The real truth on the MZ-S mirror motor gear?

**felixkh** · 09-18-2019, 03:06 PM

Originally posted by Moe49

My Silver MZ-S says "Asahi Optical Company, Ltd." and the s/n starts with 3xxxxxx, #3307293.
I guess I should assume it has the plastic gear.

If the plastic gear ever fails, I will be highly inclined to repair it with the metal gear, because the MZ-S is a very fine picture taker.

Here are some recent snapshots out of my MZ-S :
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/53503-cool-...ml#post4520803
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/18-monthly-photo-contests/354228-denali-...ml#post4112501
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/26-mini-challenges-games-photo-stories/8...ml#post3765734

Yes, it is also a plastic gear. My Titanium Silver MZ-S is also 3xxxxx and I sent it to Japan to be fixed.

G and T · 09-26-2019, 03:41 AM

Originally posted by felixkh

If your camera says Asahi Optical Company and serial number starts with 4xxxxxx, then it is the plastic gear.If your camera says Pentax Corporation, and serial number starts with 5xxxxx, then it is brass gear.

Mine just has to be different. My MZ-S says Asahi Optical Company and the serial number starts with 5xxxxxx and mine has a brass gear.

Glenn

Jerry John · 09-27-2019, 03:48 AM

I have a 4xxxxxx and my mirror is sticking up.....I get an “Err” message on the LCD, I was hoping it’s the batteries?
To lower the mirror I have to release the battery cover and it resets.....hmmmm.
I just joined this forum to source some new lenses and now my MZ-S has a terminal illness?

**felixkh** · 09-27-2019, 06:24 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by G and T

Mine just has to be different. My MZ-S says Asahi Optical Company and the serial number starts with 5xxxxxx and mine has a brass gear.

Glenn

Wow! Great!

---------- Post added 09-28-2019 at 09:26 AM ----------

Originally posted by Jerry John

I have a 4xxxxxx and my mirror is sticking up.....I get an “Err” message on the LCD, I was hoping it’s the batteries?
To lower the mirror I have to release the battery cover and it resets.....hmmmm.
I just joined this forum to source some new lenses and now my MZ-S has a terminal illness?

Do you also have the battery Grip? If you do, can try to see if that gives the same issue and if it does, it will mean its the contacts.

**ChrisPlatt** · 09-27-2019, 11:23 PM

Originally posted by G and T

Mine just has to be different. My MZ-S says Asahi Optical Company and the serial number starts with 5xxxxxx and mine has a brass gear.

Glenn

The replacement motor sold by Pentax had a brass gear.
A previous owner may have had your MZ-S body serviced.

Chris

Jerry John · 09-28-2019, 12:52 AM

Originally posted by felixkh

Wow! Great!

---------- Post added 09-28-2019 at 09:26 AM ----------

Do you also have the battery Grip? If you do, can try to see if that gives the same issue and if it does, it will mean its the contacts.

No I don’t.....(I’d love a BG-10!)
I replaced the cr2’s and it still locks up until I remove the cover, then it goes down again hmmmmmm

**felixkh** · 09-28-2019, 06:59 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Jerry John

No I don’t.....(I’d love a BG-10!)
I replaced the cr2’s and it still locks up until I remove the cover, then it goes down again hmmmmmm

Last resort is to try and clean the contact inside and see if that solves the problem.

G and T · 09-29-2019, 02:40 AM

Originally posted by G and T

Mine just has to be different. My MZ-S says Asahi Optical Company and the serial number starts with 5xxxxxx and mine has a brass gear.

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

he replacement motor sold by Pentax had a brass gear.A previous owner may have had your MZ-S body serviced.

I'm the original owner, it was purchased as new old stock in 2011. I have never needed to have it serviced.

Glenn

Not a Number · 09-29-2019, 04:45 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by G and T

I'm the original owner, it was purchased as new old stock in 2011. I have never needed to have it serviced.

Glenn

Your serial number begins with 5. The felixkh and Jerry John say their serial numbers begin with 3 and 4, respectively. It's possible that later runs used the motor with a brass gear.

**felixkh** · 09-30-2019, 03:26 AM - **2 Likes**

We in Singapore found out that serial numbers starting with 5 all have the brass gear as it was shared by the Pentax Tech.

Not a Number · 09-30-2019, 06:02 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by felixkh

We in Singapore found out that serial numbers starting with 5 all have the brass gear as it was shared by the Pentax Tech.

Excellent information, thanks for sharing.

Jerry John · 09-30-2019, 03:35 PM

Well his reply was to the point lol...better look somewhere closer to home?

**ChrisPlatt** · 09-30-2019, 05:27 PM - **1 Like**

Eric Hendrickson stopped repairing MZ/ZX bodies years ago when Pentax discontinued replacement motors with brass gear.

Chris

Not a Number · 09-30-2019, 06:16 PM

Even if you supplied him with a gear?

**ChrisPlatt** · 09-30-2019, 10:49 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Even if you supplied him with a gear?

IIRC he didn't want to get involved with a repair requiring aftermarket parts.

