another one bites the dust

ctrout · 11-08-2017, 07:34 PM

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Well, I just got the bad news today from Eric that another classic is non-repairable. I'm really bummed about this. Earlier this year I got this news about my 1958 K, now it sits on the shelf, worthless. I thought about selling it on ebay as "not working" but I can't bring myself to sell it without full disclosure that it can't be repaired. Especially since it's likely that someone here would end up with it, wasting money on it as I did. I bought it thinking that a CLA would save it. I did try once to resell it on ebay but since I listed it as unrepairable, I never got a single bid so I just decided to keep it.

Today's news was even worse. This time it's an AP that is unrescuable. As with the K, it's in mint cosmetic condition. Anothe gorgeous classic in the junk box, never to have its film plane illuminated again.

Adam · 11-08-2017, 07:49 PM

That's too bad! Maybe this could help?

Camera Clocks ~ Giving New Life To Old Broken Cameras - PentaxForums.com

**UncleVanya** · 11-08-2017, 08:51 PM

Originally posted by Adam

That's too bad! Maybe this could help?

Camera Clocks ~ Giving New Life To Old Broken Cameras - PentaxForums.com

Agreed. Seems a fitting way to keep it.

ctrout · 11-08-2017, 08:55 PM

Originally posted by Adam

That's too bad! Maybe this could help?

Camera Clocks ~ Giving New Life To Old Broken Cameras - PentaxForums.com

I suppose that's better than chucking them into a junk box.

LesDMess · 11-08-2017, 08:57 PM

What was wrong with them?

IgorZ · 11-08-2017, 09:36 PM

That was my question too...

ctrout · 11-08-2017, 10:05 PM

The K has a bad clutch in the film advance mechanism. I don't remember exactly what Eric said about it. Here is exactly what was sent along with the Paypal refund for the AP. "I took the unit apart and found that the shutter curtain streamer is torn. I don't have the parts available to fix it. Returning unrepaired."

I emailed Eric and asked him if the part needed for the AP could be cannibalized from the K. The way I see it, the K and the AP are so similar that there may be a really good chance that the needed part is the same. I'm awaiting his response with my fingers crossed.

Xmas · 11-09-2017, 03:03 AM

Buy another K and cannabise... or try
Pentax Camera Repair Specialists - Harrow Technical
Repair costs bound to increase with low volume kit!

**Baard-Einar** · 11-09-2017, 04:20 AM

Hey, maybe some members of the forum have AP or K that can be used as spare parts. But I also know that a lot of those early modells didn't have a very consistent parts assembly, so it can be hard to move one part from another camera. And salvaging also comes with a risk and a price tag.

**Baard-Einar** · 11-09-2017, 06:13 AM

Originally posted by dcshooter

Cloth shutter curtain streamers can certainly be repaired, and whole new curtains can be built from scratch if necessary. I think this isn't a case of a repair being impossible but rather outside of Eric's wheelhouse. If you check around the Leica/Contax/vintage rangefinder community, you could probably find a number of people who could fix the curtain for you.

Hi,
Eric has replaced the shutter curtain on more than one camera for me, so these ribbons/streamers are normally reused?

This guy sells ribbons as well: Shutter curtain strap ribbon tape for Leica and other cameras repair parts | eBay

/Baard-Einar

**gordon_l34** · 11-09-2017, 11:25 AM

Hi,
It all depends how much you want to spend as you could try f16 here in Australia
Alan is on the Pentax Forum camera repair list.
Regards.

Paul Ewins · 11-09-2017, 09:36 PM

I often buy non-working cameras for my collection. If they are only going to sit in a display case then it doesn't bother me whether they are functional or not and in some ways I'd prefer to leave the working examples for people who actually want to use them,

ctrout · 11-09-2017, 10:23 PM - **1 Like**

I'm one who actually wants to use them. I don't always have as much time as I would like for "serious photography" but film has once again become my preferred medium. I bought a Canon EOS D30 about 15 years ago ans sold all of my 35mm Pentax gear shortly afterward. I've enjoyed digital, and I believe that it has made me a better photographer. I had been wanting an EOS 3 for a couple years and while shopping for one on Ebay one day, I actually pulled the trigger on an ME SE instead. That was just over a year ago and I have been enjoying film again ever since. It has revitalized my interest in art again.

