Originally posted by pimpim Did you know if you got a "good" solenoid in the repair? That would be sweet.
I don't know. It's still with CRK. They are replacing the aperture block, not just the solenoid. I'm assuming it has the updated solenoid found in the K-70, but I'm not worried about it because I will actually use the camera, so I think the problem is unlikely to recur. And the repair will be covered by warranty. (I didn't feel up to doing the repair myself.)
Originally posted by pimpim Buying used from a store I can be almost sure it was unused for a longer time
That's true. If you buy from a store, be sure to get a sufficient warranty. But if it has been unused for a long time, any resulting ABF is likely to appear fairly quickly. If you try the camera in the shop and it is producing dark frames, you might negotiate a discount!
Originally posted by pimpim so scary that generation of solenoid bodies and SDM lenses ...Pentax timebombs
I think the problem can be overstated. There are many thousands of cameras with the green solenoid (e.g. K-30, K-50, K-S1, K-S2, K-70) still in use. Most will never develop the problem (I had two K-30s and neither had any issue.) Others will have been repaired and never get it again. You hear a lot about the problem ones, but not about the vast majority that don't have a problem. My guess is that these cameras have at least as long a useful life, on average, as their contemporary rivals (e.g. Canon Rebels, Nikon 3XXX and 5xxxx series) - maybe longer, because they were often better built in the first place.
If you are worried about it, get one of the premium models instead (e.g. K-5 series, K-3 series, KP).
As for SDM lenses, there were only a few early ones that were notorious for failing, like the DA 17-70 f4. And most SDM models can be converted to screw-drive AF and work flawlessly (
SDM to Screwdrive Conversions - PentaxForums.com). A screw-drive converted DA*16-50 f2.8, DA*50-135 f2.8 or DA*300 f4 can be a great bargain buy. And remember that AF motor issues are not exclusive to Pentax.
The flip side is that Pentax lenses that use screw-driven AF, DC AF or PLM AF appear to be very reliable.