Testing used Pentax K-3

Theov39 · 08-06-2017, 11:19 PM

I just bought a used Pentax K-3. It has a shutter cont below 5000.

What are some standard tests that I can do to check that all the main functions are working ok?

Thank you!

Blacknight659 · 08-07-2017, 04:43 AM

I would double check the seals on all the openings/doors. Verify there isn't play in the power switch and mode dial. Then put two SD cards and do some test shots, verify you can read/write to both card slots. After that, I would make sure the camera activates the Aperture lever by manually stopping down a lens and watching the shutter fire and activate the aperture. Finally, test SR by shooting a 1/8 or so with around 50mm. That last one is very subjective and you may need to come up with a better test there.

Good luck and sounds wonderful you have a K-3!

Theov39 · 08-07-2017, 09:01 AM

Originally posted by Blacknight659

I would double check the seals on all the openings/doors. Verify there isn't play in the power switch and mode dial. Then put two SD cards and do some test shots, verify you can read/write to both card slots. After that, I would make sure the camera activates the Aperture lever by manually stopping down a lens and watching the shutter fire and activate the aperture. Finally, test SR by shooting a 1/8 or so with around 50mm. That last one is very subjective and you may need to come up with a better test there.

Good luck and sounds wonderful you have a K-3!

Thanks for that! Some great tips there.

Just one follow up question. When you say "I would make sure the camera activates the Aperture lever by manually stopping down a lens and watching the shutter fire and activate the aperture", does that require a manual lens with an aperture ring or do you mean use that feature in AV mode on the camera?

Blacknight659 · 08-07-2017, 10:45 AM - **1 Like**

I would go to Bulb mode, cycle through your available apertures and press and hold the shutter button. Be sure to look at the front of the lens to see the blades are stopped down. Pentax cameras use a lever to stop down the lens, this is a good test to make sure it can activate the lens lever.

08-06-2017, 11:19 PM	#1
Theov39 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Sydney Posts: 594	Testing used Pentax K-3 I just bought a used Pentax K-3. It has a shutter cont below 5000. What are some standard tests that I can do to check that all the main functions are working ok? Thank you!

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08-07-2017, 04:43 AM	#2
Blacknight659 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731	I would double check the seals on all the openings/doors. Verify there isn't play in the power switch and mode dial. Then put two SD cards and do some test shots, verify you can read/write to both card slots. After that, I would make sure the camera activates the Aperture lever by manually stopping down a lens and watching the shutter fire and activate the aperture. Finally, test SR by shooting a 1/8 or so with around 50mm. That last one is very subjective and you may need to come up with a better test there. Good luck and sounds wonderful you have a K-3!

08-07-2017, 09:01 AM	#3
Theov39 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Sydney Posts: 594 Original Poster	Originally posted by Blacknight659 I would double check the seals on all the openings/doors. Verify there isn't play in the power switch and mode dial. Then put two SD cards and do some test shots, verify you can read/write to both card slots. After that, I would make sure the camera activates the Aperture lever by manually stopping down a lens and watching the shutter fire and activate the aperture. Finally, test SR by shooting a 1/8 or so with around 50mm. That last one is very subjective and you may need to come up with a better test there. Good luck and sounds wonderful you have a K-3! Thanks for that! Some great tips there. Just one follow up question. When you say "I would make sure the camera activates the Aperture lever by manually stopping down a lens and watching the shutter fire and activate the aperture", does that require a manual lens with an aperture ring or do you mean use that feature in AV mode on the camera?

08-07-2017, 10:45 AM - 1 Like	#4
Blacknight659 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731	I would go to Bulb mode, cycle through your available apertures and press and hold the shutter button. Be sure to look at the front of the lens to see the blades are stopped down. Pentax cameras use a lever to stop down the lens, this is a good test to make sure it can activate the lens lever.