KX mirror up, does not come down

Smolk · 08-19-2020, 05:16 AM

I took a picture with the mirror locked in the up position, because of a slow shutter speed, and the mirror went up but doesn't come down now.
This may be different from the stuck mirror syndrome, or not, I don't know for sure. When I move the mirror down via the slide on the left when looking into the mount, it easily slides down but just doesn't stay there.
Any advice?

Or alternatively, any suggestions for a repair centre in the Netherlands or Belgium?

pschlute · 08-19-2020, 05:48 AM

Is the shutter closed ?

Smolk · 08-19-2020, 06:07 AM

Yes, it is.

titrisol · 08-19-2020, 07:20 AM

I assume you have looked into this, but what is the condition of the foam in the mirror "up" position?
Also, does it come back if you move the lock-up mirror lever?

Originally posted by Smolk

I took a picture with the mirror locked in the up position, because of a slow shutter speed, and the mirror went up but doesn't come down now.
This may be different from the stuck mirror syndrome, or not, I don't know for sure. When I move the mirror down via the slide on the left when looking into the mount, it easily slides down but just doesn't stay there.
Any advice?

Or alternatively, any suggestions for a repair centre in the Netherlands or Belgium?

Last edited by titrisol; 08-19-2020 at 07:27 AM.

Not a Number · 08-19-2020, 08:24 AM

You can download the Service Manual Parts List with exploded diagram from here:
Product Details | Pentax KX Parts Diagram | Pentax | Service Manuals | Learn Camera Repair

The problem may be related to similar mirror, shutter and winding problems that occur with Spotmatics and K1000s under the bottom plate. May also be related to the self-timer if you had operated that.

**Derek** · 08-19-2020, 09:25 AM

Please don't be angry if this is a stupid question but... you have rotated that little locking ring back to it's original vertical position, haven't you? If the answer is "yes", then has the plunger on the mirror lock-up control returned to it's original position (extended)?

stevebrot · 08-19-2020, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by Derek

Please don't be angry if this is a stupid question but... you have rotated that little locking ring back to it's original vertical position, haven't you? If the answer is "yes", then has the plunger on the mirror lock-up control returned to it's original position (extended)?

What he said... ^ ^ ^

As with most other mechanical cameras offering true MLU, the mirror does not come down until you release the lock.

Steve

Smolk · 08-19-2020, 03:54 PM

I did move the lock back to its vertical position.
And it is probably telling that the depth-of-field button does not give any pressure.

The foam - I'm not quite sure how it should look like. But I can bring down the mirror by pushing the lever to the left of the shutter, the mirror doesn't stick, it just isn't released somehow.
I'm not sure what the plunger is: “has the plunger on the mirror lock-up control returned to it's original position (extended)?”

**Derek** · 08-19-2020, 04:30 PM

By "plunger" I mean the depth-of-field button.

stevebrot · 08-19-2020, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by Smolk

I'm not sure what the plunger is: “has the plunger on the mirror lock-up control returned to it's original position (extended)?”

The part you push to get the mirror up in the first place. The sequence goes like this:

Turn black MLU lever at base of the DOF preview button to its downward position.
Press the DOF preview button inward and note that it stays in place and that the viewfinder is now dark (mirror is up).
Shoot at will until tired of doing MLU.
Turn the black MLU lever to its upward position and note that the DOF preview button is now in its extended position and the viewfinder is no longer dark. The mirror stays up until you release it to let it down.

The camera manual (p25) is helpful:

Pentax Manuals | Manual Focus Bodies (password is "Pentax")

Steve

Smolk · 08-20-2020, 07:14 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I have the manual (although the photos are a bit black, it's a PDF) and used the function accordingly.

The plunger meets no resistance, that is: it is out, but pushing it back in meets no resistance, as a car brake pedal that's wrong (had that once before in the middle of Paris). I've switched the MLU lever several times now, to no avail. The curtain is closed.

