Repair of my Pentax k 50 camera

Not a Number · 07-19-2018, 08:42 AM

Originally posted by clackers

True, the $20 gets you the green solenoids, which are considered good enough by Ricoh to put back in a camera for repair

Ricoh doesn't replace the solenoid but the entire diaphragm control block. Part #O-G0100

(photo linked from uscamera.com)

Here's the diaphragm control block of the K10D (from the K10D service manual)

And from the Super A (thanks @stevebrot for image from the Super A service manual)

The design is different but they all use a similar solenoid. They all have the same part number O-G100 (G0100) and name diaphragm control block. The "O-" prefix indicates it is a block (assembly) rather than a component.

**clackers** · 07-19-2018, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Ricoh doesn't replace the solenoid but the entire diaphragm control block. Part #O-G0100

(photo linked from uscamera.com)

Here's the diaphragm control block of the K10D (from the K10D service manual)

And from the Super A (thanks @stevebrot for image from the Super A service manual)

The design is different but they all use a similar solenoid. They all have the same part number O-G100 (G0100) and name diaphragm control block. The "O-" prefix indicates it is a block (assembly) rather than a component.

But the aperture block Ricoh uses has the same green solenoid, NaN!

Photogem would say that the camera is liable for a second failure.

**photogem** · 07-19-2018, 10:25 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by clackers

True, the $20 gets you the green solenoids, which are considered good enough by Ricoh to put back in a camera for repair

The sad thing is that there have been quite a few reports of failure just after the 1 year warranty for the repair.

Originally posted by clackers

....but I like your solution better, Photogem, because I'm persuaded by your white solenoid argument and of course it will cost some more.

I think you even had a supplier in German or similar?

Yes. But always check how much customs/duty you have to pay.

**photogem** · 07-21-2018, 01:45 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Ricoh doesn't replace the solenoid but the entire diaphragm control block. Part #O-G0100

The design is different but they all use a similar solenoid. They all have the same part number O-G100 (G0100) and name diaphragm control block. The "O-" prefix indicates it is a block (assembly) rather than a component.

As far as I know Ricoh used to replace the entier diaphragm control block before "we" found out that the culprit is solely the solenoid.
At least in Europe they now just replace only the solenoid, that I know for sure, the price for the repair also went down almost half.

Repair including the whole block was about 260€, now one can get it around for around 139€.

And yet ..... yes, in all cases it is a green solenoid. So manufactured in China but possibly now with some modifications.

reh321 · 07-21-2018, 05:40 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Ricoh doesn't replace the solenoid but the entire diaphragm control block. Part #O-G0100

(photo linked from uscamera.com)

Here's the diaphragm control block of the K10D (from the K10D service manual)

And from the Super A (thanks @stevebrot for image from the Super A service manual)

The design is different but they all use a similar solenoid. They all have the same part number O-G100 (G0100) and name diaphragm control block. The "O-" prefix indicates it is a block (assembly) rather than a component.

From the photos, the first one has a green solenoid and the second has a white solenoid. Pentax's consistently using the same number means that they have no way of tracing which solenoid went into which camera; the two are the same to them - and perhaps at acceptance inspection, they are the same, but they age differently.

**photogem** · 07-22-2018, 12:27 AM

Originally posted by reh321

From the photos, the first one has a green solenoid and the second has a white solenoid. Pentax's consistently using the same number means that they have no way of tracing which solenoid went into which camera; the two are the same to them - and perhaps at acceptance inspection, they are the same, but they age differently.

Of course the 2.nd one is the white solenoid, because it shows a photo of the block of a K10D.

Partnumbers do not change even if parts on such blocks change because otherwise service-manuals would have to be changed. It would be idiotic
to change partnumbers, causing chaos.

I believe they cannot trace "when the green solenoid came into action" because it was before Ricoh times. It must even have been before Hoya times because I have found the green solenoid in a K100D and a K200D (and those have not been repaired before).

I think it was 2007 when Hoya took over, the K200D came 2008 on the market but it had been deloped earlier.

It is also totally uninteresting to trace it, nobody cares, this knowledge is useless.

