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SuperAkuma · 03-12-2009, 02:54 PM

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I am sucked into the "film" crazed and is looking for a new body for my collection. Currently I am using the ZX-L as my film camera. It is a great camera but I want one with the shutter speed on the dial.

I would love to have the MZ-S but it is too expensive. Originally I wanted the MZ-3 but it is impossible to find that camera for sale. I've check ebay, keh, bhphoto and adorama, no one has it for sale. So I decided to settle for the ZX-5(n) because I can find them fairly easy for about $100.

I did a little searching and found a post where they said the zx-5n has a problem with the mirror lock being stuck.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/39450-mz5n-mir...ce-manual.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/53359-zx-5n-st...-question.html

I just want to know how common is this problem. I started a new post because I didn't want to hi-jack the other two post.

frank · 03-12-2009, 03:18 PM

The MZ series cameras (except MZ-S?) got this same problem due to the plastic part used in those cameras, including the ZX-L you are using. I can't say it's a very common problem, but seems there are plenty of those got stuck mirrors.

It shouldn't be very difficult to fix if you know how, and if you have the spare part (the mirror motor).

SuperAkuma · 03-14-2009, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by frank

The MZ series cameras (except MZ-S?) got this same problem due to the plastic part used in those cameras, including the ZX-L you are using. I can't say it's a very common problem, but seems there are plenty of those got stuck mirrors.

It shouldn't be very difficult to fix if you know how, and if you have the spare part (the mirror motor).

Thanks frank. I was not aware that my ZX-L is known to have the same problem. I'll pick up that camera only if I find a really good deal on it.

Bob Bimon · 05-03-2009, 10:32 PM

Hi,

I repaired my MZ-50 with that problem.
Quite heavy, but it works now.
15$ for the mirror motor : http://www.uscamera.com/27250-s250.htm
Good luck.

Here is the link where I solved the problem thanks to Alan :
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/39450-mz5n-mir...ce-manual.html

Last edited by Bob Bimon; 05-03-2009 at 10:44 PM.

Bob Bimon · 05-20-2009, 02:43 PM

Here you have the procedure (including pictures) I wrote to repair it.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/604647-post12.html

Enjoy !

photolady95 · 05-26-2009, 10:43 PM

I used a ZX-5n/MZ-5n (this latter one was mine as I bought it in Canada) for eight years and never had this problem. So, it's not common in my book.

titrisol · 05-27-2009, 01:41 AM

I think is a common problem after several years.
It develops even faster if the camera has not seen action in a while (like most eBay or similar cameras)

OregonJim · 06-04-2009, 11:00 PM

Originally posted by SuperAkuma

So I decided to settle for the ZX-5(n) because I can find them fairly easy for about $100.

I did a little searching and found a post where they said the zx-5n has a problem with the mirror lock being stuck.

I just bought one from Henry's (via ebay) with a 2-year warranty for $57US:

PENTAX MZ-5N 35mm SLR CAMERA BODY/2YR WARR/USED/$1 - eBay (item 220427034745 end time Jun-02-09 22:21:38 PDT)

You might keep an eye on Henry's for another one - the warranty should alleviate any fears of the mirror lock problem...

MikeW · 06-08-2009, 06:55 PM

A very, very nice set of instructions for what appears to be an extremely intimidating task. I hope my ZX-5 keeps going so I don't have to use your instructions.

Originally posted by Bob Bimon

Here you have the procedure (including pictures) I wrote to repair it.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/604647-post12.html

Enjoy !

Bob Bimon · 06-09-2009, 03:11 PM

I hope too !

I understood that many failures of this plastic gear are due to a large storage period without use.
So, use it !

**ChrisPlatt** · 06-09-2009, 04:27 PM

They break with or without use. Failure could ruin a good day of shooting. I'd replace it before it breaks...

Chris

Andi Lo · 06-09-2009, 05:35 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

They break with or without use. Failure could ruin a good day of shooting. I'd replace it before it breaks...

Chris

So after replacing, the motor becomes metal and won't break as easily?

**ChrisPlatt** · 06-09-2009, 05:58 PM

Yes. The gear on the replacement motor is metal and does not crack like the plastic gear on the original.
See the photo early in this thread: MZ5N mirror blocked, service manual?

FWIW Eric Hendrickson tells me this is the most common failure seen in the ZX/MZ series; once replaced these cameras are very reliable.

Chris

frank · 06-11-2009, 09:59 AM

I got a new replacement motor standby, just in case my MZ-3's mirror gets stuck someday

45 Mike · 02-24-2016, 01:37 PM

Is there anyone who can fix these still out there? Anyone willing to tackle a ZX-5 and a ZX-M? I have both, and they each need the fix.
Thanks.