Chris

09-29-2019, 04:45 AM - 1 Like	#39
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by G and T I'm the original owner, it was purchased as new old stock in 2011. I have never needed to have it serviced. Glenn Your serial number begins with 5. The felixkh and Jerry John say their serial numbers begin with 3 and 4, respectively. It's possible that later runs used the motor with a brass gear. Last edited by Not a Number; 09-29-2019 at 06:46 AM. Reason: spelling

09-30-2019, 03:35 PM	#42
Jerry John New Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Hobart Posts: 8	No luck Well his reply was to the point lol...better look somewhere closer to home? Attached Images

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pentax ZX-5n mirror motor problem (MZ-S/alternatives any better?)	pentax_rob	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	7	09-03-2015 03:57 PM
Has anyone asked Eric to repair a mirror gear motor in a MZ / ZX body?	gabriel_bc	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	5	12-11-2012 03:08 PM
For Sale - Sold: MZ-5N Auto Focus Film Body with Up-Graded Mirror Motor	violini	Sold Items	2	09-22-2011 07:48 PM
Wanted - Acquired: any of Pentax MZ-S, Z-1P, Z-1，MZ-3, MZ-5N, MZ-5, MZ-6	tianyawoya	Sold Items	1	07-10-2010 08:13 AM

09-18-2019, 03:06 PM	#31
felixkh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,201	Originally posted by Moe49 My Silver MZ-S says "Asahi Optical Company, Ltd." and the s/n starts with 3xxxxxx, #3307293. I guess I should assume it has the plastic gear. If the plastic gear ever fails, I will be highly inclined to repair it with the metal gear, because the MZ-S is a very fine picture taker. Here are some recent snapshots out of my MZ-S : https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/53503-cool-...ml#post4520803 https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/18-monthly-photo-contests/354228-denali-...ml#post4112501 https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/26-mini-challenges-games-photo-stories/8...ml#post3765734 Yes, it is also a plastic gear. My Titanium Silver MZ-S is also 3xxxxx and I sent it to Japan to be fixed.

09-26-2019, 03:41 AM	#32
G and T Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Langwarrin Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 382	Originally posted by felixkh If your camera says Asahi Optical Company and serial number starts with 4xxxxxx, then it is the plastic gear.If your camera says Pentax Corporation, and serial number starts with 5xxxxx, then it is brass gear. Mine just has to be different. My MZ-S says Asahi Optical Company and the serial number starts with 5xxxxxx and mine has a brass gear. Glenn

09-27-2019, 03:48 AM	#33
Jerry John New Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Hobart Posts: 8	I have a 4xxxxxx and my mirror is sticking up.....I get an “Err” message on the LCD, I was hoping it’s the batteries? To lower the mirror I have to release the battery cover and it resets.....hmmmm. I just joined this forum to source some new lenses and now my MZ-S has a terminal illness?

09-27-2019, 06:24 PM - 1 Like	#34
felixkh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,201	Originally posted by G and T Mine just has to be different. My MZ-S says Asahi Optical Company and the serial number starts with 5xxxxxx and mine has a brass gear. Glenn Wow! Great! ---------- Post added 09-28-2019 at 09:26 AM ---------- Originally posted by Jerry John I have a 4xxxxxx and my mirror is sticking up.....I get an “Err” message on the LCD, I was hoping it’s the batteries? To lower the mirror I have to release the battery cover and it resets.....hmmmm. I just joined this forum to source some new lenses and now my MZ-S has a terminal illness? Do you also have the battery Grip? If you do, can try to see if that gives the same issue and if it does, it will mean its the contacts.

09-27-2019, 11:23 PM	#35
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	Originally posted by G and T Mine just has to be different. My MZ-S says Asahi Optical Company and the serial number starts with 5xxxxxx and mine has a brass gear. Glenn The replacement motor sold by Pentax had a brass gear. A previous owner may have had your MZ-S body serviced. Chris

09-28-2019, 12:52 AM	#36
Jerry John New Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Hobart Posts: 8	Originally posted by felixkh Wow! Great! ---------- Post added 09-28-2019 at 09:26 AM ---------- Do you also have the battery Grip? If you do, can try to see if that gives the same issue and if it does, it will mean its the contacts. No I don’t.....(I’d love a BG-10!) I replaced the cr2’s and it still locks up until I remove the cover, then it goes down again hmmmmmm

09-28-2019, 06:59 AM - 1 Like	#37
felixkh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,201	Originally posted by Jerry John No I don’t.....(I’d love a BG-10!) I replaced the cr2’s and it still locks up until I remove the cover, then it goes down again hmmmmmm Last resort is to try and clean the contact inside and see if that solves the problem.

09-29-2019, 02:40 AM	#38
G and T Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Langwarrin Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 382	Originally posted by G and T Mine just has to be different. My MZ-S says Asahi Optical Company and the serial number starts with 5xxxxxx and mine has a brass gear. Originally posted by ChrisPlatt he replacement motor sold by Pentax had a brass gear.A previous owner may have had your MZ-S body serviced. I'm the original owner, it was purchased as new old stock in 2011. I have never needed to have it serviced. Glenn

09-30-2019, 03:26 AM - 2 Likes	#40
felixkh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,201	We in Singapore found out that serial numbers starting with 5 all have the brass gear as it was shared by the Pentax Tech.

09-30-2019, 06:02 AM - 2 Likes	#41
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by felixkh We in Singapore found out that serial numbers starting with 5 all have the brass gear as it was shared by the Pentax Tech. Excellent information, thanks for sharing.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

09-30-2019, 05:27 PM - 1 Like	#43
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	Eric Hendrickson stopped repairing MZ/ZX bodies years ago when Pentax discontinued replacement motors with brass gear. Chris

09-30-2019, 06:16 PM	#44
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Even if you supplied him with a gear?

09-30-2019, 10:49 PM	#45
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	Originally posted by Not a Number Even if you supplied him with a gear? IIRC he didn't want to get involved with a repair requiring aftermarket parts. Chris