Pentax Spotmatic Viewfinder Removal

Written By: Sam Gustafson

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

10 minutes

Introduction

Removing the viewfinder is part of the longer disassembly process for the Pentax Spotmatic. It is also recommended for cleaning or replacing components of the viewfinder.

Tools

Step 1

Loosen three grub screws. Do not remove them from the frame counter cover.
Lift off frame counter cover.
Remove one 2.5 mm flat head screw. It is reverse or left-hand threaded.
Remove the frame counter dial.
Remove the retaining nut using a spanner wrench. A pair of fine tipped nippers can also work.
On some Spotmatics, this nut may be reverse threaded. Work carefully.
Remove the dial seat.

Step 2

Remove three 2.3 mm flat head screws.
Use a pick to rotate the retaining washer until the lobed sections are free.
Lift off the advance lever.
Remove the plastic shim washer.

Step 3

Remove one 2.8 mm pin head screw.
The dial assembly is spring loaded. Keep two fingers on top of the dial as you are loosening the screw to prevent it from popping off.
Remove the shutter speed dial.
Remove the ISO dial.
Remove the internal spring.
Remove the dial housing.

Step 4

The hole in the dial housing needs to go over the tab on the speed resistor.
The tab on the ISO dial needs to mate with the hole in the dial housing.
It can be difficult to line everything up while compressing the spring and installing the center screw. Be patient.

Step 5

Place a thin, sturdy tool in the spindle fork.
Unscrew the rewind knob.
Use a spanner wrench to unscrew the retaining nut.
Remove the film reminder
Remove the spring washer.
Remove the friction plate.

Step 6

Remove one 3.0 mm flat head screw.
Remove top cover.

Step 7

Unscrew or unsolder one black wire. This is the main power coming from the meter switch on the side of the mirror box.
Unscrew one blue wire. This is the ground wire that connects the meter circuit to the body of the camera.
Unsolder one yellow and one black wire from the speed resistor.