help with zx-50

idler · 05-16-2009, 05:58 PM

I was playing with zx-50, no film was installed. Suddenly, the shutter seems stuck after I pressed the shutter release button. The viewfinder was all black, i didn't hear shutter release sound but some noise, which sounded like motor sound and lasted for more than 1 second.

Now the camera won't function at all. Whenever I touch any button or change setting, or even just install batteries, that noise will come up.

Also, the lens aperture is not always wide open when I turn the aperture ring.

I guess something got stuck? Any heads-up? Thanks.

CGJung · 05-16-2009, 07:24 PM

Idler,

I'm afraid your camera suffers the famous failed mirror motor disease.

Read this post:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/53977-pentax-z...n-problem.html

ZX-50 has the same motor with that of ZX-5.

titrisol · 05-17-2009, 01:15 PM

Is KAPUT!

read the above post and see if it is worth the try or not.... mine went to camera-heaven (a.k.a. dumpster) after salvaging several parts from it.

idler · 05-17-2009, 01:46 PM

Thanks CGJung!

titrisol, you know what? What happened to your camera was exactly what happened to mine. I got a new battery pack, installed it; After 3 shots ( the last one was with flash on), camera died.

For 20 bucks, I can probably get a used camera instead of just a motor. If I eventually decide to buy a motor to fix it, it would be just for fun.

Bob Bimon · 05-20-2009, 02:42 PM

Here you have the procedure (including pictures) I wrote to repair it.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/604647-post12.html
Enjoy !

05-16-2009, 05:58 PM	#1
idler Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NY Posts: 43	help with zx-50 I was playing with zx-50, no film was installed. Suddenly, the shutter seems stuck after I pressed the shutter release button. The viewfinder was all black, i didn't hear shutter release sound but some noise, which sounded like motor sound and lasted for more than 1 second. Now the camera won't function at all. Whenever I touch any button or change setting, or even just install batteries, that noise will come up. Also, the lens aperture is not always wide open when I turn the aperture ring. I guess something got stuck? Any heads-up? Thanks.

05-16-2009, 07:24 PM	#2
CGJung Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 92	Idler, I'm afraid your camera suffers the famous failed mirror motor disease. Read this post: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/53977-pentax-z...n-problem.html ZX-50 has the same motor with that of ZX-5.

05-17-2009, 01:15 PM	#3
titrisol Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the most populated state... state of denial Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,854	Is KAPUT! read the above post and see if it is worth the try or not.... mine went to camera-heaven (a.k.a. dumpster) after salvaging several parts from it.

05-17-2009, 01:46 PM	#4
idler Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NY Posts: 43 Original Poster	Thanks CGJung! titrisol, you know what? What happened to your camera was exactly what happened to mine. I got a new battery pack, installed it; After 3 shots ( the last one was with flash on), camera died. For 20 bucks, I can probably get a used camera instead of just a motor. If I eventually decide to buy a motor to fix it, it would be just for fun.

05-20-2009, 02:42 PM	#5
Bob Bimon New Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: France Posts: 17	Here you have the procedure (including pictures) I wrote to repair it. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/604647-post12.html Enjoy !