Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
06-16-2016, 11:51 AM   #1
Veteran Member
LFLee's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Southern California
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 2,292
Just got an LX.... and slow shutter speed seem way too slow

OK... I got myself in trouble for getting an LX... lol

Put in fresh battery. Auto mode seem to works.
Then I check the shutter speed from 1/2000 to 4s.

For 1/2000 to 1/125, it seem accurate.
However, as it goes below 1/60, it seem taken way too long, like 1s would be 2 or 3 sec, and 4sec would be like 6sec.
(same in auto mode, the shutter seem to open way longer than it indicate in the vf)

Is this... consider sticky mirror problem? I search online and couldn't found how the sticky mirror sound like...

The seller assure me that shutter speed works at all speed...

06-16-2016, 12:13 PM   #2
Veteran Member
tvdtvdtvd's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,665
I would think an LX worth a CLA even if it didn't show any obvious signs, just to bring it up to spec and assure
good, reliable, accurate use. If the seals are gone, it's almost certainly due for a CLA. Why not reach out
to Eric and secure an estimate for cleaning? Home

It may also be worthwhile to contact the seller and express your dissatisfaction with the actual state of the camera
relative to it's advertised condition. You may be able to negotiate a partial refund. However, if you feel the purchase
price already reflects the cost of a CLA, you may simply wish to return it.

Good Luck.
06-16-2016, 12:47 PM   #3
Veteran Member
Eyewanders's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Land of the Salish Sea
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 3,343
QuoteOriginally posted by LFLee Quote
OK... I got myself in trouble for getting an LX... lol

Put in fresh battery. Auto mode seem to works.
Then I check the shutter speed from 1/2000 to 4s.

For 1/2000 to 1/125, it seem accurate.
However, as it goes below 1/60, it seem taken way too long, like 1s would be 2 or 3 sec, and 4sec would be like 6sec.
(same in auto mode, the shutter seem to open way longer than it indicate in the vf)

Is this... consider sticky mirror problem? I search online and couldn't found how the sticky mirror sound like...

The seller assure me that shutter speed works at all speed...
Do you have a camera body recently CLA'd or in known-good working order? Try some shutter speed tests in parallel, e.g. set them next to one another on a table at the same set speed and fire them at the same time.

---------- Post added 06-16-16 at 12:54 PM ----------

Also note - if you do not have film in the LX, the Automatic mode will likely produce noticeably longer than shown exposure speeds because it will attempt to dynamically meter off the film plane but only have the pressure plate with which to do so, which is far less reflective.

Pentax LX - How does its metering works
06-16-2016, 02:13 PM   #4
Veteran Member
LFLee's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Southern California
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 2,292
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by tvdtvdtvd Quote
I would think an LX worth a CLA even if it didn't show any obvious signs, just to bring it up to spec and assure
good, reliable, accurate use. If the seals are gone, it's almost certainly due for a CLA. Why not reach out
to Eric and secure an estimate for cleaning? Home

It may also be worthwhile to contact the seller and express your dissatisfaction with the actual state of the camera
relative to it's advertised condition. You may be able to negotiate a partial refund. However, if you feel the purchase
price already reflects the cost of a CLA, you may simply wish to return it.

Good Luck.
the camera is in pretty good shape from the look of it. the guy said he has no problem using it, and shutter is accurate. .. so I bought it.
I probably will send it to cla, but would like to know if this is a serious problem or just a minor problem that can be fix easily. .. and suggest we split the cost of repairing it.... thanks for your advice!

by the way... here is the video showing the shutter speed: https://youtu.be/sbe21w2Q-Es


Last edited by LFLee; 06-16-2016 at 02:48 PM.
06-16-2016, 02:40 PM   #5
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Pål Jensen's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Norway
Photos: Albums
Posts: 4,371
It is normal for the camera to behave like this in auto mode if there is no film in the camera. It is not normal in manual mode.
06-16-2016, 02:50 PM   #6
Veteran Member
LFLee's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Southern California
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 2,292
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by chickentender Quote
Do you have a camera body recently CLA'd or in known-good working order? Try some shutter speed tests in parallel, e.g. set them next to one another on a table at the same set speed and fire them at the same time.

---------- Post added 06-16-16 at 12:54 PM ----------

Also note - if you do not have film in the LX, the Automatic mode will likely produce noticeably longer than shown exposure speeds because it will attempt to dynamically meter off the film plane but only have the pressure plate with which to do so, which is far less reflective.

Pentax LX - How does its metering works
thanks! here is the video showing the shutter speed... it is obvious that it is slow. the 4s one took about 9 sec to complete. ..


---------- Post added 06-16-2016 at 05:52 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Pål Jensen Quote
It is normal for the camera to behave like this in auto mode if there is no film in the camera. It is not normal in manual mode.
thanks! yeah, I double check the manual and from 1/60 to 4s, it need battery, and I put fresh battery in. (if battery is dying the mirror will lock, apparently for LX).
here is the vid showing the shutter speed:
06-16-2016, 03:45 PM   #7
Veteran Member
Eyewanders's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Land of the Salish Sea
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 3,343
Yup - those are most definitely slow. Could be sticky mirror, could be circuitry, could just need a cleaning or a combination of any of those. Send it off to EricH. Chances are it'll come back good as new.

