Pentax ZX-7 misbehaving

Benjamazeneth · 04-15-2022, 08:33 AM

I got this second hand Pentax yesterday, at first the mirror won’t come down but after several minutes I inserted batteries again and It did. Now when I press any button there’s a weird sound happening inside the main grip point (I suspect some kind of motor?) camera is completely unresponsive. Nothing works, not even the automatic focus. Any ideas?

**ProfessorBuzz** · 04-15-2022, 08:40 AM

Let it sit with batteries in it, powered on for a couple days. It may kill the batteries, but it may help the capacitors come back into working condition.
Start in manual mode, and try exercising dials and buttons.
Did you load it with film in a DX canister?

Benjamazeneth · 04-15-2022, 08:49 AM

Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz

Let it sit with batteries in it, powered on for a couple days. It may kill the batteries, but it may help the capacitors come back into working condition.
Start in manual mode, and try exercising dials and buttons.
Did you load it with film in a DX canister?

Okay, will let it on for the next couple days, yes the canister even though it’s a re-loaded one has the correct DX code of the film, I’m trying to upload a video of the issue.

Benjamazeneth · 04-15-2022, 08:50 AM

Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz

Let it sit with batteries in it, powered on for a couple days. It may kill the batteries, but it may help the capacitors come back into working condition.
Start in manual mode, and try exercising dials and buttons.
Did you load it with film in a DX canister?

Here is the video of the problem:
Pentax Zx-7 weird noise when pressing buttons, anyone know what could it be? : AnalogCommunity

Not a Number · 04-15-2022, 09:03 AM

Sounds like the classic mirror drive motor gear problem. Same symptoms as my MZ-50 (ZX-50). Depending on the market region the series was sold as MZ or ZX. The sound you hear is either the mirror or film advance motor running.

Read more about the problem in the MZ/ZX series:
MZ5n mirror blocked, service manual? - PentaxForums.com

Benjamazeneth · 04-15-2022, 09:17 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Sounds like the classic mirror drive motor gear problem. Same symptoms as my MZ-50 (ZX-50). Depending on the market region the series was sold as MZ or ZX. The sound you hear is either the mirror or film advance motor running.

Read more about the problem in the MZ/ZX series:
MZ5n mirror blocked, service manual? - PentaxForums.com

I’m going to get it fixed at a camera repair shop, fingers crossed, thanks for telling me the problem.

Not a Number · 04-15-2022, 11:04 PM

If it is the mirror motor gear is broken you'll need a replacement. There should be a link to a website in Poland that you can buy a compatible gear.

04-15-2022, 08:33 AM	#1
Benjamazeneth New Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 4	Pentax ZX-7 misbehaving I got this second hand Pentax yesterday, at first the mirror won’t come down but after several minutes I inserted batteries again and It did. Now when I press any button there’s a weird sound happening inside the main grip point (I suspect some kind of motor?) camera is completely unresponsive. Nothing works, not even the automatic focus. Any ideas?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K30 screen misbehaving	Cerebum	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	6	01-10-2018 04:06 AM
K200D misbehaving built-in flash	SlyClockWerkz	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	4	04-20-2013 10:39 PM
K100DS misbehaving	MrA	Pentax DSLR Discussion	12	10-20-2011 03:17 AM

04-15-2022, 08:40 AM	#2
ProfessorBuzz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 1,903	Let it sit with batteries in it, powered on for a couple days. It may kill the batteries, but it may help the capacitors come back into working condition. Start in manual mode, and try exercising dials and buttons. Did you load it with film in a DX canister?

04-15-2022, 08:49 AM	#3
Benjamazeneth New Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz Let it sit with batteries in it, powered on for a couple days. It may kill the batteries, but it may help the capacitors come back into working condition. Start in manual mode, and try exercising dials and buttons. Did you load it with film in a DX canister? Okay, will let it on for the next couple days, yes the canister even though it’s a re-loaded one has the correct DX code of the film, I’m trying to upload a video of the issue.

04-15-2022, 08:50 AM	#4
Benjamazeneth New Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz Let it sit with batteries in it, powered on for a couple days. It may kill the batteries, but it may help the capacitors come back into working condition. Start in manual mode, and try exercising dials and buttons. Did you load it with film in a DX canister? Here is the video of the problem: Pentax Zx-7 weird noise when pressing buttons, anyone know what could it be? : AnalogCommunity

04-15-2022, 09:03 AM	#5
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Sounds like the classic mirror drive motor gear problem. Same symptoms as my MZ-50 (ZX-50). Depending on the market region the series was sold as MZ or ZX. The sound you hear is either the mirror or film advance motor running. Read more about the problem in the MZ/ZX series: MZ5n mirror blocked, service manual? - PentaxForums.com

04-15-2022, 09:17 AM	#6
Benjamazeneth New Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number Sounds like the classic mirror drive motor gear problem. Same symptoms as my MZ-50 (ZX-50). Depending on the market region the series was sold as MZ or ZX. The sound you hear is either the mirror or film advance motor running. Read more about the problem in the MZ/ZX series: MZ5n mirror blocked, service manual? - PentaxForums.com I’m going to get it fixed at a camera repair shop, fingers crossed, thanks for telling me the problem.

04-15-2022, 11:04 PM	#7
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	If it is the mirror motor gear is broken you'll need a replacement. There should be a link to a website in Poland that you can buy a compatible gear.