So with all due respect and also relating to the demand from others towards you:

It is useful information that helps. Useless information clogs those threads unnecessary.

Everybody who knows about the white solenoid lasting ways ways longer, there is nothing new in this, unnecessary clogging up.

But anyway:

Everybody here knows for sure, that the K30 was the first DSLR which from the beginning used the green solenoid.

More we don't need to know! Period!

reh321 · 07-22-2018, 05:45 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by photogem

Of course the 2.nd one is the white solenoid, because it shows a photo of the block of a K10D.

Partnumbers do not change even if parts on such blocks change because otherwise service-manuals would have to be changed. It would be idiotic
to change partnumbers, causing chaos.

I believe they cannot trace "when the green solenoid came into action" because it was before Ricoh times. It must even have been before Hoya times because I have found the green solenoid in a K100D and a K200D (and those have not been repaired before).

I think it was 2007 when Hoya took over, the K200D came 2008 on the market but it had been deloped earlier.

It is also totally uninteresting to trace it, nobody cares, this knowledge is useless.

So with all due respect and also relating to the demand from others towards you:

It is useful information that helps. Useless information clogs those threads unnecessary.

Everybody who knows about the white solenoid lasting ways ways longer, there is nothing new in this, unnecessary clogging up.

But anyway:

Everybody here knows for sure, that the K30 was the first DSLR which from the beginning used the green solenoid.

More we don't need to know! Period!

Instead of complaining about my every word, why don't you share your knowledge with others.There are two or three threads going on right now where someone is about to purchase a K-70 and hasn't heard what you have heard from German sources. I can only hint, because that is "hearsay" coming from me, but you can say something with certainty.

**photogem** · 07-23-2018, 10:25 AM

Originally posted by reh321

Instead of complaining about my every word....

I am not complaining, I am (imho) critizising where you ... as I see it with all due respect... are pouring empty into the voyd,
i.e. not supporting threats nor supporting people but .. as I see it, try to scare them from daring.

Originally posted by reh321

why don't you share your knowledge with others.There are two or three threads going on right now where someone is about to purchase a K-70 and hasn't heard what you have heard from German sources. I can only hint, because that is "hearsay" coming from me, but you can say something with certainty.

Wrong! I have not dismantled a K70.

reh321 · 07-23-2018, 11:25 AM

Originally posted by photogem

Wrong! I have not dismantled a K70.

But when I suggested

Originally posted by reh321

considering the cost of a replacement, K-30, K-50, K-70, I believe that replacement is a prudent path

You warned

Originally posted by photogem

In Germany 3 failures of the K70 have been reported.

implying you feel that purchasing a K-70 is also a risky path. If you do not feel the K-70 is risky, then please say so.

reh321 · 07-23-2018, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by photogem

I am not complaining, I am (imho) critizising where you ... as I see it with all due respect... are pouring empty into the voyd,
i.e. not supporting threats nor supporting people but .. as I see it, try to scare them from daring.

My sole reason for my statement which started this subthread

Originally posted by reh321

From the photos, the first one has a green solenoid and the second has a white solenoid. Pentax's consistently using the same number means that they have no way of tracing which solenoid went into which camera; the two are the same to them - and perhaps at acceptance inspection, they are the same, but they age differently.

was exactly what is says there - that since Pentax uses the same number for white solenoid and green solenoid, people should not be surprised if they cannot mine their records for data. I am not trying to scare anyone from doing anything; I am trying to understand Pentax's claimed lack of knowledge.

**clackers** · 07-23-2018, 12:57 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by reh321

Instead of complaining about my every word, why don't you share your knowledge with others.There are two or three threads going on right now where someone is about to purchase a K-70 and hasn't heard what you have heard from German sources. I can only hint, because that is "hearsay" coming from me, but you can say something with certainty.

Well, it's certainly not Photogem's job in the world to do this.

If he has made a discovery (like the white solenoids), just link back to it, because you spend more time on the forum than him.

He really doesn't post much and I think we should all be grateful for his findings.

