Dark exposure problems on K-30 or K-50? Discussion Thread

**BigMackCam** · 08-10-2019, 10:11 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by geekbone

The solenoid on my K30 has gone out... again... this is the third time. I love this camera, but I can't count on it.

Man I miss mechanical cameras.

Welcome to the forums, and sorry to hear that. It's cold comfort, I know, but the later cameras (and flagship level models) don't suffer from this problem. Might be time to pick up a used K-5 series, or something newer still?

stillshot2 · 08-12-2019, 07:50 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by geekbone

The solenoid on my K30 has gone out... again... this is the third time. I love this camera, but I can't count on it.

Man I miss mechanical cameras.

Sorry to hear this. My K-30 still worked well with lenses that had an aperture ring. You pick up a cheap older lens that has one and control it that way? The Pentax F 35-80mm is a good cheap lens that I've gotten great pictures with, think it cost me like $12 haha. Here's a sample from it:

Vmax911 · 10-01-2019, 01:19 PM

Originally posted by geekbone

The solenoid on my K30 has gone out... again... this is the third time. I love this camera, but I can't count on it.

Man I miss mechanical cameras.

I wonder if the solenoid was replaced or repaired (filed). and if replaced, what version. I have just successfully brought my K-30 out of retirement by filing the "slug" but am wondering how long this will typically last?

Peter_JDH · 10-01-2019, 06:50 PM

I had an aperture block failure in my K-30 after 7 years and about 70,000 photos. I used the company Pentax uses in Canada for warranty repairs. They told me they never hear of repeated failures once fixed. Apparently the K-70s are not known for this problem, so maybe the newer replacement parts aren’t prone to corrode? I opted to pick up a K-50 initially then realized that the ‘new’ K-50 with kit lens and repairing my K-30 would cost less than a K-70 body. Advantage of having both is as an inexpensive travel set. Now my K-50 is experiencing the dark frame issue. At least this repair will be under warranty. Can anyone else attest to the lasting power of this type of repair? Thanks!

Last edited by Peter_JDH; 10-06-2019 at 07:57 AM.

**photogem** · 10-02-2019, 12:32 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Peter_JDH

I had an aperture block failure in my K-30 after 7 years and about 70,000 photos. I used the company Pentax uses in Canada for warranty repairs. They told me they never hear of repeated failures once fixed.

Depends very much how they repair it in Canada! If they use the white solenoid from ex-DSLR bodies, then indeed, they never will hear of repeated failures. But only if repaired like this!

You have to find out what they do. If they won't tell you, then they will either replace the solenoid with the green China-gremlin again or they will sand/grind it. And then they will have repeated failures but won't tell you.

Originally posted by Peter_JDH

Apparently the K-70s are not known for this problem, so maybe the newer replacement parts aren’t prone to magnetize?

I have explained this here:
Solenoid in Pentax K-70 - PentaxForums.com
and here:
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY: Development of the solenoid in Pentax cameras - PentaxForums.com

Originally posted by Peter_JDH

I opted to pick up a K-50 initially then realized that the ‘new’ K-50 with kit lens and repairing my K-30 would cost less than a K-70 body. Advantage of having both is as an inexpensive travel set. Now my K-50 is experiencing the dark frame issue. At least this repair will be under warranty. Can anyone else attest to the lasting power of this type of repair? Thanks!

Depends how you repair it!
If you use the filing/sanding method, you risk misalignement and corrosion on the plunger.

If you find a damaged *ist-D/DS/DL etc. or K100 up to the K-r, you have 2 solenoids made in Japan:
Keep one for your K-70, use the other one for your K-50:
Manual: Solenoid Replacment Pentax K-30/50/500 + Discharge of flash-condenser - PentaxForums.com

and then risk the sanding method for your K30 because with 70000 actuations it is heavy used.
But, alas... my K50 had 56000 actuations and ev. failed, I replaced the solenoid with the Japan version.
I gave it away to a student, it still works well.

Peter_JDH · 10-02-2019, 08:12 PM

Originally posted by photogem

Depends very much how they repair it in Canada! If they use the white solenoid from ex-DSLR bodies, then indeed, they never will hear of repeated failures. But only if repaired like this!

You have to find out what they do. If they won't tell you, then they will either replace the solenoid with the green China-gremlin again or they will sand/grind it. And then they will have repeated failures but won't tell you.

I have explained this here:
Solenoid in Pentax K-70 - PentaxForums.com
and here:
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY: Development of the solenoid in Pentax cameras - PentaxForums.com

Depends how you repair it!
If you use the filing/sanding method, you risk misalignement and corrosion on the plunger.

