Pentax MX mirror stuck up

striker_ · 05-07-2014, 02:10 AM

Hi

The mirror on my Pentax MX is stuck in open position. It is not the foam making it stuck because when I push it down it goes back up. The shutter works. I can see it open and close but the mirror just doesnt wanna go diwn. It thinks it is in live view mode.

Any ideas how to fix it?

tim60 · 05-07-2014, 03:40 AM

Has it ever been cleaned? I would suspect some oil has dried off and made a sticky surface somewhere in the mechanism.

**Moe49** · 05-07-2014, 04:16 AM

The mirror gets stuck during the longer shutter cycles, right?
Like 1/2 sec or 1/4 second. But does not get stuck in the up position when you use a faster shutter speed, like 1/500 or 1/250?
Have you tried rotating the shutter speed dial from slow to faster speeds? That often works to 'un-stuck' the mirror and return it to its normal position.

Likely a case of the mirror timer in the bottom of the camera is gummed up with goo, and needs to be cleaned.
Time for a CLA.

striker_ · 05-07-2014, 02:34 PM

Feels like it affects all shuttespeed. Sometimes it will drop down when I push it and fire.
Just got it from an auction so its never been cleaned I think.

Anyone know which part of the mechanism needs to be fixed? Im quite handy so its no problem but I dont know where the fault is located.

**gofour3** · 05-07-2014, 04:42 PM

Originally posted by striker_

Anyone know which part of the mechanism needs to be fixed? Im quite handy so its no problem but I dont know where the fault is located.

It will need a CLA, which includes removing the old foam/seals and replacing them.

There are DIY kits on the internet, otherwise Eric or a closer Pentax tech is recommended.

Phil.

05-07-2014, 02:10 AM	#1
striker_ Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sweden Posts: 158	Pentax MX mirror stuck up Hi The mirror on my Pentax MX is stuck in open position. It is not the foam making it stuck because when I push it down it goes back up. The shutter works. I can see it open and close but the mirror just doesnt wanna go diwn. It thinks it is in live view mode. Any ideas how to fix it?

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05-07-2014, 03:40 AM	#2
tim60 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 8,742	Has it ever been cleaned? I would suspect some oil has dried off and made a sticky surface somewhere in the mechanism.

05-07-2014, 04:16 AM	#3
Moe49 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz Mtns. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 874	The mirror gets stuck during the longer shutter cycles, right? Like 1/2 sec or 1/4 second. But does not get stuck in the up position when you use a faster shutter speed, like 1/500 or 1/250? Have you tried rotating the shutter speed dial from slow to faster speeds? That often works to 'un-stuck' the mirror and return it to its normal position. Likely a case of the mirror timer in the bottom of the camera is gummed up with goo, and needs to be cleaned. Time for a CLA.

05-07-2014, 02:34 PM	#4
striker_ Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sweden Posts: 158 Original Poster	Feels like it affects all shuttespeed. Sometimes it will drop down when I push it and fire. Just got it from an auction so its never been cleaned I think. Anyone know which part of the mechanism needs to be fixed? Im quite handy so its no problem but I dont know where the fault is located.

05-07-2014, 04:42 PM	#5
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,090	Originally posted by striker_ Anyone know which part of the mechanism needs to be fixed? Im quite handy so its no problem but I dont know where the fault is located. It will need a CLA, which includes removing the old foam/seals and replacing them. There are DIY kits on the internet, otherwise Eric or a closer Pentax tech is recommended. Phil.

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