Solenoid in Pentax K-70

krgroothuis · 06-23-2019, 08:50 AM

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I bought a white one from this seller.

SharkyCA · 06-25-2019, 10:20 AM

Originally posted by reh321

Most people 'harvest' them from old cameras; I hate to see working cameras turned into organ-donors - but I have to admit having no personal interest in a camera that old.

An eBay seller did take apart old cameras has two left at $45
Pentax K-30 K-50 K-S1/S2 K-500 Genuine White Aperture Solenoid Part - Japan - | eBay

When Sun Camera repaired my K-70 replacing the entire Diaphragm Control Block the part cost on the invoice showed $28.00 Canadian.

This is an image of my old part returned to me.
Cheers!

**photogem** · 06-25-2019, 11:08 AM

Well, yes, at us.ameras.com the entire block costs a little bit more, they made you a good price.
How much was the total? Replacing the entire block is lots of work. Replacing the solenoid is peanuts compared to it.

Nevertheless, the green solenoid is available, the diaphragm control block as well, but the Japan made solenoid can only be found second hand, it needs to be tested and donor cameras are not quite that easy to find anymore. There was a time when one could find socalled NOS (New Old Stock) solenoids in Japan, Akihabara. Not cheap either. Here in Europe donor DSLR bodies have usually 1 useful solenoid inside, it seems Europe was a kind of guinea-pig for testing the green one, because in almost any K100D, K200D or Kx and similar I found the white one on the diaphragm control block but a green one for the flash. K10/20D anyway have just one! So for somebody who does it as a business, it means finding the donor, buying it, disassembly, testing, offering it on ebay com: So the price seems quite reasonable to me.

Of course one can moan about it (I don't mean you!) for it once costed something like 50Cents.
A Telefunken 12AX7 was US$ 2,50 those days, but because it is one of the best ever made 12AX7's these days it is up to US$ 500 (in its ECC803s version).

MarkJerling · 06-25-2019, 04:18 PM

Originally posted by photogem

A Telefunken 12AX7 was US$ 2,50 those days, but because it is one of the best ever made 12AX7's these days it is up to US$ 500 (in its ECC803s version).

Hell, I need to check my stock! I might be sitting on a goldmine!

SharkyCA · 06-25-2019, 05:44 PM

Originally posted by photogem

Well, yes, at us.ameras.com the entire block costs a little bit more, they made you a good price.
How much was the total? Replacing the entire block is lots of work. Replacing the solenoid is peanuts compared to it.

Nevertheless, the green solenoid is available, the diaphragm control block as well, but the Japan made solenoid can only be found second hand, it needs to be tested and donor cameras are not quite that easy to find anymore. There was a time when one could find socalled NOS (New Old Stock) solenoids in Japan, Akihabara. Not cheap either. Here in Europe donor DSLR bodies have usually 1 useful solenoid inside, it seems Europe was a kind of guinea-pig for testing the green one, because in almost any K100D, K200D or Kx and similar I found the white one on the diaphragm control block but a green one for the flash. K10/20D anyway have just one! So for somebody who does it as a business, it means finding the donor, buying it, disassembly, testing, offering it on ebay com: So the price seems quite reasonable to me.

Of course one can moan about it (I don't mean you!) for it once costed something like 50Cents.
A Telefunken 12AX7 was US$ 2,50 those days, but because it is one of the best ever made 12AX7's these days it is up to US$ 500 (in its ECC803s version).

My repair was cheap for parts ($28.00) but the labour was $180.00 plus shipping and insurance both ways ran the cost close to $300 Canadian! But happy with the result so far! SharkyCA

**photogem** · 06-25-2019, 10:12 PM - **1 Like**

For the work involved that was a bargain.

Howard2k · 06-26-2019, 04:18 PM

Thanks for all the notes. I’ve just upgraded from a K10D to the K70.

If I understand correctly, it sounds like this is a low risk issue?

And should I keep my K10D in case parts need to be harvested from there? Or is that not an option?

**photogem** · 06-26-2019, 11:12 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Howard2k

Thanks for all the notes. I’ve just upgraded from a K10D to the K70.
If I understand correctly, it sounds like this is a low risk issue?

Indeed!

Originally posted by Howard2k

And should I keep my K10D in case parts need to be harvested from there? Or is that not an option?

It is twice an option:
You have the solenoid if ever you'd need it
You have a very robust back-body, which anyway makes very good photos if light is reasonable. You know how to handle it, it would bring little money.
So best to keep it and every day and then use it, charge the batteries.
I still have mine and have it always in my car. In pretty battered condition it is accompanied by an as much battered FA50/1,7 (front plastic broken off, so with an stepup adapter glued on, I love this lens) a WR Kitlens and the old venerable SMC A70-210.

