Zenit E: Mirror stays down all the time.

[baachitraka]

I got a broken Zenit E in which mirror stays down all the time. Shutter works well and speeds at-least for me are okay.

Is there an easy way to fix this mirror problem? I know sending to CLA is not worth it.

 

[hamradio]

Now, total shot in the dark here--I've got a Zenit E, but I'm currently at work. While I've never had that particular one apart, these things don't employ any really crazy, nonstandard designs, and I imagine the mirror is held back by some sort of small catch. Could it be that the latch/catch that releases the mirror is simply sticky? I'll take a peek at the mechanism in mine this evening and report back, if nobody clarifies in the mean time.

 

[baachitraka]

Thanks. This page rather showed a bit of internal but I not dare to open it yet.

http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/zenite/parts/

 

[gone]

Count yourself lucky. Yours broke BEFORE you wasted any film in it.

 

[baachitraka]

I bought it as broken but paid €20 just for Helios 44-2 that came with that camera.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[hamradio]

Mine works fantastic, and it's one of the few cameras I own that I haven't had to work on. A Russian friend figured out that I'm always interested in buying gear, got in contact with another friend, and fifteen minutes later I was in a parking lot, forking over a few hundred rubles for it and a Helios 44. The body I don't use much, as I have better stuff to use screwmount lenses on. However, they're very simple, robust cameras with viewfinders that leave something to be desired, but overall get the job done. Every piece of problematic FSU gear I've worked on wasn't inop due to 'poor quality,' but simply from being old and never serviced. Next to a broken Zorki and Kiev on my shelf are two non-working Leicas...