Just got an LX.... and slow shutter speed seem way too slow

Eyewanders · 06-17-2016, 11:01 AM

Originally posted by LFLee

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: https://youtu.be/ui5JwrTlhfs

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.

Thanks guys, I did that and here is the video: https://youtu.be/ui5JwrTlhfs
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...

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..

The sad truth is that just about any LX, late model or early, that you buy these days is going to need this type of service unless the seller can provide proof it's been done at least in the last 10 years or so. As has been said many times around here, you just have to factor that cost in. Sometimes buyers can get lucky and get one that was serviced but didn't know when, or just one that is still ticking along but will need it not too far down the road. I was not one of those lucky folks.

Neither were you.

LesDMess · 06-17-2016, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by chickentender

The sad truth is that just about any LX, late model or early, that you buy these days is going to need this type of service unless the seller can provide proof it's been done at least in the last 10 years or so. As has been said many times around here, you just have to factor that cost in. Sometimes buyers can get lucky and get one that was serviced but didn't know when, or just one that is still ticking along but will need it not too far down the road. I was not one of those lucky folks.

Neither were you.

I disagree since I have two perfectly fully functionasl LX's - going on 7 years now, with unknown history. First one bought from KEH and the second from the auction site listed as "from older relative and don't know anything about it" type listing.

BTW, I found an LX listed in a local CL that said "needs cleaning and batteries but works" so I asked for pics and got these.

I was ready to pay a few bucks for it and curious if it really even worked until I found out the asking price was more than $200!

Eyewanders · 06-17-2016, 06:40 PM

Originally posted by LesDMess

I disagree since I have two perfectly fully functionasl LX's - going on 7 years now, with unknown history. First one bought from KEH and the second from the auction site listed as "from older relative and don't know anything about it" type listing.

BTW, I found an LX listed in a local CL that said "needs cleaning and batteries but works" so I asked for pics and got these.

I was ready to pay a few bucks for it and curious if it really even worked until I found out the asking price was more than $200!

You disagree with what? Sounds like you were lucky TWICE! Maybe try for a third with the CL listing.

**monochrome** · 06-17-2016, 07:46 PM

In certain areas of the country they call that 'Driving it until it breaks.'

Eyewanders · 06-17-2016, 08:25 PM

Run into the ground...
Ridden hard & put away wet...

LesDMess · 06-18-2016, 08:11 AM

Originally posted by chickentender

Run into the ground...
Ridden hard & put away wet...

Wet the LX can handle since samples are pulled from the production line for rain testing. But that looked like it was buried under dirt!

Eyewanders · 06-18-2016, 09:03 AM

Originally posted by LesDMess

Wet the LX can handle since samples are pulled from the production line for rain testing. But that looked like it was buried under dirt!

It literally does look like an excavation find!

**ChrisPlatt** · 06-18-2016, 02:23 PM

Originally posted by chickentender

It literally does look like an excavation find!

Years ago on eBay I saw a Nikon FM someone had dredged up while trolling in a lake.

Chris

RR84 · 06-22-2016, 05:54 PM

Originally posted by chickentender

Send it off to EricH. Chances are it'll come back good as new.

Well, not necessarily. I recently sent him a KX and SP which both had inaccurate slow shutter speeds. I even made a note about it in a clearly written letter enclosed in the box with the cameras. Both cameras came back with the slow shutter speeds exactly the same (KX was slow, SP was fast). He did a fine job on the lenses though. But next time I'll be sending my Pentax bodies to Japan for CLA and OH.

There are two Pentax specialist repair shops in Japan that I know of: Hasegawa Repair in Tokyo, and cs-Kagoshima on Kyushu Island. Their prices seem reasonable too.

Eyewanders · 06-22-2016, 06:48 PM

Originally posted by RR84

Well, not necessarily. I recently sent him a KX and SP which both had inaccurate slow shutter speeds. I even made a note about it in a clearly written letter enclosed in the box with the cameras. Both cameras came back with the slow shutter speeds exactly the same (KX was slow, SP was fast). He did a fine job on the lenses though. But next time I'll be sending my Pentax bodies to Japan for CLA and OH.

There are two Pentax specialist repair shops in Japan that I know of: Hasegawa Repair in Tokyo, and cs-Kagoshima on Kyushu Island. Their prices seem reasonable too.

"Chances are". Did you follow up with Eric? I've had a couple repeat send-offs for issues but by and large folks are quite happy with his work.

RR84 · 06-22-2016, 07:20 PM

Originally posted by chickentender

"Chances are". Did you follow up with Eric? I've had a couple repeat send-offs for issues but by and large folks are quite happy with his work.

