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Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly

Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly

Sam Gustafson

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En son February 28, 2025 tarihinde güncellendi

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Topluluk-Katkılı Kılavuz

The rubber dampers that cause slow or stuck mirrors are located in the mirror box mechanism. Fully disassembling the mirror box, cleaning problem areas, and installing new dampers is necessary to fully address the issue. The following guide details the disassembly process and how to get replacement dampers. It also recommends other general cleaning and maintenance to improve the performance of the mirror box mechanism.

Removing the flex PCB from the mirror box is recommended when servicing the mechanisms as it will reduce the risk of damaging the electronic components. Removing the focusing screen is also recommended.

Any disassembly of the LX body will compromise the weather sealing. New seals must be reapplied during final reassembly to restore weather proofing.

  1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove rewind knob: adım 1, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove rewind knob: adım 1, 2 resimden 2.
    • Place a thin tool in the rewind fork and unscrew the topside knob.

    • Remove the washer under the rewind knob.

  2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove exposure compensation dial: adım 2, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove exposure compensation dial: adım 2, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove exposure compensation dial: adım 2, 3 resimden 3.
    • Remove three #000 5.5 mm screws.

    • Remove exposure compensation dial assembly.

    • Remove washer.

    • Remove rubber seal.

  3. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove rewind side top cover: adım 3, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove rewind side top cover: adım 3, 2 resimden 2.
    • Remove one #00 X mm screw.

    • Remove one #00 2.5 mm screw.

  4. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove winding lever: adım 4, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove winding lever: adım 4, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove winding lever: adım 4, 3 resimden 3.
    • Winding lever cover is reverse threaded.

    • Use a piece of tape wrapped sticky side out to grip the winding lever cover. Turn clockwise to loosen and remove

    • Remove four #000 2.5 mm screws.

    • Use spanners to remove top cover retaining nut.

  5. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove shutter speed dial: adım 5, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove shutter speed dial: adım 5, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove shutter speed dial: adım 5, 3 resimden 3.
    • Gently remove the rubber covering around the shutter speed dial.

    • Remove three #000 1.6 mm screws.

    • Remove cover ring.

    • Installation Notes: After the camera has been fully tested, use a few dabs of contact cement to fix the rubber covering back in place.

  6. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove wind side top cover: adım 6, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove wind side top cover: adım 6, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove wind side top cover: adım 6, 3 resimden 3.
    • Remove one #00 2.5 mm screw.

    • Remove one #00 X mm screw.

    • Lift off top cover.

  7. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove bottom cover screws: adım 7, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove bottom cover screws: adım 7, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove bottom cover screws: adım 7, 3 resimden 3.
    • Remove the rubber bumper covering the screw.

    • Remove one #00 1.8 mm screw.

    • Repeat on the other side of the bottom plate (#00 3.0 mm screw).

  8. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove bottom cover: adım 8, 1 resimden 1.
    • Remove one #00 3.0 mm screw.

    • Remove bottom cover.

  9. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove front leatherette: adım 9, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove front leatherette: adım 9, 2 resimden 2.
    • Use isopropyl alcohol to soften the adhesive along the edge of the leatherette.

    • Use a dull spudger or scraper to peel off the covering.

    • Turn the self timer lever to the 9 o'clock position.

    • Loosen the entire right side leatherette in the same manner, then work it over and around the self timer lever to remove.

    • Installation Notes: Use contact cement to reattach the leatherette. This should be the very last step in reassembly, after the camera has been fully tested.

  10. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove two cover plates: adım 10, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove two cover plates: adım 10, 2 resimden 2.
    • Remove the two cover plates under the leatherette.

    • They may stick to the covering adhesive and come off on their own.

    • This small plug may also be loose.

  11. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsolder relay board: adım 11, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsolder relay board: adım 11, 2 resimden 2.
    • Unsolder one gray wire.

    • Unsolder two yellow wires.

    • Unsolder one blue wire.

    • Unsolder one red wire.

