Pentax KX lightmeter problem...

[RobLewis]

so I picked up a KX on the cheap, but made the mistake of not testing it with batteries in. (I know only the meter needs the batteries)

I loaded it with new batteries, and lo and behold, the meter needle appears to be stuck on the '1000' shutter indicator. (I read the manual, and partially depress the shutter for the meter to be activated, no avail)

Ran the built in battery test, it passed- the meter needle actually is used for the test, and it moved properly, so it leads me to believe the needle itself is funtional, but the light meter is at fault.

Any suggestions? Any estimates on what I could expect to pay to get it fixed? All other mechanics are sound, and cosmetically clean. Hate to give up on it, but don't want to turn my small investment into a big one, either.

Advice (aside from the obvious- TEST BEFORE YOU BUY!) and suggestions appreciated!

 

[Gerald Koch]

Try winding off a few 'exposures'. I know that some cameras keep the meter switched off until the film counter is on at least '1'. Perhaps the KX does this also. I couple of years ago I bought a used Nikon EM and thought its meter was dead until I read the instruction manual which described this 'feature'.

 

[Philippe-Georges]

The film winding lever schoud be out at its pre-avance angel (+/- 15°), not at its completely cloused position, then partially depress the schutter.

Good luck,

Philippe

 

[RobLewis]

The film winding lever schoud be out at its pre-avance angel (+/- 15°), not at its completely cloused position, then partially depress the schutter.

Good luck,

Philippe

IT WORKED!!! I owe you a pint next time you're in Chicago.

Thanks!

 

[Philippe-Georges]

I owe you a pint next time you're in Chicago.

Rob,
I am glad I could help you!
But... I do not like flying in one of these big metro tube shaped jets. So, a visit to North America, where I have never been, ... well, I will see...
But thank you anyway!

Philippe

 

[Steve Roberts]

so I picked up a KX on the cheap, !

Great choice of camera! I've had one for twenty years and found it to be very rugged and reliable. The KX took all the best points of the Spotmatics, improved the screw lens mount with the K bayonet and replaced the sometimes sluggish CdDS cells with Silicon Blue Cells, resulting in a terrific but sadly short-lived manual camera.

Best wishes,
Steve

 

[RobLewis]

Great choice of camera!

Once I get the light meter on (seems to take some jiggling of the film adv lever) I'm very pleased. But I'm only halfway through my first roll. Like the feel- compared to my plastic and too-small Minolta Maxxum 70, it's nice and heavy, which sounds odd, but I'm a big fella with big hands, and like the size and weight. It certainly feels like it could survive a drop from the top stair- but I'll pass on that test.