Dark frames on K-S2

stevebrot · 06-15-2016, 06:11 PM

Originally posted by filmamigo

Checked with Sun Camera, as of yesterday the camera was fixed and will be sent back to me. That's an 11 day turnaround. Pretty good for a consumer repair (i.e.not a "Pro" service agreement like you can subscribe to from Canon or Nikon.)

Glad they were able to get it fixed for you in a timely manner. According to your earlier post, the camera was purchased mid-April 2015, meaning that it was just out of warranty when your problems started. It is very likely that Ricoh/Pentax would have honored the warranty at that time. You might want to contact them to see if they will refund your repair expenses.

Steve

Vmax911 · 06-15-2016, 06:41 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

Does a single report constitute a trend?

Steve

No, but typically a trend starts with one

. Hopefully this is a one-off issue. With the k30/k50 history I'm definitely keeping an eye on my ks2.

I don't follow the k7/k5/k3 forums, anyone know if there are any aperture drive failure reports there?

stevebrot · 06-15-2016, 07:53 PM

Originally posted by Vmax911

No, but typically a trend starts with one

. Hopefully this is a one-off issue. With the k30/k50 history I'm definitely keeping an eye on my ks2.

I don't follow the k7/k5/k3 forums, anyone know if there are any aperture drive failure reports there?

No, none that I am aware of. I am also unaware of reports of similar failures in the multiple other APS-C models (all since at least the K10D with the exception of the K-3/K-3II) using the same or very similar aperture control block. When this happened with the K-30, it was something new. I remember the first cases where users on this site helped others rule out shutter, lens, and metering issues. For many of us, these failures have been frustrating. The cameras involved have arguably been the best value in their price segment and feature superior build and usability. With any luck the problems with the aperture/mirror controller will end with the K-50.

BTW...it just occurred to me that I have not heard of any problems with the K-500...go figure...

Steve

reh321 · 06-19-2016, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

...it just occurred to me that I have not heard of any problems with the K-500...go figure...

Two obvious possibilities

(1) people here didn't buy them

(2) people who buy them have usage patterns similar to mine {monthly shutter count of 25 doesn't add up very fast}

AldaCZ · 06-20-2016, 08:46 AM

Originally posted by Vmax911

That is bad news. This is the third generation of camera to have this problem, so it doesn't sound like they have a fix for it, or are simply not concerned about it.

Just out of curiosity, how old and how many shots on your k-s2?

yes...here we go again..and the mechanical flash popup button ?

I'm fell a bit frustrated amongst several Nikon D5xxx users who are all on 50k+ without any problem...my K30 stared to fall apart at 12k...If i were shooting more when it was in warranty...

I wanted K S2 but now I'm not sure.

k3 has flash lag and k3ii ahs not flash at all...issue resolved

/sorry but I have to sarcastic

reh321 · 06-20-2016, 09:33 AM

Originally posted by AldaCZ

yes...here we go again..and the mechanical flash popup button ?

I'm fell a bit frustrated amongst several Nikon D5xxx users who are all on 50k+ without any problem...my K30 stared to fall apart at 12k...If i were shooting more when it was in warranty...

I wanted K S2 but now I'm not sure.

k3 has flash lag and k3ii ahs not flash at all...issue resolved

/sorry but I have to sarcastic

Is that the right comparison?

How about people using D3xxx {which tends to be more comparable to K-n0, pricewise}.

AldaCZ · 06-20-2016, 10:43 AM

Originally posted by reh321

Is that the right comparison?

How about people using D3xxx {which tends to be more comparable to K-n0, pricewise}.

In Europe..at least where I live they are priced in the same bracket

filmamigo · 06-29-2016, 11:17 AM

I put the repaired K-S2 through the paces with a two-day event shoot. The repair seems solid.

I am nagged by inconsistent performance of flash in P-TTL though. I will open another thread to discuss, because it's nothing new to the K-S2 ....

wed7 · 07-08-2016, 04:59 AM

Like many others, I intend to buy the K-S2 to replace my K-5ii's (My K-30 suffered from dark frames too, got repaired by Pentax Cebu but too memorable to dispose) but now I am having second thoughts. But I must admit, I really like the forest green version and the IQ of this camera is astounding for its asking price.