That your camera is failing isn't his fault, he's just the messenger.

That your electronics skills are such that you would need to pay someone else to replace the solenoid is hardly his fault either.

reh321 · 07-23-2018, 01:07 PM

Originally posted by clackers

Well, it's not Photogem's job in the world to do this.

If he has made a discovery (like the white solenoids), just link back to it, because you spend more time on the forum than him.

He really doesn't post much and I think we should all be grateful for his findings.

And most of the time he spends on the forums he spends criticizing what he thinks I said rather than what I did say; that is not his job either.

I asked him to clarify his statements. Should we be concerned about the K-70? That should be an easy question to answer.

**clackers** · 07-23-2018, 01:09 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by reh321

And most of the time he spends on the forums he spends criticizing what he thinks I said rather than what I did say; that is not his job either.

I asked him to clarify his statements. Should we be concerned about the K-70? That should be an easy question to answer

Get angry with Ricoh - it's their products - rather than the guy who's possibly done more than anyone else to give us an understanding of what's going on.

You should be thanking him.

That would be the noble thing to do.

reh321 · 07-23-2018, 01:15 PM

Originally posted by clackers

Get angry with Ricoh - it's their products - rather than the guy who's possibly done more than anyone else to give us an understanding of what's going on.

You should be thanking him.

That would be the noble thing to do.

I have no reason to be angry with Ricoh.
The gist of my post that started this sub-thread is that they see no difference between the solenoids.
That is the post he jumped on and accused me of scaring people - no, I was explaining what would cause these actions we see.

I believe these solenoids 'acceptance test' the same, but they may age differently.
That is why the K-70 question is so important .... they may not have been in circulation long enough for issues to show up.

**clackers** · 07-23-2018, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by reh321

I have no reason to be angry with Ricoh.
The gist of my post that started this sub-thread is that they see no difference between the solenoids.

He has shown a difference with a multimeter.

Someone with a K-70 can open it up and test with a multimeter, if that's what you're on about.

Photogem has made incredibly valuable discoveries here, what have you done?

Your own plan is to let your camera fail completely.

07-23-2018, 11:25 AM	#24
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by photogem Wrong! I have not dismantled a K70. But when I suggested Originally posted by reh321 considering the cost of a replacement, K-30, K-50, K-70, I believe that replacement is a prudent path You warned Originally posted by photogem In Germany 3 failures of the K70 have been reported. implying you feel that purchasing a K-70 is also a risky path. If you do not feel the K-70 is risky, then please say so. Last edited by reh321; 07-23-2018 at 11:33 AM.

07-23-2018, 12:57 PM - 1 Like	#26
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by reh321 Instead of complaining about my every word, why don't you share your knowledge with others.There are two or three threads going on right now where someone is about to purchase a K-70 and hasn't heard what you have heard from German sources. I can only hint, because that is "hearsay" coming from me, but you can say something with certainty. Well, it's certainly not Photogem's job in the world to do this. If he has made a discovery (like the white solenoids), just link back to it, because you spend more time on the forum than him. He really doesn't post much and I think we should all be grateful for his findings. That your camera is failing isn't his fault, he's just the messenger. That your electronics skills are such that you would need to pay someone else to replace the solenoid is hardly his fault either. Last edited by clackers; 07-23-2018 at 01:07 PM.

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07-19-2018, 08:42 AM	#16
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by clackers True, the $20 gets you the green solenoids, which are considered good enough by Ricoh to put back in a camera for repair Ricoh doesn't replace the solenoid but the entire diaphragm control block. Part #O-G0100 (photo linked from uscamera.com) Here's the diaphragm control block of the K10D (from the K10D service manual) And from the Super A (thanks @stevebrot for image from the Super A service manual) The design is different but they all use a similar solenoid. They all have the same part number O-G100 (G0100) and name diaphragm control block. The "O-" prefix indicates it is a block (assembly) rather than a component.

