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frank · 11-28-2008, 03:37 PM

Hi All,

Recently I notice that the mirror in my LX seems to be too loose or something. After each shot the mirror flips down, then jumps back a little bit. I can clearly see the subject in viewfinder moves up and down after each shot. It's like the whole view shakes a bit after each shot. I also got a beaten up MX, the mirror doesn't behave like this.

Wonder if anyone else has ever seen the same problem before? Didn't see any effect on the metering or focusing, but I'd like to know if I should have it fixed.

Your tips n suggestions will be very appreciated.

Thanks and cheers!

Wheatfield · 11-28-2008, 04:40 PM

There is a rubber bumper on the mirror rest. You can see the assembly by locking up the mirror and looking into the mirror box. I don't recall which side it is on, but the rest is a small arm screwed to the side of the mirror box.
The bumper is prone to degrading (sticky mirror is one affliction that this can cause), and also to falling off altogether.
Check to ensure that the bumper is in place, as if it is missing, the mirror rest isn't padded and the mirror can ricochet a bit when it returns to rest.
You can also actuate the mirror lock up while looking at the mirror to see if it appears to be moving normally. It should move slightly up and backwards before flipping up out of the light path.
Generally, problems with the LX mirror also cause focus problems.

frank · 11-29-2008, 07:15 AM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

There is a rubber bumper on the mirror rest. You can see the assembly by locking up the mirror and looking into the mirror box. I don't recall which side it is on, but the rest is a small arm screwed to the side of the mirror box.
The bumper is prone to degrading (sticky mirror is one affliction that this can cause), and also to falling off altogether.
Check to ensure that the bumper is in place, as if it is missing, the mirror rest isn't padded and the mirror can ricochet a bit when it returns to rest.
You can also actuate the mirror lock up while looking at the mirror to see if it appears to be moving normally. It should move slightly up and backwards before flipping up out of the light path.
Generally, problems with the LX mirror also cause focus problems.

Thanks for the tips. I've checked pretty much everything, seems everything is in order. I'm gonna do an AF test tomorrow w/ a couple of lenses and see how the results turn out. Luckily it's not a sticky mirror but a loose one

**Kerrowdown** · 11-29-2008, 10:32 AM

Get the net ready to catch the mirror, when you use the faster shutter speeds.

**ChrisPlatt** · 11-29-2008, 03:11 PM

Probably all part of the syndrome the LX is prone to.
Time to have that mirror box rebuilt no doubt...

Chris

frank · 11-30-2008, 02:49 AM

Originally posted by kerrowdown

Get the net ready to catch the mirror, when you use the faster shutter speeds.

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Probably all part of the syndrome the LX is prone to.
Time to have that mirror box rebuilt no doubt...

Chris

Hey, you guys made me worried

Shot two rolls of film yesterday and today, prints won't be ready until Tuesday. Hope everything turns out okay.

Cheers!

frank · 12-01-2008, 10:15 AM

Finally got the film developed and scanned, everything seems okay. Here are three wide open shots by an A50/2.8 macro lens:

And another two by K200/4 wide open:

**Ron Boggs** · 12-05-2008, 10:27 AM

Gosh Frank, I feel bad as I sold you that camera a few months ago. At least the images document that there isn't any focus issue as the shots look very sharp to me. Did Wheatfield's suggestion to check the mirror stop yield any insight?
I've never really gotten into the mechanics of the LX, just liked shooting with it...but does the mirror work on a cam type flipper like the 645? Based on the descriptions from other comments about the mirror moving multiple directions, perhaps there is a "catch" somewhere in the cams or the hinges that move when the mirror moves? If so, there may be a visible wear area where the framework pieces rub each other near a hinge or cam? Just thinking out loud here...
Sticky mirror syndrome would likely cause pauses in mirror function during the exposure rather than afterward I would think. And since exposure has been dead on since you received the camera, my mind suggests something other than sticky mirror types of problems?
I like Wheatfield's idea of watching the mirror function with the front of the camera open and no lens in place. Please describe what you see...