Oricman · 07-09-2016, 09:13 AM

Isn't a K5iis a better camera than a KS2 ? Not sure why you'd want to downgrade?

My K30 is still working but it is a frustrating experience trying to get good pictures.

reh321 · 07-09-2016, 10:31 AM

Originally posted by Oricman

Isn't a K5iis a better camera than a KS2 ? Not sure why you'd want to downgrade?

My K30 is still working but it is a frustrating experience trying to get good pictures.

What part of your experience is frustrating?
Nailing focus?
Getting exposure correct??
Something else???

We just returned from a twelve-day trip to New England USA and Quebec Province Canada; I took a total of ninety distinct pictures with my K-30 and thirteen with my Q-7 {I count only how many are not essentially the same as others)} - yes I know that I am a low-volume user - and I was satisfied with virtually all of them. They were all "landscape" pictures, and ranged from those taken the first day in a light drizzle to those taken the last day in bright sunshine.

added: my current expectation is that a K-70 will eventually replace the K-30, but not this month.,

gatorguy · 07-09-2016, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by wed7

Like many others, I intend to buy the K-S2 to replace my K-5ii's (My K-30 suffered from dark frames too, got repaired by Pentax Cebu but too memorable to dispose) but now I am having second thoughts. But I must admit, I really like the forest green version and the IQ of this camera is astounding for its asking price.

Ummm, with the distinct lack of others reporting "dark frames" on their KS2, unlike K50 reports, I don't see anything concerning. Even with the K50 I don't know that a high percentage of owners had any issue.

wed7 · 07-10-2016, 07:11 PM

Originally posted by Oricman

Isn't a K5iis a better camera than a KS2 ? Not sure why you'd want to downgrade?

My K30 is still working but it is a frustrating experience trying to get good pictures.

Someone is offering me a newly bought K-S2 + $100 swap against my K-5ii's + DA70, (I am hoping I can ask about $200 instead) I thought I need a tilting screen and would like to have the same battery system with my still existing K-30. Moreover, I like a smaller and lighter camera but I cannot afford to swap system.

My K-30 is not frustrating in producing excellent images aside from dark frames before it was repaired.

Originally posted by gatorguy

Ummm, with the distinct lack of others reporting "dark frames" on their KS2, unlike K50 reports, I don't see anything concerning. Even with the K50 I don't know that a high percentage of owners had any issue.

I hope so.

Oricman · 07-11-2016, 02:33 AM

Originally posted by reh321

What part of your experience is frustrating?
Nailing focus?
Getting exposure correct??
Something else???

Exposures are variable often coming out too dark in bright sunny conditions. Focus is not good. I've tried setting up focusing using a focusing chart. I can up the f stops but then the bokeh is effected. Even then images don't come out too sharp.
I think part of the problem is the kit lenses aren't that good. I got a Sigma 17-70 which has better macro but a get similar problems with focusing.

I've got improved results with Raw processing but I find it hard to keep the colours right in Raw and often prefer the balance of the Jpeg output.

The sensor in the K30 should give improved results over a 1/2.3" point-and-shoot, but the wonky exposure and poor sharpness make me want to chuck the K30 in a lake.

**clackers** · 07-11-2016, 03:35 AM

Originally posted by Oricman

Exposures are variable often coming out too dark in bright sunny conditions. Focus is not good. I've tried setting up focusing using a focusing chart. I can up the f stops but then the bokeh is effected. Even then images don't come out too sharp.
I think part of the problem is the kit lenses aren't that good. I got a Sigma 17-70 which has better macro but a get similar problems with focusing.

I've got improved results with Raw processing but I find it hard to keep the colours right in Raw and often prefer the balance of the Jpeg output.

.

A lot of things there that give me the impression you need a photography course more than gear, Oricman!