Yeah I'm sure most people are happy with his work. I realise I'm in the minority here.

I did follow it up and he offered to take another look at it. While it might be feasible for someone like yourself in the US to do a repeat send-off, shipping costs are pretty expensive here is Australia. I'm not going to pay another $95 in shipping to have it corrected. It should have been done right the first time.

LFLee · 06-22-2016, 07:22 PM

Originally posted by RR84

Well, not necessarily. I recently sent him a KX and SP which both had inaccurate slow shutter speeds. I even made a note about it in a clearly written letter enclosed in the box with the cameras. Both cameras came back with the slow shutter speeds exactly the same (KX was slow, SP was fast). He did a fine job on the lenses though. But next time I'll be sending my Pentax bodies to Japan for CLA and OH.

There are two Pentax specialist repair shops in Japan that I know of: Hasegawa Repair in Tokyo, and cs-Kagoshima on Kyushu Island. Their prices seem reasonable too.

Hi, how do you communicate with them and explaining the problem... English OK?

I see the 2nd one fixes 67 as well. Would like to get info on how to contact them -- and they listed the LX that they can fix: http://www.cs-kagoshima.info/pentax_lx.html

RR84 · 06-22-2016, 07:27 PM

Originally posted by LFLee

Hi, how do you communicate with them and explaining the problem... English OK?

Most Japanese companies these days have a staff member who can communicate in English. I suggest you send CS-Kagoshima an email at mail@cs-kagoshima.info with a clear explanation of your problem and see what they say.

LFLee · 06-22-2016, 07:29 PM

Originally posted by RR84

Most Japanese companies these days have a staff member who can communicate in English. I suggest you send CS-Kagoshima an email at mail@cs-kagoshima.info with a clear explanation of your problem and see what they say.

Many many thanks!! never know they existed --- I mean I never heard of them being mentioned in any forum, so Thanks!

RR84 · 06-22-2016, 07:35 PM

Originally posted by LFLee

Many many thanks!! never know they existed --- I mean I never heard of them being mentioned in any forum, so Thanks!

Yes, EricH has a very loyal following here on Pentax Forums. Personally, I value the pride that the Japanese put into their work and how seriously they take their craft.

If they don't accept international orders, I know for certain that Kanto CS do. They are renouned as one of, if not the best camera repair shop in Japan. Pricey, but worth it.

06-22-2016, 05:54 PM	#24
RR84 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 161	Originally posted by chickentender Send it off to EricH. Chances are it'll come back good as new. Well, not necessarily. I recently sent him a KX and SP which both had inaccurate slow shutter speeds. I even made a note about it in a clearly written letter enclosed in the box with the cameras. Both cameras came back with the slow shutter speeds exactly the same (KX was slow, SP was fast). He did a fine job on the lenses though. But next time I'll be sending my Pentax bodies to Japan for CLA and OH. There are two Pentax specialist repair shops in Japan that I know of: Hasegawa Repair in Tokyo, and cs-Kagoshima on Kyushu Island. Their prices seem reasonable too. Last edited by RR84; 06-22-2016 at 06:05 PM.

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06-17-2016, 11:01 AM	#16
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by LFLee 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: https://youtu.be/ui5JwrTlhfs 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. Thanks guys, I did that and here is the video: https://youtu.be/ui5JwrTlhfs 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... 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.. The sad truth is that just about any LX, late model or early, that you buy these days is going to need this type of service unless the seller can provide proof it's been done at least in the last 10 years or so. As has been said many times around here, you just have to factor that cost in. Sometimes buyers can get lucky and get one that was serviced but didn't know when, or just one that is still ticking along but will need it not too far down the road. I was not one of those lucky folks. Neither were you.

06-17-2016, 06:00 PM	#17
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by chickentender The sad truth is that just about any LX, late model or early, that you buy these days is going to need this type of service unless the seller can provide proof it's been done at least in the last 10 years or so. As has been said many times around here, you just have to factor that cost in. Sometimes buyers can get lucky and get one that was serviced but didn't know when, or just one that is still ticking along but will need it not too far down the road. I was not one of those lucky folks. Neither were you. I disagree since I have two perfectly fully functionasl LX's - going on 7 years now, with unknown history. First one bought from KEH and the second from the auction site listed as "from older relative and don't know anything about it" type listing. BTW, I found an LX listed in a local CL that said "needs cleaning and batteries but works" so I asked for pics and got these. I was ready to pay a few bucks for it and curious if it really even worked until I found out the asking price was more than $200!

