Pentax ZX-5n film SLR: - Background:

Pentax ZX-5n film SLR:

- Background: no change to equipment; i.e., "same ol' " lens (Tamron AE aspherical ND 28-200mm close-focus zoom with multiple moving groups of elements), body & its components, with "typical" settings: full automation of exposure speed and aperture; any TTL exposure mode (spot, center-weighted, 5-area pattern); autofocus; single frame
exposed for each shutter release; etc.; no exposure ( /- f-stop) compensation, etc.

- Problems:
-- Viewfinder:
--- Image is smaller and lens aperture no longer opens fully for brightest display prior to tripping shutter release;
--- No right-side display of settings: f-stop, shutter speed, flash-required/enabled icon, etc., when shutter-release button is partially depressed;

-- Operation:
--- When problems first occurred, mirror didn't return (as if lens cover were on in any autoexposure mode).
--- Now, it never retracts, even if shutter release is depressed fully.
---Partially depressing shutter-release button causes film to advance.
---- However, LCD frame counter near shutter release never advances - remains at "1".

- Possible contributing factor: lost rubber cover for cable-release jack two or more years ago; haven't replaced.

- Troubleshooting, Attempts to fix:
-- Cleaned corresponding contacts on lens and camera body.
-- Manually tripped lever for new-frame wide-aperture viewing after first occurrence of problems. Wouldn't resume normal operation.