Pentax LX Questions

geauxpez · Mar 22, 2009

I need the SC-21 focusing screen for an LX -- any idea where I can find one? I have looked at KEH, B&H and on E-Bay, but I can't find this screen.

Also -- is there any great difficulty changing the seals and mirror foam on an LX or does require a professional's touch?

Cheers,

Adam

telkwa · Mar 22, 2009

Changing the seals and mirror foam does require a professional's touch. If your first shot after the camera hasn't fired in a while is delayed, does locking up your mirror (and letting it down again) fix the problem? This works for one of the two LXs I have with a sticky mirror issue. I recommend you get Eric at pentaxs.com to do it if you want it done. What screen do you currently have in your LX? I'm about to sell both my sticky mirror LXs and we could probably arrange a trade of some sort. Send me a pm if interested.

Mike Kennedy · Mar 22, 2009

I don't know about the LX but I've changed the seals on 15 of my cameras,including a Pentax MX.Contact Jon Goodman (apug member) for one of his kits.

geauxpez · Mar 22, 2009

No sticky mirror problem -- just deteriorating foam. Eric CLA'd a Spotmatic for me last year and did a brilliant job, but I think this just needs seals, so I was going to take a whack at it if it isn't too complex a job. I can practice on my ME Super. (c:

geauxpez · Mar 22, 2009

Oh -- the screen that I have appears to be the SG-20, but without the circle in the middle. In other words -- just a grid.

John Koehrer · Mar 22, 2009

Seals are simple with patience and care.
I use a bamboo skewer(think fondue) to clean the goo out of the grooves. Its strong & won't scratch anything. I also use a drop of alcohol as a solvent, usually applied with the tip of the skewer.
The mirror box is more critical because that stuff will never come off the focus screen and is very difficult to get off the prism. Remove the screen and put it aside before you start.

telkwa · Mar 22, 2009

If the mirror foam is deteriorating, you might end up with the sticky mirror syndrome soon, but hopefully not. The film chamber seals are easy to replace.

geauxpez · Mar 22, 2009

Update: Got the screen out and it is the SG-20. I couldn't see the circle before it was removed.

Oren Grad · Mar 22, 2009

Two alternatives:

1) You should be able to use the corresponding MX screen (SC-1). Metering isn't affected because the LX doesn't meter off the screen.

2) You might look for an SC-69, which is a brighter version of the standard screen that was supplied with the LX 2000. I see that the Pentax web shop in Japan is still offering the SC-69:

http://shop.pentax.jp/shop/goods/goods.aspx?goods=30869

Unfortunately, I doubt very much they'll sell to a buyer outside Japan. But perhaps these folks can help you if you want to try to get one:

http://http://www.japanexposures.com/services/#equipment

Oren Grad · Mar 22, 2009

I should have added, you can also get an LX screen from one of the aftermarket "bright screen" vendors. But those tend to be very pricey - probably not what you have in mind.

geauxpez · Mar 23, 2009

OK, so here's the plan: I am sending my camera to Eric for CLA primarily because I will obsess about the whole sticky mirror thing if I don't and to get a fresh non-scratched mirror. He also sells the standard screens for $20, so it's win-win. Thanks everyone!!!

Adam

Pentax LX Questions

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