K-30 dim viewfinder

J831526 · 08-25-2019, 09:58 AM

Just bought used K-30 on eBay, and the viewfinder is dim. LiveView is bright. Exposure is not affected; in auto mode the photo has the correct exposure even though the scene is dim in the viewfinder.

Any suggies?

Thanx ... Charlie

Aaron28 · 08-25-2019, 10:47 AM

the aperture of a manual lens closed down? maybe enough 'grime' on the VF eye glass to affect brightness.....not sure if the diopter correction thing does anything to dim..

J831526 · 08-25-2019, 12:51 PM

Not using a manual lens. I have the 18-55 and 50-200; same problem with both. I cleaned the viewfinder (inside and outside) as well as the mirror. Also adjusted the diopter. Between the cleaning and better eye focus things are somewhat improved. No problem in good light, and performance in poor light is now passable. Still think something's wrong

Charlie

Adam · 08-25-2019, 12:55 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by J831526

Not using a manual lens. I have the 18-55 and 50-200; same problem with both. I cleaned the viewfinder (inside and outside) as well as the mirror. Also adjusted the diopter. Between the cleaning and better eye focus things are somewhat improved. No problem in good light, and performance in poor light is now passable. Still think something's wrong

Charlie

With slower lenses such as these (especially when zoomed to the tele end), the viewfinder will be a little dark. For a bright viewfinder, you might want to consider adding a fast prime (such as the DA 50mm F1.8) or a F2.8 zoom like the Sigma 17-50mm, Tamron 17-50mm, or Pentax 16-50mm.

Adam
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stevebrot · 08-25-2019, 01:08 PM - **1 Like**

Welcome to the Pentax Forums!

With both your lenses, maximum aperture may be as narrow as f/5.6 and no wider than f/3.5, that may explain some of the dim view. Live view brightness is less effected by slower lenses.

Is there any chance your camera might have an aftermarket focus screen? Those are typically less bright than the original Pentax screen.

Steve

J831526 · 08-26-2019, 09:06 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

Welcome to the Pentax Forums!

With both your lenses, maximum aperture may be as narrow as f/5.6 and no wider than f/3.5, that may explain some of the dim view. Live view brightness is less effected by slower lenses.

Is there any chance your camera might have an aftermarket focus screen? Those are typically less bright than the original Pentax screen.

Steve

I think the slow lenses is probably the correct explanation. I'm used to the viewfinder on a mirrorless Olympus and hadn't considered the different workings of a DSLR.
Thanx ... Charlie

08-25-2019, 09:58 AM	#1
J831526 New Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 3	K-30 dim viewfinder Just bought used K-30 on eBay, and the viewfinder is dim. LiveView is bright. Exposure is not affected; in auto mode the photo has the correct exposure even though the scene is dim in the viewfinder. Any suggies? Thanx ... Charlie

08-25-2019, 12:51 PM	#3
J831526 New Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 3 Original Poster	K-30 dim viewfinder Not using a manual lens. I have the 18-55 and 50-200; same problem with both. I cleaned the viewfinder (inside and outside) as well as the mirror. Also adjusted the diopter. Between the cleaning and better eye focus things are somewhat improved. No problem in good light, and performance in poor light is now passable. Still think something's wrong Charlie

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08-25-2019, 10:47 AM	#2
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	the aperture of a manual lens closed down? maybe enough 'grime' on the VF eye glass to affect brightness.....not sure if the diopter correction thing does anything to dim..

08-25-2019, 12:55 PM - 1 Like	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by J831526 Not using a manual lens. I have the 18-55 and 50-200; same problem with both. I cleaned the viewfinder (inside and outside) as well as the mirror. Also adjusted the diopter. Between the cleaning and better eye focus things are somewhat improved. No problem in good light, and performance in poor light is now passable. Still think something's wrong Charlie With slower lenses such as these (especially when zoomed to the tele end), the viewfinder will be a little dark. For a bright viewfinder, you might want to consider adding a fast prime (such as the DA 50mm F1.8) or a F2.8 zoom like the Sigma 17-50mm, Tamron 17-50mm, or Pentax 16-50mm. 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:

08-25-2019, 01:08 PM - 1 Like	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Welcome to the Pentax Forums! With both your lenses, maximum aperture may be as narrow as f/5.6 and no wider than f/3.5, that may explain some of the dim view. Live view brightness is less effected by slower lenses. Is there any chance your camera might have an aftermarket focus screen? Those are typically less bright than the original Pentax screen. Steve

08-26-2019, 09:06 AM - 1 Like	#6
J831526 New Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot Welcome to the Pentax Forums! With both your lenses, maximum aperture may be as narrow as f/5.6 and no wider than f/3.5, that may explain some of the dim view. Live view brightness is less effected by slower lenses. Is there any chance your camera might have an aftermarket focus screen? Those are typically less bright than the original Pentax screen. Steve I think the slow lenses is probably the correct explanation. I'm used to the viewfinder on a mirrorless Olympus and hadn't considered the different workings of a DSLR. Thanx ... Charlie