Pentax MX light meter + wind lever

film-love · 08-07-2019, 02:47 AM

Hi all,

first time poster here!

I recently bought a nice Pentax MX. It's nearly spotless with new light seals, although has never gone through a proper CLA and shutter times are slightly off and x-sync doesn't work, not a biggie as I don't shoot slides or use flash, but I will probably need to have it serviced at some point in the coming years.

The camera had a small issue - the light meter would only turn off with the shutter lock. I found plenty of information online and it was a 10-minute fix, a small metal contact under the base plate just needed adjusting. So if you happen to have issues with your light meter, this link was very helpful: Pentax MX Meter Fix

Anyway. I read from the manual that the light meter is supposed to work so that whenever the winding lever is at a 20 degree angle and the light meter is activated, the shutter button remains half-pressed = the meter stays on until the winding lever is pushed back to 0 degrees. This doesn't happen with mine, so there is a problem inside. I actually managed to get it working once, out of a million tries, which would indicate that the mechanism is still there, but something has gotten a bit off.

The meter works great so it's not a big deal in terms of using the camera (at least I won't run out of batteries too quickly) I was just wondering if you reckon this could indicate a more serious issue beneath (I just bought the camera you see)? Or if it's possibly even something that I could fix myself - I don't have proper camera tools though, just a small screwdriver etc. but then again, if it's right under the top plate and it's something that could be accessed with DIY tools, then maybe...

Cuthbert · 08-07-2019, 03:25 AM

It appears it might be something minor but I wouldn't recommend to try to fix it on your own...if you want to invest in a CLA I am pretty sure some reputable tech will sort it out.

pschlute · 08-07-2019, 03:46 AM

Originally posted by film-love

Anyway. I read from the manual that the light meter is supposed to work so that whenever the winding lever is at a 20 degree angle and the light meter is activated, the shutter button remains half-pressed = the meter stays on until the winding lever is pushed back to 0 degrees. This doesn't happen with mine,

Just to be absolutely clear....

with the wind lever flush with the camera the light meter should work on a half press of the shutter button, and will extinguish when the button is released.

with the wind lever in the 20 degree angle detente position the light meter can be turned on by a half press of the shutter button and will remain on when the button is released.

film-love · 08-07-2019, 05:05 AM

Originally posted by Cuthbert

It appears it might be something minor but I wouldn't recommend to try to fix it on your own...if you want to invest in a CLA I am pretty sure some reputable tech will sort it out.

Probably a good idea. I might bring it to a local camera guy in the city within the next year or two anyway for a general checkup and have this looked at then as well.

I would probably be using the light meter in this mode in any case ( = just half-pressing to get a momentary reading) so it's more about knowing the new camera purchase is in good general condition for future years sake. Appearance-wise, the MX looks like it was bought from the shop yesterday. Certainly a camera I'd like to keep.

Originally posted by pschlute

Just to be absolutely clear....

with the wind lever flush with the camera the light meter should work on a half press of the shutter button, and will extinguish when the button is released.

with the wind lever in the 20 degree angle detente position the light meter can be turned on by a half press of the shutter button and will remain on when the button is released.

Yep, I figured as much, thanks. I read somewhere that this mechanism is on the top side of the camera, with the lever movement actually physically holding the shutter button ever so slightly down; when the lever is pushed back, the button also pops up slightly at the same time, breaking the light meter contact (which is on the bottom side of the camera).

pschlute · 08-07-2019, 05:50 AM

Good luck with your MX it is a great camera. Even if the batteries run out you can still take pictures all day.

I still use my MX. I bought it new 39 years ago.

film-love · 08-07-2019, 11:06 AM

Yes, absolutely loving the camera so far - the compact size is perfect for me and it has that weighty feel of a high quality mechanical camera. And it looks awesome.

08-07-2019, 02:47 AM	#1
film-love Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Finland Posts: 38	Pentax MX light meter + wind lever Hi all, first time poster here! I recently bought a nice Pentax MX. It's nearly spotless with new light seals, although has never gone through a proper CLA and shutter times are slightly off and x-sync doesn't work, not a biggie as I don't shoot slides or use flash, but I will probably need to have it serviced at some point in the coming years. The camera had a small issue - the light meter would only turn off with the shutter lock. I found plenty of information online and it was a 10-minute fix, a small metal contact under the base plate just needed adjusting. So if you happen to have issues with your light meter, this link was very helpful: Pentax MX Meter Fix Anyway. I read from the manual that the light meter is supposed to work so that whenever the winding lever is at a 20 degree angle and the light meter is activated, the shutter button remains half-pressed = the meter stays on until the winding lever is pushed back to 0 degrees. This doesn't happen with mine, so there is a problem inside. I actually managed to get it working once, out of a million tries, which would indicate that the mechanism is still there, but something has gotten a bit off. The meter works great so it's not a big deal in terms of using the camera (at least I won't run out of batteries too quickly) I was just wondering if you reckon this could indicate a more serious issue beneath (I just bought the camera you see)? Or if it's possibly even something that I could fix myself - I don't have proper camera tools though, just a small screwdriver etc. but then again, if it's right under the top plate and it's something that could be accessed with DIY tools, then maybe...

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08-07-2019, 03:25 AM	#2
Cuthbert Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,740	It appears it might be something minor but I wouldn't recommend to try to fix it on your own...if you want to invest in a CLA I am pretty sure some reputable tech will sort it out.

08-07-2019, 03:46 AM	#3
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,216	Originally posted by film-love Anyway. I read from the manual that the light meter is supposed to work so that whenever the winding lever is at a 20 degree angle and the light meter is activated, the shutter button remains half-pressed = the meter stays on until the winding lever is pushed back to 0 degrees. This doesn't happen with mine, Just to be absolutely clear.... with the wind lever flush with the camera the light meter should work on a half press of the shutter button, and will extinguish when the button is released. with the wind lever in the 20 degree angle detente position the light meter can be turned on by a half press of the shutter button and will remain on when the button is released.

08-07-2019, 05:05 AM	#4
film-love Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Finland Posts: 38 Original Poster	Originally posted by Cuthbert It appears it might be something minor but I wouldn't recommend to try to fix it on your own...if you want to invest in a CLA I am pretty sure some reputable tech will sort it out. Probably a good idea. I might bring it to a local camera guy in the city within the next year or two anyway for a general checkup and have this looked at then as well. I would probably be using the light meter in this mode in any case ( = just half-pressing to get a momentary reading) so it's more about knowing the new camera purchase is in good general condition for future years sake. Appearance-wise, the MX looks like it was bought from the shop yesterday. Certainly a camera I'd like to keep. Originally posted by pschlute Just to be absolutely clear.... with the wind lever flush with the camera the light meter should work on a half press of the shutter button, and will extinguish when the button is released. with the wind lever in the 20 degree angle detente position the light meter can be turned on by a half press of the shutter button and will remain on when the button is released. Yep, I figured as much, thanks. I read somewhere that this mechanism is on the top side of the camera, with the lever movement actually physically holding the shutter button ever so slightly down; when the lever is pushed back, the button also pops up slightly at the same time, breaking the light meter contact (which is on the bottom side of the camera).

08-07-2019, 05:50 AM	#5
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,216	Good luck with your MX it is a great camera. Even if the batteries run out you can still take pictures all day. I still use my MX. I bought it new 39 years ago.

08-07-2019, 11:06 AM	#6
film-love Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Finland Posts: 38 Original Poster	Yes, absolutely loving the camera so far - the compact size is perfect for me and it has that weighty feel of a high quality mechanical camera. And it looks awesome.