If you find a damaged *ist-D/DS/DL etc. or K100 up to the K-r, you have 2 solenoids made in Japan:
Keep one for your K-70, use the other one for your K-50:
Manual: Solenoid Replacment Pentax K-30/50/500 + Discharge of flash-condenser - PentaxForums.com

and then risk the sanding method for your K30 because with 70000 actuations it is heavy used.
But, alas... my K50 had 56000 actuations and ev. failed, I replaced the solenoid with the Japan version.
I gave it away to a student, it still works well.

Thanks for the info. I gather they get their parts directly from Pentax, so I’ll assume it is in Ricoh’s interest to have warranty repairs work right the first time. The K-30 is intended to act as a cheap spare on trips where relying on a single body would make me a bit nervous, and so far it has remained fully functional since repair. Less of a long term issue now that they have announced a K-3 series replacement for next year (that KP grip just did not appeal and the K-70 dropped the shutter release jack). Now a dead camera might equal excuse for the new model, so can’t really loose too badly anyway. :-)

nonpigliounoshoot · 10-03-2019, 02:49 AM

I have a K30 for about 5 years. I bought a K70 last year and it stopped a bit. Now the first shot is a little dark. It is possible that he should have it repaired, patience. I see that I understand what happens, sometimes I need two bodies.

stillshot2 · 10-03-2019, 01:12 PM

Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot

I have a K30 for about 5 years. I bought a K70 last year and it stopped a bit. Now the first shot is a little dark. It is possible that he should have it repaired, patience. I see that I understand what happens, sometimes I need two bodies.

That's not good to hear K-70 may have this issue too...

**photogem** · 10-03-2019, 03:06 PM

Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot

I have a K30 for about 5 years. I bought a K70 last year and it stopped a bit. Now the first shot is a little dark. It is possible that he should have it repaired, patience. I see that I understand what happens, sometimes I need two bodies.

In EU you have 2 years warranty. So have it repaired on warranty because what you describe are the typical symptoms

No patience because if it is the solenoid, it is going to become worse.
Don't try to do anything about (like serial shots which some people unknowingly recommend, unknowingly because it can lead to further damage)
Good luck!

Anyway, you should have posted this in the K-70 section, not K30/50!

STARHUNTER94 · 10-04-2019, 07:02 PM - **2 Likes**

Had this issue with my K-50 a few years ago and managed to replace the solenoid with the Japanese white one. So far (let's call it at 2000 shots later), it's still going strong.

Peter_JDH · 10-06-2019, 07:54 AM

Thanks. I gather the corrosion the solenoids can suffer is more time determined than use determined. It took my K-30 seven years from initial release to fail whereas the K-50 that sat for six years on the retailer’s shelf went in a few months after purchase. The fact that yours is still okay after a number of years since repair Is probably a good sign.

STARHUNTER94 · 10-07-2019, 02:02 AM

Originally posted by Peter_JDH

Thanks. I gather the corrosion the solenoids can suffer is more time determined than use determined. It took my K-30 seven years from initial release to fail whereas the K-50 that sat for six years on the retailer’s shelf went in a few months after purchase. The fact that yours is still okay after a number of years since repair Is probably a good sign.

Mine seemed to fail after I had let it sit for quite a while with the battery in and no use. Either way fingers crossed that it holds for now as I don't have the $ for something newer right now.

nonpigliounoshoot · 10-07-2019, 05:37 AM

Originally posted by stillshot2

That's not good to hear K-70 may have this issue too...

it is not the K70, but the K30 that has the problem. Sorry if I expressed myself badly.

**photogem** · 10-17-2019, 03:25 AM

Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot

I have a K30 for about 5 years. I bought a K70 last year and it stopped a bit. Now the first shot (of the K30) is a little dark. It is possible that he should have it repaired, patience. I see that I understand what happens, sometimes I need two bodies.

It is good not to wait because it can worsen and do further damage.
But if you get it repaired it will receive the same difficult green China-solenoid.
Better to go for DIY, I wrote a manual how to do this , it should help you to do it with ease and is worth it.

Originally posted by Peter_JDH

Thanks. I gather the corrosion the solenoids can suffer is more time determined than use determined....

It isn't corrosion which is the main problem but too strong magnetic force, worse material, non-parallel sides and too much "bearing clearance" for the plunger. Only in rare cases was there already corrosion on the plunger without prior filing!

Corrosion happens if one files/sands the plunger! Then things get worse.

reh321 · 10-22-2019, 06:57 PM

Originally posted by STARHUNTER94

Mine seemed to fail after I had let it sit for quite a while with the battery in and no use. Either way fingers crossed that it holds for now as I don't have the $ for something newer right now.

The K-30/50 seem to hate sitting around. It doesn't matter whether battery is in or out - not using it seems to cause it to fail even sooner than otherwise.

