Super A - Seals disintegrating

Hi,

does anybody know how easy or difficult it is to replace the back seals and mirror buffer (the foam pad) in a Super A, and if they are easily replaceable, where can I buy them from ?

Are there any other foam components that I can't see that may (probably do) need replacing?

I've had a quote of £70.50 for these components to be replaced and a general service from Asahi Photo. Pentax UK want me to send the camera in for an estimate which I'm hoping will be cheaper once the 20% members discount is applied.

Regards, Pete Smith.

Oops, I forgot to login.

Hi,

Fellow named:

Jon Goodman
9153 Loma Vista
Dallas, TX
75243
USA

(eBay INTRESLICE) will sell you a kit for under $10.00 US.

Eric Richardson in Tennessee (was a Pentax tech for many years) will do it for you and much more. Seals and bumper only, will run around 70 US.

[email protected]">[email protected]

Sorry, I'm kinda new at this stuff, and only have "local" experience.

Best of luck....

Hi
Robin at Harrow Technical does do a very good job. Another good alternative is Michael Spencer. If the seals are going, it is worth getting the camera serviced. It is possible to do most of the seals yourself but if you get any of the old gunge from the mirror bumper on the screen, you are likely to permanently mark it.

Regards
Kim

Thans to all for your quick responses. I have contacted Harrow Technical (now Pentax Camera Repairs - Direct) for an estimate of cost.

On reading your replies, I'm suddenly not quite as confident as I was at the thought of changing them. I think I'll leave it to them's what know's.

Cheers.

"Think I'll leave it to them as knows"

I have tons of seal and bumper material with instructions etc. Every time I think of approaching the mirror with an Exacto knife and naptha I get cold feet and send the camera for professional service.

I also have a couple of non-Pentax junkers that I will practice on this winter to build skills and confidence.

I'm told it's easy .....

Ha!

Shame I didn't have the foresight to go for the 25 year extended warranty, there would still be about 2 years to go

Quick typo correction, search on eBay for INTERSLICE

I can likewise vouch for Jon Goodman having bought two kits from him (had a lot of old rangefinders to reseal as well as a number of 35mm SLRs!) He provides service that makes eBay look like a good place to shop Just check out his feedback rating!

I've done one mirror bumper replacement on a vintage Exakta VX1000 35mm SLR and found it to be a great deal simpler than expected (I empathise with any sense of trepidation others feel about such a task!)

Sorry,

Didn't even notice my error during a proofread - and they let me drive a car!

Jon is one of the most personnable characters I've ever met - and yes, he makes eBay a better place.

Tell him what kind of camera you're redoing and he may send you a PDF or enclose a printout with special instructions if he has them.

Great guy - wish he sold other stuff as well.

Very occassionaly he does I bought a Ricoh SLR body from one of his Interslice auctions (solid PK mount back up with access to a full range of mechanical speeds) and needless to say the light sealing and mirror bumper were all in superb condition!

I decided to leave it to the pro's. The camera is now at Pentax Camera Repairs - Direct (formerly Harrow Technical) where it will receive a full service, and have the seals and mirror buffer replaced for £56.00 all incl. A bargain I reckon as it'll give it a few more years of life.

Whilst I love my *ist D, the Super-A was my first 'proper' camera. My original one died recently and I got hold of this one. It's still a joy to use 20 years on.

Thanks to all for your informed responses.