Spotamatic II View Finder is Black, Can't See through

hmic10 · 01-09-2022, 11:44 AM

Just got this off eBay, Tried different M42 lenses to see if it was a lens issue and its not!! Changed all the aperture setting and Speed settings and nothing. Haven't put any film in yet. Any ideas what might be happening?
I have the original owners manual and didn't see anything

Thoughts?
Thanks
Howard

stevebrot · 01-09-2022, 11:52 AM - **1 Like**

Is it safe to say that the mirror is not down and is blocking the viewfinder?

Steve

hmic10 · 01-09-2022, 12:26 PM

Yes, looks like that , how would I get it down

35mmfilmfan · 01-09-2022, 04:25 PM

Could it be that the mirror is adhering to the foam rubber bumpers surrounding the base of the pentaprism ? If so, easing it gently by the edges with a toothpick may free it - DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK !!!!! If you do not feel confident, then a CLA will solve the issue, but may seem expensive.

mirrorlesslover1962 · 01-09-2022, 07:00 PM

Try prying down the mirror with lens removed generally. Check the condition of viewfinder. If mirror keeps going back, it needs service

hmic10 · 01-09-2022, 07:57 PM

Thank you everyone

stevebrot · 01-10-2022, 03:26 PM - **1 Like**

My suggestion before prying anything is to review whether the camera was sold as fully operational. If so, I would ask for return for refund.

Steve

01-09-2022, 11:44 AM	#1
hmic10 New Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Posts: 4	Spotamatic II View Finder is Black, Can't See through Just got this off eBay, Tried different M42 lenses to see if it was a lens issue and its not!! Changed all the aperture setting and Speed settings and nothing. Haven't put any film in yet. Any ideas what might be happening? I have the original owners manual and didn't see anything Thoughts? Thanks Howard

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Not able to shoot when viewing through view finder	ananda	Pentax K-30 & K-50	4	12-28-2015 09:13 PM
Can't see a thing through the Pentax kx view finder	Ever G	Visitors' Center	2	03-23-2015 05:47 AM
Moire in view finder only and fuzzy look through view finder	Indy78	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	13	06-11-2014 11:36 AM
cant see anything through my view finder of Pentax K1000	MRP1	Visitors' Center	7	02-14-2014 09:38 PM
View finder vs Live View on K5 II	Wingincamera	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	5	12-08-2012 03:47 PM

01-09-2022, 11:52 AM - 1 Like	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Is it safe to say that the mirror is not down and is blocking the viewfinder? Steve

01-09-2022, 12:26 PM	#3
hmic10 New Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Yes, looks like that , how would I get it down

01-09-2022, 04:25 PM	#4
35mmfilmfan Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 4,338	Could it be that the mirror is adhering to the foam rubber bumpers surrounding the base of the pentaprism ? If so, easing it gently by the edges with a toothpick may free it - DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK !!!!! If you do not feel confident, then a CLA will solve the issue, but may seem expensive.

01-09-2022, 07:00 PM	#5
mirrorlesslover1962 New Member Join Date: Jan 2020 Posts: 9	Try prying down the mirror with lens removed generally. Check the condition of viewfinder. If mirror keeps going back, it needs service

01-09-2022, 07:57 PM	#6
hmic10 New Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Thank you everyone

01-10-2022, 03:26 PM - 1 Like	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	My suggestion before prying anything is to review whether the camera was sold as fully operational. If so, I would ask for return for refund. Steve