8-21-2017 runaway mirror problem

wizzster · 08-21-2017, 11:27 AM

Today, 8/21/2017, as I started to shoot the eclipse, the first shot started the mirror flapping wildly and draining the battery to zero.

Never happened before. Had to remove the battery to stop it.

Does Ricoh know how to fix this yet ???

I see lots of threads from 2014.

**jlstrawman** · 08-21-2017, 11:34 AM

Which camera body?

Adam · 08-21-2017, 11:45 AM

Originally posted by wizzster

Today, 8/21/2017, as I started to shoot the eclipse, the first shot started the mirror flapping wildly and draining the battery to zero.

Never happened before. Had to remove the battery to stop it.

Does Ricoh know how to fix this yet ???

I see lots of threads from 2014.

Sorry to hear this had to happen at such an inopportune time. If this is the first time you've gotten mirror flop and it doesn't recur under normal shooting conditions, then it's nothing to worry about. It is more likely to happen if the battery voltage is low, if the power drain (i.e. from screwdrive AF and/or live view) is high, or both. I had it happen to be once on the K-5 while focusing with the FA* 300mm, but never since then.

A battery pull is the correct remedy if it does happen.

wizzster · 08-21-2017, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by jlstrawman

Which camera body?

Sorry, Pentax K3

**BigMackCam** · 08-21-2017, 12:42 PM

Sorry to hear that. Have you stayed up-to-date with firmware updates? I've had mirror-flop with the K-3 once over the last year whilst using Live View, but the firmware version I'm running caught it and stopped it quickly (maybe half a dozen flops or less), so no real problem...

wizzster · 08-25-2017, 11:19 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Sorry to hear that. Have you stayed up-to-date with firmware updates? I've had mirror-flop with the K-3 once over the last year whilst using Live View, but the firmware version I'm running caught it and stopped it quickly (maybe half a dozen flops or less), so no real problem...

Hi, thanks.

I discovered that my firmware is indeed out of date. I have now installed the latest.

thanks for the tip

08-21-2017, 11:27 AM	#1
wizzster New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: boston Posts: 24	8-21-2017 runaway mirror problem Today, 8/21/2017, as I started to shoot the eclipse, the first shot started the mirror flapping wildly and draining the battery to zero. Never happened before. Had to remove the battery to stop it. Does Ricoh know how to fix this yet ??? I see lots of threads from 2014.

08-21-2017, 11:45 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by wizzster Today, 8/21/2017, as I started to shoot the eclipse, the first shot started the mirror flapping wildly and draining the battery to zero. Never happened before. Had to remove the battery to stop it. Does Ricoh know how to fix this yet ??? I see lots of threads from 2014. Sorry to hear this had to happen at such an inopportune time. If this is the first time you've gotten mirror flop and it doesn't recur under normal shooting conditions, then it's nothing to worry about. It is more likely to happen if the battery voltage is low, if the power drain (i.e. from screwdrive AF and/or live view) is high, or both. I had it happen to be once on the K-5 while focusing with the FA* 300mm, but never since then. A battery pull is the correct remedy if it does happen. 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:

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08-21-2017, 11:34 AM	#2
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	Which camera body?

08-21-2017, 12:08 PM	#4
wizzster New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: boston Posts: 24 Original Poster	Originally posted by jlstrawman Which camera body? Sorry, Pentax K3

08-21-2017, 12:42 PM	#5
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,670	Sorry to hear that. Have you stayed up-to-date with firmware updates? I've had mirror-flop with the K-3 once over the last year whilst using Live View, but the firmware version I'm running caught it and stopped it quickly (maybe half a dozen flops or less), so no real problem...

08-25-2017, 11:19 AM - 1 Like	#6
wizzster New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: boston Posts: 24 Original Poster	Originally posted by BigMackCam Sorry to hear that. Have you stayed up-to-date with firmware updates? I've had mirror-flop with the K-3 once over the last year whilst using Live View, but the firmware version I'm running caught it and stopped it quickly (maybe half a dozen flops or less), so no real problem... Hi, thanks. I discovered that my firmware is indeed out of date. I have now installed the latest. thanks for the tip