Dead Pentax LX

cooltouch · 05-04-2021, 09:05 PM

Thanks much, Allen!

Mr. B · 05-05-2021, 02:03 AM

Did anyone try to repair the sticky mirror and lubricate the gears?
I have an LX in beautiful condition but the mirror is sticky

cooltouch · 05-05-2021, 02:46 AM - **1 Like**

I researched the topic at some length, but eventually decided to have my local professional camera repair shop handle it. They did a good job, so ultimately it was worth it.

photoaki · 05-05-2021, 09:47 AM

Originally posted by cooltouch

I researched the topic at some length, but eventually decided to have my local professional camera repair shop handle it. They did a good job, so ultimately it was worth it.

How much did it cost you, if you don’t mind the question?
I’m itching to get one, just wondering what it may cost to have it serviced.

**aslyfox** · 05-05-2021, 10:35 AM

Originally posted by cooltouch

Thanks much, Allen!

may I suggest for those looking for information on the LX, this thread might prove to be helpful

Quote:

Sources for information about the LX, please add your knowledge to this thread
I recently acquired an LX from a forum member and I sought information and answers about the LX and here is what I have found -

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/419204-sour...ml#post5190436

if any one can add more information on the LX please add to that thread

Eyewanders · 05-05-2021, 12:33 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

may I suggest for those looking for information on the LX, this thread might prove to be helpful

Sources for information about the LX, please add your knowledge to this thread - Page 4 - PentaxForums.com

if any one can add more information on the LX please add to that thread

You may consider requesting that thread be stickied and appending the first post with info links that are pertinent/useful enough to be up top. But at the same time you'd need to take long-term ownership of that OP.... These sorts of threads can be remarkably useful but also have a tendency to drift out of date as time goes by and the links therein become defunct. (I know you know all of this.)

cooltouch · 05-07-2021, 09:52 PM

Originally posted by photoaki

How much did it cost you, if you don’t mind the question?
I’m itching to get one, just wondering what it may cost to have it serviced.

My local professional repair facility charged me $80 for the service.

photoaki · 05-08-2021, 08:10 AM

Originally posted by cooltouch

My local professional repair facility charged me $80 for the service.

Thanks for responding.
That seems very reasonable.

cooltouch · 05-09-2021, 07:47 AM

Professional Camera Repair - Houston, Texas, Sensor Cleaning, Digital Camera Repair, Film Camera Repair, Medium and Large Format Camera Repairs

Most all the local pros bring their gear to these guys for servicing. They do mail order.

photoaki · 05-09-2021, 09:07 PM

Originally posted by cooltouch

Professional Camera Repair - Houston, Texas, Sensor Cleaning, Digital Camera Repair, Film Camera Repair, Medium and Large Format Camera Repairs

Most all the local pros bring their gear to these guys for servicing. They do mail order.

Great, good to know. I don’t know of a local repair guy in my area.
Thanks again!

Problem specific to the LX, as I understand, is that repairs can easily run north of $200. On eBay, descriptions are usually “mint”, “like new”, etc., no way to know unless you trust the seller. I’ve had mixed results.

**aslyfox** · 05-10-2021, 12:03 AM

Originally posted by photoaki

. . . Problem specific to the LX, as I understand, is that repairs can easily run north of $200. . . . .

that is if you can even find the parts necessary to make the repairs

cooltouch · 05-10-2021, 07:02 AM

Originally posted by photoaki

Problem specific to the LX, as I understand, is that repairs can easily run north of $200. On eBay, descriptions are usually “mint”, “like new”, etc., no way to know unless you trust the seller. I’ve had mixed results.

Yep. I picked mine up from an auction at Goodwill's auction site. Got it for a great price, but it wasn't without its issues. It had the sticky mirror syndrome, plus the focus was way off. The lens would read like 30 feet when subject was 10 feet away. Those guys I mentioned above fixed both problems for $80. Maybe I was just lucky? I dunno, but I'm pretty sure the two items were related (If the mirror doesn't come to rest at the right spot, the focusing will be off). I've had them do other repairs for me and they fixed the problems for reasonable sums.

**grhazelton** · 11-09-2021, 03:34 PM

Originally posted by cooltouch

Professional Camera Repair - Houston, Texas, Sensor Cleaning, Digital Camera Repair, Film Camera Repair, Medium and Large Format Camera Repairs

Most all the local pros bring their gear to these guys for servicing. They do mail order.

They did a CLA and adjusted the view screen for proper position and thus proper focus on my Bronica S2a. Not a simple camera to work on! Excellent work. I'll check with them for my 3 LXs. I wonder if they give a volume discount.....

y0chang · 12-07-2021, 02:36 PM

Anyone have issues with a lot of tension on the rewind on the LX. I can get it to rewind but it has so much force that it spins around when I let go. I've tried to keep the rewind button pressed while rewinding but that does not help.

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05-04-2021, 09:05 PM	#16
cooltouch Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 982 Original Poster	Thanks much, Allen!