My other KX works normal: MLU lever down, DOF button pressed, mirror is locked up; when I move up the MLU lever upwards again it clicks at ‘10 o'clock’ and the button comes out again.

In the faulty camera I notice a little resistance in the MLU lever at the same point when I also hold the button, but it makes no difference and the button, which should be in since the mirror is up, stays out.
Also: the aperture closes when I move the aperture ring, in keeping with the DOF button being pushed in (even though it's out).

**pentaxus** · 08-20-2020, 09:10 AM

If the "plunger" has no resistance then it sounds like something on the mirror box needs lubrication, which involves removing the front panel.

Smolk · 08-20-2020, 09:17 AM

I guess it needs a TLC. Problem is that I've moved from the UK to the Netherlands - I knew someone specialised in Pentax over there, but not over here.
There are some people who do things like Rolleiflex - also mechanical, but very different. Anyone in the Netherlands (or Belgium) I could try?

---------- Post added 08-20-2020 at 04:46 PM ----------

I found these addresses:

- Reageren
- Inkoop. verkoop en reparatie vintage camera's | Cameraherstelpunt.nl

Both happen to be near where I live, but the first gives an error message on the listed email address, so it may be out of business.

For Rolleis, other addresses apply as well, but I'm not sure that makes sense in this case. I have had good results with De Kamera, and also heard good reports about Van Manen.

---------- Post added 08-20-2020 at 04:48 PM ----------

And I would not be surprised if these guys also do repair, but they do not mention it:

www.fotohandeldelfshaven.nl

womble · 08-21-2020, 01:14 AM

Why not just post it back to the people you used in the UK if you were happy with their work? At least for the moment there won't be VAT/import tax/handling charges to worry about. I have sent some of mine from the UK to the US in the past.

K.

Smolk · 08-21-2020, 05:21 PM

I've lost too many items to the Royal Mail to risk that, frankly.

08-19-2020, 05:16 AM	#1
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	KX mirror up, does not come down I took a picture with the mirror locked in the up position, because of a slow shutter speed, and the mirror went up but doesn't come down now. This may be different from the stuck mirror syndrome, or not, I don't know for sure. When I move the mirror down via the slide on the left when looking into the mount, it easily slides down but just doesn't stay there. Any advice? Or alternatively, any suggestions for a repair centre in the Netherlands or Belgium?

08-19-2020, 04:48 PM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Smolk I'm not sure what the plunger is: “has the plunger on the mirror lock-up control returned to it's original position (extended)?” The part you push to get the mirror up in the first place. The sequence goes like this: Turn black MLU lever at base of the DOF preview button to its downward position. Press the DOF preview button inward and note that it stays in place and that the viewfinder is now dark (mirror is up). Shoot at will until tired of doing MLU. Turn the black MLU lever to its upward position and note that the DOF preview button is now in its extended position and the viewfinder is no longer dark. The mirror stays up until you release it to let it down. The camera manual (p25) is helpful: Pentax Manuals \| Manual Focus Bodies (password is "Pentax") Steve

08-20-2020, 09:17 AM	#13
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857 Original Poster	I guess it needs a TLC. Problem is that I've moved from the UK to the Netherlands - I knew someone specialised in Pentax over there, but not over here. There are some people who do things like Rolleiflex - also mechanical, but very different. Anyone in the Netherlands (or Belgium) I could try? ---------- Post added 08-20-2020 at 04:46 PM ---------- I found these addresses: - Reageren - Inkoop. verkoop en reparatie vintage camera's \| Cameraherstelpunt.nl Both happen to be near where I live, but the first gives an error message on the listed email address, so it may be out of business. For Rolleis, other addresses apply as well, but I'm not sure that makes sense in this case. I have had good results with De Kamera, and also heard good reports about Van Manen. ---------- Post added 08-20-2020 at 04:48 PM ---------- And I would not be surprised if these guys also do repair, but they do not mention it: www.fotohandeldelfshaven.nl Last edited by Smolk; 08-20-2020 at 09:46 AM.

