K50 pictures completely dark

I still shake my head every time I read one of these. Pentax have just walked away from this and it does nothing to convince me they give a damn.

By all accounts there is a faulty batch of components used in the K-30/K-50 period cameras. It's been the same mechanism for years, but something went wrong around this period. It's a tiny solenoid, and it's used in lots of electronics, such as laptop drive release mechanisms etc.




To repair properly, this will need to be replaced. I had mine done (just inside the warranty period) by Johnsons Photopia, and it's been working fine again ever since.

I had forgotten about it until I read about a new member having the same problem. And all the swearing came back as Pentax just won't do anything about it.

Only good thing is that the new Pentax cameras no longer use this aperture block.

Thanks! I'll check that out.

Oh yes, Instructions I've seen are on Pentax forum, belong to both.

I don't think that's necessarily correct. The mechanism is the same across many models, but I think the quality control issues of the units supplied have been addressed. Technically any model that uses the 1/6000s max shutter speed is likely using this component, which probably includes the new KP for example.

The part didn't cause any issues in the past, and hopefully wont in the future, but there is a block in the middle that is suspect. Some users just struck it lucky and didn't have any issues with their K-30/K-50 models. Others weren't quite so lucky...

I asked a Pentax rep, and that's what I was told. with the k1 which uses a DC motor, aperture block isn't needed. I know the K70 doesn't use it (according to Pentax.)

I'm sure they got a bad batch of aperture blocks, and hopefully they corrected the problem. But seeing the K50 isn't manufactured any longer, B & H and Adorama no longer has them, it's become a mute point except for the hapless owners.

Hi

I have same problem except when using the Live screen to take the pictures - is there anything different with the aperture motor use depending on whether using live screen or viewfinder?

Cheers
JW

Not 100% sure, my LV was very dim. if i had to make a guess, you have the same problem. Does it work okay at a smaller aperture setting? Is it dark when you go to wide open aperture? That's the tell tale.

I could get mine to work in "sport mode", then when turning off/on, problem would repeat.

It would work fine in Manual mode.

I have read that because the Pentax DA 55- 300 PLM lens works differently , it may resolve the problems. Others on the form may be able to explain the tech part better.
As for me , I have no issues with my K -50 and now for the most part , I keep that lens permantly attached to the camera. Hope this helps

Interesting. Because of the warranty, I re-mailed my K50 out as it failed after the repair. It did work fine in manual mode with any of my lenses. I also have the same lens, DA 55 to 300 mm, but didn't try it. I also have a DA -L 55 - 200 mm lens, and that also failed. Aperture is stuck in small aperture setting.

If it fails again in the future, I'll use it only in the manual mode for macro shots.

Happy to hear you are having good luck with your K50.

same thing here Paolo, Live View OK, viewfinder use => pictures black, only black (K50).
Will go for a K70 next week, and maybe I shall have some pictures "with color" then...?!
I took only 150 pictures with that stupid thing and, of course, no warranty anymore

grtz

Chr.

Hi Everyone,

Since the 2nd repair by the CA guy, wife has told me her K50 is still working fine I keep telling her to shoot in the large aperture mode to check for problem each time she uses it.

I wish I knew what he did, but it's his trade secret and this is his living, so I understand. Real nice guy to deal with.

First repair lasted 2 months, and the 2nd repair has been about 4 months. If the K50 fails again, that's it, I'll just use it in manual mode and perhaps get my wife a K70. In time, we should get an idea on the K70 from users.

I'm deeply in bed with Pentax, so I have to hang in. My K1 and k3 have both been working fine. I haven't done any updates in firmware on either one, guess I'm a scary cat on this as both cameras do what I want so why look for problems with a corrupt D/L. If the K50 fails again, I'll try a firmware update for experience.

I've heard Pentax has owned up in some cases on the aperture problem, perhaps they will continue if you complain loud enough.

Best of luck to all of you.