Miranda Sensorex EE mirror return question.

[robert.raymer]

Does anyone have any experience with a mirror return issue on the Sensorex EE?

It seems that every time I fire the shutter at speeds slower than 1/125 the mirror fails to return automatically. The light seals are fine and it is not sticking to them, and there doesn't seem to be anything in the way mechanically, as I can easily return the mirror by taking the lens off and moving the mirror return lever. It also seems to work occasionally at slower speeds with the bottom plate off or when the camera is upside down.

Does anyone know what the issue may be or what I can do to fix it?

Thanks.

 

[johnf04]

Is the shutter second curtain completing its travel? On most SLRs, the second curtain releases the mirror return.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

John makes a good point above. It’s worth taking a broader view of possible causes. Having said that the point about it working better when the lower cover is off, is a clue. Is the cover in good condition? Not dented etc? I’d check the shutter speeds and if they are OK cleaning and lubricating the mirror actuating gears and levers under the lower cover (most probably) would be my first step. That model (I believe, if it’s the same one I have) also has a flexible wire from the meter cells on the mirror to the galvanometer circuit. Worth checking also, in case it’s stiff, and making the mirror stick, perhaps.
Cheers,
Brett

 

[robert.raymer]

As far as I can tell the shutter is completing its travel, though someone else did mention that it might not have enough momentum at slower speeds and need to be lubricated, though the speeds themselves seem fine (by ear anyway).

The cover is in great shape. No dents, dings or anything loose in the gears that would prevent the mirror from returning. The wiring seems fine as well.

I guess its time to open it up a bit more and lube/investigate.

 

[retinax]

Having a look at what's under the bottom plate may be worth a shot. Similar issues are well known with Pentax SLRs. Here's instructions how to resolve, if not the underlying cause, then at least the symptoms, on a Spotmatic: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-fix-a-ceased-mirror-on-a-Pentax-ES-Spotmati/. Things will certainly look different on your camera, but chances are that there's a similar mechanism in a similar spot. Gently playing with levers has worked for me before. When you've found the part that sticks, clean and sparingly lubricate. This approach of course can't replace a proper overhaul.

 

[robert.raymer]

After some further exploration it appears that the shutter curtain is the likely culprit. It is not completing its travel at speeds below 1/125, and hence not tripping the mirror? Any ideas on how to fix it. I have been able to find an exploded view of the camera online, but no service manual.

 

[johnf04]

The camera needs servicing, to remove dirt and old lubricant. There is a quick and dirty way of fixing the problem - increase the spring tension on the second curtain. This only disguises the original problem, though.

 

[robert.raymer]

I know it needs servicing. Thats what Im trying to do. I guess my more specific question should have been does anyone have a service manual or link to one, or even a good video? I have the camera opened up pretty well, but pulling out the mirror box to get access to the curtains is far more complicated than the one reference I have makes it sound. I can do it, but having a reference for doing it properly would be nice.