[Tom Lusk]

I have a K1000 which is in great condition and fully functional
BUT
the view through the viewfinder is very nasty.
The problem is - I can't figure out the cause - where the problem is.
I've attached a photo (backlit for clarity) showing the black smudgy lines that take up most of the view.
Where is this mess coming from?
All help much appreciated.

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[TwoUptons]

Wow. It looks like the silvering on the prism is coming off.

That is apparently a fairly common issue with the later cameras, particularly those made in China, though I'm not sure why.

The only practical fix I'm aware of is a new prism, which would need to come from a donor body.

-Eric

[Alex645]

Wow. It looks like the silvering on the prism is coming off.

That is apparently a fairly common issue with the later cameras, particularly those made in China, though I'm not sure why.

The only practical fix I'm aware of is a new prism, which would need to come from a donor body.

-Eric

Agree with Eric.
This video helped me fix a similar problem I had on a K1000. I had a "dead" K1000 with a good pentaprism that was used as the 'donor'.

You Tube

You Tube