How to fix a ceased/"stuck" mirror on a Pentax ES Spotmatic

This tutorial is designed to help you repair a Pentax ES Spotmatic body in which the mirror has become stuck in the "up" position. However, these instructions will also apply to most other bodies within the Spotmatic family.

If your body is afflicted with this fault, you will see nothing but absolute blackness upon looking into your viewfinder (even with the lens cap removed), yet your film transport will continue to advance as usual when cocked and fired. In this condition, the camera will still take photographs, however you will not be able to frame, focus or meter the shot you wish to take. In other words, the camera is of no constructive/creative use to you. If sounds like your camera, this tutorial is here to help you.

Contrary to what some messageboards will advise, this fault is not electronic and is not the result of a died battery or failed circuitry. This is true on more advanced Pentax bodies, but does not apply to the Spotmatic series.

Before attempting this particular repair, check the foam "bumper" that cushions the mirror during exposure. It may have become sticky with age and just needs to be cleaned. In some instances, cleaning the top of the mirror with some rubbing alcohol or brake cleaning fluid, and dabbing a teeny-tiny bit of graphite lubricant across the foam with address this. However, this particular method will only work with mirrors that become seized every so often, particularly when shooting at slower speeds. If sounds like your camera, do this first.

Also, this repair method will not help you if your mirror has become seized, meaning that it is stuck mid-swing and/or will not move if even you try to force it by hand. Thanks to Kiteman for bringing this to my attention.

Step 1 Required Tools

Here are the tools that you will need to execute this repair.

- Jeweler's/electronics Philips screwdriver.
- Jeweler's flathead screwdriver
- Camera cleaning "jet pump", compressed air or your own lungs.
- A light oil in a container that will allow for controlled, fine dispensing. (I used brass instrument valve oil, poured into a sewing machine oil container. However, specialty oils made for camera/gun maintenance are available)
- A tray to keep the tiny screws safe while you make the repair.

Nice to have...
- A well lit workspace.

Comments

[crrimson]

This looks like just what I need, I'll have to give this repair a try to fix my spotmatic 2. Very clear and well documented instructable.

Thank you!

[jessew32]

Thanks alot for this instructable. I just fixed a spotmatic 2 that I bought at goodwill for $8.

[Trans_Am]

When you say "ceased", do you mean "seized"? Maybe you don't, but I've never heard of ceased being used like that. Very detailed instructable though. 4.5

[cameraninja]

Yeah, Kiteman brought that to my attention and I've made a note in step one. I used "ceased" (as in stopped) instead of "seized" (as in stuck or caught) because the mirror itself isn't seized. In some instances, the mirror can become seized, becoming caught mid-swing or refusing to move even by force. That's another problem altogether, and I don't know how to fix that. In this case, the mirror return moves freely, but it's ceased (at rest) where it needs to be, just out of sequence. However, this is cause by another component being seized.

[gonz700]

I have a Pentaz ZX m with the same problem...replaced batteries but still not working. Is the process the same or different?

[thearchitect]

Excellent instructable! My SP II had the same problem and I 'wrongly' put grease on the escape end of L lever. My camera would get stuck once in a while. Tonight I followed your instructables and my camera won't stick anymore!.. Once I heard that most of the stuck Pentax Spotmatics on ebay have the same problem. So fellas, if you need an M42 mount SLR, helluva bargains out there! :-) Thanks mate! K.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Nice. I'm getting a free camera monday with a stuck shutter.