Manual SLR mirror stuck after every shutter release - Ricoh XR-7 in this case

[florian-sdr]

Hi all!

I hope this is the right forum. I would like to find out how I can repair the following issue:

what I can do about an SLR, where the mirror stays in the top position after every shutter release?

The mirror get's stuck in the top position. When I manually forward the film forward winder and let it snap back, then the mirror comes down again. Only to stay in the top position after the next shutter release.
I recorded a video of the issue and uploaded it here:



Thank you and kind regards!

 

[ic-racer]

You need to examine the mechanism in the camera or service manual to see.

Frequently it goes like this with a mechanical connection or lever between each step:
Shutter release
Mirror release
First curtain release
+/- escapement
Second curtain release
Mirror return
**done**

 

[beemermark]

Good batteries? Most or all of the RICOHs need battery power to operate,

 

[reddesert]

http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Ricoh_XR7

As beemermark said. This is a camera with an electronically controlled shutter and A mode auto. On many such cameras if the batteries are dead, the shutter will fire but the sequence will not complete, even on the manual speeds. There are a few such cameras that have a mechanical fallback speed (such as M90 and/or B), but I don't think this is one.

 

[cmacd123]

Most SLR cameras release the Mirror back down when the second curtain completes traveling. if the latch lever is not working or the curtain does not close with sufficient speed or force the mirror will stay up.
typical resolution is to do a complete "Clean, lube and Adjust." to bring the entire shutter and Mirror box back into factory condition.

 

[Boomlight]

I have the same problem with my Sears KS-2 (aka Ricoh XR-7). Of all places I found a potential fix on the Pentax Forums. It didn't work for me but it may work for you. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums...6-sears-ks-2-shutter-issue.html#ixzz7QBbGmnFl

 

[j-dogg]

Theres a few things that cause this from low battery power to loose or not lubricated parts. On the Pentax Spotmatic this happens if one of the levers on the cocking mechanism on the bottom of the camera isn't lubricated properly.

 

[M-88]

I'd recommend to get the camera serviced, since any other DIY remedy is going to be a temporary solution.

Then again, cost of CLA will most likely be higher than market price of XR7.