K 500 Mirror stucks in upward position with Sigma 70-300 Apo macro

**Yaki** · 12-12-2020, 07:13 AM

Hi,
I am writing here because there is no separate topic for K500 and this is the closest one

My K500 has a strange problem.
When I use Sigma 70-300 Apo macro with a maximum zoom of 300 mm after a few photos the mirror stucks in upward position
When I turn off the power from the switch, the device waits for a few seconds, then the dust cleaning is activated and the mirror is released.
With my other lenses, this problem has not occurred yet. So I wonder if the cause is in the lens or in the mechanism of the mirror. shutter count shows 110 k pictures taken.

**UncleVanya** · 12-12-2020, 09:32 AM

110k is a lot of images on that systems shutter/aperture system. Wow. It is odd you only see it on the one lens. Is the aperture lever nice and easy to move on the lens when dismounted? Does it give extra resistance over other lenses?

**Yaki** · 12-12-2020, 09:51 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

110k is a lot of images on that systems shutter/aperture system. Wow. It is odd you only see it on the one lens. Is the aperture lever nice and easy to move on the lens when dismounted? Does it give extra resistance over other lenses?

Yes, the camera is an entry level and is the only not weather sealed model of Pentax but it is still Pentax. When I bought it I decided to check how much it can withstand and except a solenoid change there were no major problems till now and it still works normally with other lenses.

I will chek it

Yes it seems rather easy to move the lever

**UncleVanya** · 12-12-2020, 12:25 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Yaki

Yes, the camera is an entry level and is the only not weather sealed model of Pentax but it is still Pentax. When I bought it I decided to check how much it can withstand and except a solenoid change there were no major problems till now and it still works normally with other lenses.

I will chek it

Yes it seems rather easy to move the lever

I think you’ve done great. I enjoyed my k-50 immensely. Those are very similar cameras.

stevebrot · 12-12-2020, 03:37 PM

Originally posted by Yaki

When I use Sigma 70-300 Apo macro with a maximum zoom of 300 mm after a few photos the mirror stucks in upward position

Is this a new problem with this lens? If so, did it begin before or after the solenoid replacement?

Steve

**DWS1** · 12-12-2020, 05:59 PM

This is a strange problem. If this turns out to be a camera problem, at least you can say you got your moneys worth out of it.

Not a Number · 12-12-2020, 10:36 PM

Could it just be a long exposure? What is the f-stop and shutter settings?

MarkJerling · 12-12-2020, 10:55 PM

Originally posted by Yaki

Hi,
I am writing here because there is no separate topic for K500 and this is the closest one

My K500 has a strange problem.
When I use Sigma 70-300 Apo macro with a maximum zoom of 300 mm after a few photos the mirror stucks in upward position
When I turn off the power from the switch, the device waits for a few seconds, then the dust cleaning is activated and the mirror is released.
With my other lenses, this problem has not occurred yet. So I wonder if the cause is in the lens or in the mechanism of the mirror. shutter count shows 110 k pictures taken.

I'd suggest cleaning the lens contacts, both on the camera body and on the lens.
I once had a similar problem with my Sigma 70-300 and the problem went away after I cleaned the contacts. (With my K5)

**Yaki** · 12-13-2020, 06:41 AM

Originally posted by MarkJerling

I'd suggest cleaning the lens contacts, both on the camera body and on the lens.
I once had a similar problem with my Sigma 70-300 and the problem went away after I cleaned the contacts. (With my K5)

Thanks, I'll try this first. The lense is old and this seams possible. Never tried to clean the contacts before. What cleaning liquid to use? Is it OK with ethyl alcohol?.

---------- Post added 12-13-20 at 06:50 AM ----------

Originally posted by stevebrot

Is this a new problem with this lens? If so, did it begin before or after the solenoid replacement?

Steve

I use this lens rarеly and find the problem two years ago for the first time and it appeared again few times since then. It was before the solenoid change.

stevebrot · 12-13-2020, 12:23 PM

Originally posted by Yaki

What cleaning liquid to use? Is it OK with ethyl alcohol?.

Light buffing with a microfibre cloth, both on body and on lens. You don't want liquid to get into either.

As for why this problem occurs with this lens only is a puzzle. The mirror should cycle regardless of whether a lens is even mounted. There may be some some deformation of the camera chassis due to the lens weight that results in a poor electrical connection, but that is just wild thinking on my part. The reason I asked about the solenoid replacement is that the mirror and aperture control on your camera have shared components such that one may influence the other.

Steve

MarkJerling · 12-13-2020, 12:52 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

Light buffing with a microfibre cloth, both on body and on lens. You don't want liquid to get into either.

As for why this problem occurs with this lens only is a puzzle. The mirror should cycle regardless of whether a lens is even mounted. There may be some some deformation of the camera chassis due to the lens weight that results in a poor electrical connection, but that is just wild thinking on my part. The reason I asked about the solenoid replacement is that the mirror and aperture control on your camera have shared components such that one may influence the other.

