Pentax K1000 update

I've been working on a Pentax K1000 for a while, the internals

are all standard but I've added the improved pieces that were

used as the manufacturing continued. Anyway I all of a sudden

had issues with the film advance lever jamming and the mirror

not coming down etc... After I'd already corrected all the issues

this camera had internally. So it was frustrating to say the least.

But I eventually came to the conclusion that the arm that shows

you advanced the film was the culprit. I take it all apart and find

it is bent and chewed up, and so forth. Interesting that this little

piece that's just a convenience was the cause of all these

problems!<div></div>

<p>Jake, thanks for this.</p>

<p>Was one of the issues with the camera, the horrible black shape in the finder, which I've seen on my last 3 examples? I think it's either desilvering or fungus on the prism (definitely not the focus screen , which were clean).</p>

<p>I have a late k1000 with black debris above the screen. I believe foam rubber light blocking material in the prism housing has rotted and the goo has fallen to the top side of the screen. It's a shame as the camera and lens are mint and function as the should. Repair requires removal of the top deck which at my age is no longer in the cards, heath, eyesight, nimbleness and cost involved.</p>

<p>Paul, tell me about it.</p>

Yes there is foam that deteriorates around the prism. It isn't

necessary to replace this foam. But that stuff makes one heck of

a mess of the prism.

 

The task of getting to the prism isn't that hard, the tricky part is

getting all that foam out of there which I used a small flat head,

a q-tip, small paint brush, toothpick, and acetone. You'll want to

do your best to remove it without getting it on the focusing

screen and try not to get anymore on the prism itself. But

acetone will take it off the prism... The focusing screen can be

trickier as it is very sensitive. Once you clean all that foam out

put the prism back BEING CAREFUL NOT TO OVER TIGHTEN

THE SCREWS! that will chip your prism. Also use a soft paint

brush to wipe the dust from the focusing screen and make sure

you wipe all finger prints from the prism. If you don't do all of this

thoroughly you will just hate yourself later lol

 

Pictures to follow.<div></div>

Continued...<div></div>

So on...<div></div>

So forth...<div></div>

<p>Jake, thanks for sharing!</p>