07-19-2018, 01:06 PM	#17
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Not a Number Ricoh doesn't replace the solenoid but the entire diaphragm control block. Part #O-G0100 (photo linked from uscamera.com) Here's the diaphragm control block of the K10D (from the K10D service manual) And from the Super A (thanks @stevebrot for image from the Super A service manual) The design is different but they all use a similar solenoid. They all have the same part number O-G100 (G0100) and name diaphragm control block. The "O-" prefix indicates it is a block (assembly) rather than a component. But the aperture block Ricoh uses has the same green solenoid, NaN! Photogem would say that the camera is liable for a second failure.

07-19-2018, 10:25 PM - 1 Like	#18
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520	Originally posted by clackers True, the $20 gets you the green solenoids, which are considered good enough by Ricoh to put back in a camera for repair The sad thing is that there have been quite a few reports of failure just after the 1 year warranty for the repair. Originally posted by clackers ....but I like your solution better, Photogem, because I'm persuaded by your white solenoid argument and of course it will cost some more. I think you even had a supplier in German or similar? Yes. But always check how much customs/duty you have to pay.

07-21-2018, 01:45 AM	#19
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520	Originally posted by Not a Number Ricoh doesn't replace the solenoid but the entire diaphragm control block. Part #O-G0100 The design is different but they all use a similar solenoid. They all have the same part number O-G100 (G0100) and name diaphragm control block. The "O-" prefix indicates it is a block (assembly) rather than a component. As far as I know Ricoh used to replace the entier diaphragm control block before "we" found out that the culprit is solely the solenoid. At least in Europe they now just replace only the solenoid, that I know for sure, the price for the repair also went down almost half. Repair including the whole block was about 260€, now one can get it around for around 139€. And yet ..... yes, in all cases it is a green solenoid. So manufactured in China but possibly now with some modifications.

07-21-2018, 05:40 AM	#20
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by Not a Number Ricoh doesn't replace the solenoid but the entire diaphragm control block. Part #O-G0100 (photo linked from uscamera.com) Here's the diaphragm control block of the K10D (from the K10D service manual) And from the Super A (thanks @stevebrot for image from the Super A service manual) The design is different but they all use a similar solenoid. They all have the same part number O-G100 (G0100) and name diaphragm control block. The "O-" prefix indicates it is a block (assembly) rather than a component. From the photos, the first one has a green solenoid and the second has a white solenoid. Pentax's consistently using the same number means that they have no way of tracing which solenoid went into which camera; the two are the same to them - and perhaps at acceptance inspection, they are the same, but they age differently.

07-22-2018, 12:27 AM	#21
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520	Originally posted by reh321 From the photos, the first one has a green solenoid and the second has a white solenoid. Pentax's consistently using the same number means that they have no way of tracing which solenoid went into which camera; the two are the same to them - and perhaps at acceptance inspection, they are the same, but they age differently. Of course the 2.nd one is the white solenoid, because it shows a photo of the block of a K10D. Partnumbers do not change even if parts on such blocks change because otherwise service-manuals would have to be changed. It would be idiotic to change partnumbers, causing chaos. I believe they cannot trace "when the green solenoid came into action" because it was before Ricoh times. It must even have been before Hoya times because I have found the green solenoid in a K100D and a K200D (and those have not been repaired before). I think it was 2007 when Hoya took over, the K200D came 2008 on the market but it had been deloped earlier. It is also totally uninteresting to trace it, nobody cares, this knowledge is useless. So with all due respect and also relating to the demand from others towards you: It is useful information that helps. Useless information clogs those threads unnecessary. Everybody who knows about the white solenoid lasting ways ways longer, there is nothing new in this, unnecessary clogging up. But anyway: Everybody here knows for sure, that the K30 was the first DSLR which from the beginning used the green solenoid. More we don't need to know! Period!