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08-10-2019, 10:11 PM - 2 Likes	#316
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,670	Originally posted by geekbone The solenoid on my K30 has gone out... again... this is the third time. I love this camera, but I can't count on it. Man I miss mechanical cameras. Welcome to the forums, and sorry to hear that. It's cold comfort, I know, but the later cameras (and flagship level models) don't suffer from this problem. Might be time to pick up a used K-5 series, or something newer still?

08-12-2019, 07:50 PM - 1 Like	#317
stillshot2 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,070	Originally posted by geekbone The solenoid on my K30 has gone out... again... this is the third time. I love this camera, but I can't count on it. Man I miss mechanical cameras. Sorry to hear this. My K-30 still worked well with lenses that had an aperture ring. You pick up a cheap older lens that has one and control it that way? The Pentax F 35-80mm is a good cheap lens that I've gotten great pictures with, think it cost me like $12 haha. Here's a sample from it:

10-01-2019, 01:19 PM	#318
Vmax911 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Photos: Gallery Posts: 826	Originally posted by geekbone The solenoid on my K30 has gone out... again... this is the third time. I love this camera, but I can't count on it. Man I miss mechanical cameras. I wonder if the solenoid was replaced or repaired (filed). and if replaced, what version. I have just successfully brought my K-30 out of retirement by filing the "slug" but am wondering how long this will typically last?

10-01-2019, 06:50 PM	#319
Peter_JDH Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: British Columbia Posts: 41	I had an aperture block failure in my K-30 after 7 years and about 70,000 photos. I used the company Pentax uses in Canada for warranty repairs. They told me they never hear of repeated failures once fixed. Apparently the K-70s are not known for this problem, so maybe the newer replacement parts aren’t prone to corrode? I opted to pick up a K-50 initially then realized that the ‘new’ K-50 with kit lens and repairing my K-30 would cost less than a K-70 body. Advantage of having both is as an inexpensive travel set. Now my K-50 is experiencing the dark frame issue. At least this repair will be under warranty. Can anyone else attest to the lasting power of this type of repair? Thanks! Last edited by Peter_JDH; 10-06-2019 at 07:57 AM.

10-02-2019, 12:32 AM - 1 Like	#320
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520	Originally posted by Peter_JDH I had an aperture block failure in my K-30 after 7 years and about 70,000 photos. I used the company Pentax uses in Canada for warranty repairs. They told me they never hear of repeated failures once fixed. Depends very much how they repair it in Canada! If they use the white solenoid from ex-DSLR bodies, then indeed, they never will hear of repeated failures. But only if repaired like this! You have to find out what they do. If they won't tell you, then they will either replace the solenoid with the green China-gremlin again or they will sand/grind it. And then they will have repeated failures but won't tell you. Originally posted by Peter_JDH Apparently the K-70s are not known for this problem, so maybe the newer replacement parts aren’t prone to magnetize? I have explained this here: Solenoid in Pentax K-70 - PentaxForums.com and here: A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY: Development of the solenoid in Pentax cameras - PentaxForums.com Originally posted by Peter_JDH I opted to pick up a K-50 initially then realized that the ‘new’ K-50 with kit lens and repairing my K-30 would cost less than a K-70 body. Advantage of having both is as an inexpensive travel set. Now my K-50 is experiencing the dark frame issue. At least this repair will be under warranty. Can anyone else attest to the lasting power of this type of repair? Thanks! Depends how you repair it! If you use the filing/sanding method, you risk misalignement and corrosion on the plunger. If you find a damaged *ist-D/DS/DL etc. or K100 up to the K-r, you have 2 solenoids made in Japan: Keep one for your K-70, use the other one for your K-50: Manual: Solenoid Replacment Pentax K-30/50/500 + Discharge of flash-condenser - PentaxForums.com and then risk the sanding method for your K30 because with 70000 actuations it is heavy used. But, alas... my K50 had 56000 actuations and ev. failed, I replaced the solenoid with the Japan version. I gave it away to a student, it still works well.

10-02-2019, 08:12 PM	#321
Peter_JDH Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: British Columbia Posts: 41	Originally posted by photogem Depends very much how they repair it in Canada! If they use the white solenoid from ex-DSLR bodies, then indeed, they never will hear of repeated failures. But only if repaired like this! You have to find out what they do. If they won't tell you, then they will either replace the solenoid with the green China-gremlin again or they will sand/grind it. And then they will have repeated failures but won't tell you. I have explained this here: Solenoid in Pentax K-70 - PentaxForums.com and here: A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY: Development of the solenoid in Pentax cameras - PentaxForums.com Depends how you repair it! If you use the filing/sanding method, you risk misalignement and corrosion on the plunger. If you find a damaged *ist-D/DS/DL etc. or K100 up to the K-r, you have 2 solenoids made in Japan: Keep one for your K-70, use the other one for your K-50: Manual: Solenoid Replacment Pentax K-30/50/500 + Discharge of flash-condenser - PentaxForums.com and then risk the sanding method for your K30 because with 70000 actuations it is heavy used. But, alas... my K50 had 56000 actuations and ev. failed, I replaced the solenoid with the Japan version. I gave it away to a student, it still works well. Thanks for the info. I gather they get their parts directly from Pentax, so I’ll assume it is in Ricoh’s interest to have warranty repairs work right the first time. The K-30 is intended to act as a cheap spare on trips where relying on a single body would make me a bit nervous, and so far it has remained fully functional since repair. Less of a long term issue now that they have announced a K-3 series replacement for next year (that KP grip just did not appeal and the K-70 dropped the shutter release jack). Now a dead camera might equal excuse for the new model, so can’t really loose too badly anyway. :-)

