fungus

Lowell · 09-02-2013, 06:20 PM

Hi, I just purchased a used Pentax K1000 that had been stored in its box for several years, it is very good condition, however, after sitting on my desk in the sunlight it has developed a spot that appears to be fungus, it is not on the lens or mirror, it is small but annowing, has anyone had this problem and is there a way to remove it?

Adam · 09-02-2013, 07:09 PM

Originally posted by Lowell

Hi, I just purchased a used Pentax K1000 that had been stored in its box for several years, it is very good condition, however, after sitting on my desk in the sunlight it has developed a spot that appears to be fungus, it is not on the lens or mirror, it is small but annowing, has anyone had this problem and is there a way to remove it?

Then it must be on your focusing screen. This shouldn't be too hard to clean.

elliott · 09-02-2013, 07:33 PM

It could also be a problem with the prism, I have an old Yashica body that has something on the prism, I'm not sure if it would be fungus or what exactly.

**TomB_tx** · 09-03-2013, 06:54 AM

Originally posted by elliott

It could also be a problem with the prism, I have an old Yashica body that has something on the prism, I'm not sure if it would be fungus or what exactly.

Yes, it could be de-silvering of the prism, as that can look like a blob of stuff. I haven't seen this happen on a K1000 though, but some Canon FTs and Leicaflex models were prone to it because of the type of foam that was in contact with the top of the prism.

**gofour3** · 09-03-2013, 10:07 AM

It could be a piece of foam from one of the seals.

Phil.

Lowell · 09-03-2013, 10:57 AM

Thanks for the replies, is there somewnere to find instructions about cleaning the focussing screen? I will send it to Eric as soon as I can save up the money. Does the film need to be removed to clean it? thank you

**Spodeworld** · 09-03-2013, 12:30 PM

I would be very careful about messing with the focussing screen. They scratch and stain sooooo easily.

Lowell · 09-04-2013, 08:42 AM

I asked Eric about th spot on the K1000, he said it is on the Prism and it happened to the cameras assembled in China, has any one had this problem before and does it affect the image? He said it would cost $100. thank you

**TomB_tx** · 09-04-2013, 06:27 PM

It will not affect the image at all - just a distraction in the viewfinder.

09-02-2013, 06:20 PM	#1
Lowell New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 9	fungus Hi, I just purchased a used Pentax K1000 that had been stored in its box for several years, it is very good condition, however, after sitting on my desk in the sunlight it has developed a spot that appears to be fungus, it is not on the lens or mirror, it is small but annowing, has anyone had this problem and is there a way to remove it?

09-02-2013, 07:09 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by Lowell Hi, I just purchased a used Pentax K1000 that had been stored in its box for several years, it is very good condition, however, after sitting on my desk in the sunlight it has developed a spot that appears to be fungus, it is not on the lens or mirror, it is small but annowing, has anyone had this problem and is there a way to remove it? Then it must be on your focusing screen. This shouldn't be too hard to clean. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

09-03-2013, 10:07 AM	#5
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,092	It could be a piece of foam from one of the seals. Phil. Last edited by gofour3; 09-03-2013 at 12:55 PM. Reason: missed text.

09-03-2013, 10:57 AM	#6
Lowell New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 9 Original Poster	thanks Thanks for the replies, is there somewnere to find instructions about cleaning the focussing screen? I will send it to Eric as soon as I can save up the money. Does the film need to be removed to clean it? thank you

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09-02-2013, 07:33 PM	#3
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	It could also be a problem with the prism, I have an old Yashica body that has something on the prism, I'm not sure if it would be fungus or what exactly.

09-03-2013, 06:54 AM	#4
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	Originally posted by elliott It could also be a problem with the prism, I have an old Yashica body that has something on the prism, I'm not sure if it would be fungus or what exactly. Yes, it could be de-silvering of the prism, as that can look like a blob of stuff. I haven't seen this happen on a K1000 though, but some Canon FTs and Leicaflex models were prone to it because of the type of foam that was in contact with the top of the prism.

09-03-2013, 12:30 PM	#7
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370	I would be very careful about messing with the focussing screen. They scratch and stain sooooo easily.

09-04-2013, 08:42 AM	#8
Lowell New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 9 Original Poster	I asked Eric about th spot on the K1000, he said it is on the Prism and it happened to the cameras assembled in China, has any one had this problem before and does it affect the image? He said it would cost $100. thank you

09-04-2013, 06:27 PM	#9
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	It will not affect the image at all - just a distraction in the viewfinder.