Pentax MG - mirror locked up and wont wind on....

[simon]

Can anyone help.

I depressed the shutter button on my old pentax MG with no film in it.
ir sounded like the shutter worked but the mirror is now flipped up (the
screen is closed) and it won't wind on with the thumb lever.

Advice welcome.

[Paul]

"simon" <***@srsteel.co.uk> wrote in message news:dghr6g$t1a$***@news.freedom2surf.net...
: Can anyone help.
:
: I depressed the shutter button on my old pentax MG with no film in it.
: ir sounded like the shutter worked but the mirror is now flipped up (the
: screen is closed) and it won't wind on with the thumb lever.
:
: Advice welcome.
:
Tried fresh batteries?

[simon]

If i recall correctly the only battery is for the light meter. (a button
cell)

[Paul]

"simon" <***@srsteel.co.uk> wrote in message news:dgi4k0$t0$***@news.freedom2surf.net...
: If i recall correctly the only battery is for the light meter. (a button
: cell)
:
If I recall correctly the MG is very similar to the ME (my first SLR), which
has an electronically controlled shutter, i.e., batteries required (2 x A76
or similar, IIRC). The ME has ONE mechanical shutter speed, 1/90th sec, that
allows the camera to be used without batteries (although of course in that
case the meter doesn't work). According to Boz Dimitrov's Pentax site, the
MG also has one mechanical speed (1/100), plus B.

If I were you, I'd put some fresh batteries in that baby and see if that
helps.

Paul

[Christian Bonanno]

Post by Paul
: If i recall correctly the only battery is for the light meter. (a button
: cell)
If I recall correctly the MG is very similar to the ME (my first SLR), which
has an electronically controlled shutter, i.e., batteries required (2 x A76
or similar, IIRC). The ME has ONE mechanical shutter speed, 1/90th sec, that
allows the camera to be used without batteries (although of course in that
case the meter doesn't work). According to Boz Dimitrov's Pentax site, the
MG also has one mechanical speed (1/100), plus B.
If I were you, I'd put some fresh batteries in that baby and see if that
helps.
Paul

Looking at the manual I think if you set the shutter speed to 1/100
(100x) or B you should be able to drop the mirror if the batteries are
dead. Those are the only two speeds it allows manual shooting. Just a
guess.

If not:

Does the MG have Mirror Lock-up capability? I don't think it does
(looked at the manual) but worth investigating as well. I guess you are
sure it is an MG. ;^)

The manual is here BTW:
http://www.pentax.com/docstore/index.cfm?show=6

[simon]

yeah it is an MG.

Have tried selecting 100X and B - did expect that to drop the mirror but it
didn't.
Will have to try changing the batt's

SS

[Tony Polson]

Post by simon
yeah it is an MG.
Have tried selecting 100X and B - did expect that to drop the mirror but it
didn't.
Will have to try changing the batt's

The problem is likely to be that the mirror bumper foam has degraded
and become sticky. This happens to almost all SLR cameras after a
period of between 10 and 25 years, depending on climate and use.

When you press the shutter release, the mirror flips up to black out
the viewfinder. It hits the mirror bumper, which is a foam strip that
surrounds the base of the focusing screen, and comes to a halt. Then
the shutter operates, and the mirror flips down again.

What has probably happened is that the mirror has hit the degraded
foam and stuck to it. You might be able to get the mirror to flip
back down by gently persuading it with a fingernail to unstick from
the foam. However, this is risky because the mirror and its mechanism
are delicate and easily damaged.

So here is a better idea: as the camera will need to have the foam
replaced in any case, you should take it to an experienced repairer
who will correct the mirror problem and replace not only the mirror
bumper foam, but also the felt light traps in the film chamber, which
deteriorate at about the same rate. If you need new foam, you will
need new felt too.

The cost of this will be between £45 and £70, depending on the
repairer. The price will include cleaning and lubrication of the
shutter and adjustment of the light meter, often referred to as a
"clean, lubricate and adjust" or "CLA".

Those prices might make it appear worthwhile to buy a good used
example of one of the many Pentax 35mm SLRs rather than get yours
repaired. However, most used cameras sold in the UK seem to need the
mirror bumper foam and light trap felt replacing, so unless you are
sure that it has already been done, beware buying used.

[Bhup]

I recently bought a pentax super a and the mirror bumper is sticky the
mirror sticks for a second or so .
I plan to do the replacement my self what sort of foam do I need and where
can I buy some from?
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Post by Tony Polson

Post by simon
yeah it is an MG.
Have tried selecting 100X and B - did expect that to drop the mirror but it
didn't.
Will have to try changing the batt's

The problem is likely to be that the mirror bumper foam has degraded
and become sticky. This happens to almost all SLR cameras after a
period of between 10 and 25 years, depending on climate and use.
When you press the shutter release, the mirror flips up to black out
the viewfinder. It hits the mirror bumper, which is a foam strip that
surrounds the base of the focusing screen, and comes to a halt. Then
the shutter operates, and the mirror flips down again.
What has probably happened is that the mirror has hit the degraded
foam and stuck to it. You might be able to get the mirror to flip
back down by gently persuading it with a fingernail to unstick from
the foam. However, this is risky because the mirror and its mechanism
are delicate and easily damaged.
So here is a better idea: as the camera will need to have the foam
replaced in any case, you should take it to an experienced repairer
who will correct the mirror problem and replace not only the mirror
bumper foam, but also the felt light traps in the film chamber, which
deteriorate at about the same rate. If you need new foam, you will
need new felt too.
The cost of this will be between £45 and £70, depending on the
repairer. The price will include cleaning and lubrication of the
shutter and adjustment of the light meter, often referred to as a
"clean, lubricate and adjust" or "CLA".
Those prices might make it appear worthwhile to buy a good used
example of one of the many Pentax 35mm SLRs rather than get yours
repaired. However, most used cameras sold in the UK seem to need the
mirror bumper foam and light trap felt replacing, so unless you are
sure that it has already been done, beware buying used.

[Ken]

Post by Bhup
I recently bought a pentax super a and the mirror bumper is sticky the
mirror sticks for a second or so .
I plan to do the replacement my self what sort of foam do I need and where
can I buy some from?

I've seen the mirrors lock up from degraded mirror bumper foam as well.

There is a guy named Interslice on eBay that sells a quality light seal kit that works with most cameras.
I re-sealed a Pentax SuperA with one of his kits a couple of months ago and had no problems getting
it to work. I've sealed probably 15 cameras in the past few months and his materials are good in my
opinion. Offers free shipping and a fixed price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Complete-Light-Seal-Kit-foam-proven-40-yrs-free-ship_W0QQitemZ7547206488QQcategoryZ15241QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If that link doesn't work try this - http://tinyurl.com/9a85m

[Tony Polson]

Post by Bhup
I recently bought a pentax super a and the mirror bumper is sticky the
mirror sticks for a second or so .
I plan to do the replacement my self what sort of foam do I need and where
can I buy some from?

Hi Bhup,

I have seen all sorts of suggestions as to what material could be
used, including old mouse mat foam, but it is best to use the correct
foam.

try:
http://www.micro-tools.com/
and click on the link to "Micro-Tools Europe".

Alternatively, try the following eBay seller:
kameradoktor

(Go to http://www.ebay.co.uk then choose "Advanced Search" and insert
"kameradoktor" in the "From sellers" section. Click on any item, then
choose "Ask seller a question" and ask for a price for a kit for the
Pentax Super A. )

You will need a sharp knife, a cutting mat, good eyes and a very
steady hand. ;-)

Good luck!

Best regards,

Tony