10-03-2019, 02:49 AM	#322
nonpigliounoshoot Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2019 Posts: 735	I have a K30 for about 5 years. I bought a K70 last year and it stopped a bit. Now the first shot is a little dark. It is possible that he should have it repaired, patience. I see that I understand what happens, sometimes I need two bodies.

10-03-2019, 01:12 PM	#323
stillshot2 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,070	Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot I have a K30 for about 5 years. I bought a K70 last year and it stopped a bit. Now the first shot is a little dark. It is possible that he should have it repaired, patience. I see that I understand what happens, sometimes I need two bodies. That's not good to hear K-70 may have this issue too...

10-03-2019, 03:06 PM	#324
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520	Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot I have a K30 for about 5 years. I bought a K70 last year and it stopped a bit. Now the first shot is a little dark. It is possible that he should have it repaired, patience. I see that I understand what happens, sometimes I need two bodies. In EU you have 2 years warranty. So have it repaired on warranty because what you describe are the typical symptoms No patience because if it is the solenoid, it is going to become worse. Don't try to do anything about (like serial shots which some people unknowingly recommend, unknowingly because it can lead to further damage) Good luck! Anyway, you should have posted this in the K-70 section, not K30/50!

10-04-2019, 07:02 PM - 2 Likes	#325
STARHUNTER94 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2019 Posts: 771	Had this issue with my K-50 a few years ago and managed to replace the solenoid with the Japanese white one. So far (let's call it at 2000 shots later), it's still going strong.

10-06-2019, 07:54 AM	#326
Peter_JDH Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: British Columbia Posts: 41	Thanks. I gather the corrosion the solenoids can suffer is more time determined than use determined. It took my K-30 seven years from initial release to fail whereas the K-50 that sat for six years on the retailer’s shelf went in a few months after purchase. The fact that yours is still okay after a number of years since repair Is probably a good sign.

10-07-2019, 02:02 AM	#327
STARHUNTER94 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2019 Posts: 771	Originally posted by Peter_JDH Thanks. I gather the corrosion the solenoids can suffer is more time determined than use determined. It took my K-30 seven years from initial release to fail whereas the K-50 that sat for six years on the retailer’s shelf went in a few months after purchase. The fact that yours is still okay after a number of years since repair Is probably a good sign. Mine seemed to fail after I had let it sit for quite a while with the battery in and no use. Either way fingers crossed that it holds for now as I don't have the $ for something newer right now.

10-07-2019, 05:37 AM	#328
nonpigliounoshoot Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2019 Posts: 735	Originally posted by stillshot2 That's not good to hear K-70 may have this issue too... it is not the K70, but the K30 that has the problem. Sorry if I expressed myself badly.

10-17-2019, 03:25 AM	#329
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520	Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot I have a K30 for about 5 years. I bought a K70 last year and it stopped a bit. Now the first shot (of the K30) is a little dark. It is possible that he should have it repaired, patience. I see that I understand what happens, sometimes I need two bodies. It is good not to wait because it can worsen and do further damage. But if you get it repaired it will receive the same difficult green China-solenoid. Better to go for DIY, I wrote a manual how to do this , it should help you to do it with ease and is worth it. Originally posted by Peter_JDH Thanks. I gather the corrosion the solenoids can suffer is more time determined than use determined.... It isn't corrosion which is the main problem but too strong magnetic force, worse material, non-parallel sides and too much "bearing clearance" for the plunger. Only in rare cases was there already corrosion on the plunger without prior filing! Corrosion happens if one files/sands the plunger! Then things get worse.

10-22-2019, 06:57 PM	#330
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,178	Originally posted by STARHUNTER94 Mine seemed to fail after I had let it sit for quite a while with the battery in and no use. Either way fingers crossed that it holds for now as I don't have the $ for something newer right now. The K-30/50 seem to hate sitting around. It doesn't matter whether battery is in or out - not using it seems to cause it to fail even sooner than otherwise.