03-12-2009, 02:54 PM	#1
SuperAkuma Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 445	Pentax ZX-5n mirror lock a common problem? 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. I am sucked into the "film" crazed and is looking for a new body for my collection. Currently I am using the ZX-L as my film camera. It is a great camera but I want one with the shutter speed on the dial. I would love to have the MZ-S but it is too expensive. Originally I wanted the MZ-3 but it is impossible to find that camera for sale. I've check ebay, keh, bhphoto and adorama, no one has it for sale. So I decided to settle for the ZX-5(n) because I can find them fairly easy for about $100. I did a little searching and found a post where they said the zx-5n has a problem with the mirror lock being stuck. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/39450-mz5n-mir...ce-manual.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/53359-zx-5n-st...-question.html I just want to know how common is this problem. I started a new post because I didn't want to hi-jack the other two post.

06-09-2009, 05:58 PM	#13
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,697	Yes. The gear on the replacement motor is metal and does not crack like the plastic gear on the original. See the photo early in this thread: MZ5N mirror blocked, service manual? FWIW Eric Hendrickson tells me this is the most common failure seen in the ZX/MZ series; once replaced these cameras are very reliable. Chris Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 06-09-2009 at 06:10 PM.

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03-12-2009, 03:18 PM	#2
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	The MZ series cameras (except MZ-S?) got this same problem due to the plastic part used in those cameras, including the ZX-L you are using. I can't say it's a very common problem, but seems there are plenty of those got stuck mirrors. It shouldn't be very difficult to fix if you know how, and if you have the spare part (the mirror motor).

03-14-2009, 02:24 PM	#3
SuperAkuma Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 445 Original Poster	Originally posted by frank The MZ series cameras (except MZ-S?) got this same problem due to the plastic part used in those cameras, including the ZX-L you are using. I can't say it's a very common problem, but seems there are plenty of those got stuck mirrors. It shouldn't be very difficult to fix if you know how, and if you have the spare part (the mirror motor). Thanks frank. I was not aware that my ZX-L is known to have the same problem. I'll pick up that camera only if I find a really good deal on it.

05-03-2009, 10:32 PM	#4
Bob Bimon New Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: France Posts: 17	Hi, I repaired my MZ-50 with that problem. Quite heavy, but it works now. 15$ for the mirror motor : http://www.uscamera.com/27250-s250.htm Good luck. Here is the link where I solved the problem thanks to Alan : https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/39450-mz5n-mir...ce-manual.html Last edited by Bob Bimon; 05-03-2009 at 10:44 PM.

05-20-2009, 02:43 PM	#5
Bob Bimon New Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: France Posts: 17	Here you have the procedure (including pictures) I wrote to repair it. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/604647-post12.html Enjoy !

05-26-2009, 10:43 PM	#6
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	I used a ZX-5n/MZ-5n (this latter one was mine as I bought it in Canada) for eight years and never had this problem. So, it's not common in my book.

05-27-2009, 01:41 AM	#7
titrisol Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the most populated state... state of denial Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,854	I think is a common problem after several years. It develops even faster if the camera has not seen action in a while (like most eBay or similar cameras)

06-04-2009, 11:00 PM	#8
OregonJim Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon Posts: 1,327	Originally posted by SuperAkuma So I decided to settle for the ZX-5(n) because I can find them fairly easy for about $100. I did a little searching and found a post where they said the zx-5n has a problem with the mirror lock being stuck. I just bought one from Henry's (via ebay) with a 2-year warranty for $57US: PENTAX MZ-5N 35mm SLR CAMERA BODY/2YR WARR/USED/$1 - eBay (item 220427034745 end time Jun-02-09 22:21:38 PDT) You might keep an eye on Henry's for another one - the warranty should alleviate any fears of the mirror lock problem...

06-08-2009, 06:55 PM	#9
MikeW Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 437	A very, very nice set of instructions for what appears to be an extremely intimidating task. I hope my ZX-5 keeps going so I don't have to use your instructions. Originally posted by Bob Bimon Here you have the procedure (including pictures) I wrote to repair it. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/604647-post12.html Enjoy !

06-09-2009, 03:11 PM	#10
Bob Bimon New Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: France Posts: 17	I hope too ! I understood that many failures of this plastic gear are due to a large storage period without use. So, use it !

06-09-2009, 04:27 PM	#11
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,697	They break with or without use. Failure could ruin a good day of shooting. I'd replace it before it breaks... Chris

06-09-2009, 05:35 PM	#12
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt They break with or without use. Failure could ruin a good day of shooting. I'd replace it before it breaks... Chris So after replacing, the motor becomes metal and won't break as easily?

06-11-2009, 09:59 AM	#14
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	I got a new replacement motor standby, just in case my MZ-3's mirror gets stuck someday

02-24-2016, 01:37 PM	#15
45 Mike Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,350	Is there anyone who can fix these still out there? Anyone willing to tackle a ZX-5 and a ZX-M? I have both, and they each need the fix. Thanks.

Pentax ZX-5n mirror lock a common problem?

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