Steve

Yup, good advice re the microfibre cloth. I have also used a tiny drop of surgical alcohol on a soft cloth. My theory is that it's possible for some short circuit to confuse the camera's electronics. I've never had it happen with the K-1II and that lens, but then, I used that lens on the K5 mostly.

**Yaki** · 12-13-2020, 01:49 PM - **1 Like**

I cleaned the cotacts of the lens and the body and there was much black something on the lens cotact and a little on the body.
Tomorrow I will try the lens and see if the problem persists. Hope not to break it but I need a new camera anyway so I'll take the risk.
here is a picture of the micro fiber cloth. I used a litle lens cleaning liquid on the cloth. on the left is the dirt on the body and on the right - the dirt on the lens contacts. I didn't expect it to be so much.

Thanks for the advice

_YAK9932

MarkJerling · 12-13-2020, 02:20 PM - **1 Like**

Yikes! That's a lot of crud. I hope this solves the issue, fingers crossed.

**Yaki** · 12-15-2020, 06:01 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Could it just be a long exposure? What is the f-stop and shutter settings?

f-stop - 5,6
and shutter settings 1/500

---------- Post added 12-15-20 at 06:19 AM ----------

Originally posted by MarkJerling

Yikes! That's a lot of crud. I hope this solves the issue, fingers crossed.

Unfortunately the problem remains, but the situation is better. Now the mirror stucks in upward position only for a two or three seconds and than returns alone.

And again - the problem doesn't appear in less than 280 - 300 mm zoom.

very strange
today I've noticed that focusing produces more noise than other lenses and comes with a slight hit . (I don't know if I explain it well)

Not a Number · 12-15-2020, 02:21 PM

Is the firmware update-able on this lens (docking port)?

I don't know about the internals of Sigma lenses but Pentax/Ricoh uses "comb" contacts that signal the focal length. These are very fragile and often get broken when DIY repairs are attempted. And like any electrical contact they can wear or get dirty. If grease or something has gotten on the areas around 300mm perhaps that is causing the problem.

12-12-2020, 07:13 AM	#1
Yaki Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Sofia Posts: 951	K 500 Mirror stucks in upward position with Sigma 70-300 Apo macro Hi, I am writing here because there is no separate topic for K500 and this is the closest one My K500 has a strange problem. When I use Sigma 70-300 Apo macro with a maximum zoom of 300 mm after a few photos the mirror stucks in upward position When I turn off the power from the switch, the device waits for a few seconds, then the dust cleaning is activated and the mirror is released. With my other lenses, this problem has not occurred yet. So I wonder if the cause is in the lens or in the mechanism of the mirror. shutter count shows 110 k pictures taken.

12-12-2020, 09:51 AM	#3
Yaki Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Sofia Posts: 951 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya 110k is a lot of images on that systems shutter/aperture system. Wow. It is odd you only see it on the one lens. Is the aperture lever nice and easy to move on the lens when dismounted? Does it give extra resistance over other lenses? Yes, the camera is an entry level and is the only not weather sealed model of Pentax but it is still Pentax. When I bought it I decided to check how much it can withstand and except a solenoid change there were no major problems till now and it still works normally with other lenses. I will chek it Yes it seems rather easy to move the lever Last edited by Yaki; 12-12-2020 at 11:55 AM.

12-13-2020, 12:23 PM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Yaki What cleaning liquid to use? Is it OK with ethyl alcohol?. Light buffing with a microfibre cloth, both on body and on lens. You don't want liquid to get into either. As for why this problem occurs with this lens only is a puzzle. The mirror should cycle regardless of whether a lens is even mounted. There may be some some deformation of the camera chassis due to the lens weight that results in a poor electrical connection, but that is just wild thinking on my part. The reason I asked about the solenoid replacement is that the mirror and aperture control on your camera have shared components such that one may influence the other. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 12-13-2020 at 12:29 PM. Reason: completeness

12-15-2020, 06:01 AM	#14
Yaki Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Sofia Posts: 951 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number Could it just be a long exposure? What is the f-stop and shutter settings? f-stop - 5,6 and shutter settings 1/500 ---------- Post added 12-15-20 at 06:19 AM ---------- Originally posted by MarkJerling Yikes! That's a lot of crud. I hope this solves the issue, fingers crossed. Unfortunately the problem remains, but the situation is better. Now the mirror stucks in upward position only for a two or three seconds and than returns alone. And again - the problem doesn't appear in less than 280 - 300 mm zoom. very strange today I've noticed that focusing produces more noise than other lenses and comes with a slight hit . (I don't know if I explain it well) Last edited by Yaki; 12-15-2020 at 06:20 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sigma 70/300 APO vs Sigma 70/300 OS vs Pentax 55/300	robert52	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	5	10-06-2014 10:45 PM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax FA 100-300, FA 70-200, M 28mm; Sigma EX 28-70, Apo 70-300; Tamron Di LD 70-300	stillnk	Sold Items	17	04-08-2012 11:39 AM
Sigma 70-300 1:4-5.6 DL Macro vs Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO (Comparo)	adr1an	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	05-08-2011 06:46 PM
Tammy 70-300 LD Di MACRO or Sigma 70-300 APO DG MACRO	Ben Hunt	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	17	01-02-2009 06:11 PM
For Sale - Sold: Quantary 70-300 f4-5.6 LDO Macro (AKA Sigma 70-300 APO)	K10Perry	Sold Items	6	02-25-2008 09:39 PM

12-12-2020, 09:32 AM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,409	110k is a lot of images on that systems shutter/aperture system. Wow. It is odd you only see it on the one lens. Is the aperture lever nice and easy to move on the lens when dismounted? Does it give extra resistance over other lenses?

