirrors or adhesive. My focus seems to be OK. I have seen this before with a Spotmatic on ebay. I am not willing to open this camera up myself. Any good repair people left to take a look? I may ignore and shoot anyway, but I love this camera otherwise! Thanks! Welcome to the forum! Give Eric a shout, he can fix it: Pentax Camera Repairs Phil.

09-03-2018, 03:13 PM	#3
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Camera repair people have become scarce. I have a good one down the road from me, but if you don’t live by me, or have one locally, give Eric a shout. A good CLA and your ESII will last a long time.

09-03-2018, 06:26 PM	#4
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,339	Doesn't the ESII have viewfinder blinds? Most cameras don't, so you have to cap the viewfinder to limit stray light altering the meter for a long exposure. But I think the ESII has an internal blind that you can set to block the viewfinder, and that may be what you see. Look up a manual and see if I'm right.

09-03-2018, 07:37 PM	#5
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,325	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave Doesn't the ESII have viewfinder blinds? Most cameras don't, so you have to cap the viewfinder to limit stray light altering the meter for a long exposure. But I think the ESII has an internal blind that you can set to block the viewfinder, and that may be what you see. Look up a manual and see if I'm right. It does and I agree with your suggestion to the OP...to try that before he sends it off.

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