Found a Pentax MZ-50 in my attic, does it need repairs?

[allohse]

Hello again.

I found an old Pentax MZ-50 in my attic. I tested it with old batteries and the display appears to be working. Didn't try the autofocus nor to rewind the film that was inside it yet Didn’t test the lightmeter either. The flash is busted though (it does not remain in place after bringing it up). I'll try again when I have the chance to buy batteries. Also, the visor seems a bit dark (it's kind of hard to even see in low-light situations), was it like that before? The lens appear to be OK to my untrained eye, but I'm not sure.

What I am wondering is, what do I have to be careful about before actually trying to shoot pictures with it? I’m just guessing, but with the costs of sending it for revision (?) I could probably buy a better camera in better condition, right? Would it be worth it? But does it even need to be adjusted, and how do I discover that? The lightmeter, for example, how can I be sure it works fine?

Thank you!!

 

[gone]

Here's some info on your camera
https://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-mz-50-zx-50.html

It's basically a low cost auto focus film camera w/ limited features, so no, sending it out for repairs would cost more than another camera would cost.

 

[4season]

Pentax MZ/ZX-series cameras often seem to fail in a couple of different ways:

• A plastic part under spring tension cracks, and the flash no longer stays up.
• Camera does not complete it's wind cycle due to a cracked gear.

I have been able to improvise a repair for the flash problem, while the procedure for replacing the failed gear is illustrated here:
http://m.ipernity.com/#/doc/five/album/677141

 

[pentaxuser]

I can't think of anything you need to be careful of when testing it that might inflict further harm to it and until you try it out with some film no-one can say what if any faults the camera might have other than what you have found out already

So I think you have to try it. Once you develop the negatives you can show us the results and say what if any problem you found when you operated the camera. Once we see the negs and hear of any difficulties you had then begins the discussion of the possible faults and whether those faults can be accepted or repaired more cheaply than buying another camera

pentaxuser

 

[tezzasmall]

I used one of these models for years with no problem. I even bought a back up on ebay for about £5, but like yours the flash doesn't staying up. but that's no big deal as I rarely use the on camera flash and it can be held up with a finger if necessary.

As said in the previous post, you really need to run a film through it and get some prints before any real diagnosis or suggestion to buy another one can be made.

Terry S