Hi Everyone,
I want to share my recent experience of having my LX Cleaned, Lubricated,
and Adjusted (CLA'd) and specifically having the infamous "Sticky Mirror"
problem repaired and the mirror properly aligned for accurate focusing at
the Pentax Service Department in Colorado. First, I do want to say that I
am now very pleased but it did take a "Redo" to get it completely correct.
A couple of months ago, I purchased a "Mint" Condition LX that looked great
but suffered (severely) from the "Sticky Mirror" problem and a misaligned
mirror causing severe focusing inaccuracies. I complained to the camera
store and they finally agreed to credit me the cost of getting my LX
repaired and CLA'd at Pentax Service Department in Colorado.
So, on July 25, 2002, I sent off my LX to have Pentax perform a complete CLA
and repair the "Sticky Mirror" problem and misaligned mirror. I also
requested the repair technician replace my camera�s existing round
multi-function release button for cosmetic reasons. I was very specific in
my transmittal letter about the problem and sent them a sample photo.
I received my LX back from Pentax on August 21, 2002 (via FedEx Ground). I
noticed that they had replaced the elastic rests within the shutter
mechanism and mirror box and the mirror was aligned properly, however, after
the camera had been idle for a couple of hours, the camera still exhibited
the sticky/hesitant mirror (not as severe before the CLA) the first time the
shutter was tripped.
I then remembered a post by Rob Studdert discussing the proper way of
repairing the LX's Sticky Mirror, which involves replacing the series of
bumpers/rests well inside the camera mechanism which require the camera to
be fully dissembled ("pull the camera to bits, i.e., scattered all over the
work-bench") along with replacing the external rubber bumpers. So, with his
advice (Thanks Rob!), I contacted Pentax and they indicated that they would
perform a "Redo" at no charge. I sent my LX off to Pentax again on August
22, 2002. Pentax did offer to have UPS to pick up the camera from me at
their expense but I was not able due to a week long trip. I received my LX
back from Pentax on September 6, 2002 (via UPS 2 Day Air) and it now works
perfect. No sign of the pesky Sticky Mirror problem at all. Someone there
must know how to do the job correctly.
I am not sure if the first repair technician was not aware of the internal
bumpers/rests, but I glad they did repair it correctly the second time. The
total cost for the repair and CLA was $175 and the turnaround time was not
too bad. I would not hesitate sending my LX to them in the future for a CLA
or repair.
Regards,
Jose R. Rodriguez