06-17-2016, 06:40 PM	#18
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by LesDMess I disagree since I have two perfectly fully functionasl LX's - going on 7 years now, with unknown history. First one bought from KEH and the second from the auction site listed as "from older relative and don't know anything about it" type listing. BTW, I found an LX listed in a local CL that said "needs cleaning and batteries but works" so I asked for pics and got these. I was ready to pay a few bucks for it and curious if it really even worked until I found out the asking price was more than $200! You disagree with what? Sounds like you were lucky TWICE! Maybe try for a third with the CL listing.

06-17-2016, 07:46 PM	#19
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	In certain areas of the country they call that 'Driving it until it breaks.'

06-17-2016, 08:25 PM	#20
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Run into the ground... Ridden hard & put away wet...

06-18-2016, 08:11 AM	#21
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by chickentender Run into the ground... Ridden hard & put away wet... Wet the LX can handle since samples are pulled from the production line for rain testing. But that looked like it was buried under dirt!

06-18-2016, 09:03 AM	#22
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by LesDMess Wet the LX can handle since samples are pulled from the production line for rain testing. But that looked like it was buried under dirt! It literally does look like an excavation find!

06-18-2016, 02:23 PM	#23
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,697	Originally posted by chickentender It literally does look like an excavation find! Years ago on eBay I saw a Nikon FM someone had dredged up while trolling in a lake. Chris

06-22-2016, 06:48 PM	#25
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by RR84 Well, not necessarily. I recently sent him a KX and SP which both had inaccurate slow shutter speeds. I even made a note about it in a clearly written letter enclosed in the box with the cameras. Both cameras came back with the slow shutter speeds exactly the same (KX was slow, SP was fast). He did a fine job on the lenses though. But next time I'll be sending my Pentax bodies to Japan for CLA and OH. There are two Pentax specialist repair shops in Japan that I know of: Hasegawa Repair in Tokyo, and cs-Kagoshima on Kyushu Island. Their prices seem reasonable too. "Chances are". Did you follow up with Eric? I've had a couple repeat send-offs for issues but by and large folks are quite happy with his work.

06-22-2016, 07:20 PM	#26
RR84 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 161	Originally posted by chickentender "Chances are". Did you follow up with Eric? I've had a couple repeat send-offs for issues but by and large folks are quite happy with his work. Yeah I'm sure most people are happy with his work. I realise I'm in the minority here. I did follow it up and he offered to take another look at it. While it might be feasible for someone like yourself in the US to do a repeat send-off, shipping costs are pretty expensive here is Australia. I'm not going to pay another $95 in shipping to have it corrected. It should have been done right the first time.

06-22-2016, 07:22 PM	#27
LFLee Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,292 Original Poster	Originally posted by RR84 Well, not necessarily. I recently sent him a KX and SP which both had inaccurate slow shutter speeds. I even made a note about it in a clearly written letter enclosed in the box with the cameras. Both cameras came back with the slow shutter speeds exactly the same (KX was slow, SP was fast). He did a fine job on the lenses though. But next time I'll be sending my Pentax bodies to Japan for CLA and OH. There are two Pentax specialist repair shops in Japan that I know of: Hasegawa Repair in Tokyo, and cs-Kagoshima on Kyushu Island. Their prices seem reasonable too. Hi, how do you communicate with them and explaining the problem... English OK? I see the 2nd one fixes 67 as well. Would like to get info on how to contact them -- and they listed the LX that they can fix: http://www.cs-kagoshima.info/pentax_lx.html

06-22-2016, 07:27 PM	#28
RR84 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 161	Originally posted by LFLee Hi, how do you communicate with them and explaining the problem... English OK? Most Japanese companies these days have a staff member who can communicate in English. I suggest you send CS-Kagoshima an email at mail@cs-kagoshima.info with a clear explanation of your problem and see what they say.

06-22-2016, 07:29 PM	#29
LFLee Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,292 Original Poster	Originally posted by RR84 Most Japanese companies these days have a staff member who can communicate in English. I suggest you send CS-Kagoshima an email at mail@cs-kagoshima.info with a clear explanation of your problem and see what they say. Many many thanks!! never know they existed --- I mean I never heard of them being mentioned in any forum, so Thanks!

06-22-2016, 07:35 PM	#30
RR84 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 161	Originally posted by LFLee Many many thanks!! never know they existed --- I mean I never heard of them being mentioned in any forum, so Thanks! Yes, EricH has a very loyal following here on Pentax Forums. Personally, I value the pride that the Japanese put into their work and how seriously they take their craft. If they don't accept international orders, I know for certain that Kanto CS do. They are renouned as one of, if not the best camera repair shop in Japan. Pricey, but worth it.