When I really have the time to slow down and get serious, I drag out the Mamiya RB67 Pro S or the C33, but if I am craving an artistic experience and don't have the time to make a day of it, One of my 15 or so Pentax 35s comes out. In M42, I think the SV is my favorite although I really do enjoy the K. The S1a is also a treat if I don't think I'll need a self timer. My Sekonic L8s have nailed exposure every time using the meterless bodies. I'm not enamored with the Spotmatic, as I would rather use a K mount if I want the camera to meter the exposures, but the Spottie is a gem in its own right and I will enjoy using it once Eric returns it to me in top condition again.

I'm really torn when it comes to the K mount bodies. The ME Super was my first love, having been my very first 35mm SLR, purchased new in the early 80s when I was just 13 years old. The ME Super is currently my only 35mm SLR that is loaded with film. I love the little ME for many of the same reasons that I like the ME Super for. My Super Program and Super A are no better than the MEs but just different enough to keep me interested. My MX is in a class of its own but has a few irritating faults that lead me to use the KX perhaps a bit more often. I HATE the LED display and the stupid difficult shutter speed dial of the MX, while I love the Meter and dial on the KX while not being crazy about the large, clunky size. When I get the urge to use a more basic light tight box, I reach for the KM or the MIJ K1000 SE. They are both great, but again, a bit clunky in handling. That brings me to my LX. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the LX. 'Nuff said.

LesDMess · 11-10-2017, 06:10 AM

Had an EOS3 once.

It turns out that all Canons with aperture priority will max out at 30 second so I explored all other brands and models and found that the LX was the only one that would keep it's shutter open for as long as it takes. Additionally, Pentax clearly based its design on the original AP.

With today's ultra wide latitude films, I really enjoy using this fully functional non metered camera!

leekil · 11-10-2017, 10:23 AM

Originally posted by Paul Ewins

I often buy non-working cameras for my collection. If they are only going to sit in a display case then it doesn't bother me whether they are functional or not and in some ways I'd prefer to leave the working examples for people who actually want to use them,

Do you have one that Eric can use the parts from to fix the AP?

11-08-2017, 07:34 PM	#1
ctrout Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 444	another one bites the dust Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Well, I just got the bad news today from Eric that another classic is non-repairable. I'm really bummed about this. Earlier this year I got this news about my 1958 K, now it sits on the shelf, worthless. I thought about selling it on ebay as "not working" but I can't bring myself to sell it without full disclosure that it can't be repaired. Especially since it's likely that someone here would end up with it, wasting money on it as I did. I bought it thinking that a CLA would save it. I did try once to resell it on ebay but since I listed it as unrepairable, I never got a single bid so I just decided to keep it. Today's news was even worse. This time it's an AP that is unrescuable. As with the K, it's in mint cosmetic condition. Anothe gorgeous classic in the junk box, never to have its film plane illuminated again.

11-08-2017, 07:49 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	That's too bad! Maybe this could help? Camera Clocks ~ Giving New Life To Old Broken Cameras - PentaxForums.com 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:

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11-08-2017, 08:51 PM	#3
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,398	Originally posted by Adam That's too bad! Maybe this could help? Camera Clocks ~ Giving New Life To Old Broken Cameras - PentaxForums.com Agreed. Seems a fitting way to keep it.

11-08-2017, 08:55 PM	#4
ctrout Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 444 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam That's too bad! Maybe this could help? Camera Clocks ~ Giving New Life To Old Broken Cameras - PentaxForums.com I suppose that's better than chucking them into a junk box.

11-08-2017, 08:57 PM	#5
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	What was wrong with them?

11-08-2017, 09:36 PM	#6
IgorZ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ottawa Posts: 1,735	That was my question too...

11-08-2017, 10:05 PM	#7
ctrout Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 444 Original Poster	The K has a bad clutch in the film advance mechanism. I don't remember exactly what Eric said about it. Here is exactly what was sent along with the Paypal refund for the AP. "I took the unit apart and found that the shutter curtain streamer is torn. I don't have the parts available to fix it. Returning unrepaired." I emailed Eric and asked him if the part needed for the AP could be cannibalized from the K. The way I see it, the K and the AP are so similar that there may be a really good chance that the needed part is the same. I'm awaiting his response with my fingers crossed.