Howard2k · 06-26-2019, 11:39 PM

Originally posted by photogem

Indeed!

It is twice an option:
You have the solenoid if ever you'd need it
You have a very robust back-body, which anyway makes very good photos if light is reasonable. You know how to handle it, it would bring little money.
So best to keep it and every day and then use it, charge the batteries.
I still have mine and have it always in my car. In pretty battered condition it is accompanied by an as much battered FA50/1,7 (front plastic broken off, so with an stepup adapter glued on, I love this lens) a WR Kitlens and the old venerable SMC A70-210.

Thanks. I have a 50mm 1.4 with broken plastic. And I love my K10D, keeping it is an easy choice. Thanks.

SharkyCA · 06-27-2019, 05:11 AM

Originally posted by Howard2k

Thanks for all the notes. I’ve just upgraded from a K10D to the K70.

If I understand correctly, it sounds like this is a low risk issue?

And should I keep my K10D in case parts need to be harvested from there? Or is that not an option?

Hi, I think my k-70 fail is indeed a rare failure, had I purchased it through Canadian channels it would've been covered under warranty.

Still, I love the camera!

Cheers!

DrawsACircle · 07-11-2019, 06:14 AM - **1 Like**

Very informative post/thread photogem - good work! :-)
I still love my K-70 from December 2016 with 14.000 clicks, it's a fantastic camera!

Matty · 07-20-2019, 07:56 AM

Thank you for the very informative post. I had this concern late last year but decided to purchase the K-70 anyway. I'm happy to hear that it is a relatively low risk issue now.

**photogem** · 08-15-2019, 06:07 AM - **1 Like**

Added some more photos to the original post.

ShawnH · 04-05-2020, 09:25 AM

Where can I buy a white solenoid? I don't see one on ebay. Thank you for your help.

**photogem** · 04-05-2020, 09:29 AM

Pentax K-30 K-50 K-70 K-S1/S2 K-500 Genuine White Solenoid Part - Japan - | eBay

06-25-2019, 05:44 PM	#20
SharkyCA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 806	Originally posted by photogem Well, yes, at us.ameras.com the entire block costs a little bit more, they made you a good price. How much was the total? Replacing the entire block is lots of work. Replacing the solenoid is peanuts compared to it. Nevertheless, the green solenoid is available, the diaphragm control block as well, but the Japan made solenoid can only be found second hand, it needs to be tested and donor cameras are not quite that easy to find anymore. There was a time when one could find socalled NOS (New Old Stock) solenoids in Japan, Akihabara. Not cheap either. Here in Europe donor DSLR bodies have usually 1 useful solenoid inside, it seems Europe was a kind of guinea-pig for testing the green one, because in almost any K100D, K200D or Kx and similar I found the white one on the diaphragm control block but a green one for the flash. K10/20D anyway have just one! So for somebody who does it as a business, it means finding the donor, buying it, disassembly, testing, offering it on ebay com: So the price seems quite reasonable to me. Of course one can moan about it (I don't mean you!) for it once costed something like 50Cents. A Telefunken 12AX7 was US$ 2,50 those days, but because it is one of the best ever made 12AX7's these days it is up to US$ 500 (in its ECC803s version). My repair was cheap for parts ($28.00) but the labour was $180.00 plus shipping and insurance both ways ran the cost close to $300 Canadian! But happy with the result so far! SharkyCA Last edited by SharkyCA; 06-25-2019 at 06:10 PM.

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06-23-2019, 08:50 AM	#16
krgroothuis Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Winsum, the Netherlands Posts: 86	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I bought a white one from this seller.

06-25-2019, 10:20 AM	#17
SharkyCA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 806	Originally posted by reh321 Most people 'harvest' them from old cameras; I hate to see working cameras turned into organ-donors - but I have to admit having no personal interest in a camera that old. An eBay seller did take apart old cameras has two left at $45 Pentax K-30 K-50 K-S1/S2 K-500 Genuine White Aperture Solenoid Part - Japan - \| eBay When Sun Camera repaired my K-70 replacing the entire Diaphragm Control Block the part cost on the invoice showed $28.00 Canadian. This is an image of my old part returned to me. Cheers!

