K30 bought used has no info displayed in viewfinder

rogerdod · 08-15-2018, 10:48 AM

I am hoping someone can help me out.

I just purchased a used K30 in great physical condition that does not display any information in the viewfinder. No aperture, shutterspeed, etc in the bottom black area of the viewfinder when you push the shutter down half way. Otherwise takes pictures just fine and rear LCD works fine.

I have a K100d for many years and love it, I was so excited to move up to the K30 but now I am very upset. I read the manual and played around with the settings, took battery out a few times, etc and the viewfinder never displays anything.

Am I missing something here? Some setting to turn it on, or is it just broken? I purchased it on ebay in excellent condition, so it can be returned. But I just wish it worked since it is otherwise a great camera.

thank you.

**jlstrawman** · 08-15-2018, 11:22 AM

Maybe something here will help:

Turning off the K-50/K-30 LCD display. - PentaxForums.com

stevebrot · 08-15-2018, 11:23 AM

Originally posted by rogerdod

Am I missing something here?

Welcome to the Pentax Forums!

If you get no viewfinder display, it means that part of the camera is not working. While parts are available to attempt repair, it is hard to say where the actual fault lies and what the expense might be to get it fixed. If it were me, I would negotiate a return with the seller for full credit including shipping both ways.

Steve

rogerdod · 08-15-2018, 11:41 AM

Thank you, my gut feeling was something is wrong/broken. I think you have confirmed that.

I already sent a message to the seller on ebay asking if they were aware of it. I guess if you are using it as a point and shoot, or using the back live view LCD it wouldnt matter. I just cant imagine living with an SLR without any info displayed in the viewfinder.

**UncleVanya** · 08-15-2018, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by rogerdod

Thank you, my gut feeling was something is wrong/broken. I think you have confirmed that.

I already sent a message to the seller on ebay asking if they were aware of it. I guess if you are using it as a point and shoot, or using the back live view LCD it wouldnt matter. I just cant imagine living with an SLR without any info displayed in the viewfinder.

Sounds like they need to make it right. If that isn't disclosed in their eBay listing then you should ask for a refund.

**twilhelm** · 08-15-2018, 03:40 PM

I would be sending that back for a refund. You never know what caused the malfunction, but if it was caused by abuse, there may be other problems that arise in the near future.

08-15-2018, 10:48 AM	#1
rogerdod New Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 2	K30 bought used has no info displayed in viewfinder I am hoping someone can help me out. I just purchased a used K30 in great physical condition that does not display any information in the viewfinder. No aperture, shutterspeed, etc in the bottom black area of the viewfinder when you push the shutter down half way. Otherwise takes pictures just fine and rear LCD works fine. I have a K100d for many years and love it, I was so excited to move up to the K30 but now I am very upset. I read the manual and played around with the settings, took battery out a few times, etc and the viewfinder never displays anything. Am I missing something here? Some setting to turn it on, or is it just broken? I purchased it on ebay in excellent condition, so it can be returned. But I just wish it worked since it is otherwise a great camera. thank you.

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08-15-2018, 11:22 AM	#2
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	Maybe something here will help: Turning off the K-50/K-30 LCD display. - PentaxForums.com

08-15-2018, 11:23 AM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by rogerdod Am I missing something here? Welcome to the Pentax Forums! If you get no viewfinder display, it means that part of the camera is not working. While parts are available to attempt repair, it is hard to say where the actual fault lies and what the expense might be to get it fixed. If it were me, I would negotiate a return with the seller for full credit including shipping both ways. Steve

08-15-2018, 11:41 AM	#4
rogerdod New Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 2 Original Poster	Thank you, my gut feeling was something is wrong/broken. I think you have confirmed that. I already sent a message to the seller on ebay asking if they were aware of it. I guess if you are using it as a point and shoot, or using the back live view LCD it wouldnt matter. I just cant imagine living with an SLR without any info displayed in the viewfinder.

08-15-2018, 01:21 PM	#5
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	Originally posted by rogerdod Thank you, my gut feeling was something is wrong/broken. I think you have confirmed that. I already sent a message to the seller on ebay asking if they were aware of it. I guess if you are using it as a point and shoot, or using the back live view LCD it wouldnt matter. I just cant imagine living with an SLR without any info displayed in the viewfinder. Sounds like they need to make it right. If that isn't disclosed in their eBay listing then you should ask for a refund.

08-15-2018, 03:40 PM	#6
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	I would be sending that back for a refund. You never know what caused the malfunction, but if it was caused by abuse, there may be other problems that arise in the near future.