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Graham Serretta
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 03:35 am: | 
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can anyone please tell me how difficult it is to replace the mirror buffers in a Pantax LX? I have one with a "lazy" mirror and a web search has indicated that the mirror buffers have deteriorated resulting in the mirror sticking or being lazy and the infinity focus being out. |
Jon Goodman
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 07:18 pm: |
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Hello, Graham.
Replacing the mirror damper pad is not difficult at all. I can send you a kit with the proper material for as little as $6. However, this may not be your problem. If the mirror damper pad is bad, generally you will notice the mirror sticking in the UP position. If the mirror is operating slowly or in a lazy fashion, it may mean the problem lies somewhere else. Do you see evidence of a deteriorated foam pad on the front edge of the mirror? You will see this as a greasy looking line, and it will be the same width as the mirror damper pad.
Jon |
Don
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 28, 2005 - 11:01 am: |
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Are you referring to the mirror stop that has a resilient pad to cushion the mirror at rest? It's a known source of trouble in this model much like the squeeky mirror in Canon's A series. There was a great deal of discussion re: this on the Pentax mailing list years ago. Have'nt looked at it in about 3 years so don't know whats new about it. Some complained about having a hard time getting it fixed properly but as I recall, there were some solutions that might have been dyi. Maybe a google search will help. |
Graham
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 04:00 am: |
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Jon - The problem definately seems to be deterioration of the mirror stop or rest pads on either side of the mirror box - they have become a gooey mess.
Don - Yes, there are two of them - one on either side.
The dimensions of the rests are surely critical as this is what will cause infinity focus to appear to be out. |
Don
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 06:45 am: |
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I checked google & there are a # of comments re: this + a solution for diy.
Don |
Graham
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 01:02 am: |
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I have downloaded everything I can find on this via Google, including the suggested "kitchen glove" solution. Progress so far:
I have cleaned away the goop residue from both of the mirror rests on either side of the mirror box. One, on the left looking into the mirror box from the front, is obviously the proper mirror rest which is adjustable for height (Infinity focus adjustment?) and should have a square rubber pad attached. The other, on the right hand side, is, minus it's rubber, a round peg which the underside of the mirror frame also seems to contact, but I'm not sure what it's function is as it is not adjustable. I have also cleaned the goop residue off both sides of the underside of the mirror where it contacts these two points, so there is no more goop to hang fire the mirror.
But the problem persists! The first time the shutter is fired after a period of rest, the mirror hangs, the aperture actuating lever slowly creeps up to the end of it's travel, and then the mirror/shutter fires. So, there is more goop somewhere in the mechanism. Question is, can an amateur with limited knowledge of this model, reach the problem and fix it? My experience is mainly with Olympus OM's. I can't find any diagrams or such to help, and don't want to spend $100 on a keepsake, nor do I want to take any risks. |
Glenn Middleton
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 09:02 am: |
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Sounds as if it just wants a good CLA.However I am sure that someone here will know the exact dodge to get the drop of lube into right spot(like Canon mirror damper squeak).If you could find a good service manual you could probably work it out for yourself.Sorry but have never been inside Pentax cameras as Canon are my 35mm slr choice.Good luck in your searches for a solution. |
Don
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 11:50 am: |
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The LX has silicone gaskets that have to be peeled off to get to the various assemblies. Since the camera is a valuable model, why not take it to someone who is familiar w/it. $100 or so would be worth it to restore it to working condition.
Don |
Graham
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 12:54 am: |
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Glenn - Thanks for the encouragement.
Don - Common sense and good advice prevails - I will take it to a specialist Pentax repairer here in London. I agree it's too nice a camera to waste. I replaced the mirror buffer pad with one cut from fairly dense neoprene last night, adjusted it for correct infinity focus, and she fired perfectly first shot this morning. A CLA may now be all that is needed. |
