K-x Mirror slap?

olivemike · 09-06-2011, 10:40 AM

Bought my K-x in January of 2010, have 5K clicks on it and have had an ongoing issue with it. The issue is that at certain times (haven't figured out exactly how to reproduce) the mirror activates by pushing any button on the camera. It could be the ISO button, green button, dial, etc. Anything I touch activates the mirror but does not open the shutter. As a result, I can't take a picture. It seems to happen more with the M42 lenses screwed in but has also happened with the DA*50-135. I sent the camera to C.R.I.S and their estimate is $244 to fix by replacing the PCB and aperature control unit.

Has anyone else had this issue? My fear is I spend $244 and 3 months later the same issue crops up a day after the service warranty expires.

I can't believe I have to spend that much money for a camera with 5k images on it and 18 months old. Frustrating as it has not been abused in any way.

Oh, and it will take 4 weeks to repair. Any options out there anyone is aware of?

**mattb123** · 09-06-2011, 11:01 AM

For that much I might cut my losses and buy another K-x or a K-r.

Danny Delcambre · 09-06-2011, 12:25 PM

I read about K-x and K-r can feel like as machine guns. K-7 and K-5 are smoothly quiet. Smile

JinDesu · 09-06-2011, 12:28 PM

Originally posted by Danny Delcambre

I read about K-x and K-r can feel like as machine guns. K-7 and K-5 are smoothly quiet. Smile

Not quite the issue the OP is facing. I have not encountered that sort of error in my k-x before.

The K-5's mirror flop seems to be related to the battery voltage. What sort of batteries are you using?

olivemike · 09-06-2011, 12:59 PM

I've tried Lithium, Alkaline and rechargeable. Nothing seems to make a difference. I've also reloaded the latest firmware a couple of times to no avail.

olivemike · 09-06-2011, 01:02 PM

I guess my main concern as I have read in other threads that if a board goes bad, something probably caused it. So in my case, would an aperature control unit be a cause of electronic failure?

JinDesu · 09-06-2011, 01:07 PM

Originally posted by olivemike

I guess my main concern as I have read in other threads that if a board goes bad, something probably caused it. So in my case, would an aperature control unit be a cause of electronic failure?

I can't answer for sure - if the contacts on your old lens caused something to short out inside the board, anything is possible.

09-06-2011, 10:40 AM	#1
olivemike Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tennessee Photos: Albums Posts: 49	K-x Mirror slap? Bought my K-x in January of 2010, have 5K clicks on it and have had an ongoing issue with it. The issue is that at certain times (haven't figured out exactly how to reproduce) the mirror activates by pushing any button on the camera. It could be the ISO button, green button, dial, etc. Anything I touch activates the mirror but does not open the shutter. As a result, I can't take a picture. It seems to happen more with the M42 lenses screwed in but has also happened with the DA*50-135. I sent the camera to C.R.I.S and their estimate is $244 to fix by replacing the PCB and aperature control unit. Has anyone else had this issue? My fear is I spend $244 and 3 months later the same issue crops up a day after the service warranty expires. I can't believe I have to spend that much money for a camera with 5k images on it and 18 months old. Frustrating as it has not been abused in any way. Oh, and it will take 4 weeks to repair. Any options out there anyone is aware of?

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09-06-2011, 11:01 AM	#2
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	For that much I might cut my losses and buy another K-x or a K-r.

09-06-2011, 12:25 PM	#3
Danny Delcambre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 550	I read about K-x and K-r can feel like as machine guns. K-7 and K-5 are smoothly quiet. Smile

09-06-2011, 12:28 PM	#4
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by Danny Delcambre I read about K-x and K-r can feel like as machine guns. K-7 and K-5 are smoothly quiet. Smile Not quite the issue the OP is facing. I have not encountered that sort of error in my k-x before. The K-5's mirror flop seems to be related to the battery voltage. What sort of batteries are you using?

09-06-2011, 12:59 PM	#5
olivemike Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tennessee Photos: Albums Posts: 49 Original Poster	I've tried Lithium, Alkaline and rechargeable. Nothing seems to make a difference. I've also reloaded the latest firmware a couple of times to no avail.

09-06-2011, 01:02 PM	#6
olivemike Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tennessee Photos: Albums Posts: 49 Original Poster	I guess my main concern as I have read in other threads that if a board goes bad, something probably caused it. So in my case, would an aperature control unit be a cause of electronic failure?

09-06-2011, 01:07 PM	#7
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by olivemike I guess my main concern as I have read in other threads that if a board goes bad, something probably caused it. So in my case, would an aperature control unit be a cause of electronic failure? I can't answer for sure - if the contacts on your old lens caused something to short out inside the board, anything is possible.

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