Originally posted by amg2000 I was thinking about picking up a K-50 to supplement my aging K-7. I'm wondering what percentage of the K-50 ends up with the aperture block failure?
Decisions, decisions! I wonder if this is a case of not if, but when the aperture block fails or if it's just a certain batch that have the problem? I'd be pretty upset with Pentax if every single K-50 (and K-30 from what I understand) has this faulty aperture block.
I do have a few K mount lenses with aperture rings, but still...that would really stink if the failure happened right after the warranty expired!
I would assume that it is more of a WHEN issue. The question is if it will outlast the shutter. Some people have had their k-30 and k-50 models for quite some time without issues, others get them right away, and then still others get it after warranty expires (like mine). The chances of it happening right away are the same of it never happening before the shutter or sensor die. Roll the dice. Personally if it happens out of warranty I feel it's not worth the cost to repair vs. replace. I'd buy another K-50 for certain, it's a great camera. I did want the ability to use my non-manual lenses though, and took the initiative to upgrade to the K-3II after my failure. Given that I do a lot of astro shots, it made sense to get a model with astrotracer built in, and larger batteries. K-50 is sub-$300 for the body, at that pricing, if you get 2 years out of it problem free, you got your money's worth. I can think of tons of stuff that would cost that much but has a shorter lifespan of usefulness.
I made this thread so that people could possibly diagnose one issue that may pop up with these 2 camera models, rather than making a ton of new threads about it, so they'd have some sort of a resource. I certainly don't intend for people to jump to the conclusion that all k-30 and k-50 models are flawed and not good cameras. Don't avoid them, just know that the issue can and will more than likely show up at some point in the camera's lifetime. If it happens early, that's why you have a warranty. I still use my k-50, and it will more than likely be my camera of choice for out on the kayak this year (lighter, less expensive than my k-3II, great images). Makes sense to use that one in the kayak if it weighs less, after all I have to lug all that stuff around.