K20 Problem

shiner · 12-07-2014, 01:44 AM

I gave my K20 to a friend, and a year later it has a problem. The viewfinder has a tunnel, and will not focus to infinity. LV seems to work OK on the kit lens, but not on primes. I'm thinking possibly she dropped it, although she says no. There are no marks on it. It will not autofocus using the viewfinder. Any ideas?

johnriley1uk · 12-07-2014, 01:56 AM

I don't think there's any other way than to send it for a repair quote. Even if your friend has not dropped the camera, maybe someone else in the house has. It sounds like the pentaprism might have become dislodged, or perhaps the viewfinder optics displaced.

**Kerrowdown** · 12-07-2014, 02:29 AM

Oh dear not sounding too good, time to visit the friendly Pentax repair person I think.

shiner · 12-09-2014, 10:01 PM

Well, it did make a month-long stay in Peru. Lucky she even has it still!

rburgoss · 12-13-2014, 12:40 AM

I suggest checking the focus screen is properly placed, seated and the holding frame properly closed. This problem seems to be caused by a misaligned or not properly seated focus screen. It could be from a strong whack or someone removed the screen for cleaning (or else) and couldn't place it back properly.

Check also viewfinder diopter correction. An over adjustment here can prevent you from focusing on anything.

Have in mind that tha AF SYSTEM works with sensors at the bottom of mirror box. The focus screen and viewfinder take no part in the AF, so if the camera says its in focus but at viewfinder "seems out of focus", the the issue relates to viewfinder part(s) out of proper position or alignment.

shiner · 12-13-2014, 09:42 AM

Originally posted by rburgoss

I suggest checking the focus screen is properly placed, seated and the holding frame properly closed. This problem seems to be caused by a misaligned or not properly seated focus screen. It could be from a strong whack or someone removed the screen for cleaning (or else) and couldn't place it back properly.

Check also viewfinder diopter correction. An over adjustment here can prevent you from focusing on anything.

Have in mind that tha AF SYSTEM works with sensors at the bottom of mirror box. The focus screen and viewfinder take no part in the AF, so if the camera says its in focus but at viewfinder "seems out of focus", the the issue relates to viewfinder part(s) out of proper position or alignment.

I'll check the focus screen out, as I had changed it before she had the camera- thanks! However, I don't believe it is auto-focusing at all, except sometimes with the kit lens.

12-07-2014, 01:44 AM	#1
shiner Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N GA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,127	K20 Problem I gave my K20 to a friend, and a year later it has a problem. The viewfinder has a tunnel, and will not focus to infinity. LV seems to work OK on the kit lens, but not on primes. I'm thinking possibly she dropped it, although she says no. There are no marks on it. It will not autofocus using the viewfinder. Any ideas?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: K20-D with a problem	Sigmoid	Sold Items	2	09-11-2013 10:04 AM
K20 body problem?	Ben	Pentax DSLR Discussion	3	12-18-2009 03:22 PM
K20 Focus problem...	FHPhotographer	Pentax DSLR Discussion	23	08-14-2009 02:51 PM
K20 screen preview problem?	pentaxmz	Pentax DSLR Discussion	8	12-17-2008 12:55 PM
K20 Raw problem	300xcw	Pentax DSLR Discussion	4	12-14-2008 01:40 PM

12-07-2014, 01:56 AM	#2
johnriley1uk New Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 3	I don't think there's any other way than to send it for a repair quote. Even if your friend has not dropped the camera, maybe someone else in the house has. It sounds like the pentaprism might have become dislodged, or perhaps the viewfinder optics displaced.

12-07-2014, 02:29 AM	#3
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Oh dear not sounding too good, time to visit the friendly Pentax repair person I think.

12-09-2014, 10:01 PM	#4
shiner Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N GA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,127 Original Poster	Well, it did make a month-long stay in Peru. Lucky she even has it still!

12-13-2014, 12:40 AM	#5
rburgoss Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose, Costa Rica Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 972	I suggest checking the focus screen is properly placed, seated and the holding frame properly closed. This problem seems to be caused by a misaligned or not properly seated focus screen. It could be from a strong whack or someone removed the screen for cleaning (or else) and couldn't place it back properly. Check also viewfinder diopter correction. An over adjustment here can prevent you from focusing on anything. Have in mind that tha AF SYSTEM works with sensors at the bottom of mirror box. The focus screen and viewfinder take no part in the AF, so if the camera says its in focus but at viewfinder "seems out of focus", the the issue relates to viewfinder part(s) out of proper position or alignment.

12-13-2014, 09:42 AM	#6
shiner Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N GA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,127 Original Poster	Originally posted by rburgoss I suggest checking the focus screen is properly placed, seated and the holding frame properly closed. This problem seems to be caused by a misaligned or not properly seated focus screen. It could be from a strong whack or someone removed the screen for cleaning (or else) and couldn't place it back properly. Check also viewfinder diopter correction. An over adjustment here can prevent you from focusing on anything. Have in mind that tha AF SYSTEM works with sensors at the bottom of mirror box. The focus screen and viewfinder take no part in the AF, so if the camera says its in focus but at viewfinder "seems out of focus", the the issue relates to viewfinder part(s) out of proper position or alignment. I'll check the focus screen out, as I had changed it before she had the camera- thanks! However, I don't believe it is auto-focusing at all, except sometimes with the kit lens.