KX - light meter problem

[anthofer]

Hello!

 

I recently bought a black KX. At first glance the body is in perfect

condition - no brassing around the brackets etc. Unfortunately the

foam sealing of the film compartment and the mirror shock absorbers

are porous, but that's ok for an about 25 year old camera. But enough

about the optical condition.

 

The light meter has a problem and I am wondering if it's the contacts

that need some cleaning or if it is a mechanical problem.

 

First of all: I am using 2 Energizer LR44/A76 but in the manual it

says to use SE76E or MS76H. Are the battery types mentioned in the

manual outdated?

 

Now the light meter problem: When I press the shutter release button

halfway it gives a decent suggestion, but when I release the shutter

the needle falls down a bit. E.g. if it indicated 1/60 before release,

the needle would point at 1/8 after release. After another release it

drops another bit and so on. When I turn the light meter off and on it

works again - but always only for one exposure.

I think it could be the vibration caused by the mirror during exposure

(the shock absorbing foam has more or less completely dissolved - the

camera is quite loud).

 

Does anybody know the problem? If I need to apply contact spray, what

parts would need it? What can I do about the foam? I don't really want

to leave the camera at the photo store, as that is quite expensive and

in my opinion the problem can't be that complicated to fix. I could

be wrong, but I hope not.

 

Thanks in advance, Patrick

[rod_sainty2]

Hi Patrick,

 

A black KX in unmarked condition sounds a nice find. Shutter speeds and apertures visible in the viewfinder, and a lens stop-down button and mirror lock-up switch, too.

 

If you plan to use the camera regularly (you ought!) I think it worthwhile getting it serviced by an experienced technician. Besides the two problems you describe, lubicants in the mechanism may need replacing and the shutter speeds adjusted (especially if the shutter was left tensioned for a long time). Then it will be right for many years of use.

 

Re the light meter issue, check that the lens diaphragm is re-opening to full aperture after the exposure is made. The reduced meter reading could be the result of oil seeping onto the lens diaphragm (making it gummy) or stickiness in the travel of the diaphragm actuator ring that encircles the interior of the lens mount opening. One of my MXs used to get a bit sticky there and exercising it carefully with a finger would fix it.

 

Don't spray any solvent into the interior of the camera or lens. NO!

 

Regards, Rod.