06-25-2019, 11:08 AM	#18
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520 Original Poster	Well, yes, at us.ameras.com the entire block costs a little bit more, they made you a good price. How much was the total? Replacing the entire block is lots of work. Replacing the solenoid is peanuts compared to it. Nevertheless, the green solenoid is available, the diaphragm control block as well, but the Japan made solenoid can only be found second hand, it needs to be tested and donor cameras are not quite that easy to find anymore. There was a time when one could find socalled NOS (New Old Stock) solenoids in Japan, Akihabara. Not cheap either. Here in Europe donor DSLR bodies have usually 1 useful solenoid inside, it seems Europe was a kind of guinea-pig for testing the green one, because in almost any K100D, K200D or Kx and similar I found the white one on the diaphragm control block but a green one for the flash. K10/20D anyway have just one! So for somebody who does it as a business, it means finding the donor, buying it, disassembly, testing, offering it on ebay com: So the price seems quite reasonable to me. Of course one can moan about it (I don't mean you!) for it once costed something like 50Cents. A Telefunken 12AX7 was US$ 2,50 those days, but because it is one of the best ever made 12AX7's these days it is up to US$ 500 (in its ECC803s version).

06-25-2019, 04:18 PM	#19
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by photogem A Telefunken 12AX7 was US$ 2,50 those days, but because it is one of the best ever made 12AX7's these days it is up to US$ 500 (in its ECC803s version). Hell, I need to check my stock! I might be sitting on a goldmine!

06-25-2019, 10:12 PM - 1 Like	#21
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520 Original Poster	For the work involved that was a bargain.

06-26-2019, 04:18 PM	#22
Howard2k Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 69	Thanks for all the notes. I’ve just upgraded from a K10D to the K70. If I understand correctly, it sounds like this is a low risk issue? And should I keep my K10D in case parts need to be harvested from there? Or is that not an option?

06-26-2019, 11:12 PM - 1 Like	#23
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520 Original Poster	Originally posted by Howard2k Thanks for all the notes. I’ve just upgraded from a K10D to the K70. If I understand correctly, it sounds like this is a low risk issue? Indeed! Originally posted by Howard2k And should I keep my K10D in case parts need to be harvested from there? Or is that not an option? It is twice an option: You have the solenoid if ever you'd need it You have a very robust back-body, which anyway makes very good photos if light is reasonable. You know how to handle it, it would bring little money. So best to keep it and every day and then use it, charge the batteries. I still have mine and have it always in my car. In pretty battered condition it is accompanied by an as much battered FA50/1,7 (front plastic broken off, so with an stepup adapter glued on, I love this lens) a WR Kitlens and the old venerable SMC A70-210.

06-26-2019, 11:39 PM	#24
Howard2k Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 69	Originally posted by photogem Indeed! It is twice an option: You have the solenoid if ever you'd need it You have a very robust back-body, which anyway makes very good photos if light is reasonable. You know how to handle it, it would bring little money. So best to keep it and every day and then use it, charge the batteries. I still have mine and have it always in my car. In pretty battered condition it is accompanied by an as much battered FA50/1,7 (front plastic broken off, so with an stepup adapter glued on, I love this lens) a WR Kitlens and the old venerable SMC A70-210. Thanks. I have a 50mm 1.4 with broken plastic. And I love my K10D, keeping it is an easy choice. Thanks.

06-27-2019, 05:11 AM	#25
SharkyCA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 806	Originally posted by Howard2k Thanks for all the notes. I’ve just upgraded from a K10D to the K70. If I understand correctly, it sounds like this is a low risk issue? And should I keep my K10D in case parts need to be harvested from there? Or is that not an option? Hi, I think my k-70 fail is indeed a rare failure, had I purchased it through Canadian channels it would've been covered under warranty. Still, I love the camera! Cheers!

07-11-2019, 06:14 AM - 1 Like	#26
DrawsACircle Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Ulfborg, Denmark Photos: Albums Posts: 434	Very informative post/thread photogem - good work! :-) I still love my K-70 from December 2016 with 14.000 clicks, it's a fantastic camera!

07-20-2019, 07:56 AM	#27
Matty New Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 27	Thank you for the very informative post. I had this concern late last year but decided to purchase the K-70 anyway. I'm happy to hear that it is a relatively low risk issue now.

08-15-2019, 06:07 AM - 1 Like	#28
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520 Original Poster	Added some more photos to the original post.

04-05-2020, 09:25 AM	#29
ShawnH Forum Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 65	Where can I buy a white solenoid? I don't see one on ebay. Thank you for your help.

04-05-2020, 09:29 AM	#30
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520 Original Poster	Pentax K-30 K-50 K-70 K-S1/S2 K-500 Genuine White Solenoid Part - Japan - \| eBay