[Nacho3]

I'm new to analog photography. I shot with a spotmatic for a couple of months and I really enjoyed it so I decided to upgrade to a Pentax LX. The one I got is in perfect condition except the light meter doesn't turn off automatically. Is it still possible to repair or fix this? Should I even worry about this?

[rpjallan]

In my limited experience with an LX, a long time ago, you can get metering problems if the the batteries get a bit low. So I would try to get this fixed if I was you. It should be possible depending on where you are based.

[arnold]

In my limited experience with an LX, a long time ago, you can get metering problems if the the batteries get a bit low. So I would try to get this fixed if I was you. It should be possible depending on where you are based.

Don't sell the Spotmatic. The LX is very complicated and that means more to go wrong. It won't take better pictures than your Spotmatic in most cases.

[aslyfox]

I'm new to analog photography. I shot with a spotmatic for a couple of months and I really enjoyed it so I decided to upgrade to a Pentax LX. The one I got is in perfect condition except the light meter doesn't turn off automatically. Is it still possible to repair or fix this? Should I even worry about this?

with your LX, you may want to look at the information found in this thread:

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 -

Sources for information about the LX, please add your knowledge to this thread - Page 5 - PentaxForums.com

[reh321]

I'm new to analog photography. I shot with a spotmatic for a couple of months and I really enjoyed it so I decided to upgrade to a Pentax LX. The one I got is in perfect condition except the light meter doesn't turn off automatically. Is it still possible to repair or fix this? Should I even worry about this?

A “Super Program” was my regular companion for over twelve years. The few times I used it recently, the built-in light metering seemed a tad ‘shaky’, so if I have another urge to go through a roll of film, I plan to set settings manually, based on the readings of a separate light meter.The last time I looked, separate light meters were readily available on eBay, so I would forget about the built-in stuff, and go ‘old school’.

[Papa_Joe]

I would also suggest to get the issue adressed. The LX has no main switch, so I guess the meter is allways on. Right? In that case the batteries will be drained quite fast. Also I am not sure about the impact on the metering sensor if it is allways under current. Another possibility would be to only load batteries to the LX, when you are going to use it. But I do not think that a good idea, because the lid of the batterie compartment is not designed for frequent changes.

And I think the LX is worth that repair. Used LX in working condition (not regarding seals) will be sold from EUR 450,00 upwards here in Europe and I assume a repair adressing the issue would not be too expensive.

[Joetitch]

If I remember correctly the LX has on the film metering which will allow for light changes as exposure happens. One member here has posted a picture of a dam(?) at night that was exposed for something like 45 minutes. Get it fixed and enjoy a magnificent piece of kit.

[reh321]

I would also suggest to get the issue adressed. The LX has no main switch, so I guess the meter is allways on. Right? In that case the batteries will be drained quite fast. Also I am not sure about the impact on the metering sensor if it is allways under current. Another possibility would be to only load batteries to the LX, when you are going to use it. But I do not think that a good idea, because the lid of the batterie compartment is not designed for frequent changes.

And I think the LX is worth that repair. Used LX in working condition (not regarding seals) will be sold from EUR 450,00 upwards here in Europe and I assume a repair adressing the issue would not be too expensive.

The “Super Program” seemed the have a short, so I would regularly take the batteries out at night, but I don’t see that as any way to live if you can find some other way; I just didn’t

[reh321]

A “Super Program” was my regular companion for over twelve years. The few times I used it recently, the built-in light metering seemed a tad ‘shaky’, so if I have another urge to go through a roll of film, I plan to set settings manually, based on the readings of a separate light meter.The last time I looked, separate light meters were readily available on eBay, so I would forget about the built-in stuff, and go ‘old school’.

Now that I am awake and think about it, the “Spotmatic” was an all-mechanical camera, and used battery power only for metering. My “Super Program” - like my “ME/SE” before it - used electricity for various things, so it had no off/on switch. What was unspecial about my “Super Program”, was its ‘eating batteries like candy’ ……. it went through way too much electricity, which is why I did remove the batteries, so they would last more than one day. My “ME/SE” had lasted ‘a long time’ without my removing batteries. Only when I got the “Super Program” did I carry several sets of batteries around in my bag.

[LEENUX]

I'm new to analog photography. I shot with a spotmatic for a couple of months and I really enjoyed it so I decided to upgrade to a Pentax LX. The one I got is in perfect condition except the light meter doesn't turn off automatically. Is it still possible to repair or fix this? Should I even worry about this?

There can be different point of failures as you might have figured out by now; the issue may be located in the circuitry or may be a pure mechanical issue. Some (mostly the mechanical ones) can be repaired/fixed, but some (most likely those in the circuitry themsleves) unfortunately not (that easy if at all). If there is an issue within the circuitry, I would be worried, since timing for the slower speeds and, obviously, the Av mode is fully electronic. I don't know whether the meter timer and the exposure timer are related, but if so, exposure times may be possibly affected, too. However, failing electronics are also difficult to diagnose if the "permanent-on" meter is the only issue observable.

