K-x Flash Doesn't Pop Up - Not Setting or Lens Related

matlobi · 04-19-2014, 05:51 AM

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I recently purchased a used K-x for a smoking price with the knowledge that the pop-up flash doesn't pop up. I received the camera and it is in flawless condition, aside from the aforementioned flash. It seriously looks brand new. I have an external flash that I can use when I need to, so not having the pop-up isn't really an issue, other than that it would be nice when I don't have the external.

Pressing the flash release button does nothing. Is there mechanical linkage between the button and the flash, or is it an electronic release? Does anyone have an approximation on the cost of getting the pop-up fixed? I got the camera cheap enough that a repair may still keep it under what the camera usually sells for.

Thanks!

**tomwil** · 04-19-2014, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by matlobi

I recently purchased a used K-x for a smoking price with the knowledge that the pop-up flash doesn't pop up. Pressing the flash release button does nothing. Is there mechanical linkage between the button and the flash, or is it an electronic release? I got the camera cheap enough that a repair may still keep it under what the camera usually sells for.

Appears you won this auction over me. I had the same idea.

The flash seems to be electrically released, otherwise, it would rise while the camera was turned off.

matlobi · 04-19-2014, 12:17 PM

Originally posted by tomwil

Appears you won this auction over me. I had the same idea.

The flash seems to be electrically released, otherwise, it would rise while the camera was turned off.

Yes sir, that's the one. The condition really is much finer than they said in the description.

I feared it was electronically released, thanks for the confirmation. It'll probably be cost prohibitive to have it repaired in that case. Not a big deal, really, since I do have the external flash.

stevebrot · 04-19-2014, 01:46 PM

I don't know about the K-x, but I have a K10D and a K-3 in front of me and both have a mechanical linkage in the form of a small catch that is released by the flash button. The release is purely mechanical and works even with the battery out.

Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 04-19-2014 at 07:12 PM.

**tomwil** · 04-19-2014, 04:43 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

I don't know about the K-x, but I have a K10D and a K-3 in front of me and both have a mechanical linkage in the form of a small catch that is released by the flash button. The release if purely mechanical and works even with the battery out.

Interesting observation. My *istDL, K100D, and K200D are all electronic release and have the flash button on the back of the body. However, my K-30 is indeed mechanically released, and has the flash button on the side of the body, like the K-3.

So, it appears if the flash button is located on the back, it requires a battery and electronics to release, and if located on the side, it does not require a battery and is mechanically released.

The K-x flash button is on the back, and is probably electronically released. Obviously, mechanical release appears to be more reliable.

04-19-2014, 05:51 AM	#1
matlobi New Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 17	K-x Flash Doesn't Pop Up - Not Setting or Lens Related Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I recently purchased a used K-x for a smoking price with the knowledge that the pop-up flash doesn't pop up. I received the camera and it is in flawless condition, aside from the aforementioned flash. It seriously looks brand new. I have an external flash that I can use when I need to, so not having the pop-up isn't really an issue, other than that it would be nice when I don't have the external. Pressing the flash release button does nothing. Is there mechanical linkage between the button and the flash, or is it an electronic release? Does anyone have an approximation on the cost of getting the pop-up fixed? I got the camera cheap enough that a repair may still keep it under what the camera usually sells for. Thanks!

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04-19-2014, 08:40 AM	#2
tomwil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2009 Location: Maryland USA Posts: 778	Originally posted by matlobi I recently purchased a used K-x for a smoking price with the knowledge that the pop-up flash doesn't pop up. Pressing the flash release button does nothing. Is there mechanical linkage between the button and the flash, or is it an electronic release? I got the camera cheap enough that a repair may still keep it under what the camera usually sells for. Appears you won this auction over me. I had the same idea. The flash seems to be electrically released, otherwise, it would rise while the camera was turned off.

04-19-2014, 12:17 PM	#3
matlobi New Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 17 Original Poster	Originally posted by tomwil Appears you won this auction over me. I had the same idea. The flash seems to be electrically released, otherwise, it would rise while the camera was turned off. Yes sir, that's the one. The condition really is much finer than they said in the description. I feared it was electronically released, thanks for the confirmation. It'll probably be cost prohibitive to have it repaired in that case. Not a big deal, really, since I do have the external flash.

04-19-2014, 01:46 PM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	I don't know about the K-x, but I have a K10D and a K-3 in front of me and both have a mechanical linkage in the form of a small catch that is released by the flash button. The release is purely mechanical and works even with the battery out. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 04-19-2014 at 07:12 PM.

04-19-2014, 04:43 PM	#5
tomwil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2009 Location: Maryland USA Posts: 778	Originally posted by stevebrot I don't know about the K-x, but I have a K10D and a K-3 in front of me and both have a mechanical linkage in the form of a small catch that is released by the flash button. The release if purely mechanical and works even with the battery out. Interesting observation. My *istDL, K100D, and K200D are all electronic release and have the flash button on the back of the body. However, my K-30 is indeed mechanically released, and has the flash button on the side of the body, like the K-3. So, it appears if the flash button is located on the back, it requires a battery and electronics to release, and if located on the side, it does not require a battery and is mechanically released. The K-x flash button is on the back, and is probably electronically released. Obviously, mechanical release appears to be more reliable.