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08-19-2020, 05:48 AM	#2
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,198	Is the shutter closed ?

08-19-2020, 06:07 AM	#3
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857 Original Poster	Yes, it is.

08-19-2020, 07:20 AM	#4
titrisol Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the most populated state... state of denial Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,852	I assume you have looked into this, but what is the condition of the foam in the mirror "up" position? Also, does it come back if you move the lock-up mirror lever? Originally posted by Smolk I took a picture with the mirror locked in the up position, because of a slow shutter speed, and the mirror went up but doesn't come down now. This may be different from the stuck mirror syndrome, or not, I don't know for sure. When I move the mirror down via the slide on the left when looking into the mount, it easily slides down but just doesn't stay there. Any advice? Or alternatively, any suggestions for a repair centre in the Netherlands or Belgium? Last edited by titrisol; 08-19-2020 at 07:27 AM.

08-19-2020, 08:24 AM	#5
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	You can download the Service Manual Parts List with exploded diagram from here: Product Details \| Pentax KX Parts Diagram \| Pentax \| Service Manuals \| Learn Camera Repair The problem may be related to similar mirror, shutter and winding problems that occur with Spotmatics and K1000s under the bottom plate. May also be related to the self-timer if you had operated that.

08-19-2020, 09:25 AM	#6
Derek Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Terrace, BC, Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 122	Please don't be angry if this is a stupid question but... you have rotated that little locking ring back to it's original vertical position, haven't you? If the answer is "yes", then has the plunger on the mirror lock-up control returned to it's original position (extended)?

08-19-2020, 10:42 AM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Derek Please don't be angry if this is a stupid question but... you have rotated that little locking ring back to it's original vertical position, haven't you? If the answer is "yes", then has the plunger on the mirror lock-up control returned to it's original position (extended)? What he said... ^ ^ ^ As with most other mechanical cameras offering true MLU, the mirror does not come down until you release the lock. Steve

08-19-2020, 03:54 PM	#8
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857 Original Poster	I did move the lock back to its vertical position. And it is probably telling that the depth-of-field button does not give any pressure. The foam - I'm not quite sure how it should look like. But I can bring down the mirror by pushing the lever to the left of the shutter, the mirror doesn't stick, it just isn't released somehow. I'm not sure what the plunger is: “has the plunger on the mirror lock-up control returned to it's original position (extended)?”

08-19-2020, 04:30 PM	#9
Derek Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Terrace, BC, Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 122	By "plunger" I mean the depth-of-field button.

08-20-2020, 07:14 AM	#11
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857 Original Poster	Thanks for all the replies. I have the manual (although the photos are a bit black, it's a PDF) and used the function accordingly. The plunger meets no resistance, that is: it is out, but pushing it back in meets no resistance, as a car brake pedal that's wrong (had that once before in the middle of Paris). I've switched the MLU lever several times now, to no avail. The curtain is closed. My other KX works normal: MLU lever down, DOF button pressed, mirror is locked up; when I move up the MLU lever upwards again it clicks at ‘10 o'clock’ and the button comes out again. In the faulty camera I notice a little resistance in the MLU lever at the same point when I also hold the button, but it makes no difference and the button, which should be in since the mirror is up, stays out. Also: the aperture closes when I move the aperture ring, in keeping with the DOF button being pushed in (even though it's out).

08-20-2020, 09:10 AM	#12
pentaxus Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 1,313	If the "plunger" has no resistance then it sounds like something on the mirror box needs lubrication, which involves removing the front panel.

08-21-2020, 01:14 AM	#14
womble Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hertfordshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,324	Why not just post it back to the people you used in the UK if you were happy with their work? At least for the moment there won't be VAT/import tax/handling charges to worry about. I have sent some of mine from the UK to the US in the past. K.

08-21-2020, 05:21 PM	#15
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857 Original Poster	I've lost too many items to the Royal Mail to risk that, frankly.