06-15-2016, 07:53 PM	#33
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Vmax911 No, but typically a trend starts with one . Hopefully this is a one-off issue. With the k30/k50 history I'm definitely keeping an eye on my ks2. I don't follow the k7/k5/k3 forums, anyone know if there are any aperture drive failure reports there? No, none that I am aware of. I am also unaware of reports of similar failures in the multiple other APS-C models (all since at least the K10D with the exception of the K-3/K-3II) using the same or very similar aperture control block. When this happened with the K-30, it was something new. I remember the first cases where users on this site helped others rule out shutter, lens, and metering issues. For many of us, these failures have been frustrating. The cameras involved have arguably been the best value in their price segment and feature superior build and usability. With any luck the problems with the aperture/mirror controller will end with the K-50. BTW...it just occurred to me that I have not heard of any problems with the K-500...go figure... Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 06-15-2016 at 08:20 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Dark LiveView when using external flash in Manual (K-S2)	tomas.paier	Pentax K-S1 & K-S2	5	05-05-2016 04:32 AM
Astrotracer on K-S2	srdjanmax	Pentax K-S1 & K-S2	13	04-11-2016 03:23 PM
K-S2 dead on arrival?	BluesRunner	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	12	01-24-2016 10:58 AM
Dark strip moves across frames	willskywalker93	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	26	11-02-2015 07:24 AM
K-S2 LCD Screen on/off	wwortel	Pentax K-S1 & K-S2	3	06-15-2015 11:32 AM

06-15-2016, 06:11 PM	#31
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by filmamigo Checked with Sun Camera, as of yesterday the camera was fixed and will be sent back to me. That's an 11 day turnaround. Pretty good for a consumer repair (i.e.not a "Pro" service agreement like you can subscribe to from Canon or Nikon.) Glad they were able to get it fixed for you in a timely manner. According to your earlier post, the camera was purchased mid-April 2015, meaning that it was just out of warranty when your problems started. It is very likely that Ricoh/Pentax would have honored the warranty at that time. You might want to contact them to see if they will refund your repair expenses. Steve

06-15-2016, 06:41 PM - 1 Like	#32
Vmax911 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Photos: Gallery Posts: 826	Originally posted by stevebrot Does a single report constitute a trend? Steve No, but typically a trend starts with one . Hopefully this is a one-off issue. With the k30/k50 history I'm definitely keeping an eye on my ks2. I don't follow the k7/k5/k3 forums, anyone know if there are any aperture drive failure reports there?

06-19-2016, 10:27 AM	#34
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by stevebrot ...it just occurred to me that I have not heard of any problems with the K-500...go figure... Two obvious possibilities (1) people here didn't buy them (2) people who buy them have usage patterns similar to mine {monthly shutter count of 25 doesn't add up very fast}

06-20-2016, 08:46 AM	#35
AldaCZ Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: North Bohemia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,251	Originally posted by Vmax911 That is bad news. This is the third generation of camera to have this problem, so it doesn't sound like they have a fix for it, or are simply not concerned about it. Just out of curiosity, how old and how many shots on your k-s2? yes...here we go again..and the mechanical flash popup button ? I'm fell a bit frustrated amongst several Nikon D5xxx users who are all on 50k+ without any problem...my K30 stared to fall apart at 12k...If i were shooting more when it was in warranty... I wanted K S2 but now I'm not sure. k3 has flash lag and k3ii ahs not flash at all...issue resolved /sorry but I have to sarcastic

06-20-2016, 09:33 AM	#36
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by AldaCZ yes...here we go again..and the mechanical flash popup button ? I'm fell a bit frustrated amongst several Nikon D5xxx users who are all on 50k+ without any problem...my K30 stared to fall apart at 12k...If i were shooting more when it was in warranty... I wanted K S2 but now I'm not sure. k3 has flash lag and k3ii ahs not flash at all...issue resolved /sorry but I have to sarcastic Is that the right comparison? How about people using D3xxx {which tends to be more comparable to K-n0, pricewise}.

06-20-2016, 10:43 AM	#37
AldaCZ Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: North Bohemia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,251	Originally posted by reh321 Is that the right comparison? How about people using D3xxx {which tends to be more comparable to K-n0, pricewise}. In Europe..at least where I live they are priced in the same bracket

06-29-2016, 11:17 AM	#38
filmamigo Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 797 Original Poster	I put the repaired K-S2 through the paces with a two-day event shoot. The repair seems solid. I am nagged by inconsistent performance of flash in P-TTL though. I will open another thread to discuss, because it's nothing new to the K-S2 ....

