20 Most Recent Pentax ZX-7 35mm SLR Camera Questions & Answers

Try dismounting the lens and cleaning the camera and lens contacts with a soft lint-free cloth.

What Model Pentax ?

You may order the part here.

Seems that the camera needs an overhauling, it is possible that the shutter mechanism gets jammed at times and does not release by its own.Only if you are able to remove and check the mechanism carefully must you try and open the camera - if equipped- or otherwise this must be left to an expert so as not to tamper the unit.

Before using it I suggest you to keep it in a dehumidifier. Or a large airtight container with dehumidified silica gel. Keep it there for two or three days.
When a camera is lying around, fungus tends to grow inside. Also the metal parts become rusty. Dehumidifying and exposing to mild sunlight might reduce these effects.
Gentle patting might also relieve the problem. Don't pat too hard, or you will have more problems!
Let us know whether this solved your problem.

Try these guys
They have been around since I was a kid.
http://www.42photo.com/contactus.htm
Otherwise used is the way to go.

The shutter assembly has failed, a common fault with all older autofocus SLR's. it's nothing to do with the autofocus itself, just that AF SLR's usually tend to have fully electronically operated shutters which cannot be serviced and repaired like older models.

The only fix is to replace it, but it's no longer available and even if you do find one the repair is not economically worthwhile.

If you're not too choosy as to the brand, then free similar SLR models complete with lenses are regularly available on FreeCycle and Freegle. It's where I got all of mine.

Download the manual from http://www.butkus.org/chinon/pentax.htm and follow the instruction therein.

lens cap ? ;-]

Did you have the asa film speed set correctly? Thats usually the cause unless your battery isn;t quite right.

Slr mirror is stuck. remove the lens and try to slightly move the mirror up and down ( but not forcing it to move!)and pushing the shutter switch. Try also applying lighter fluid in the mechanism while operating or shooting, fluid will help loosen the stucked mechanism.

im having the same problem. Did you figure anything out?

kslawyergirl @ yahoo.com

thanks!

When loading film, pull it all the way to the receiving spool.

Dear Shutterbug2,
To release the lens you need to push the lens release button which is on the bottom left of the lens mount, and then turn the lens counterclockwise. If this doesn't work then it is most likely a broken lens release button, and you should then bring the camera to an authorized service technician.

Sincerely,
Allan
Go Ahead. Use Us.

You have yourself a camera with pedigree and it would be a shame not to put a few rolls of film through it before you decide whether to continue to use it, store it as a collectible or sell it on. Using a manual film camera is interesting and rewarding and can be fun - it is an experience no one should miss. Like learning to drive, at first there seems too many things to think of but with the help of a little reading most people soon master the basics. There is plenty of information online - see link below... https://www.google.com/search?q=K1000+Pentax+camera&rlz=1C1CAFB_enGB673GB676&oq=K1000+Pentax+camera&aqs=chrome..69i57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Have fun!

Probably means the film has not loaded correctly.

Parlez Anglais, s'il vous plait.

Try replacing the battery, or else use a separate meter.

Who, exactly, are 'they' ? There are many models of Pentax SLR camera, both film and digital, and there is a different manual pertaining to the care and operation of each of these. If you go to the Pentax Service Centre relevant to your place of residence, all the available manuals will probably be there. If the one that you require is not available, you may find it by doing a Google search for the make and model, followed by the word Manual.