06-16-2016, 04:08 PM   #8
Veteran Member
LFLee's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Southern California
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 2,292
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by chickentender Quote
Yup - those are most definitely slow. Could be sticky mirror, could be circuitry, could just need a cleaning or a combination of any of those. Send it off to EricH. Chances are it'll come back good as new.
hm... do you know if this is a simple problem or something serious that will cost a lot to fix? would like to discuss with seller before I send it off....

sigh... thinking I could shoot with it this weekend.
06-16-2016, 04:53 PM   #9
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
Moe49's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Santa Cruz Mtns.
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 874
In your video, I can hear that the mirror assembly is slow at 4s, etc..
Another test you can run is to open the film door (in full manual mode) and observe the shutter curtains to see if they really are slow, too.

I have a Pentax MX that I thought had a slow shutter. It turned out that it had a slow mirror assembly, but the shutter assembly was actually accurate.
The mirror timer in the bottom of the MX had gotten 'gunked up', and would run very slowly when the camera was set to slow shutter speeds.
06-16-2016, 05:32 PM   #10
Veteran Member
LFLee's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Southern California
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 2,292
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Moe49 Quote
In your video, I can hear that the mirror assembly is slow at 4s, etc..
Another test you can run is to open the film door (in full manual mode) and observe the shutter curtains to see if they really are slow, too.

I have a Pentax MX that I thought had a slow shutter. It turned out that it had a slow mirror assembly, but the shutter assembly was actually accurate.
The mirror timer in the bottom of the MX had gotten 'gunked up', and would run very slowly when the camera was set to slow shutter speeds.
Thanks! I can just leave the film door open and dry fire the shutter?

will this cause any problem?
06-16-2016, 06:22 PM   #11
Veteran Member
Eyewanders's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Land of the Salish Sea
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 3,343
QuoteOriginally posted by LFLee Quote
Thanks! I can just leave the film door open and dry fire the shutter?

will this cause any problem?
None at all. If it's the mirror, you can shoot with it. If it's the mirror and shutter you *can* shoot with it but be wary of over-exposures.
Either way it sounds as if it needs a CLA no matter what and chances are that will solve all your problems unless there is a problem with the circuit board. A CLA by EricH for an LX is around $250 if I remember correctly. They're much more expensive to service than most from the era because he must source and replace all the weather sealing on that body. But the upshot is you won't do it again for another 20 years and you'll have a bang-on LX to go shoot with.
06-16-2016, 07:18 PM   #12
Pentaxian




Join Date: May 2011
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Photos: Albums
Posts: 3,234
If you think it's the mirror, you can lock it up so that it is not in the equation.
06-17-2016, 04:40 AM   #13
Veteran Member
Cuthbert's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2013
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 1,740
QuoteOriginally posted by LesDMess Quote
If you think it's the mirror, you can lock it up so that it is not in the equation.
Yes I would suggest to lock it up, point the camera to a light source and dry fire it checking the times the curtains close.

I always do that with new cameras and everything is OK.
06-17-2016, 08:46 AM   #14
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
gofour3's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 8,083
QuoteOriginally posted by chickentender Quote
A CLA by EricH for an LX is around $250 if I remember correctly.
Yep expensive, but worth every penny.

Phil.
06-17-2016, 09:02 AM   #15
Veteran Member
LFLee's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Southern California
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 2,292
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by chickentender Quote
None at all. If it's the mirror, you can shoot with it. If it's the mirror and shutter you *can* shoot with it but be wary of over-exposures.
Either way it sounds as if it needs a CLA no matter what and chances are that will solve all your problems unless there is a problem with the circuit board. A CLA by EricH for an LX is around $250 if I remember correctly. They're much more expensive to service than most from the era because he must source and replace all the weather sealing on that body. But the upshot is you won't do it again for another 20 years and you'll have a bang-on LX to go shoot with.
Send to Eric and he said is both mirror and shutter, quote $300... I got the camera for $300.
it seem shutter curtain did open as long as the sound did:

But if the CLA can give me a good LX for many years to come (Eric only have 6 months warranty on LX...), should be worth it.... but not sure if the seller wants to share the repair cost.

QuoteOriginally posted by LesDMess Quote
If you think it's the mirror, you can lock it up so that it is not in the equation.
QuoteOriginally posted by Cuthbert Quote
Yes I would suggest to lock it up, point the camera to a light source and dry fire it checking the times the curtains close.

I always do that with new cameras and everything is OK.
Thanks guys, I did that and here is the video:
It appear that the shutter curtain is in sync with the sound - so a 4 sec shutter speed the curtain did open well over 9 secs...

QuoteOriginally posted by gofour3 Quote
Yep expensive, but worth every penny.

Phil.
I send the video to Eric and he said two problems. Sticky mirror problem and electronic shutter needs re-calibration. Quote "less than $300".
Now I am not sure if the seller wants to pay this much for the repair, as I got the camera for $300..
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
auto, battery, camera, camera body, costs, film, frustration, lx, mirror, mode, post, repair, shutter, thanks, time
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Slow Camera, Shutter Speed or Lens? wolfiegirl Pentax DSLR Discussion 29 12-16-2014 03:32 PM
Slow Shutter speed majboyd Pentax K-r 3 11-07-2014 05:21 AM
Project 52 Project 52-6-36-shutter speed-slow noelcmn Weekly Photo Challenges 11 10-27-2014 07:39 AM
Camera setting too slow shutter speed Jed Mooar Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 6 08-09-2012 06:51 AM
Shutter speed too slow in Auto mode K200 PhotoGator Pentax DSLR Discussion 18 08-07-2008 05:35 PM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:50 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top