Visit MPB Visit MPB Visit MPB

loose wind lever on Pentax P30: how can I tighten?

Posted 16/08/2023 - 12:55 Link
Hi everyone,

I've just got into photography and borrowed my friend's camera for a month to have a play around. He lent me his old Pentax P30, which was working fine. But then half way through a film roll the wind lever (also known as advance lever maybe?) went very loose. It is not engaging at all now.

I was struggling to find instructions on how to tighten it. Online, it seems there are a lot of similar issues coming up. Could anyone help here at all?

It would save me from having to buy another camera for my friend!:/
davidwozhere
Posted 16/08/2023 - 21:55 Link
These are (were) very nice cameras. Their downfall is that most of the parts are made from plastic and when they wear out the camera goes the same way. You ought to be able to pick up another one (or even two) very cheaply on Ebay because they can't give them away.
Both the *istDS and the K5 are incurably addicted to old glass

My page on Photocrowd
Posted 17/08/2023 - 08:54 Link
I had a feeling there wasn't a good solution apart from buying a replacement. Definitely a shame. Thanks for the response!
Jonathan-Mac
Posted 17/08/2023 - 09:36 - Helpful Comment Link
This happens to a lot of M and P series cameras as the metal used for the mechanism is just too soft and gets worn out. It's not worth fixing I think. P30s are good cameras in general and go for very low prices as they lack the classic looks of the ME Super or K1000 even though they're just as good. You should be able to get a working replacement for less than thirty quid.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses

Add Comment

To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.