K100D takes all black photos...

Camerax · 11-22-2012, 04:42 AM

I have a K100D that suddenly started taking all black images. It still sounds the same when it takes a photo and everything else (the lcd screen, menus etc,.) are working normally. I checked with the lens off and the mirror is moving when a picture is taken. I've tried fresh batteries and letting the camera sit for awhile and resetting it. No luck. Same problem even in manual mode and with manual focus.

I'm thinking maybe the shutter is stuck?

Any other suggestions on what I can try?

Camerax · 11-22-2012, 05:58 AM

Upon further review it's definitely the shutter. It's not actuating when pictures are taken. I put the camera in sensor cleaning mode and long exposures and the shutter stays closed.

Is there anything at all I can do in this case?

**newmikey** · 11-22-2012, 06:11 AM

Originally posted by Camerax

Upon further review it's definitely the shutter. It's not actuating when pictures are taken. I put the camera in sensor cleaning mode and long exposures and the shutter stays closed.

Is there anything at all I can do in this case?

To be honest: no. You could have it repaired but for the price of the repair you'd be able to purchase a used K20D which is a huge step up. I loved my K100D (the Super) at the time but with all of the improvements that have happened over the past 4 -6 years: do yourself a favour and either get one of the last legacy K-5's out there while they last or, if you have less financial leeway, pick up a used K20D.

Camerax · 11-23-2012, 02:14 PM

Bummer.

It appears that the rear shutter doesn't open but the front one does...I don't know if that makes sense, but it's like the first part of the shutter that lifts up works but the back shutter that drops down doesn't work. I put the camera on sensor cleaning mode and gently reached in with a latex glove on the back shutter dropped to the bottom when I touched it. I'm not sure what the actual problem might be but it's probably an expensive fix.

**paulh** · 11-23-2012, 03:08 PM

As mentioned, for the price of the repair of your K100, you could get something newer/better. I see K100s pop up in the Marketplace for ~$150 or even less, so you could keep your eyes open if you really liked the camera. (or place a "wanted" ad) Good luck.

borno · 11-23-2012, 03:17 PM

You may be surprised at how much broken stuff can get on ebay (with full disclosure,of course) You might get almost enough for another used one. I guess people need parts, or like to tinker. I got $100 or so for a broken laptop a while back, and was happy.

**Just1MoreDave** · 11-23-2012, 04:00 PM

Originally posted by Camerax

Bummer.

It appears that the rear shutter doesn't open but the front one does...I don't know if that makes sense, but it's like the first part of the shutter that lifts up works but the back shutter that drops down doesn't work. I put the camera on sensor cleaning mode and gently reached in with a latex glove on the back shutter dropped to the bottom when I touched it. I'm not sure what the actual problem might be but it's probably an expensive fix.

The repair is probably replacing the shutter, which is not conveniently located. I'll give you $30 for the camera as-is. (I might be able to combine it with my brother's old *ist DL with a failed sensor.)

11-22-2012, 04:42 AM	#1
Camerax New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 3	K100D takes all black photos... I have a K100D that suddenly started taking all black images. It still sounds the same when it takes a photo and everything else (the lcd screen, menus etc,.) are working normally. I checked with the lens off and the mirror is moving when a picture is taken. I've tried fresh batteries and letting the camera sit for awhile and resetting it. No luck. Same problem even in manual mode and with manual focus. I'm thinking maybe the shutter is stuck? Any other suggestions on what I can try?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Streets It takes all kinds ........	daacon	Post Your Photos!	15	07-12-2012 06:21 AM
black gradient on bottom of all photos shot with k10d	controlapparatus	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	13	07-21-2011 11:01 PM
*istDL Takes Black Pictures	tpx60s	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	26	01-29-2011 08:54 AM
k100d takes the K100D to a wedding	k100d	Pentax DSLR Discussion	13	09-18-2008 12:10 PM

11-22-2012, 05:58 AM	#2
Camerax New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Upon further review it's definitely the shutter. It's not actuating when pictures are taken. I put the camera in sensor cleaning mode and long exposures and the shutter stays closed. Is there anything at all I can do in this case?

11-22-2012, 06:11 AM	#3
newmikey Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,289	Originally posted by Camerax Upon further review it's definitely the shutter. It's not actuating when pictures are taken. I put the camera in sensor cleaning mode and long exposures and the shutter stays closed. Is there anything at all I can do in this case? To be honest: no. You could have it repaired but for the price of the repair you'd be able to purchase a used K20D which is a huge step up. I loved my K100D (the Super) at the time but with all of the improvements that have happened over the past 4 -6 years: do yourself a favour and either get one of the last legacy K-5's out there while they last or, if you have less financial leeway, pick up a used K20D.

11-23-2012, 02:14 PM	#4
Camerax New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Bummer. It appears that the rear shutter doesn't open but the front one does...I don't know if that makes sense, but it's like the first part of the shutter that lifts up works but the back shutter that drops down doesn't work. I put the camera on sensor cleaning mode and gently reached in with a latex glove on the back shutter dropped to the bottom when I touched it. I'm not sure what the actual problem might be but it's probably an expensive fix.

11-23-2012, 03:08 PM	#5
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,319	As mentioned, for the price of the repair of your K100, you could get something newer/better. I see K100s pop up in the Marketplace for ~$150 or even less, so you could keep your eyes open if you really liked the camera. (or place a "wanted" ad) Good luck.

11-23-2012, 03:17 PM	#6
borno Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: md-usa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,580	You may be surprised at how much broken stuff can get on ebay (with full disclosure,of course) You might get almost enough for another used one. I guess people need parts, or like to tinker. I got $100 or so for a broken laptop a while back, and was happy.

11-23-2012, 04:00 PM	#7
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by Camerax Bummer. It appears that the rear shutter doesn't open but the front one does...I don't know if that makes sense, but it's like the first part of the shutter that lifts up works but the back shutter that drops down doesn't work. I put the camera on sensor cleaning mode and gently reached in with a latex glove on the back shutter dropped to the bottom when I touched it. I'm not sure what the actual problem might be but it's probably an expensive fix. The repair is probably replacing the shutter, which is not conveniently located. I'll give you $30 for the camera as-is. (I might be able to combine it with my brother's old *ist DL with a failed sensor.)