Unusual K-S2 mirror sticking issue that self corrected

R.Miller · 12-13-2018, 06:09 PM

Recently picked up a used like new K-S2 with only 2,650 shutter actuations and had some odd issues that cleared on it's own.

The first thing I noticed as odd was my SMC DA40 lens was tight when mounting it and rotating to the locked position. I took about three shots and the mirror gets stuck with the viewfinder going partially dark. Took the lens off and put it back on, same deal. Tried a few other lenses, which mounted fine but still the mirror sticking problem continued. It was just the DA40 that had the mounting issue.

Sent the vendor an email on getting it repaired since they have a decent 180 day warranty on used equipment. After sending the email I decided to fiddle with it a bit more. I gently moved the mirror and heard a soft clicking sound as it moved back into position. I then worked the aperture linkage up and down a bit and it seemed to reset to a new position.

After that I remounted the DA40 and it went on normally like all the other lenses, and it functioned just fine. After 40 to 50 snaps it is working normally now. All my lenses work with no issues. Sent the vendor a follow-up email saying never mind.

The K-S2 is amazing and has everything I ever wanted in a camera body so I'm really looking forward to using it for some time to come. If it breaks I'll get it fixed. No big deal. I figure since it's a complex electrical-mechanical device there are bound to be some with issues. Stuff happens.

stevebrot · 12-13-2018, 11:38 PM

Originally posted by R.Miller

The K-S2 is amazing and has everything I ever wanted in a camera body so I'm really looking forward to using it for some time to come. If it breaks I'll get it fixed. No big deal. I figure since it's a complex electrical-mechanical device there are bound to be some with issues. Stuff happens.

Stuff like improper mirror movement should not happen and most things that clear themselves show the fault again. I would ask the vendor to fully evaluate the camera. If it breaks again after the warranty is over, your cost to repair will likely exceed $250.

Steve

R.Miller · 12-14-2018, 06:48 AM

I agree it should not happen, but then again my Kr had the grease issue with the rear dial (fixed by using some contact cleaner) and my daughters K50 had the aperture block failure ($130 repair). The KS2 could also develop the aperture block issue at any time and not get detected by any evaluation. Pentax cameras at this tier (Kr K30 K50 KS1 KS2) have a different quality level than the K3, K5 or KP series and are priced accordingly.

I use cameras pretty heavily so was thinking before the warranty ran out I should have several thousand shots on the mirror assembly, and so any issues should show up.

Your suggestion is a good one though and I will consider that also.

Thanks!

12-13-2018, 06:09 PM	#1
R.Miller Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Midwest Coastal Region USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 426	Unusual K-S2 mirror sticking issue that self corrected Recently picked up a used like new K-S2 with only 2,650 shutter actuations and had some odd issues that cleared on it's own. The first thing I noticed as odd was my SMC DA40 lens was tight when mounting it and rotating to the locked position. I took about three shots and the mirror gets stuck with the viewfinder going partially dark. Took the lens off and put it back on, same deal. Tried a few other lenses, which mounted fine but still the mirror sticking problem continued. It was just the DA40 that had the mounting issue. Sent the vendor an email on getting it repaired since they have a decent 180 day warranty on used equipment. After sending the email I decided to fiddle with it a bit more. I gently moved the mirror and heard a soft clicking sound as it moved back into position. I then worked the aperture linkage up and down a bit and it seemed to reset to a new position. After that I remounted the DA40 and it went on normally like all the other lenses, and it functioned just fine. After 40 to 50 snaps it is working normally now. All my lenses work with no issues. Sent the vendor a follow-up email saying never mind. The K-S2 is amazing and has everything I ever wanted in a camera body so I'm really looking forward to using it for some time to come. If it breaks I'll get it fixed. No big deal. I figure since it's a complex electrical-mechanical device there are bound to be some with issues. Stuff happens.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K1000 sticking mirror	truculent	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	16	09-27-2022 04:19 AM
Unusual and fast mirror lens - Yashica Reflex Yashinon-DX f/5 500mm	Dean Bradshaw	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	12	05-01-2018 12:07 PM
Can shutter shake be corrected in service?	DSLRnovice	Pentax K-1 & K-1 II	26	05-01-2018 07:14 AM
Yet Another Dark K-50, But Burst/NiMh Corrected Problem	West Penn	Pentax K-30 & K-50	7	04-23-2017 06:33 AM
Mirror Sticking	KayMan	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	5	12-15-2009 10:13 AM

12-13-2018, 11:38 PM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by R.Miller The K-S2 is amazing and has everything I ever wanted in a camera body so I'm really looking forward to using it for some time to come. If it breaks I'll get it fixed. No big deal. I figure since it's a complex electrical-mechanical device there are bound to be some with issues. Stuff happens. Stuff like improper mirror movement should not happen and most things that clear themselves show the fault again. I would ask the vendor to fully evaluate the camera. If it breaks again after the warranty is over, your cost to repair will likely exceed $250. Steve

12-14-2018, 06:48 AM	#3
R.Miller Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Midwest Coastal Region USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 426 Original Poster	I agree it should not happen, but then again my Kr had the grease issue with the rear dial (fixed by using some contact cleaner) and my daughters K50 had the aperture block failure ($130 repair). The KS2 could also develop the aperture block issue at any time and not get detected by any evaluation. Pentax cameras at this tier (Kr K30 K50 KS1 KS2) have a different quality level than the K3, K5 or KP series and are priced accordingly. I use cameras pretty heavily so was thinking before the warranty ran out I should have several thousand shots on the mirror assembly, and so any issues should show up. Your suggestion is a good one though and I will consider that also. Thanks!