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

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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: 3,300	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

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