05-05-2021, 02:03 AM	#17
Mr. B Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Varaždin, Croatia, Europe Photos: Gallery Posts: 295	Did anyone try to repair the sticky mirror and lubricate the gears? I have an LX in beautiful condition but the mirror is sticky

05-05-2021, 02:46 AM - 1 Like	#18
cooltouch Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 982 Original Poster	I researched the topic at some length, but eventually decided to have my local professional camera repair shop handle it. They did a good job, so ultimately it was worth it.

05-05-2021, 09:47 AM	#19
photoaki Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 187	Originally posted by cooltouch I researched the topic at some length, but eventually decided to have my local professional camera repair shop handle it. They did a good job, so ultimately it was worth it. How much did it cost you, if you don’t mind the question? I’m itching to get one, just wondering what it may cost to have it serviced.

05-05-2021, 10:35 AM	#20
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by cooltouch Thanks much, Allen! may I suggest for those looking for information on the LX, this thread might prove to be helpful Quote: Sources for information about the LX, please add your knowledge to this thread I recently acquired an LX from a forum member and I sought information and answers about the LX and here is what I have found - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/419204-sour...ml#post5190436 if any one can add more information on the LX please add to that thread

05-05-2021, 12:33 PM	#21
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by aslyfox may I suggest for those looking for information on the LX, this thread might prove to be helpful Sources for information about the LX, please add your knowledge to this thread - Page 4 - PentaxForums.com if any one can add more information on the LX please add to that thread You may consider requesting that thread be stickied and appending the first post with info links that are pertinent/useful enough to be up top. But at the same time you'd need to take long-term ownership of that OP.... These sorts of threads can be remarkably useful but also have a tendency to drift out of date as time goes by and the links therein become defunct. (I know you know all of this.)

05-07-2021, 09:52 PM	#22
cooltouch Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 982 Original Poster	Originally posted by photoaki How much did it cost you, if you don’t mind the question? I’m itching to get one, just wondering what it may cost to have it serviced. My local professional repair facility charged me $80 for the service.

05-08-2021, 08:10 AM	#23
photoaki Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 187	Originally posted by cooltouch My local professional repair facility charged me $80 for the service. Thanks for responding. That seems very reasonable.

05-09-2021, 07:47 AM	#24
cooltouch Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 982 Original Poster	Professional Camera Repair - Houston, Texas, Sensor Cleaning, Digital Camera Repair, Film Camera Repair, Medium and Large Format Camera Repairs Most all the local pros bring their gear to these guys for servicing. They do mail order.

05-09-2021, 09:07 PM	#25
photoaki Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 187	Originally posted by cooltouch Professional Camera Repair - Houston, Texas, Sensor Cleaning, Digital Camera Repair, Film Camera Repair, Medium and Large Format Camera Repairs Most all the local pros bring their gear to these guys for servicing. They do mail order. Great, good to know. I don’t know of a local repair guy in my area. Thanks again! Problem specific to the LX, as I understand, is that repairs can easily run north of $200. On eBay, descriptions are usually “mint”, “like new”, etc., no way to know unless you trust the seller. I’ve had mixed results.

05-10-2021, 12:03 AM	#26
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by photoaki . . . Problem specific to the LX, as I understand, is that repairs can easily run north of $200. . . . . that is if you can even find the parts necessary to make the repairs

05-10-2021, 07:02 AM	#27
cooltouch Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 982 Original Poster	Originally posted by photoaki Problem specific to the LX, as I understand, is that repairs can easily run north of $200. On eBay, descriptions are usually “mint”, “like new”, etc., no way to know unless you trust the seller. I’ve had mixed results. Yep. I picked mine up from an auction at Goodwill's auction site. Got it for a great price, but it wasn't without its issues. It had the sticky mirror syndrome, plus the focus was way off. The lens would read like 30 feet when subject was 10 feet away. Those guys I mentioned above fixed both problems for $80. Maybe I was just lucky? I dunno, but I'm pretty sure the two items were related (If the mirror doesn't come to rest at the right spot, the focusing will be off). I've had them do other repairs for me and they fixed the problems for reasonable sums.

11-09-2021, 03:34 PM	#28
grhazelton Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jonesboro, GA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	Originally posted by cooltouch Professional Camera Repair - Houston, Texas, Sensor Cleaning, Digital Camera Repair, Film Camera Repair, Medium and Large Format Camera Repairs Most all the local pros bring their gear to these guys for servicing. They do mail order. They did a CLA and adjusted the view screen for proper position and thus proper focus on my Bronica S2a. Not a simple camera to work on! Excellent work. I'll check with them for my 3 LXs. I wonder if they give a volume discount.....

12-07-2021, 02:36 PM	#29
y0chang Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: United States Posts: 793	Anyone have issues with a lot of tension on the rewind on the LX. I can get it to rewind but it has so much force that it spins around when I let go. I've tried to keep the rewind button pressed while rewinding but that does not help.