I would also suggest to get the issue adressed. The LX has no main switch, so I guess the meter is allways on. Right? In that case the batteries will be drained quite fast. Also I am not sure about the impact on the metering sensor if it is allways under current. Another possibility would be to only load batteries to the LX, when you are going to use it. But I do not think that a good idea, because the lid of the batterie compartment is not designed for frequent changes.

And I think the LX is worth that repair. Used LX in working condition (not regarding seals) will be sold from EUR 450,00 upwards here in Europe and I assume a repair adressing the issue would not be too expensive.

The meter of a correctly functioning LX is not "always on" unlike some other cameras but should stay on for approximately 25–27 seconds after activation, timed by the main circuit. (The KM and K1000, if I recall correctly, were the last Pentaxes to switch the meter off by closing the lens cap...) If there is an issue somewhere in the circuit electronics, it would be hard to fix/repair unless there are any spare parts available addressing the issue or someone would be able to engineer a suitable replacement.

Although I would strongly advise always taking the batteries out after use when not using an electronic device for a longer period of time, simply to prevent any kind of battery leakage that can be nasty – especially in an LX – the battery compartment of the LX is indeed not designed for frequent battery changes. To a greater extent, in case of loosing the cover, replacement battery covers are almost impossible to come by except for sourcing another used LX, of course.

The point of failure, however, that should still be able to be fixed, is related to the meter activation switch(es). To my knowledge, while earlier revisions of the LX only activate the meter by (slightly) depression of the shutter release button, the later revision(s) of the LX have an additional switch located under the small exposure compensation lock release button. Sometimes, after infrequent use, one (or both) switch(es) can have a short by being in unfortunate activating position. Exercising them (gently!) by using the camera from time to time should prevent the issue. A non-deactivating meter of my LX could be resolved that way after using it for some time.

Generally speaking, mechanical switch-related issues should be fixable by a CLA and/or simply regularly using the camera.

Besides, from my experience with a permanently activated LX meter, a fresh set of SR44 batteries lasts (temperature-dependent) for approximately two (maybe three) days.

Finally, all remaining LXes should be overhauled as soon as possible since the servicemen/-women working on this camera are slowly but steadily resigning and spare parts are depleting. Furthermore, due to the vast amount of electronics in an LX, there is likely something to fail at some point after all the years (even the "newest/latest" LXes are turning to the age somewhere of twenty, now!). Some defects cannot be even repaired anymore – keep that in mind.

At least here in Germany, even a "regular" (but Pentax-authorized) service/CLA of an LX is rather expensive (approx. 200–300 € from the invoices I have seen as proof of service in Ebay listings between 2016–2019). Today, prices may be possibly even higher. I'd estimate a substantial repair to be far more expensive if (still) possible at all. Notwithstanding this, with respect to an LX, I am unsure whether to trust my own repair skills or any third party workshop to work on an LX for saving money either if this would be your approach.

[andrewd]

‘ Rapid battery drain or meter not switching off. Cause can be due to malajusted main switch or more seriously and increasingly common, defective electronic countdown circuit within main printed circuit board.’

From this web site:
https://harrowtechnical.co.uk/camera-faults/

If I was you I would return it and try to find a fully working camera. Circuit issues are generally unrepairable on the LX.

[RobA_Oz]

Circuit issues are generally unrepairable on the LX.

I’ve seen this mentioned a few times in PF. IIRC, the electronics in these older cameras consist of discrete components so, aside from items like light sensors, most should be replaceable. If so, a count-own timer might just consist of a capacitor and resistor. I could be wrong, but I thought many film cameras like the LX, K2 and ES/ESII pre-date the use of specialist ICs in electronic circuitry.

[andrewd]

I’ve seen this mentioned a few times in PF. IIRC, the electronics in these older cameras consist of discrete components so, aside from items like light sensors, most should be replaceable. If so, a count-own timer might just consist of a capacitor and resistor. I could be wrong, but I thought many film cameras like the LX, K2 and ES/ESII pre-date the use of specialist ICs in electronic circuitry.

Perhaps for DIY enthusiasts it is doable. I am pretty sure the repair tech I have used in the UK will not replace discrete components on the LX circuit boards. No harm in emailing him to ask - contact details on web site I posted.

[RobA_Oz]

Perhaps for DIY enthusiasts it is doable. I am pretty sure the repair tech I have used in the UK will not replace discrete components on the LX circuit boards. No harm in emailing him to ask - contact details on web site I posted.

I imagine an electronic repair shop, rather than a camera repair specialist would be able to do such work. Discrete components of that era are comparatively easy to replace, unlike the tiny surface-mount ones used on modern digital circuitry, that require special skills and equipment. I’ll enquire at our local camera techs, thanks.

[jjdgti]

with your LX, you may want to look at the information found in this thread:




Sources for information about the LX, please add your knowledge to this thread - Page 5 - PentaxForums.com

Thanks for the info.

---------- Post added 09-21-2022 at 01:53 PM ----------

with your LX, you may want to look at the information found in this thread:




Sources for information about the LX, please add your knowledge to this thread - Page 5 - PentaxForums.com

Thanks for the info.[COLOR="Silver"]