12-12-2020, 12:25 PM - 1 Like	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,409	Originally posted by Yaki Yes, the camera is an entry level and is the only not weather sealed model of Pentax but it is still Pentax. When I bought it I decided to check how much it can withstand and except a solenoid change there were no major problems till now and it still works normally with other lenses. I will chek it Yes it seems rather easy to move the lever I think you’ve done great. I enjoyed my k-50 immensely. Those are very similar cameras.

12-12-2020, 03:37 PM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Yaki When I use Sigma 70-300 Apo macro with a maximum zoom of 300 mm after a few photos the mirror stucks in upward position Is this a new problem with this lens? If so, did it begin before or after the solenoid replacement? Steve

12-12-2020, 05:59 PM	#6
DWS1 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 1,169	This is a strange problem. If this turns out to be a camera problem, at least you can say you got your moneys worth out of it.

12-12-2020, 10:36 PM	#7
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Could it just be a long exposure? What is the f-stop and shutter settings?

12-12-2020, 10:55 PM	#8
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by Yaki Hi, I am writing here because there is no separate topic for K500 and this is the closest one My K500 has a strange problem. When I use Sigma 70-300 Apo macro with a maximum zoom of 300 mm after a few photos the mirror stucks in upward position When I turn off the power from the switch, the device waits for a few seconds, then the dust cleaning is activated and the mirror is released. With my other lenses, this problem has not occurred yet. So I wonder if the cause is in the lens or in the mechanism of the mirror. shutter count shows 110 k pictures taken. I'd suggest cleaning the lens contacts, both on the camera body and on the lens. I once had a similar problem with my Sigma 70-300 and the problem went away after I cleaned the contacts. (With my K5)

12-13-2020, 06:41 AM	#9
Yaki Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Sofia Posts: 951 Original Poster	Originally posted by MarkJerling I'd suggest cleaning the lens contacts, both on the camera body and on the lens. I once had a similar problem with my Sigma 70-300 and the problem went away after I cleaned the contacts. (With my K5) Thanks, I'll try this first. The lense is old and this seams possible. Never tried to clean the contacts before. What cleaning liquid to use? Is it OK with ethyl alcohol?. ---------- Post added 12-13-20 at 06:50 AM ---------- Originally posted by stevebrot Is this a new problem with this lens? If so, did it begin before or after the solenoid replacement? Steve I use this lens rarеly and find the problem two years ago for the first time and it appeared again few times since then. It was before the solenoid change.

12-13-2020, 12:52 PM - 1 Like	#11
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by stevebrot Light buffing with a microfibre cloth, both on body and on lens. You don't want liquid to get into either. As for why this problem occurs with this lens only is a puzzle. The mirror should cycle regardless of whether a lens is even mounted. There may be some some deformation of the camera chassis due to the lens weight that results in a poor electrical connection, but that is just wild thinking on my part. The reason I asked about the solenoid replacement is that the mirror and aperture control on your camera have shared components such that one may influence the other. Steve Yup, good advice re the microfibre cloth. I have also used a tiny drop of surgical alcohol on a soft cloth. My theory is that it's possible for some short circuit to confuse the camera's electronics. I've never had it happen with the K-1II and that lens, but then, I used that lens on the K5 mostly.

12-13-2020, 01:49 PM - 1 Like	#12
Yaki Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Sofia Posts: 951 Original Poster	I cleaned the cotacts of the lens and the body and there was much black something on the lens cotact and a little on the body. Tomorrow I will try the lens and see if the problem persists. Hope not to break it but I need a new camera anyway so I'll take the risk. here is a picture of the micro fiber cloth. I used a litle lens cleaning liquid on the cloth. on the left is the dirt on the body and on the right - the dirt on the lens contacts. I didn't expect it to be so much. Thanks for the advice _YAK9932

12-13-2020, 02:20 PM - 1 Like	#13
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Yikes! That's a lot of crud. I hope this solves the issue, fingers crossed.

12-15-2020, 02:21 PM	#15
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Is the firmware update-able on this lens (docking port)? I don't know about the internals of Sigma lenses but Pentax/Ricoh uses "comb" contacts that signal the focal length. These are very fragile and often get broken when DIY repairs are attempted. And like any electrical contact they can wear or get dirty. If grease or something has gotten on the areas around 300mm perhaps that is causing the problem.