K-50 photos underexposed

Thought I would share this. This is what my Pentax K-50 started doing two months after warranty. All photos it produces are heavily underexposed (both on auto and manual). To get on a normal level of exposure, I would have to use ISO 128 000, which ruins the photos anyway (I tried). Only time it produces normal photo is when I use manual aperture setting on the lens itself. It ruined my (paid) photoshoot and now I have to solve this before another photoshoot this weekend. Yes, I did try to reset it to factory settings. So if you want to deal with this kind of BS, go Pentax. Fking done with it.

Known problem. Consumer Rights trump Manufacturers warranty.

Plenty of instances reported on the various Pentax fora, so, if you're from the UK, pull some evidence together of it being an inherent issue, then get in touch with Johnson's and get it sorted.

If you're not, check our your local Consumer Rights legislation and get in touch with your repairer.

Also worth checking the usual things - is exposure compensation engaged, are the lens and body electronic contacts free of grease or dirt, are all the pins OK on the mount, is the problem there with all lenses and so on.

Im aware that its a known issue, but I have seen it here discussed mainly with K-30, so I wanted to confirm that its an issue with K-50 as well and Im willing to bet that it will be an issue for K-70 as well, as its practically the same camera rebranded. So if anyone considers buying these, count my experience into your consideration. Also, which is even sadder, it makes K-30, K-50 and K-70 from second hand practically untouchable, as it seems that with time, this problem is more likely to occur.

As for warranty, I was unlucky enough to experience this 2 months after warranty. So all I can do is to use manual aperture setting on my lenses (which you cant with lenses in set with the camera) and save money for a proper camera and throw Pentax in trash, literally and metaphorically and never go back to it again.

Just joined the forum for a rant then !!!

I understand your frustration, but all camera makes have their own problems, so whilst this affects Pentax there will be problems elsewhere too.

As you're in the EU you get a minimum of 2 years warranty. This might be extended further by local legislation. Even if it's not, gather the 'evidence' from the various Pentax fora that this is an inherent fault and not caused by you, approach your local Pentax authorised repairer and argue your case. If that fails, you may have the equivalent of our Small Claims Court procedure, in which case take Pentax to Court.

As to whether this may affect other bodies, it clearly doesn't affect all K30 or K50 cameras, and may not affect the K70, which is not, by the way, simply a 'rebranded' K50, although I have no doubt it shares some internals.

One last thing. As you say you had a paid photoshoot ruined I suggest you don't buy another consumer-grade replacement camera. Good as they may be they are built to a price and do not offer all the 'bells and whistles', robustness, etc, you get with high-end/flag ship bodies.

Pretty much. I was using this camera for 26 months and believe me, I had my share of WTF moments with it, but this one finally did it. Im posting this here to raise awareness about this problem, that pretty much cripples the camera. And I dont see how lenght of membership in this forum makes my experience less relevant. So good day to you and your three exclamation marks


Yes, every camera has its problems, but this is the one I experienced so I am writing about it. And to be honest I consider it a huge issue.

It may not affect all the cameras, but right now its a bit of a gamble to buy one. And I repeat, its an issue that makes these cameras untouchable in my eyes when buying from second hand. It may not affect K-70, but then again, Im willing to take a bet it will. We will see in two years or so. Im just saying that this is a risk that potential buyers are going to take.

And yes, I was in the process of considering buying a full frame that would help me to move further with my photos and I was considering Pentax K-1 and this issue only made me reconsider as I dont believe in quality of Pentax anymore. And this may be something for Pentax to consider, if they make an "entry" camera with such problems, they are losing a customer for their better cameras.

It is difficult, I can understand from a single individuals perspective if your only ever Pentax camera fails, you can let that discolour your attitude to the entire brand. Translating that bad feeling to the K1 is an emotional, not logical, response however. Also there's going to be disagreements when coming to a forum like this, which obviously exists due to its large base of very happy and satisfied Pentax photographers. So you won't get a unanimous supportive and sympathetic hearing.

This theme has been done a number of times before, and the bottom line is, it's going to have to be dealt with according to the laws and practices in place to protect the consumer. Everyone hear will wish you luck with that process and support you getting a fix that is deserving under the circumstances. And it's helpful for others here to know how that goes and to learn from those experiences if it might happen to them.

Your warnings about the newer models are only too well and clearly heard, don't worry about that. People will judge the risks vs cost equation for themselves.

I know I've been very fortunate ... One Pentax camera, the K7, around 60,000 shots so far, nearly 5 years use, and not one single issue or failure .... Same with all my lenses and flashes! So its difficult to see the overall picture in the same way as you, although I can understand those feelings, for sure. But best to plan how best to move forward with that particular camera now. If you are doing some pro work, then wow! Why would you be using a K50 now? The higher range Pentax models offer a great deal of strength and durability for high demands and more rigorous use.

I think you've summed that up very well Nigel.

Yes, Nigel - your post is a good summary.

Slightly off-topic, fallencz, but as you mention it in your first post...


...surely someone doing professional shoots would have at least one backup camera body?

Cheers.
Philip

I second that. One really shouldn't take on a paid photoshoot where failure would cause issues without some means of backup. Even an enthusiastic amateur doing a friend a favour would surely have that for an important event rather than let them down? Or at least make it clear if your camera fails (or falls - you could drop it!!) you might not be able to fulfil the request.
Sorry to hear about the camera issues though, hope you get it resolved quickly.
I've re-processed your photo, does this help you at all? No ISO 128 000 required !