I just picked up an old K-1000 at my local thrift shop. Everything seems A-OK except the focusing screen and mirror are quite dirty. The foam to cushion the mirror has deteriorated and will have to be replaced but the cruddy image I get when I look through the view finder is driving me nuts.
Any solutions?
Thanks in advance.
Mike

The foam is something you can do yourself quite easily - I did my AE1 with some stuff I got from here (http://www.cameraseals.com/information.php?v2=all) - frankly, I think you could find similar foam sticky backtape in a hardware sotre... It works well, but its not the same stuff that came from the factory, and frankly, it is just a bunch of foam tape you trim yourself... I have mixed emotions on the subject - no problems with the comapany, I just wonder if its not something you can do more cheaply with a little research.
Word of caution - use compressed air to clean the focusing screen only - the matt surface is very delicate and it is easy to make it worse than it was - guess who learned that the hard way... If the stains are on the prism itself, you may want to invest in a CLA from a pro. Its a touch expensive with these old 35mm bodies... since they have becme so inexpensive it often costs more to perform even the most basic service than to buy another one. But if you like a camera, and it does good work for you and it has a value more than the monetary one, it is sure worth it.
Another option - depending on how "mechanically" inclined you are - is to search the web for a repair manual (http://www.lensinc.net/images/pen06.htm) - this one you have to buy, you may find a freebie somewhere like this (http://www.eserviceinfo.com/index.php?what=search2&searchstring=pentax-k1000) - not sure of the quality, but its another option.
Good luck,

Peter.

Let me warn you not to work the shutter before the replace the foam used as a bumper for the mirror as you risk cracking the mirror. I cracked the mirror on a Yashica SLR that way.

When cleaning do not touch the mirror as it is a first surface mirror and is extremely delicate. Even the softest brush will scratch it. Use only air.

<snip...> Any solutions? Mike

You mean, other than the obvious? I would recommend that you take it to a reputable camera repair shop and pony up the $65 or so for a little cleaning and maintenance. It is money well spent.

I used to own one of these cameras and it was a real work horse. I would recommend that you contact Carol Flutot at www.flutotscamera@earthlink.net and discuss the services you need, she will probably be able to quote a price up front. Tell her an APUG member sent you.