07-08-2016, 04:59 AM	#39
wed7 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 1,421	Like many others, I intend to buy the K-S2 to replace my K-5ii's (My K-30 suffered from dark frames too, got repaired by Pentax Cebu but too memorable to dispose) but now I am having second thoughts. But I must admit, I really like the forest green version and the IQ of this camera is astounding for its asking price.

07-09-2016, 09:13 AM	#40
Oricman Guest	Isn't a K5iis a better camera than a KS2 ? Not sure why you'd want to downgrade? My K30 is still working but it is a frustrating experience trying to get good pictures.

07-09-2016, 10:31 AM	#41
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by Oricman Isn't a K5iis a better camera than a KS2 ? Not sure why you'd want to downgrade? My K30 is still working but it is a frustrating experience trying to get good pictures. What part of your experience is frustrating? Nailing focus? Getting exposure correct?? Something else??? We just returned from a twelve-day trip to New England USA and Quebec Province Canada; I took a total of ninety distinct pictures with my K-30 and thirteen with my Q-7 {I count only how many are not essentially the same as others)} - yes I know that I am a low-volume user - and I was satisfied with virtually all of them. They were all "landscape" pictures, and ranged from those taken the first day in a light drizzle to those taken the last day in bright sunshine. added: my current expectation is that a K-70 will eventually replace the K-30, but not this month.,

07-09-2016, 12:25 PM	#42
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092	Originally posted by wed7 Like many others, I intend to buy the K-S2 to replace my K-5ii's (My K-30 suffered from dark frames too, got repaired by Pentax Cebu but too memorable to dispose) but now I am having second thoughts. But I must admit, I really like the forest green version and the IQ of this camera is astounding for its asking price. Ummm, with the distinct lack of others reporting "dark frames" on their KS2, unlike K50 reports, I don't see anything concerning. Even with the K50 I don't know that a high percentage of owners had any issue.

07-10-2016, 07:11 PM	#43
wed7 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 1,421	Originally posted by Oricman Isn't a K5iis a better camera than a KS2 ? Not sure why you'd want to downgrade? My K30 is still working but it is a frustrating experience trying to get good pictures. Someone is offering me a newly bought K-S2 + $100 swap against my K-5ii's + DA70, (I am hoping I can ask about $200 instead) I thought I need a tilting screen and would like to have the same battery system with my still existing K-30. Moreover, I like a smaller and lighter camera but I cannot afford to swap system. My K-30 is not frustrating in producing excellent images aside from dark frames before it was repaired. Originally posted by gatorguy Ummm, with the distinct lack of others reporting "dark frames" on their KS2, unlike K50 reports, I don't see anything concerning. Even with the K50 I don't know that a high percentage of owners had any issue. I hope so.

07-11-2016, 02:33 AM	#44
Oricman Guest	Originally posted by reh321 What part of your experience is frustrating? Nailing focus? Getting exposure correct?? Something else??? Exposures are variable often coming out too dark in bright sunny conditions. Focus is not good. I've tried setting up focusing using a focusing chart. I can up the f stops but then the bokeh is effected. Even then images don't come out too sharp. I think part of the problem is the kit lenses aren't that good. I got a Sigma 17-70 which has better macro but a get similar problems with focusing. I've got improved results with Raw processing but I find it hard to keep the colours right in Raw and often prefer the balance of the Jpeg output. The sensor in the K30 should give improved results over a 1/2.3" point-and-shoot, but the wonky exposure and poor sharpness make me want to chuck the K30 in a lake.

07-11-2016, 03:35 AM	#45
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Oricman Exposures are variable often coming out too dark in bright sunny conditions. Focus is not good. I've tried setting up focusing using a focusing chart. I can up the f stops but then the bokeh is effected. Even then images don't come out too sharp. I think part of the problem is the kit lenses aren't that good. I got a Sigma 17-70 which has better macro but a get similar problems with focusing. I've got improved results with Raw processing but I find it hard to keep the colours right in Raw and often prefer the balance of the Jpeg output. . A lot of things there that give me the impression you need a photography course more than gear, Oricman!