Pentax *ist DL viewfinder blank

Lorraine Brandson · 10-05-2014, 10:43 AM

My viewfinder screen is black / blank on my Pentax 1st DL when I turn it on. Is there a setting on the body or the Menu list that I may have accidentally changed? I tried installing a different lens and the problem was still there so I assume I have not set something properly or the camera is broken. Thank you.

wombat2go · 10-05-2014, 11:32 AM

On this older camera, the viewfinder screen is normally blank.

If the camera is operating correctly, the times when there is a display are:
-When the main switch is turned from "Off" to "On" , the camera status will display for 3 seconds
-When the Fn button is pressed
-When the Menu button is pressed.
-When the blue replay > button is pressed to display the last photo
-After a photo is taken, the image will show for a few seconds.

Otherwise, the rear screen is blank, and info is displayed on the top LCD pane and in green inside the optical viewfinder.
There is no live-view on this camera.

i hope that helps

Aberrator · 10-05-2014, 12:21 PM - **1 Like**

Did you mean optical viewfinder or rear display? If optical viewfinder is black, that means mirror is stuck in upper position. In that case temporary removing battery could help. If it's still stuck, then must be more serious issue.

Adam · 10-05-2014, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by Lorraine Brandson

My viewfinder screen is black / blank on my Pentax 1st DL when I turn it on. Is there a setting on the body or the Menu list that I may have accidentally changed? I tried installing a different lens and the problem was still there so I assume I have not set something properly or the camera is broken. Thank you.

Try pressing the shutter release button while in MF mode, as that might lower the mirror if it's up for whatever reason. When the remove the lens, do you see the mirror or the sensor?

Adam
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pathdoc · 12-10-2015, 06:29 AM

If what you mean is the back display screen, this is how my *ist-DL died. In my case, the required parts were unobtainable and the death was permanent. This may or may not be the case for you, but of course the camera will be well out of warranty by now and any costs will be your own to bear.

If what you mean is the eyepiece viewfinder screen, see above for stuck mirror issues.

10-05-2014, 10:43 AM	#1
Lorraine Brandson Guest	*Pentax ist DL viewfinder blank** My viewfinder screen is black / blank on my Pentax 1st DL when I turn it on. Is there a setting on the body or the Menu list that I may have accidentally changed? I tried installing a different lens and the problem was still there so I assume I have not set something properly or the camera is broken. Thank you.

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10-05-2014, 11:32 AM	#2
wombat2go Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	On this older camera, the viewfinder screen is normally blank. If the camera is operating correctly, the times when there is a display are: -When the main switch is turned from "Off" to "On" , the camera status will display for 3 seconds -When the Fn button is pressed -When the Menu button is pressed. -When the blue replay > button is pressed to display the last photo -After a photo is taken, the image will show for a few seconds. Otherwise, the rear screen is blank, and info is displayed on the top LCD pane and in green inside the optical viewfinder. There is no live-view on this camera. i hope that helps

10-05-2014, 12:21 PM - 1 Like	#3
Aberrator Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Kaunas Photos: Gallery Posts: 97	Did you mean optical viewfinder or rear display? If optical viewfinder is black, that means mirror is stuck in upper position. In that case temporary removing battery could help. If it's still stuck, then must be more serious issue.

10-05-2014, 12:53 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by Lorraine Brandson My viewfinder screen is black / blank on my Pentax 1st DL when I turn it on. Is there a setting on the body or the Menu list that I may have accidentally changed? I tried installing a different lens and the problem was still there so I assume I have not set something properly or the camera is broken. Thank you. Try pressing the shutter release button while in MF mode, as that might lower the mirror if it's up for whatever reason. When the remove the lens, do you see the mirror or the sensor? Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

12-10-2015, 06:29 AM	#5
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	If what you mean is the back display screen, this is how my *ist-DL died. In my case, the required parts were unobtainable and the death was permanent. This may or may not be the case for you, but of course the camera will be well out of warranty by now and any costs will be your own to bear. If what you mean is the eyepiece viewfinder screen, see above for stuck mirror issues.