frank · 12-05-2008, 05:18 PM

Originally posted by Ron Boggs

Gosh Frank, I feel bad as I sold you that camera a few months ago. At least the images document that there isn't any focus issue as the shots look very sharp to me. Did Wheatfield's suggestion to check the mirror stop yield any insight?
I've never really gotten into the mechanics of the LX, just liked shooting with it...but does the mirror work on a cam type flipper like the 645? Based on the descriptions from other comments about the mirror moving multiple directions, perhaps there is a "catch" somewhere in the cams or the hinges that move when the mirror moves? If so, there may be a visible wear area where the framework pieces rub each other near a hinge or cam? Just thinking out loud here...
Sticky mirror syndrome would likely cause pauses in mirror function during the exposure rather than afterward I would think. And since exposure has been dead on since you received the camera, my mind suggests something other than sticky mirror types of problems?
I like Wheatfield's idea of watching the mirror function with the front of the camera open and no lens in place. Please describe what you see...

No worries, Ron

It's a great camera. I just noticed this very recently, probably didn't really check before.

When I look at the mirror from the front (no lens mounted of course), I can see the mirror bumps up slightly after it hits the bumper, I guess this causes the slight shaking (up and down) of the view when looking from the viewfinder. It's pretty obvious when compared w/ my MX (which is in far worse condition btw). Not really a big deal I guess 'cause I can still get sharp and well exposed results.

It's definitely not sticky mirror problem, just feel the mirror is abit too loose. Better don't look at the viewfinder after each shot

Wheatfield · 12-05-2008, 09:06 PM

Any problem with an LX mirror should be serviced, It really is the weak point of an otherwise fine camera.
I have three LX bodies, all of them have had mirror box problems of one sort or another.

frank · 12-05-2008, 09:46 PM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

Any problem with an LX mirror should be serviced, It really is the weak point of an otherwise fine camera.
I have three LX bodies, all of them have had mirror box problems of one sort or another.

Hmm, sounds worse than I thought

I'll bring it to a camera shop and see how they can do about it.

Wheatfield · 12-06-2008, 01:57 PM

Originally posted by frank

Hmm, sounds worse than I thought

I'll bring it to a camera shop and see how they can do about it.

It's not serious, think of it the same way you think of an oil change on your car.
They are not maintenance free machines.

11-28-2008, 03:37 PM	#1
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	LX Loose Mirror ... Hi All, Recently I notice that the mirror in my LX seems to be too loose or something. After each shot the mirror flips down, then jumps back a little bit. I can clearly see the subject in viewfinder moves up and down after each shot. It's like the whole view shakes a bit after each shot. I also got a beaten up MX, the mirror doesn't behave like this. Wonder if anyone else has ever seen the same problem before? Didn't see any effect on the metering or focusing, but I'd like to know if I should have it fixed. Your tips n suggestions will be very appreciated. Thanks and cheers!

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11-28-2008, 04:40 PM	#2
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,987	There is a rubber bumper on the mirror rest. You can see the assembly by locking up the mirror and looking into the mirror box. I don't recall which side it is on, but the rest is a small arm screwed to the side of the mirror box. The bumper is prone to degrading (sticky mirror is one affliction that this can cause), and also to falling off altogether. Check to ensure that the bumper is in place, as if it is missing, the mirror rest isn't padded and the mirror can ricochet a bit when it returns to rest. You can also actuate the mirror lock up while looking at the mirror to see if it appears to be moving normally. It should move slightly up and backwards before flipping up out of the light path. Generally, problems with the LX mirror also cause focus problems.

11-29-2008, 07:15 AM	#3
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202 Original Poster	Originally posted by Wheatfield There is a rubber bumper on the mirror rest. You can see the assembly by locking up the mirror and looking into the mirror box. I don't recall which side it is on, but the rest is a small arm screwed to the side of the mirror box. The bumper is prone to degrading (sticky mirror is one affliction that this can cause), and also to falling off altogether. Check to ensure that the bumper is in place, as if it is missing, the mirror rest isn't padded and the mirror can ricochet a bit when it returns to rest. You can also actuate the mirror lock up while looking at the mirror to see if it appears to be moving normally. It should move slightly up and backwards before flipping up out of the light path. Generally, problems with the LX mirror also cause focus problems. Thanks for the tips. I've checked pretty much everything, seems everything is in order. I'm gonna do an AF test tomorrow w/ a couple of lenses and see how the results turn out. Luckily it's not a sticky mirror but a loose one

11-29-2008, 10:32 AM	#4
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,866	Get the net ready to catch the mirror, when you use the faster shutter speeds.