11-09-2017, 03:03 AM	#8
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	Buy another K and cannabise... or try Pentax Camera Repair Specialists - Harrow Technical Repair costs bound to increase with low volume kit!

11-09-2017, 04:20 AM	#9
Baard-Einar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Oslo Photos: Gallery Posts: 964	Hey, maybe some members of the forum have AP or K that can be used as spare parts. But I also know that a lot of those early modells didn't have a very consistent parts assembly, so it can be hard to move one part from another camera. And salvaging also comes with a risk and a price tag.

11-09-2017, 06:13 AM	#10
Baard-Einar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Oslo Photos: Gallery Posts: 964	Originally posted by dcshooter Cloth shutter curtain streamers can certainly be repaired, and whole new curtains can be built from scratch if necessary. I think this isn't a case of a repair being impossible but rather outside of Eric's wheelhouse. If you check around the Leica/Contax/vintage rangefinder community, you could probably find a number of people who could fix the curtain for you. Hi, Eric has replaced the shutter curtain on more than one camera for me, so these ribbons/streamers are normally reused? This guy sells ribbons as well: Shutter curtain strap ribbon tape for Leica and other cameras repair parts \| eBay /Baard-Einar

11-09-2017, 11:25 AM	#11
gordon_l34 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 779	Hi, It all depends how much you want to spend as you could try f16 here in Australia Alan is on the Pentax Forum camera repair list. Regards.

11-09-2017, 09:36 PM	#12
Paul Ewins Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 274	I often buy non-working cameras for my collection. If they are only going to sit in a display case then it doesn't bother me whether they are functional or not and in some ways I'd prefer to leave the working examples for people who actually want to use them,

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11-09-2017, 10:23 PM - 1 Like	#13
ctrout Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 444 Original Poster	I'm one who actually wants to use them. I don't always have as much time as I would like for "serious photography" but film has once again become my preferred medium. I bought a Canon EOS D30 about 15 years ago ans sold all of my 35mm Pentax gear shortly afterward. I've enjoyed digital, and I believe that it has made me a better photographer. I had been wanting an EOS 3 for a couple years and while shopping for one on Ebay one day, I actually pulled the trigger on an ME SE instead. That was just over a year ago and I have been enjoying film again ever since. It has revitalized my interest in art again. When I really have the time to slow down and get serious, I drag out the Mamiya RB67 Pro S or the C33, but if I am craving an artistic experience and don't have the time to make a day of it, One of my 15 or so Pentax 35s comes out. In M42, I think the SV is my favorite although I really do enjoy the K. The S1a is also a treat if I don't think I'll need a self timer. My Sekonic L8s have nailed exposure every time using the meterless bodies. I'm not enamored with the Spotmatic, as I would rather use a K mount if I want the camera to meter the exposures, but the Spottie is a gem in its own right and I will enjoy using it once Eric returns it to me in top condition again. I'm really torn when it comes to the K mount bodies. The ME Super was my first love, having been my very first 35mm SLR, purchased new in the early 80s when I was just 13 years old. The ME Super is currently my only 35mm SLR that is loaded with film. I love the little ME for many of the same reasons that I like the ME Super for. My Super Program and Super A are no better than the MEs but just different enough to keep me interested. My MX is in a class of its own but has a few irritating faults that lead me to use the KX perhaps a bit more often. I HATE the LED display and the stupid difficult shutter speed dial of the MX, while I love the Meter and dial on the KX while not being crazy about the large, clunky size. When I get the urge to use a more basic light tight box, I reach for the KM or the MIJ K1000 SE. They are both great, but again, a bit clunky in handling. That brings me to my LX. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the LX. 'Nuff said.

11-10-2017, 06:10 AM	#14
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Had an EOS3 once. It turns out that all Canons with aperture priority will max out at 30 second so I explored all other brands and models and found that the LX was the only one that would keep it's shutter open for as long as it takes. Additionally, Pentax clearly based its design on the original AP. With today's ultra wide latitude films, I really enjoy using this fully functional non metered camera!

11-10-2017, 10:23 AM	#15
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	Originally posted by Paul Ewins I often buy non-working cameras for my collection. If they are only going to sit in a display case then it doesn't bother me whether they are functional or not and in some ways I'd prefer to leave the working examples for people who actually want to use them, Do you have one that Eric can use the parts from to fix the AP?