DIY fix for k-30 / k-50 aperture block problem without any disassembly

frozenshiver · 11-08-2017, 12:29 PM - **1 Like**

Hi there

A few days ago I got a problem with my K-30. Until now I didn't knew, that this seems to be a common problem with the K-30 / K-50 series. So it would be a good idea to share my fix for the problem.

Pictures I have taken were totally underexposed. So obviously there must have been an error with the aperture control. Also in live view an underexposed preview was shown.

I just did the following and since then, this error never ever occurred again:

1.) Go to the camera menu to button customization and define the raw/FX button to "optical preview".

2.) Use Manual or AV mode and dial in an aperture other than open wide.

3.) Press the raw/FX button 10 to 20 times ( I did so). Every press you should hear the aperture lever working.

4.) Take some shots. At this point my K-30 did correct exposures with some exceptions. So I repeated the procedure until no wrong exposure occurred. I had to repeat step 3.) 3 times. Since then my camera works without any errors.

Maybe I was just lucky that this trick brought my copy back to working condition. Maybe if you have the same problem give it a try and your camera comes back to life again.

Cheers

Adam · 11-08-2017, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by frozenshiver

Maybe I was just lucky that this trick brought my copy back to working condition. Maybe if you have the same problem give it a try and your camera comes back to life again.

Thanks for sharing the procedure in detail! The trick has been used quite a bit by our members, but I'm afraid most users report that the fix is only temporary. However, let's hope it lasts for as long as you need it in your case!

For those who find this thread via search, here's a link to the hardware fix as well:
K-50 / K-500 Aperture Solenoid fix (DIY with pics) - PentaxForums.com

Molesz · 11-21-2017, 12:08 PM

Sorry to say that this procedure give just a temporary result. Done that. I just had to open my K-30 and change the solenoid. It works for 6 months flawlesly since.

11-08-2017, 12:29 PM - 1 Like	#1
frozenshiver New Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 1	DIY fix for k-30 / k-50 aperture block problem without any disassembly Hi there A few days ago I got a problem with my K-30. Until now I didn't knew, that this seems to be a common problem with the K-30 / K-50 series. So it would be a good idea to share my fix for the problem. Pictures I have taken were totally underexposed. So obviously there must have been an error with the aperture control. Also in live view an underexposed preview was shown. I just did the following and since then, this error never ever occurred again: 1.) Go to the camera menu to button customization and define the raw/FX button to "optical preview". 2.) Use Manual or AV mode and dial in an aperture other than open wide. 3.) Press the raw/FX button 10 to 20 times ( I did so). Every press you should hear the aperture lever working. 4.) Take some shots. At this point my K-30 did correct exposures with some exceptions. So I repeated the procedure until no wrong exposure occurred. I had to repeat step 3.) 3 times. Since then my camera works without any errors. Maybe I was just lucky that this trick brought my copy back to working condition. Maybe if you have the same problem give it a try and your camera comes back to life again. Cheers

11-08-2017, 01:03 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by frozenshiver Maybe I was just lucky that this trick brought my copy back to working condition. Maybe if you have the same problem give it a try and your camera comes back to life again. Thanks for sharing the procedure in detail! The trick has been used quite a bit by our members, but I'm afraid most users report that the fix is only temporary. However, let's hope it lasts for as long as you need it in your case! For those who find this thread via search, here's a link to the hardware fix as well: K-50 / K-500 Aperture Solenoid fix (DIY with pics) - PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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11-21-2017, 12:08 PM	#3
Molesz New Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 4	Sorry to say that this procedure give just a temporary result. Done that. I just had to open my K-30 and change the solenoid. It works for 6 months flawlesly since.