  12. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove front lens board: adım 12, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove front lens board: adım 12, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove front lens board: adım 12, 3 resimden 3.
    • Unscrew four #00 X mm screws.

    • Unsolder one white wire.

    • Unsolder one pink wire.

    • Unsolder one light green wire.

    • Check the mounting points for shim washers. If they are loose, note the position and remove.

    • Installation Notes: Check the function of the self timer and the depth of field preview lever after install.

  13. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove light seal frame: adım 13, 1 resimden 1.
    • Remove four #000 1.8 mm screws.

    • Remove the light seal frame.

  14. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsolder exp/ISO resistor: adım 14, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsolder exp/ISO resistor: adım 14, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsolder exp/ISO resistor: adım 14, 3 resimden 3.
    • Unsolder one pink wire.

    • Unsolder one purple wire.

    • Unsolder one green wire.

    • Unsolder two yellow wires.

    • Unsolder two brown wires under the loop of flex cable.

    • Unsolder one gray wire.

  15. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove exp/ISO resistor: adım 15, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove exp/ISO resistor: adım 15, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove exp/ISO resistor: adım 15, 3 resimden 3.
    • Unscrew three #00 3.0 mm screws.

    • Remove exp/ISO resistor assembly.

    • Remove exp. compensation coupling cam.

    • There are two loose ball bearings that sit in these holes. Do not lose.

    • Installation Note: Push this lever back to properly seat the exposure compensation lock. Check that the flag in the viewfinder is working properly. It should not be visible when dial is set to 1x and pop into view when set to any other value.

  16. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Detach metering cell PCB: adım 16, 1 resimden 1.
    • Remove two #000 screws.

    • The PCB will remain attached but can move out of the way for soldering access.

  17. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsolder adjustment PCB: adım 17, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsolder adjustment PCB: adım 17, 2 resimden 2.
    • Unsolder five black wires.

    • Unsolder two green wires.

    • Unsolder one purple wire.

    • Unsolder one yellow wire.

    • Unsolder one orange wire.

    • Unsolder one light brown wire.

  18. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove battery compartment: adım 18, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove battery compartment: adım 18, 2 resimden 2.
    • Unscrew two #00 2.5 mm screws.

    • Unsolder one red wire.

  19. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsolder main PCB: adım 19, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsolder main PCB: adım 19, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsolder main PCB: adım 19, 3 resimden 3.
    • Unsolder one light blue wire (may appear beige).

    • Unsolder one green wire.

    • Unsolder one pink wire.

    • Unsolder one blue wire.

    • Unsolder two black wires.

    • Unsolder one brown wire.

  20. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsoldering: adım 20, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsoldering: adım 20, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unsoldering: adım 20, 3 resimden 3.
    • Unsolder one yellow wire.

    • Unsolder one white wire.

    • Unsolder one light blue/teal wire.

    • Unsolder one gray wire.

  21. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove condenser lens: adım 21, 1 resimden 1.
    • Remove four #00 1.8 mm screws.

    • Lift out bezel with glass attached.

  22. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Lock viewfinder needle indicator: adım 22, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Lock viewfinder needle indicator: adım 22, 2 resimden 2.
    • Turn shutter speed selector to 'Auto'.

    • Turn lock lever screw clockwise to loosen. Do not remove.

    • Lock lever screw is reverse threaded.

    • Push lock lever toward the needle indicator gear.

    • Turn lock lever screw counter-clockwise to tighten.

    • Locking the needle indicator keeps it in the proper position once the mirror box is removed.

  23. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unscrew main PCB: adım 23, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unscrew main PCB: adım 23, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Unscrew main PCB: adım 23, 3 resimden 3.
    • Remove two #00 2.8 mm screws. Remove two loose spacers underneath the PCB.

    • Remove two #00 2.0 mm screws.

    • Remove two #00 2.0 mm screws.

  24. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror box: adım 24, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror box: adım 24, 2 resimden 2.
    • Remove two #00 3.0 mm screws.

    • Remove one #00 5.0 mm screw.

