Problem !!! -> K10D and a AF-540FGZ flash-> Pleas help !!!

Hallo every one

I haw K10D and a AF-540FGZn its now over 5 months that I’m using this equipment. AND now comes the best :
THE FLASH is stuck on the hotfuse !!!!!!!!!!!!! I cent remove it in any way !!!!!!!!!!! What’s the fu… ?
And yes I know that before removing I need to unlock the locking ring on the flash. I had no problems with removing the lamp from LSR over last five months.
The camera is not covered with dirt or damaged, I’m very careful about it
I know that I haw the guarantee for it but steel that well mean that I haw to send it and wait probably two or more weeks to get it back.

Did any on haw this type of problem on PENTAX, specially on K10D , or on any LSR camera ??

THX for all your help people.

Best regards,
RJ

Hi,
On the AF540 (and AF360) there is a locking pin on the hotshoe.
It is located on the top left of the hotshoe. The pin is linked to the rotating lock knob - I think you can see the mechanism on the right hand side of the flashgun. There is a "bump" in the rotating lock knob that should push up the pin.

You may want to gently try moving the flash gun while unlocking the knob. It may help if you turn the camera and flash upside down (to let gravity help).

Do NOT force it - the pin enters a small hole in the hotshoe of the camera!

Hope that helps!
Matt

THX for info Matt but the method that you haw describe did not help
Anything els that you can advice me ??

I haw also look a bit on Pentax US forum, and that what I haw found is not looking nice.

For all of you people that could haw the same problem like me :

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/20808-problem-k10d-af-...
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/6874-flash-totally-stu...

In the one week or two I well need to visit Pentax service in Poland. After that I well give you a info how looks the effect of there work.

Ok, now I have my AF540 in front of me...

The pin that locks into the camera is connected to a little pin that you should be able to see from the front of the flash. Between the locking ring and the body there should be a silver pin that moves up and down when you rotate the locking ring.

If this mechanism is broken, then the only way "in" is to undo the four screws at the bottom of the flash and pull out the pin (and then fix it). Looks like a visit to Pentax is needed

And looking at my flash... the pin is stuck in the "released" position. It will not descend to lock onto the camera. Doh!

Matt

My pin had stuck "up" for the longest time, pretty much since I bought the flash. A little shake and it popped right down. Honestly if I knew how soft the mechanism was I'd probably had take it back right away.

Anyway, it recently got stuck inside such that I could not get it down. I read about it getting stuck in the downward position and didn't want to wait for that to happen.
So I opened the sucker up and put a tiny amount of soap shavings on the plastic pin that is pushed up by the collar ring. (we do the same thing for jacket zippers). Why they have plastic moving against plastic in that manner just seems silly. The metal pin moved quite well and didn't need any work.

Ya just have to be careful where the flakes spill off to and clean up well. When done, you cannot even see the coating... it is just enough to keep the plastic from sticking up the works.

It works better than new for me now.

If waiting for repairs isn't an option and you're comfortable opening up electrical devices, this might help once you get things open and freed up.
(none of those exposed wires run 300+ volts, do they? )

Ok... have some things to report

WARNING: Do not try this yourself. It will invalidate your warranty

Took apart the lower section (undo the four screws). The whole bottom plate can be removed - there is a small connector that can be disconnected making it much easier to work on.

First of all I tried Super-Lube (from Loctite) - a teflon based oil. Not much difference. Removed the metal bracket that houses the metal pin and connected plastic "L-shaped" piece. Tried various things but couldn't get it 100%.

Then, took the hot shoe off. Had to be very careful as this is a bit tricky!

Now, when looking at it I can see that the tolerances are very, very slightly off. The plastic pin that is actuated by the locking ring is fractionally too short and is rubbing on the part closest to the centre pin. (With the hotshoe completely disassembled you can see that the plastic pin is definitely not in the centre of the hole).

Shaved the smallest amount off the inside of the plastic "L-shaped" piece (used a scalpel with the blade at 90 degrees and gently took the tiniest amount off).

Reassembled and now it's all fine


To answer the original problem - it's possible that the plastic "L-shaped" piece is broken and is not lifting the pin. It isn't that difficult to replace, to be honest. However, if it is all under guarantee it is best to get Pentax to repair it - they should be able to do it while you watch.

However, when they have fixed it (before you leave!) check that the pin will always move when you rotate the locking lever on the flash. It may get stuck as mine and amoringello's have

I'll post some photos in a moment on pbase...
Matt

Here you go:
http://www.pbase.com/mattmatic/af540_pin

To repeat: Absolutely no liability is assumed or implied! I am providing these images for information purposes only.

Matt

Thank You Matt,
Its all ways nice to find so much help around the world .

Ok. I haw decide to send the camera to Pentax.
The funny thing is that I well send it to the Pentax Germany .
Not only It well be cheaper for me, but the Polish official Pentax service is sending all things to repair to Germany ( yup, thats right, I live in f-*-*-*-t-u-p country, I admit it, thats why also so many people leave Poland and go to UK/US/ or other different county's ).
I haw already speak with German Pentax office. They told me that Pentax is informed about the problem (for sure Pentax Europa) but they did not set any official place to this subject.
That way or the other they well be happy to help me

So one time more THX very much for all your help.
Best regards,
RJ

ReEdit: Info from the subject on US forum:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=23837148

RJ,
Glad to help

Maybe you could point Pentax Germany to this thread and my findings
I reckon an all metal pin would be better than plastic (though it may not be good for CE and safety approvals). Certainly Pentax could make an improvement in the mechanism!!

Just be careful how you pack your camera & flash!
Hope you get it fixed quickly
Matt