Pentax MX Slow Speed escapement location

**tonyzoc** · 11-09-2020, 06:32 PM

Does anyone know if the MX slow speed escapement mechanism is accessable once the bottom is off, or is it under the mirror box. I have a service manual but I can't tell from the exploded view. I also have a parts body where I can look, but before I delve into it I thought I'd just ask here. I'm considering a purchase of an MX with sticky slow speeds. I can deal with taking the bottom off but I don't want to get into removing the mirror box.

WhatsMyNameAD67 · 11-09-2020, 07:05 PM

I don’t have a diagram for you, but here is a post from PF with a pic with arrows pointing to the escapement screw.
MX Mirror Stuck - PentaxForums.com

stevebrot · 11-09-2020, 07:09 PM

Originally posted by tonyzoc

Does anyone know if the MX slow speed escapement mechanism is accessable once the bottom is off, or is it under the mirror box. I have a service manual but I can't tell from the exploded view. I also have a parts body where I can look, but before I delve into it I thought I'd just ask here. I'm considering a purchase of an MX with sticky slow speeds. I can deal with taking the bottom off but I don't want to get into removing the mirror box.

It uses a cam, not an escapement. You can find it on the parts list (O-E402 ?) and from there locate it on the exploded view. It should in the area under the shutter dial. toward the bottom of the camera. The mechanism is essentially similar to that on the K-series and Spotmatic models with full-mechanical shutters.

Steve

(...I used to think it was an escapement too...)

**tonyzoc** · 11-11-2020, 06:55 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

It uses a cam, not an escapement. You can find it on the parts list (O-E402 ?) and from there locate it on the exploded view. It should in the area under the shutter dial. toward the bottom of the camera. The mechanism is essentially similar to that on the K-series and Spotmatic models with full-mechanical shutters.

Steve

(...I used to think it was an escapement too...)

So it's not really accessable without removing the mirror box. I'd be afraid to try to flush it with some solvent without hitting the curtains. Maybe a drop of solvent on that lever exposed on the bottom would run down into the mechanism and loosen it up?

grimnicholas · 09-13-2022, 08:20 PM

Bit of an older thread, but did you figure this out @tonyzoc?

11-09-2020, 06:32 PM	#1
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992	Pentax MX Slow Speed escapement location Does anyone know if the MX slow speed escapement mechanism is accessable once the bottom is off, or is it under the mirror box. I have a service manual but I can't tell from the exploded view. I also have a parts body where I can look, but before I delve into it I thought I'd just ask here. I'm considering a purchase of an MX with sticky slow speeds. I can deal with taking the bottom off but I don't want to get into removing the mirror box.

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11-09-2020, 07:05 PM	#2
WhatsMyNameAD67 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 307	I don’t have a diagram for you, but here is a post from PF with a pic with arrows pointing to the escapement screw. MX Mirror Stuck - PentaxForums.com

11-09-2020, 07:09 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by tonyzoc Does anyone know if the MX slow speed escapement mechanism is accessable once the bottom is off, or is it under the mirror box. I have a service manual but I can't tell from the exploded view. I also have a parts body where I can look, but before I delve into it I thought I'd just ask here. I'm considering a purchase of an MX with sticky slow speeds. I can deal with taking the bottom off but I don't want to get into removing the mirror box. It uses a cam, not an escapement. You can find it on the parts list (O-E402 ?) and from there locate it on the exploded view. It should in the area under the shutter dial. toward the bottom of the camera. The mechanism is essentially similar to that on the K-series and Spotmatic models with full-mechanical shutters. Steve (...I used to think it was an escapement too...)

11-11-2020, 06:55 PM	#4
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot It uses a cam, not an escapement. You can find it on the parts list (O-E402 ?) and from there locate it on the exploded view. It should in the area under the shutter dial. toward the bottom of the camera. The mechanism is essentially similar to that on the K-series and Spotmatic models with full-mechanical shutters. Steve (...I used to think it was an escapement too...) So it's not really accessable without removing the mirror box. I'd be afraid to try to flush it with some solvent without hitting the curtains. Maybe a drop of solvent on that lever exposed on the bottom would run down into the mechanism and loosen it up?

09-13-2022, 08:20 PM	#5
grimnicholas Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 59	Bit of an older thread, but did you figure this out @tonyzoc?