Pentax LX - only works in automatic mode

mastrand · 10-18-2019, 08:16 AM

So I've had my LX for a while now, and it had generally been working fine, but I dropped it last month and ever since it's been iffy. Contrary to what most people seem to face, my camera is working fine in automatic mode (I've shot a roll and the pictures were well exposed across a range of lighting situations), but as soon as I want to set any shutter speed manually and then press to take a shot, the mirror gets stuck up and the shutter remains open until I switch the shutter speed back to automatic, after which it closes again. I've tried all manual shutter speeds and none of them work, despite them working when set to automatic. Has this happened to anyone before/what can I do?

Ta x

stevebrot · 10-18-2019, 10:18 AM

Mechanical shutter speeds not working? I would blame the fall. Time to for a trip to the shop, I fear.

Edit: OTOH, it may just be the sticky mirror pad problem common to the model. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/174242-lx-sticky-mirror.html

Steve

**sergysergy** · 10-18-2019, 10:43 AM

I think the sticky mirror problem would also affect the automatic mode, wouldn't it?

**scc** · 10-18-2019, 11:24 AM

Yes, definitely (one of my LX had a sticky mirror).

garywakeling · 10-18-2019, 05:23 PM

On the other hand, the auto mode is pretty impressive, for the cost of fixing it may be better to purchase another body ? Good luck.

10-18-2019, 08:16 AM	#1
mastrand New Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: London Posts: 1	Pentax LX - only works in automatic mode So I've had my LX for a while now, and it had generally been working fine, but I dropped it last month and ever since it's been iffy. Contrary to what most people seem to face, my camera is working fine in automatic mode (I've shot a roll and the pictures were well exposed across a range of lighting situations), but as soon as I want to set any shutter speed manually and then press to take a shot, the mirror gets stuck up and the shutter remains open until I switch the shutter speed back to automatic, after which it closes again. I've tried all manual shutter speeds and none of them work, despite them working when set to automatic. Has this happened to anyone before/what can I do? Ta x

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10-18-2019, 10:18 AM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Mechanical shutter speeds not working? I would blame the fall. Time to for a trip to the shop, I fear. Edit: OTOH, it may just be the sticky mirror pad problem common to the model. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/174242-lx-sticky-mirror.html Steve

10-18-2019, 10:43 AM	#3
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,170	I think the sticky mirror problem would also affect the automatic mode, wouldn't it?

10-18-2019, 11:24 AM	#4
scc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 165	Yes, definitely (one of my LX had a sticky mirror).

10-18-2019, 05:23 PM	#5
garywakeling Moderator Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,759	On the other hand, the auto mode is pretty impressive, for the cost of fixing it may be better to purchase another body ? Good luck.