    • Remove mirror box by lifting up then out. Pull slowly and check for snags as you remove.

  25. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Installation Notes: Mirror box: adım 25, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Installation Notes: Mirror box: adım 25, 2 resimden 2.
    • Before installing the mirror box, the shutter should be wound and the mirror released into the taking position (up against the focusing screen).

    • After mounting the mirror box, make sure all necessary wires are available through the bottom of the camera for soldering.

    • Check for proper coupling of the self timer and the shutter button release.

    • Check that the closing curtain latch sits forward of the mirror return latch.

    • Check that the FP switch lever holds the magnet lever.

    • Select one of the mechanical shutter speeds and test the function of the mirror and shutter. The camera should be capable of a complete exposure cycle at this point.

  26. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Reassembly Notes: Check electrical contacts: adım 26, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Reassembly Notes: Check electrical contacts: adım 26, 2 resimden 2.
    • SW g1: On when mirror is down. Off when mirror is up. Yellow to ground.

    • SW g2: Off when mirror is down. On when mirror is up. Blue to brown.

    • SW T: Off when mirror is down. On when mirror is up. Gray to top contact.

    • SW MDT: Off normally. On when shutter button is half pressed or when mirror is up. Orange to ground.

    • SW P: Off normally. On when shutter button is half pressed or when mirror is up. Red to blue.

    • SW FP: Off when mirror is down. On when mirror is up. White to ground.

    • SW MDS: Off when mirror is down. On when mirror is up. Green to ground.

    • Check to make sure all electrical contacts are turning on and off correctly. See pages 43, 44 and 50 in the service manual for more detailed information about the specific timing of the switches.

    • This video shows a properly functioning mirror box mechanism for reference.

    • The release latch should move freely when the mechanism is not charged.

    • SW P, on the bottom of the mirror box, should close before the mirror is released.

    • Charge the mechanism by pulling the mirror return lever towards the back of the camera.

    • Push the mirror release lever down to flip the mirror up.

    • Pull the mirror return latch to flip the mirror down.

  27. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove aperture priority actuating lever: adım 28, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove aperture priority actuating lever: adım 28, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove aperture priority actuating lever: adım 28, 3 resimden 3.
    • Remove one 1.9 mm #000 screw.

    • Use a u-bit driver to remove one nut.

    • Remove retainer plate.

    • Remove two shim washers.

    • Remove one 1.5 mm circlip and shim washer.

    • Remove aperture priority actuating lever.

  28. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror release latch: adım 29, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror release latch: adım 29, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror release latch: adım 29, 3 resimden 3.
    • Remove one 1.5 mm circlip and shim washer.

    • Remove mirror release latch assembly.

    • The third image shows the stack up of components in the assembly, bottom to top. This can be quite difficult to get back together properly. It may be easier to reinstall it on the post piece by piece, rather than to install as a complete assembly.

    • Installation Notes: Make sure this arm of the latch sits to the right of the power switch lever. This is the mechanism that turns on the light meter when the shutter button is half-pressed. Also pay attention to the attachment points of the bias spring.

  29. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove shutter actuating lever: adım 30, 1 resimden 1.
    • Remove 1.5 mm circlip.

    • Remove shutter actuating lever.

    • This lever triggers the shutter. When the mirror reaches the taking position, the lever strikes the opening curtain latch and the shutter begins the exposure.

  30. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror actuating lever: adım 31, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror actuating lever: adım 31, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror actuating lever: adım 31, 3 resimden 3.
    • Unhook one end of the mirror flip-up spring. A piece of string or fishing line can be helpful.

    • Unhook the brake lever spring.

    • Remove one 3.0 mm flat head shoulder screw.

    • Remove one retaining ring. Circlip pliers are required.

    • Remove mirror actuating lever.

    • This lever moves the mirror and is gunked up with degraded rubber. Thoroughly clean it before reinstalling.

  31. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror damper: adım 32, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror damper: adım 32, 2 resimden 2.
    • Remove one 2.9 mm #00 screw and screw collar.