11-29-2008, 03:11 PM	#5
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,697	Probably all part of the syndrome the LX is prone to. Time to have that mirror box rebuilt no doubt... Chris

11-30-2008, 02:49 AM	#6
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202 Original Poster	Originally posted by kerrowdown Get the net ready to catch the mirror, when you use the faster shutter speeds. Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Probably all part of the syndrome the LX is prone to. Time to have that mirror box rebuilt no doubt... Chris Hey, you guys made me worried Shot two rolls of film yesterday and today, prints won't be ready until Tuesday. Hope everything turns out okay. Cheers!

12-01-2008, 10:15 AM	#7
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202 Original Poster	Finally got the film developed and scanned, everything seems okay. Here are three wide open shots by an A50/2.8 macro lens: And another two by K200/4 wide open:

12-05-2008, 10:27 AM	#8
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,350	Gosh Frank, I feel bad as I sold you that camera a few months ago. At least the images document that there isn't any focus issue as the shots look very sharp to me. Did Wheatfield's suggestion to check the mirror stop yield any insight? I've never really gotten into the mechanics of the LX, just liked shooting with it...but does the mirror work on a cam type flipper like the 645? Based on the descriptions from other comments about the mirror moving multiple directions, perhaps there is a "catch" somewhere in the cams or the hinges that move when the mirror moves? If so, there may be a visible wear area where the framework pieces rub each other near a hinge or cam? Just thinking out loud here... Sticky mirror syndrome would likely cause pauses in mirror function during the exposure rather than afterward I would think. And since exposure has been dead on since you received the camera, my mind suggests something other than sticky mirror types of problems? I like Wheatfield's idea of watching the mirror function with the front of the camera open and no lens in place. Please describe what you see...

12-05-2008, 05:18 PM	#9
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ron Boggs Gosh Frank, I feel bad as I sold you that camera a few months ago. At least the images document that there isn't any focus issue as the shots look very sharp to me. Did Wheatfield's suggestion to check the mirror stop yield any insight? I've never really gotten into the mechanics of the LX, just liked shooting with it...but does the mirror work on a cam type flipper like the 645? Based on the descriptions from other comments about the mirror moving multiple directions, perhaps there is a "catch" somewhere in the cams or the hinges that move when the mirror moves? If so, there may be a visible wear area where the framework pieces rub each other near a hinge or cam? Just thinking out loud here... Sticky mirror syndrome would likely cause pauses in mirror function during the exposure rather than afterward I would think. And since exposure has been dead on since you received the camera, my mind suggests something other than sticky mirror types of problems? I like Wheatfield's idea of watching the mirror function with the front of the camera open and no lens in place. Please describe what you see... No worries, Ron It's a great camera. I just noticed this very recently, probably didn't really check before. When I look at the mirror from the front (no lens mounted of course), I can see the mirror bumps up slightly after it hits the bumper, I guess this causes the slight shaking (up and down) of the view when looking from the viewfinder. It's pretty obvious when compared w/ my MX (which is in far worse condition btw). Not really a big deal I guess 'cause I can still get sharp and well exposed results. It's definitely not sticky mirror problem, just feel the mirror is abit too loose. Better don't look at the viewfinder after each shot

12-05-2008, 09:06 PM	#10
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,987	Any problem with an LX mirror should be serviced, It really is the weak point of an otherwise fine camera. I have three LX bodies, all of them have had mirror box problems of one sort or another.

12-05-2008, 09:46 PM	#11
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202 Original Poster	Originally posted by Wheatfield Any problem with an LX mirror should be serviced, It really is the weak point of an otherwise fine camera. I have three LX bodies, all of them have had mirror box problems of one sort or another. Hmm, sounds worse than I thought I'll bring it to a camera shop and see how they can do about it.

12-06-2008, 01:57 PM	#12
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,987	Originally posted by frank Hmm, sounds worse than I thought I'll bring it to a camera shop and see how they can do about it. It's not serious, think of it the same way you think of an oil change on your car. They are not maintenance free machines.

LX Loose Mirror ...

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