Extremely dark pictures with k-30

djpattiecake · 05-31-2015, 07:34 AM

This didnt happen before a few months ago. This happens with our sigma lens and the kit lens.

Almost half the time when shooting indoors, and outdoors as well come to think of it, the pictures come out super dark. The settings are fine. Here are two pictures taken back to back with identical settings on the SAME focal point. I've flipped the mirror down and the sensor looks fine, also did dust removal. I've done a full settings reset. I've tried everything. Its super frustrating because the sigma lens takes awesome indoor pictures in medium light but half of our shots have this happen.

Please help with any recommendations, camera is still under warranty for a little while. I know its not the sigma because kit lens does it as well.

Attached Images

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Flugelbinder · 05-31-2015, 07:45 AM

Check the exposure compensation, in case you're not shooting manual.

djpattiecake · 05-31-2015, 07:50 AM

Originally posted by Flugelbinder

Check the exposure compensation, in case you're not shooting manual.

these were both shot on auto with exposure at +/- 0 EV

this thread https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/151-pentax-k-30-k-50/287348-k-30-taking-dark-shots.html

says aperture motor is a common problem with the k-30 and k-50. And I just realized I bought this in 2013 and didn't get an extended warranty. UGHHH

Maybe this is just a sign I should get a k-3 ii or k-s2

C_Jones · 05-31-2015, 09:30 AM

This is a suggestion which I do not know if you have tried yet. Using green mode (Auto), or using TAV mode at 200 shutter speed and something like F8, then seeing what the image result and resulting ISO are in the image info may inform you of whether the camera is acting normally or not. Trying in outdoor and indoor light for results would probably be most informative with the modes I mentioned. You may want to leave your mirror in normal position also.

Last edited by C_Jones; 05-31-2015 at 09:48 AM.

BakDinitzen · 05-31-2015, 09:35 AM

Factory reset?

**dms** · 05-31-2015, 11:47 AM

It may be a problem w/ the lens-- e.g., lever that moves the aperture blades. Could the rear of the lens have gotten bumped? Have you tried it on another camera?

Rudy · 05-31-2015, 12:29 PM

reset settings did it on my case

djpattiecake · 05-31-2015, 02:26 PM

reset was already tried, and this is same problem is happening with both my pentax kit lens and sigma lens

77tbholmes · 05-31-2015, 08:59 PM

Originally posted by djpattiecake

reset was already tried, and this is same problem is happening with both my pentax kit lens and sigma lens

Try those lenses on another body and see if the problem is repeated. If so inspect the diaphragm for response at all values. Change from Auto to manual on the K30 and reshoot at all values both lenses to eliminate possible auto function issues. Recently my K3 did this with 2 lenses and I had one bad diaphragm (now out of service) that required a reboot of the K3 and the 2nd lens worked fine afterwards. Please keep us posted.

Bagga_Txips · 05-31-2015, 09:43 PM

Bracketing but with weakened batteries that refuse to do the third shot? This happens with my K-S1 sometimes because I shoot RAW+ and the processor can't keep up.

djpattiecake · 06-01-2015, 05:34 AM

Originally posted by Bagga_Txips

Bracketing but with weakened batteries that refuse to do the third shot? This happens with my K-S1 sometimes because I shoot RAW+ and the processor can't keep up.

full battery, no bracketing

stevebrot · 06-01-2015, 07:53 AM

According to the exif, both photos had identical exposure settings. That narrows things down to:

Lens aperture fault (unlikely, that usually results in overexposure)
Shutter error (also unlikely)
Body aperture actuator fault

I don't want to jump to conclusions, but the third bullet is the most likely culprit as per the link you referenced above. There is a known problem with both the K-30 and K-50 cameras with premature failure of the aperture and/or mirror controllers. Reports of the problem first surfaced on this site about a year ago and the issue has been the cause of much sorrow.

Since your camera is out of warranty, the cost is about $200 USD if I remember correctly.

Now that I have put you into a panic, checking the lens would still be a good idea. You can check the aperture actuator on the lens by moving it manually with a flick of your finger. The aperture should move smoothly from full open to full closed with no hesitation or sticking. The actuator lever should also be examined for possible physical damage.

Steve

djpattiecake · 06-01-2015, 08:05 AM

Thanks steve, you have confirmed my suspicions. The lenses are fine, aperture moves wonderfully. The camera is the fault. When I was reading the other threads on this I kept nodding my head, especially when people say it barely ever happened in the beginning, but progressively got worse and worse. Its 50% of my pictures now, and it sounds a bit different when you take a dark picture like this.

I've also read of people getting the repair and the problem returned down the road. I think I will just save for a k-3 ...

stevebrot · 06-01-2015, 08:07 AM

Originally posted by djpattiecake

I've also read of people getting the repair and the problem returned down the road.

Yes, there is one user on this site (in S. Africa, I believe) who had a second failure.

