Pentax LX mechanical issue_a question

ivio · Dec 17, 2024

Hello All,

I have a question regarding a minor -or possibly not that minor - issue with my LX.

I have had the camera for the last 10 years and though it is in fine condition (infrequently used) the shutter occasionally sticks open under certain speed, let's say below /30.

As I use it mainly for long exposures I find it quite annoying - it happens once or more times in a 36 exposures roll, thus ruining a few.

I suppose I am not the first to experience this. What is the way to fix it?

Les Sarile · Dec 17, 2024

Manual or aperture priority mode?
Is the meter/LED flickering or steady?

ivio · Dec 17, 2024

Manual. As for the meter light I cannot recall as I always use a handheld one (Gossen)

Rob Skeoch · Dec 17, 2024

Does it also happen with a fresh battery?

ivio · Dec 18, 2024

Rob Skeoch said:
Does it also happen with a fresh battery?

As for the battery condition being the culprit, frankly, it never occurred to me.
I always assumed that (i) the shutter is mechanical; and (ii) shooting in manual mode eliminate any influence electronics can have.

Huub · Dec 18, 2024

ivio said:
As for the battery condition being the culprit, frankly, it never occurred to me.
I always assumed that (i) the shutter is mechanical; and (ii) shooting in manual mode eliminate any influence electronics can have.

Only the faster times are mechanical, times slower then flash synchronisation are electronical and depend on the battery.

ivio · Dec 18, 2024

Huub said:
Only the faster times are mechanical, times slower then flash synchronisation are electronical and depend on the battery.

Ahhh... thank you for this important clarification.
I shall change the battery asap and see if the issue is resolved.

Thanks once again

ivio · Dec 18, 2024

Btw, I forgot to mention that the shutter sticking open has happened on bulb mode too.
Does the battery state have an impact on it as well?

Huub · Dec 19, 2024

ivio said:
Btw, I forgot to mention that the shutter sticking open has happened on bulb mode too.
Does the battery state have an impact on it as well?

No, flash synchronisation is the slowest mechanical time, if i remember correctly.

Bill Burk · Dec 19, 2024

Does the shutter really stay open or does the second curtain close but the mirror stays up?

ivio · Dec 19, 2024

Bill Burk said:
Does the shutter really stay open or does the second curtain close but the mirror stays up?

Your question is spot on and made me thinking... From what I recall - no clacking sound when I release the shutter cable and the viewfinder remaining pitch black - its probably the later case.

No need to tell, when the problem happened I could never open the camera there and then since I would've ruined all the previous takes (either unrepeatable opportunities or carefully planned and time-consuming shot set ups).

What are the remedies for a sticking mirror?

Pentax LX mechanical issue_a question

Advertiser

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency