ZX-10 help

Docrwm · 11-17-2018, 09:18 PM

I've read the ZX-10 manual and it says to practice with the camera without film to become familiar with its operation. Ok. Problem is that the camera powers up, everything sets up and then it whirls and will not function. It seems to be searching for a film canister. So, can the ZX-10 be fired without film in it or is this one just DOA? Thanks.

Not a Number · 11-17-2018, 10:35 PM - **1 Like**

It might be the common problem of the mirror motor gear having broken. The gear broke on my MX-50 and one of the motors runs constantly if I put batteries in it and turn it on - film or no film.

One of the many threads on the mirror gear:
MZ5n mirror blocked, service manual? - PentaxForums.com

There's a website in Poland (as I recall) that sells a compatible gear - it should be linked in the thread if not I have it saved somewhere.

**twilhelm** · 11-18-2018, 06:43 AM - **1 Like**

Sounds like it’s DOA, likely the mirror gear as Not a Number said. Just to be sure, I checked my MZ and ZX and both will fire without film (or a lens for that matter).

Docrwm · 11-18-2018, 07:29 AM

Originally posted by twilhelm

Sounds like it’s DOA, likely the mirror gear as Not a Number said. Just to be sure, I checked my MZ and ZX and both will fire without film (or a lens for that matter).

Gracias. Sad but glad to know it's not something I'm doing wrong.

**rosettaquarrier** · 11-18-2018, 08:59 AM - **1 Like**

Does it make a whining noise when you turn it on? I've had a bunch of these and thats generally a sign it's DOA.

Docrwm · 11-18-2018, 09:20 AM

Originally posted by rosettaquarrier

Does it make a whining noise when you turn it on? I've had a bunch of these and thats generally a sign it's DOA.

Yup. Methinks it is DOA. Scavenge the plugs and covers and chuck it in the trash.....

**rosettaquarrier** · 11-18-2018, 09:40 AM

Sound like it.

Some people sell them on ebay for parts - but to be honest who would buy one for parts when they are generally super cheap anyway... Probably not worth the bother.

Docrwm · 11-18-2018, 10:07 AM

Originally posted by rosettaquarrier

Sound like it.

Some people sell them on ebay for parts - but to be honest who would buy one for parts when they are generally super cheap anyway... Probably not worth the bother.

I have to agree. I'd be happy to send it to anyone here that wants to pay shipping. Again, why bother but I thought I'd throw the offer out before I throw the camera out.

**twilhelm** · 11-18-2018, 10:58 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

I have to agree. I'd be happy to send it to anyone here that wants to pay shipping. Again, why bother but I thought I'd throw the offer out before I throw the camera out.

Actually, I’ll probably take you up on that. I’ve been considering finding a known DOA MZ or ZX body to disassemble. I really like the MZ-3 and 5 cameras which seem to have the most trouble with the gear stripping. That way I could see if it’s worth my time to order some gears and repair a couple.

Not a Number · 11-18-2018, 11:07 AM

Both the flash pivot and the gear broke on my MZ-50. I don't think it's worth fixing. The gear doesn't strip, but rather splits. I've seen this happen quite often with plastic pinion gears.

Docrwm · 11-18-2018, 11:44 AM

Originally posted by twilhelm

Actually, I’ll probably take you up on that. I’ve been considering finding a known DOA MZ or ZX body to disassemble. I really like the MZ-3 and 5 cameras which seem to have the most trouble with the gear stripping. That way I could see if it’s worth my time to order some gears and repair a couple.

I also have a DOA SF1.........

PM my your address and I'll figure out what it will cost USPS to you. We can work that out.

