Super Program going bonkers

murrelet · 04-04-2017, 09:30 PM

I'm experiencing a weird problem with a Super Program. With an A lens and on auto mode and the film back closed, the meter is stuck on 1/1000 sec. When I open the back, the meter gives a proper reading. Then, with the back open, using a bent paper clip to press on the frame counter reset lever, the meters reads 1/1000 again. Any idea why a mechanical operation would affect the electronics in such a way? Would a CLA fix the issue (cleaning out gunk that's interfering with the meter) or is a circuit board replacement in order?

**Joetitch** · 04-04-2017, 09:40 PM

I believe that the shutter gets set to 1/1000 until 1 on counter is reached to assist speed in loading film. If it still shows after several winds and you are past Number 1 then "Houston you have a problem"

yucafrita · 04-04-2017, 09:48 PM

Isn't this just the 1/1000th shown until the film is advanced to the first frame?

Edit: whoops, too late...

murrelet · 04-04-2017, 10:05 PM

Originally posted by yucafrita

Isn't this just the 1/1000th shown until the film is advanced to the first frame?

Edit: whoops, too late...

Whoa! You're right. I never realized the Super Program did that. I'm so used to my MX that doesn't do anything unless you tell it to. Whew. Glad I don't have to take it in to the shop. Thanks!

pathdoc · 04-05-2017, 05:07 AM

Originally posted by murrelet

I never realized the Super Program did that. I'm so used to my MX that doesn't do anything unless you tell it to.

They wanted to ensure that the Super Program didn't try to shoot thirty second exposures in auto mode when winding on because the lens cap was on, but it's disconcerting the first time you see it, even when you know what's going to happen.

The good thing about the MX is that it will do anything you tell it to do (and that it's capable of). That is sometimes also the bad thing (e.g. allowing the shutter to fire when you are way above maximum flash sync speed, which I sometimes wish I could force my DSLRs to do, if only to illustrate what happens).

leekil · 04-05-2017, 12:37 PM

If you set the dial to the 125 setting, you can take photos with that before the counter reaches 1.

04-04-2017, 09:30 PM	#1
murrelet Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Portland, OR, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 506	Super Program going bonkers I'm experiencing a weird problem with a Super Program. With an A lens and on auto mode and the film back closed, the meter is stuck on 1/1000 sec. When I open the back, the meter gives a proper reading. Then, with the back open, using a bent paper clip to press on the frame counter reset lever, the meters reads 1/1000 again. Any idea why a mechanical operation would affect the electronics in such a way? Would a CLA fix the issue (cleaning out gunk that's interfering with the meter) or is a circuit board replacement in order?

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04-04-2017, 09:40 PM	#2
Joetitch Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Leura NSW Posts: 502	I believe that the shutter gets set to 1/1000 until 1 on counter is reached to assist speed in loading film. If it still shows after several winds and you are past Number 1 then "Houston you have a problem"

04-04-2017, 09:48 PM	#3
yucafrita Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 459	Isn't this just the 1/1000th shown until the film is advanced to the first frame? Edit: whoops, too late...

04-04-2017, 10:05 PM	#4
murrelet Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Portland, OR, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 506 Original Poster	Originally posted by yucafrita Isn't this just the 1/1000th shown until the film is advanced to the first frame? Edit: whoops, too late... Whoa! You're right. I never realized the Super Program did that. I'm so used to my MX that doesn't do anything unless you tell it to. Whew. Glad I don't have to take it in to the shop. Thanks!

04-05-2017, 05:07 AM	#5
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by murrelet I never realized the Super Program did that. I'm so used to my MX that doesn't do anything unless you tell it to. They wanted to ensure that the Super Program didn't try to shoot thirty second exposures in auto mode when winding on because the lens cap was on, but it's disconcerting the first time you see it, even when you know what's going to happen. The good thing about the MX is that it will do anything you tell it to do (and that it's capable of). That is sometimes also the bad thing (e.g. allowing the shutter to fire when you are way above maximum flash sync speed, which I sometimes wish I could force my DSLRs to do, if only to illustrate what happens).

04-05-2017, 12:37 PM	#6
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	If you set the dial to the 125 setting, you can take photos with that before the counter reaches 1.