07-22-2018, 05:45 AM - 1 Like	#22
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by photogem Of course the 2.nd one is the white solenoid, because it shows a photo of the block of a K10D. Partnumbers do not change even if parts on such blocks change because otherwise service-manuals would have to be changed. It would be idiotic to change partnumbers, causing chaos. I believe they cannot trace "when the green solenoid came into action" because it was before Ricoh times. It must even have been before Hoya times because I have found the green solenoid in a K100D and a K200D (and those have not been repaired before). I think it was 2007 when Hoya took over, the K200D came 2008 on the market but it had been deloped earlier. It is also totally uninteresting to trace it, nobody cares, this knowledge is useless. So with all due respect and also relating to the demand from others towards you: It is useful information that helps. Useless information clogs those threads unnecessary. Everybody who knows about the white solenoid lasting ways ways longer, there is nothing new in this, unnecessary clogging up. But anyway: Everybody here knows for sure, that the K30 was the first DSLR which from the beginning used the green solenoid. More we don't need to know! Period! Instead of complaining about my every word, why don't you share your knowledge with others.There are two or three threads going on right now where someone is about to purchase a K-70 and hasn't heard what you have heard from German sources. I can only hint, because that is "hearsay" coming from me, but you can say something with certainty.

07-23-2018, 10:25 AM	#23
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520	Originally posted by reh321 Instead of complaining about my every word.... I am not complaining, I am (imho) critizising where you ... as I see it with all due respect... are pouring empty into the voyd, i.e. not supporting threats nor supporting people but .. as I see it, try to scare them from daring. Originally posted by reh321 why don't you share your knowledge with others.There are two or three threads going on right now where someone is about to purchase a K-70 and hasn't heard what you have heard from German sources. I can only hint, because that is "hearsay" coming from me, but you can say something with certainty. Wrong! I have not dismantled a K70.

07-23-2018, 11:33 AM	#25
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by photogem I am not complaining, I am (imho) critizising where you ... as I see it with all due respect... are pouring empty into the voyd, i.e. not supporting threats nor supporting people but .. as I see it, try to scare them from daring. My sole reason for my statement which started this subthread Originally posted by reh321 From the photos, the first one has a green solenoid and the second has a white solenoid. Pentax's consistently using the same number means that they have no way of tracing which solenoid went into which camera; the two are the same to them - and perhaps at acceptance inspection, they are the same, but they age differently. was exactly what is says there - that since Pentax uses the same number for white solenoid and green solenoid, people should not be surprised if they cannot mine their records for data. I am not trying to scare anyone from doing anything; I am trying to understand Pentax's claimed lack of knowledge.

07-23-2018, 01:07 PM	#27
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by clackers Well, it's not Photogem's job in the world to do this. If he has made a discovery (like the white solenoids), just link back to it, because you spend more time on the forum than him. He really doesn't post much and I think we should all be grateful for his findings. And most of the time he spends on the forums he spends criticizing what he thinks I said rather than what I did say; that is not his job either. I asked him to clarify his statements. Should we be concerned about the K-70? That should be an easy question to answer.

07-23-2018, 01:09 PM - 1 Like	#28
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by reh321 And most of the time he spends on the forums he spends criticizing what he thinks I said rather than what I did say; that is not his job either. I asked him to clarify his statements. Should we be concerned about the K-70? That should be an easy question to answer Get angry with Ricoh - it's their products - rather than the guy who's possibly done more than anyone else to give us an understanding of what's going on. You should be thanking him. That would be the noble thing to do.

07-23-2018, 01:15 PM	#29
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by clackers Get angry with Ricoh - it's their products - rather than the guy who's possibly done more than anyone else to give us an understanding of what's going on. You should be thanking him. That would be the noble thing to do. I have no reason to be angry with Ricoh. The gist of my post that started this sub-thread is that they see no difference between the solenoids. That is the post he jumped on and accused me of scaring people - no, I was explaining what would cause these actions we see. I believe these solenoids 'acceptance test' the same, but they may age differently. That is why the K-70 question is so important .... they may not have been in circulation long enough for issues to show up.

07-23-2018, 01:18 PM	#30
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by reh321 I have no reason to be angry with Ricoh. The gist of my post that started this sub-thread is that they see no difference between the solenoids. He has shown a difference with a multimeter. Someone with a K-70 can open it up and test with a multimeter, if that's what you're on about. Photogem has made incredibly valuable discoveries here, what have you done? Your own plan is to let your camera fail completely.