[vandergus]

I've been working on a few ZX-5n's and MZ-3 cameras and documenting my repairs as I go. The main repair is of course the mirror motor gear, and this isn't the first guide on the internet for that repair. But there is a fair bit of new information, so go check it out if you are interested in repairing these cameras.

Pentax ZX-5n Repair - iFixit

New Stuff

• iFixit formatting (great for mobile viewing)
• Reassembly notes for getting everything back together
• A separate guide for the mirror drive lever failure, which is also somewhat common
• An STL file for 3D printing a replacement mirror drive lever
• Various other disassembly guides

I really dig this camera for shooting my B&W film. It's truly a unique and well designed camera in the realm of AF SLRs. It's a shame they don't get more love because of reliability issues. Hopefully this will help get more of them up and running.

[tonyzoc]

This is just what I was looking for. I'm not sure I could do this but if I pick up a zx-5n cheap enough I might give it a try. Obviously, the more times you do it (motor gear), the easier it gets.

[jumbleview]

But where one can take gear for replacement?

[vandergus]

But where one can take gear for replacement?

You can order a new gear from an appropriate manufacturer. It uses a standard pitch and doesn't need to be a genuine Pentax part. The details for what you need to order and where to order from can be found here.

Pentax MZ/ZX Mirror Motor Gear - iFixit

[shyrsio]

Thank you for the very detailed guide! My MZ-5n is fine as for the time being, but if I get any problem in the future, I will use your guide.

[j0n4hpk]

Thanks for your effort for the ZX and MZ. I hope to look at it soon.

[Jonathan Mac]

Wow, I wish this had been around before I sold off my MZ-3 a few months ago...

I took apart a 5N years ago but couldn't get it back together again.

[Sam_I_am]

I took apart a 5N years ago but couldn't get it back together again.

That's my fear with ANY camera. 😃

[jumbleview]

That's my fear with ANY camera. 😃

That's my fear with ANY device.

[filmamigo]

Amazing, thank you. I have an MZ-5n waiting for me to get brave enough / have enough information to repair.

[builttospill]

Same, but it's an MZ-3. Thanks.

[Jonathan Mac]

Same, but it's an MZ-3. Thanks.

I think all the MZ cameras are basically the same inside.

[vandergus]

I just finished up a video series showing the repair of a Pentax MZ-3. You can find it here.

Pentax MZ-3 Repair - YouTube

It's pretty long, but if you just want to see the heart of the repair, understand exactly what breaks in this camera and what the consequences are, check out Part 3. Or if you're just curious about what's inside one of these cameras and how the mechanisms are designed, I take some time explaining that as well. Hope you like.

[hcarvalhoalves]

I just finished up a video series showing the repair of a Pentax MZ-3. You can find it here.

Pentax MZ-3 Repair - YouTube

It's pretty long, but if you just want to see the heart of the repair, understand exactly what breaks in this camera and what the consequences are, check out Part 3. Or if you're just curious about what's inside one of these cameras and how the mechanisms are designed, I take some time explaining that as well. Hope you like.

This is a great resource, thank you!