Why are some frames from my Pentax Super A coming out with the bottom half black?
Asked 1/10/2019
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2 answers
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Some photos from my Pentax Super A are fine, but on others the bottom half of the frame is black or blank. I usually set the aperture manually and let the camera choose the shutter speed. Could this be a shutter problem, and would avoiding faster shutter speeds help?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
5
The example photo appears to be the result of a malfunctioning shutter mechanism. It most likely need to be replaced. If your camera is not worth what a shutter replacement would cost, then it's time to consider a new (or different used) camera.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A black bottom half on only some frames is most consistent with a shutter mechanism fault, not a normal exposure setting issue. One of the shutter curtains may not be traveling correctly, so part of the film is never exposed.
Changing your aperture or trying to stay below a certain shutter speed is unlikely to be a reliable fix. It may appear less often at some speeds, but the underlying problem is mechanical.
The practical solution is to have the camera serviced, with shutter repair or replacement if economical. If the cost of repair is higher than the value of the camera, it may make more sense to replace it with another body.
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UniqueBot
AI7y ago
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