Pentax Super Program Front Block Functional Check
Sam Gustafson and one other contributor
Last updated on Jul 8, 2026
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Community-Contributed Guide
An awesome member of our community made this guide. It was not created by iFixit staff.
Introduction
Go to step 1 ↓This guide shows how to check the major functions of the front block of the camera. The best time to do this are right after the front block has been separated from the chassis during disassembly, or right before it is installed during reassembly. It serves as a good intermediate checkpoint to see if mechanisms have been reassembled correctly and that all electrical connections have been properly made. It's also useful in troubleshooting a malfunctioning camera. Isolating parts of the camera and checking them individually can help narrow the search for the cause of failure.
With the camera in this state, you will be able to the check the mirror release mechanism, the shutter release switch, the self-timer, LCD Displays and the responsiveness of the light meter.
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Connect a lead wire to the main flex PCB to supply battery power (early production).
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Connect a lead wire to the main flex PCB to supply battery power (late production).
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Make a ground connection to the body of the camera.
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Ground the mode dial plate to the chassis of the front block.
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Move the mode dial to the 'M' position.
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Use a source of 2.8 V to power the front block, the lowest battery voltage that the camera should operate at.
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If an external power supply is not available, use fresh batteries to supply power.
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Check the voltage at these locations to make sure that power is getting to all of the components.
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Charge the mirror mechanism.
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Press the shutter button. The mirror should release and flip up into the taking position.
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Push the mirror return latch to flip the mirror down into the viewing position (the shutter would trigger this mechanism when the camera is fully assembled).
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Pull out the tab on the self-timer switch.
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Press the shutter release button.
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The self-timer led should blink and the buzzer should sound.
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After ten seconds, the mirror should flip up.
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Ground this pad to release the shutter (early production).
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Ground this pad to release the shutter (late production).
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Mount a lens on the front block. Set the aperture ring to 'A'.
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Point the front block at scenes with varying brightness. Check that the aperture value in the viewfinder display changes accordingly.
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Cover the ambient light panel for the viewfinder displays.
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Press viewfinder light button on the side of the lens mount.
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The displays at the bottom of the viewfinder should light up.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
