Originally posted by Docrwm From what I can gather reading the manuals the popup on your camera uses the same mechanism as the SF series. The mechanism on those (and many of the other Pentax cameras from that era) are mechanical not electrical. Good luck.
Thanks very much, good to know!
---------- Post added 11-18-2018 at 11:01 AM ----------
Originally posted by twilhelm I have a ZX-5 with a similar problem. Yes it's a small spring which is broken, detached or lost. Usually I can hold the camera up-side down and press the button and the flash will open enough for me to control it. At that point I have a small piece of "sponge" material which holds it up when needed.
I don't use it often as I also have external flash units on hand, but there are times I just want "that" shot and it's the camera I have on hand.
Thanks, I'll try holding it upside down.
---------- Post added 11-18-2018 at 11:03 AM ----------
Originally posted by Not a Number I don't know if the PZ uses the same part as the MZ / ZX series but here is a DIY repair. Note the part in question is (or at least used to be) available from USCamera.com. I haven't checked recently.
MZ 5 : Built in Flash repair - PentaxForums.com Thanks! I wasn't aware of US Camera for parts, looks like a great resource. Also thanks for the suggestion at looking at repair strategies for other Pentax models, that may give me some good ideas.
---------- Post added 11-18-2018 at 11:04 AM ----------
Originally posted by johnha I'm pretty sure it's a sprung loaded mechanism, the spring holding it up and the release mechanism locking it down and releasing the spring (my EI2000 has a similar issue). With the EI2000 I can raise the flash (which is a different design) by pushing the back of the flash down 'see-sawing' the front up enough to lift it manually (haven't tried this on a Z-1). I presume the spring has either broken or is mis-placed.
Edit: It's not just about the flash, you need to pop it up for the AF illuminator as well (unless you use an external flash with one).
Thanks, good idea on pushing on the back to force it up, I'll try that.
---------- Post added 11-18-2018 at 11:37 AM ----------
OK, some progress! I held the camera upside down while pushing the flash pop button, and the flash opened just enough for me to get my finger on the seam and raise it up all the way. Once raised it stays about 95% up when returned right-side-up, and the flash fires correctly. When I push it down it re-seats. I can pop it up again, but only if camera is upside down. So, I can use it in current form, and might even consider putting a foam spacer to hold it up all the way as another Forum member said he does with his PZ-1P. However, I can see a loose spring inside the flash housing (may be attached at one end still) - right in the center (I expected it to be at the side?). I'm concerned I might loose the spring if I just pop it open and use it this way.
Have any of you disassembled the PZ-1P? I do have parts lists and a service manual I found on the web, and found some description of what screws to remove to get the top cover off. I know about the dangers of stored energy in the flash capacitor.
My wife says I should just send it to an expert, even though it would cost a lot more. I've fixed a few old cameras, but I do have a Petri Color 35 still in pieces because the shutter wouldn't cock when I reassembled it. The shutter worked fine before disassembly, I completely re-did the meter wiring and repaired the battery box with a new terminal insulator I 3D printed myself. The meter works like a charm now, but if I could only figure out what I did wrong on the shutter linkage I'll be all set.
--> Richard.