Steve

djpattiecake · 06-01-2015, 08:15 AM

So with the k-50's also suffering from this problem from time to time, I wonder if the K-S2 is a good buy.... or should I get a k-3? no built in flash on k-3 ii is kind of a bummer

05-31-2015, 07:50 AM	#3
djpattiecake Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 28 Original Poster	Originally posted by Flugelbinder Check the exposure compensation, in case you're not shooting manual. these were both shot on auto with exposure at +/- 0 EV this thread https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/151-pentax-k-30-k-50/287348-k-30-taking-dark-shots.html says aperture motor is a common problem with the k-30 and k-50. And I just realized I bought this in 2013 and didn't get an extended warranty. UGHHH Maybe this is just a sign I should get a k-3 ii or k-s2 Last edited by djpattiecake; 05-31-2015 at 08:28 AM.

06-01-2015, 07:53 AM	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	According to the exif, both photos had identical exposure settings. That narrows things down to: Lens aperture fault (unlikely, that usually results in overexposure) Shutter error (also unlikely) Body aperture actuator fault I don't want to jump to conclusions, but the third bullet is the most likely culprit as per the link you referenced above. There is a known problem with both the K-30 and K-50 cameras with premature failure of the aperture and/or mirror controllers. Reports of the problem first surfaced on this site about a year ago and the issue has been the cause of much sorrow. Since your camera is out of warranty, the cost is about $200 USD if I remember correctly. Now that I have put you into a panic, checking the lens would still be a good idea. You can check the aperture actuator on the lens by moving it manually with a flick of your finger. The aperture should move smoothly from full open to full closed with no hesitation or sticking. The actuator lever should also be examined for possible physical damage. Steve

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05-31-2015, 07:45 AM	#2
Flugelbinder Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Toronto - missing the ocean Posts: 466	Check the exposure compensation, in case you're not shooting manual.

05-31-2015, 09:30 AM	#4
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,088	This is a suggestion which I do not know if you have tried yet. Using green mode (Auto), or using TAV mode at 200 shutter speed and something like F8, then seeing what the image result and resulting ISO are in the image info may inform you of whether the camera is acting normally or not. Trying in outdoor and indoor light for results would probably be most informative with the modes I mentioned. You may want to leave your mirror in normal position also. Last edited by C_Jones; 05-31-2015 at 09:48 AM.

05-31-2015, 09:35 AM	#5
BakDinitzen Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Danmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 79	Factory reset?

05-31-2015, 11:47 AM	#6
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	It may be a problem w/ the lens-- e.g., lever that moves the aperture blades. Could the rear of the lens have gotten bumped? Have you tried it on another camera?

05-31-2015, 12:29 PM	#7
Rudy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 109	reset settings did it on my case

05-31-2015, 02:26 PM	#8
djpattiecake Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 28 Original Poster	reset was already tried, and this is same problem is happening with both my pentax kit lens and sigma lens

05-31-2015, 08:59 PM	#9
77tbholmes Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Libau, MB, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 75	Originally posted by djpattiecake reset was already tried, and this is same problem is happening with both my pentax kit lens and sigma lens Try those lenses on another body and see if the problem is repeated. If so inspect the diaphragm for response at all values. Change from Auto to manual on the K30 and reshoot at all values both lenses to eliminate possible auto function issues. Recently my K3 did this with 2 lenses and I had one bad diaphragm (now out of service) that required a reboot of the K3 and the 2nd lens worked fine afterwards. Please keep us posted.

05-31-2015, 09:43 PM	#10
Bagga_Txips Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Waterford Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 454	Bracketing but with weakened batteries that refuse to do the third shot? This happens with my K-S1 sometimes because I shoot RAW+ and the processor can't keep up.

06-01-2015, 05:34 AM	#11
djpattiecake Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 28 Original Poster	Originally posted by Bagga_Txips Bracketing but with weakened batteries that refuse to do the third shot? This happens with my K-S1 sometimes because I shoot RAW+ and the processor can't keep up. full battery, no bracketing

06-01-2015, 08:05 AM	#13
djpattiecake Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 28 Original Poster	Thanks steve, you have confirmed my suspicions. The lenses are fine, aperture moves wonderfully. The camera is the fault. When I was reading the other threads on this I kept nodding my head, especially when people say it barely ever happened in the beginning, but progressively got worse and worse. Its 50% of my pictures now, and it sounds a bit different when you take a dark picture like this. I've also read of people getting the repair and the problem returned down the road. I think I will just save for a k-3 ...

06-01-2015, 08:07 AM	#14
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by djpattiecake I've also read of people getting the repair and the problem returned down the road. Yes, there is one user on this site (in S. Africa, I believe) who had a second failure. Steve

06-01-2015, 08:15 AM	#15
djpattiecake Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 28 Original Poster	So with the k-50's also suffering from this problem from time to time, I wonder if the K-S2 is a good buy.... or should I get a k-3? no built in flash on k-3 ii is kind of a bummer