Pentax ME Winder

Hello all,

just a quick question regarding the manual winder on my Pentax ME...Lately the winder has become quite stiff when I wind on and was wondering if its anything I need to worry about. I always take care when winding and do it very slowly. I was wondering whether it needs to be oiled but I have been warned never to oil cameras.

Thanks for any help,
Aaron

Hi Aaron,
You are quite right, the last thing you want to do is apply any oil. The lubricants used are quite specialised and used in very specific locations. It may just need a good clean but these series of cameras are prone to failure of the rubber bushes in the winding mech. (Not bad after 30 years). If this has happened, it is almost impossible to get the spares and for an ME would certainly put it beyond economic repair. If you are worried about it, I can put you in contact with a very good repair man who quotes for free but you would have to pay the postage costs. If it does need fixing and can be done, a full service is about £40.

Regards
Kim

Kim,

thanks alot for your advice especially about the oil. I think for now I will give the camera a good cleaning as its pushing thirty and I dont think its ever been washed!
Thanks again,
Aaron

Hi Aaron,
I find the best thing to use is a little Ronson or Zippo lighter fuel on a cotton bud. Little and often is best. Having got most of the muck off, give it a dry polish with a lint free cloth.

Kim

What a great forum this is!