11-17-2018, 09:18 PM	#1
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	ZX-10 help I've read the ZX-10 manual and it says to practice with the camera without film to become familiar with its operation. Ok. Problem is that the camera powers up, everything sets up and then it whirls and will not function. It seems to be searching for a film canister. So, can the ZX-10 be fired without film in it or is this one just DOA? Thanks.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
ZX-L (MZ-6) and ZX-7 (MZ-7) backs the same?	TwoUptons	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	3	12-29-2017 11:32 AM
Pentax MZ-10/ZX-10 anyone?	Voe	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	13	12-20-2009 11:52 AM
ZX-7 vs ZX-10	shiestmiester	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	18	04-06-2009 04:50 AM
MZ-7/ZX7 or MZ-10/ZX-10?	filmamigo	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	3	05-14-2008 11:28 AM
For Sale - Sold: FS: Pentax ME w/50mm f/1.7, PZ-10, ZX-10, holster bags, etc.	igowerf	Sold Items	2	07-15-2007 01:03 PM

11-17-2018, 10:35 PM - 1 Like	#2
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	It might be the common problem of the mirror motor gear having broken. The gear broke on my MX-50 and one of the motors runs constantly if I put batteries in it and turn it on - film or no film. One of the many threads on the mirror gear: MZ5n mirror blocked, service manual? - PentaxForums.com There's a website in Poland (as I recall) that sells a compatible gear - it should be linked in the thread if not I have it saved somewhere.

11-18-2018, 06:43 AM - 1 Like	#3
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Sounds like it’s DOA, likely the mirror gear as Not a Number said. Just to be sure, I checked my MZ and ZX and both will fire without film (or a lens for that matter).

11-18-2018, 07:29 AM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by twilhelm Sounds like it’s DOA, likely the mirror gear as Not a Number said. Just to be sure, I checked my MZ and ZX and both will fire without film (or a lens for that matter). Gracias. Sad but glad to know it's not something I'm doing wrong.

11-18-2018, 08:59 AM - 1 Like	#5
rosettaquarrier Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sandy, UT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,099	Does it make a whining noise when you turn it on? I've had a bunch of these and thats generally a sign it's DOA.

11-18-2018, 09:20 AM	#6
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by rosettaquarrier Does it make a whining noise when you turn it on? I've had a bunch of these and thats generally a sign it's DOA. Yup. Methinks it is DOA. Scavenge the plugs and covers and chuck it in the trash.....

11-18-2018, 09:40 AM	#7
rosettaquarrier Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sandy, UT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,099	Sound like it. Some people sell them on ebay for parts - but to be honest who would buy one for parts when they are generally super cheap anyway... Probably not worth the bother.

11-18-2018, 10:07 AM	#8
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by rosettaquarrier Sound like it. Some people sell them on ebay for parts - but to be honest who would buy one for parts when they are generally super cheap anyway... Probably not worth the bother. I have to agree. I'd be happy to send it to anyone here that wants to pay shipping. Again, why bother but I thought I'd throw the offer out before I throw the camera out.

11-18-2018, 10:58 AM	#9
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Originally posted by Docrwm I have to agree. I'd be happy to send it to anyone here that wants to pay shipping. Again, why bother but I thought I'd throw the offer out before I throw the camera out. Actually, I’ll probably take you up on that. I’ve been considering finding a known DOA MZ or ZX body to disassemble. I really like the MZ-3 and 5 cameras which seem to have the most trouble with the gear stripping. That way I could see if it’s worth my time to order some gears and repair a couple.

11-18-2018, 11:07 AM	#10
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Both the flash pivot and the gear broke on my MZ-50. I don't think it's worth fixing. The gear doesn't strip, but rather splits. I've seen this happen quite often with plastic pinion gears.

11-18-2018, 11:44 AM	#11
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by twilhelm Actually, I’ll probably take you up on that. I’ve been considering finding a known DOA MZ or ZX body to disassemble. I really like the MZ-3 and 5 cameras which seem to have the most trouble with the gear stripping. That way I could see if it’s worth my time to order some gears and repair a couple. I also have a DOA SF1......... PM my your address and I'll figure out what it will cost USPS to you. We can work that out.