    • Remove rubber damper.

    • This rubber damper is the primary culprit for slow mirror movement. Replacing it with a new part is recommended as it provides damping for the mirror return but it isn't required for the camera to function. A model file for 3D printing new parts can be found on the main camera page.

  32. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove aperture actuating lever: adım 33, 1 resimden 1.
    • Remove one 3.4 mm #00 screw and shim washers.

    • Unhook bias spring.

    • Remove aperture actuating lever.

    • This lever holds the aperture in the lens open for metering then travels upward as the mirror flips up, allowing the aperture to stop down.

  33. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror flip-up lever: adım 34, 3 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror flip-up lever: adım 34, 3 resimden 2. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror flip-up lever: adım 34, 3 resimden 3.
    • Remove one 3.8 mm #00 screw.

    • Remove retaining clip.

    • Remove spacer.

    • Remove brass sleeve.

    • Remove mirror flip-up lever.

    • Installation Notes: This lever is connected to the mirror seat with a geared interface. The exact position of the gear mesh needs to be replicated during reassembly, otherwise the mirror will not move through its full travel.

  34. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove guide plate: adım 35, 1 resimden 1.
    • Remove one 4.2 mm flat head screw.

    • Remove one 4.1 mm flat head screw.

    • Installation Notes: When reassembled with new stop plate dampers, there should be a small gap between the tip of the mirror return lever and the end of the guide plate slot.

  35. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove FP sync lever: adım 36, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove FP sync lever: adım 36, 2 resimden 2.
    • Remove one 1.5 mm circlip.

    • Remove FP sync lever.

    • Remove shim washers.

    • This lever closes the switch for FP flash sync and another for the motor drive.

  36. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror return latch: adım 37, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror return latch: adım 37, 2 resimden 2.
    • Unhook bias spring.

    • Remove one 1.5 mm circlip.

    • Swing lever out and lift off post.

    • Remove bias spring.

    • This latch is released after the shutter completes the exposure, allowing the mirror to return to the viewing position.

  37. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror return lever: adım 38, 1 resimden 1.
    • Use pliers to unhook the mirror return spring from the post.

    • Remove one 3.3 mm #00 screw.

    • Lift off the mirror return lever.

    • The mirror return lever has an old rubber damping pad on it that should be cleaned off and replaced.

  38. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror return stop: adım 39, 1 resimden 1.
    • Remove two 2.4 mm #00 screws.

    • On some LX models, the mirror return stop will also have a rubber damper here.

    • Dampers of various thickness are provided in the model file. The stop plate position can be adjusted to fine tune the clearances in the mirror mechanism once it is fully assembled.

  39. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, General cleaning and lubrication: adım 40, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, General cleaning and lubrication: adım 40, 2 resimden 2.
    • Thoroughly clean all removed parts with isopropyl alcohol.

    • Clean all posts and pivots on the mirror box.

    • Remove and replace all foam seals with new material.

    • Lever pivots in the mirror mechanism do not require lubrication.

    • Latching, sliding and other high friction interfaces can be lightly coated with moly grease to prevent wear.

  40. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Clean electrical contacts: adım 41, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Clean electrical contacts: adım 41, 2 resimden 2.
    • Clean all electrical contacts with isopropyl alcohol and/or contact cleaner.

  41. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror rest dampers: adım 42, 2 resimden 1. Pentax LX Mirror Box Mechanism Disassembly, Remove mirror rest dampers: adım 42, 2 resimden 2.
    • The mirror rest dampers can also contribute to slow mirror movement as they degrade. They should be removed at this point to make sure the mirror mechanism is operating correctly. Installing a new mirror rest and calibrating the focus is covered in another guide.

    • Remove the rubber damper from the mirror rest seat.

    • Remove second mirror rest. This is a rubber cap placed over a metal stud.

Sonuç

Further disassembly of the mirror box is possible but this is enough to remedy most issues. Reassemble in reverse order and check functionality along the way.

Sam Gustafson

Üyelik tarihi: 09/01/22

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