MV1 - I have no idea what I'm doing...

okay, amateur alert! (& I mean amateur.)
I've recently been given a Pentax MV1, & I have literally no idea how to use it.
For instance, I pressed something, and now I can't see through the viewfinder at all.

Help me to get started, oh wise people! Thank you.

Hi Aimee,
You can get a manual for the MV1 at the Pentax website here http://www.pentax.com/docstore/index.cfm?show=6
Alternatively, you can get a better quality version of the MV manual at www.pentax-manuals.com. The only difference is that the MV1 has a self timer.

It sounds as though the batteries are dead. The camera takes 2 LR44 or SR44 batteries. The silver oxide one are better. The MV1 is an "electric" camera and doesn't have a manual reversion. It sounds as though there is not sufficient power to complete the cycle. Check the batts. If this doesn't work, it could be a little more serious. After a long period of time, some of the foam and rubber damping can perish which means the "shooting cycle" can't finish. If this has happened, it is probably a repair job, but the batts are the most likely.

The MV1 is quite simple. Having loaded the film, make sure the film speed is set. (The knob on top at the left). Make sure the Knob on top at the right is set to auto. Focus and gently press the shutter release. If you get a green light, go ahead and shoot. If you get an amber, the shutter speed is too slow. Try opening up the aperture. (the narrow ring on the lens, the smaller the number-the wider the aperture). If having done this the light is still amber, there is not enough light and you need to use a tripod.

Best to try to download a manual but I hope this helps

Regards
Kim

If I remember correctly, the MV1 has a flash sync speed of 100/s and is a mechanical speed so turning the dial to this position should allow the mirror to reset.
Also, I believe the MV1 can take a motorwind where the MV can't.

I always quite fancied an MV1 (looked very much like a black ME Super which was much sought after at the time) but ended up with the MV.

Hi Kimbo,
I bought myself an MV1 recently because it was only a couple of pounds. To be honest the ME is better. Both are fully auto but whereas the MV1 works on traffic lights which give you no indication of speed the ME and MG give you a speed readout. Having said that, the MV1 looks cute and I am considering covering it in red/black snakeskin!

Kim

Hi Kim,
That sounds like a fun project, I hope you'll post a pic when it's done

Hamsters are also cute, I trust you don't have a pet python that you're hoping will swallow your camera - mind you, that could make a good picture too!

Hi Kimbo,
I don't know of you remember this post but I gave up on the idea of the MV1. It wouldn't really get the use. So I treated my black MX to a new skin. www.pentax-manuals.com/camgallery/gallery1.htm

Regards
Kim

Wow, I like it

I think that is very smart indeed, well done Kim.

Hi Kim

That is a beautiful camera, the 1.4 lens, the filter, the sync caps, the lens cap... not a mark. If the 'next' button had worked on the reptillian MX page then I would have happily viewed more.

All the best!
Simon

P.S. - Do you have the matching snakeskin boots and stetson?

Hi Simon,
At the moment the picture is an "orphan". When I get round to finding 30 hours in a day, I will finish the "Camera Gallery". I have been "playing" with some of the Pentax's and a few rangefinder and now many of the cameras are not designed by Henry Ford.

Regards
Kim