Strange spot on viewfinder - Pentax K1000

Stef_NSN · Oct 5, 2017

I´m just wondering if that ink-like spot will have any impact on my pictures. Of course I can try that for myself but before I gamble on it I wonder if anyone knows. The interior mirror and the focusing screen above look fine that´s why I´m doubting.
Thank you in advance

Svenedin · Oct 5, 2017

If this strange mark is coming from the focus screen, mirror or pentaprism then no it will have no effect on your pictures. When you take a picture the mirror flips up and the image from the lens is projected directly onto the film so the whole viewfinder apparatus is irrelevant as far as the film is concerned at that point.

Most SLR focus screens are removable but I've just looked up your camera and it seems the focus screen is not easily removable in the K1000.

I'm guessing but it looks like it could be foam that has deteriorated.

Stef_NSN · Oct 5, 2017

Svenedin said:
If this strange mark is coming from the focus screen, mirror or pentaprism then no it will have no effect on your pictures. When you take a picture the mirror flips up and the image from the lens is projected directly onto the film so the whole viewfinder apparatus is irrelevant as far as the film is concerned at that point.

Great, thanks a lot!

Gerald C Koch · Oct 5, 2017

If there is something o the mirror itself do not attempt to remove it with other than with a bit of air. You can use a baby ear syringe. The mirror is what is called a 'first surfact mirror." Such mirrors are VERY easily scratched as there is no protective coating.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_surface_mirror

Svenedin · Oct 5, 2017

Gerald C Koch said:
If there is something o the mirror itself do not attempt to remove it with other than with a bit of air. You can use a baby ear syringe. The mirror is what is called a 'first surfact mirror." Such mirrors are VERY easily scratched as there is no protective coating.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_surface_mirror

+1. Looking at the OP's pictures again, the mirror looks OK but the mirror damper foam looks in poor condition. Perhaps some of the mirror damper foam has migrated......

shutterfinger · Oct 5, 2017

Your camera has been invaded by those miniature aliens known as Gremlins. They are very small and extremely hard to catch. From your picture there is at least a thousand of the little buggers in there. They love cameras for some strange reason. (+1 on post 5)

Put the shutter on B, remove the lens, open the back, cock and trip the shutter holding the shutter release down, look through the opening just before the film plane, if its clear then those pesky gremlins will not affect your images. Check your lens for gremlins also.

Gerald C Koch said:
If there is something o the mirror itself do not attempt to remove it with other than with a bit of air

IF you can rub an over ripe grape with a cotton swab without moving the skin then you have the skill to clean the front surface mirror without scratching it. Been there, done it.

Sirius Glass · Oct 5, 2017

It will not affect the photograph. If you cannot blow it out, send it in for a CLA.

albada · Oct 6, 2017

Yes, that is corrosion of the silvering on the prism, probably due to deteriorating foam (my K1000 also has this problem), perhaps with the assistance of fungus. As others have said, this will have no effect on your pictures.

Mark Overton

Strange spot on viewfinder - Pentax K1000

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