[Michael Piziak]

Was going to get a k-50, but it seemed a significant problem with that camera.
How prevalent is it with the k-s2 as compared to that camera?

[stevebrot]

Was going to get a k-50, but it seemed a significant problem with that camera.
How prevalent is it with the k-s2 as compared to that camera?

Reputation is less problem than the K-50. FWIW, if you don't like the grip on the K-70, you might not care for that on the K-S2. You can compare using the camera size comparator with the top-down view.

Compare camera dimensions side by side

Steve

[caliscouser]

There's a K-50 for sale in the marketplace with the solenoid replaced Pentax K-50 (Aperture Solenoid Replaced!) - PentaxForums.com

[marcusBMG]

It seems to be the same solenoid as K50 etc. I had to replace mine. But I really like the KS2 - very little difference in iq to my K3-ii. USP the fully articulated lcd.

[Des]

According to @Photogem, the solenoid was updated in December 2015 and cameras built after that date have a much lower failure rate. Production of the K-S2 continued into 2016, so one manufactured late in the production run would be a safer bet. The date of manufacture is recorded in the MakerNotes in each image (RAW or jpg). It can be checked here: Check Camera Shutter Count and Manufacture Date

If I were in the US I'd offer a swap of my K-S2 for your K-70. (I think you would be downgrading to the K-S2.)

[photogem]

He purchased a K-70 already!

[stevebrot]

He purchased a K-70 already!

...and then after not liking the grip, started this thread.


Steve

[Michael Piziak]

According to @Photogem, the solenoid was updated in December 2015 and cameras built after that date have a much lower failure rate. Production of the K-S2 continued into 2016, so one manufactured late in the production run would be a safer bet. The date of manufacture is recorded in the MakerNotes in each image (RAW or jpg). It can be checked here: Check Camera Shutter Count and Manufacture Date

Thanks, just checked the one I picked up. It was actually manufactured on 2017:04:05

[Des]

just checked the one I picked up. It was actually manufactured on 2017:04:05

That's amazing. Must have been one of the last ones - about 10 months after the launch of the K-70.

[Michael Piziak]

That's amazing. Must have been one of the last ones - about 10 months after the launch of the K-70.

Yea, I guess I just got lucky. Was just looking for one that had low shutter count (it has ~3000).

I also notice that my copy doesn't have the "dimpled" texture on top of the camera - it's smooth plastic.

[VaderSS]

According to @Photogem, the solenoid was updated in December 2015 and cameras built after that date have a much lower failure rate.

Darn. Mine just failed and I see that the date is 2/2015, even though I purchased it in March of 2016. 16,600 shutter count though, so I got some use out of it.

Going to get a K-70 with extended warranty and try to repair my K-S2 later.

[photogem]

According to @Photogem, the solenoid was updated in December 2015 and cameras built after that date have a much lower failure rate.

Darn. Mine just failed and I see that the date is 2/2015, even though I purchased it in March of 2016. 16,600 shutter count though, so I got some use out of it.

Going to get a K-70 with extended warranty and try to repair my K-S2 later.

Yes, I never ever had a post-12/2021 K-S2 nor K-S1 for repair.

The date of manufacture is recorded in the MakerNotes in each image (RAW or jpg). It can be checked here: Check Camera Shutter Count and Manufacture Date

The difficulty is that if you buy a 2-nd hand K-S2 or K-S1 have less chance to check this prior buying, at least if from a company.
If private, yes, then you can ask for a JPEG and upload it there.

I see it like this: If I'd buy from lets say Amazon-Marketplace I have some warranty, in Europe 1 year.
If during that time ABF occurs, I can now prove it was a fault already potentially there.
So warranty will jump in.

I can then see if I can get it repaired with the Japan-Solenoid and get these costs paid.

On ebay Europe you can buy quite cheap a protective insurance which covers 1 year.
So double safety....kind off.

[Michael Piziak]

I bought a 2 year squaretrade warranty (through ebay) when I first bought the k-s2

[Angulon]

For someone in Australia who can't find a solenoid, I have a couple of the white ones.

An edit just to add - if anyone in Australia does have that problem check with C R Kennedy first, they might still fix it if the camera has not had a lot of use.

[Church Key]

My K-s2 just developed the aperture block problem. This is after I just added a couple of lenses to what has basically been a closet queen which I've mainly used for pics to sell stuff on eBay. Have stopped dealing with eBay selling due to their revised payment policies, so decided to get back into general photography. Mine was made in 04/2015 and has 1,900 actuations; hardly used. I now test it daily by checking the live view aperture and at the present time seems to clear after one click. Have ordered a white solenoid from the eBay vendor in Japan recommended in this forum as don't feel like spending $500+ for a K-70 at the present time. If it craps out completely, might have to get one anyhow, and sell the K-s2 after its fixed. I've had Nikon's and Cannons in the dim-distant past and never have had issues like this with any of their equipment. If it wasn't for the excellent Pentax viewfinder, I'd just get a good point and shoot and forget about it. This has made me more grouchy than normal. Bah Humbug!