K-50 aperture actuator mechanism failure?

nw_mushroom · 12-01-2015, 08:25 PM

OK so I've noticed that a lot of pictures are coming out under-exposed. It's got to the point where I am always having to add exposure compensation and exposure bracketing in the hopes of getting a decent shot.

After some digging I see mention of a possible aperture actuator mechanism issue.

I think I saw someone mention setting the camera to manual, opening the aperture all the way and setting the shutter to 3 seconds, then watching the aperture. I just did that test and as soon as I press the shutter button, the aperture appears to go from wide open to almost closed. At the end of the 3 seconds, I hear the mirror move as normal. This happens regardless of whether I am in liveview mode or not.

I've also done a factory reset, but the issue remains.

I have the extended warranty (camera is about 13 months old) but I'm going on an extended overseas trip in a week's time. Does this sound like an aperture actuator mechanism issue? Does anyone know much this costs to fix at a repair shop if I decide to try to get it sorted before going overseas?

Thanks in advance.

**UncleVanya** · 12-01-2015, 09:40 PM

Edit: I missed the fact this was covered by an extended warranty. It is of course worth repairing under that circumstance.

Your camera is likely not worth getting repaired sadly. The only way to know is to send to the authorized Pentax repair facility. Likely it will take forever and cost about what a new body costs.

---------- Post added 12-01-15 at 11:43 PM ----------

Another option as a stopgap is to use this camera as an m42 camera or convert some m or a lenses to manual aperture so you can treat them like preset lenses and use av mode. In those cases the lens aperture mechanism isn't operated by the camera.

nw_mushroom · 12-01-2015, 09:54 PM

Yeah I'm looking at just getting something used before I leave. That being said, new K-50s seem to be going for around $250 these days. Would it be crazy to have two?! I suppose I could just resell one when I get back...

**UncleVanya** · 12-01-2015, 10:19 PM

The marketplace here on the forums is good for picking up gear. The k50 used price may be really low.

nw_mushroom · 12-01-2015, 10:27 PM

Yeah I've picked up a lens on the marketplace before. Hard for K-50 owners to sell when the retail price for new is so low these days.

**stevebrot** · 12-01-2015, 11:31 PM

Originally posted by nw_mushroom

I have the extended warranty (camera is about 13 months old) but I'm going on an extended overseas trip in a week's time. Does this sound like an aperture actuator mechanism issue? Does anyone know much this costs to fix at a repair shop if I decide to try to get it sorted before going overseas?

This problem is a known issue with the K-50 and should be covered under your extended warranty.

Steve

**UncleVanya** · 12-02-2015, 07:13 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

This problem is a known issue with the K-50 and should be covered under your extended warranty.

Steve

I totally missed the extended warranty. Steve is correct.

12-01-2015, 08:25 PM	#1
nw_mushroom New Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 20	K-50 aperture actuator mechanism failure? OK so I've noticed that a lot of pictures are coming out under-exposed. It's got to the point where I am always having to add exposure compensation and exposure bracketing in the hopes of getting a decent shot. After some digging I see mention of a possible aperture actuator mechanism issue. I think I saw someone mention setting the camera to manual, opening the aperture all the way and setting the shutter to 3 seconds, then watching the aperture. I just did that test and as soon as I press the shutter button, the aperture appears to go from wide open to almost closed. At the end of the 3 seconds, I hear the mirror move as normal. This happens regardless of whether I am in liveview mode or not. I've also done a factory reset, but the issue remains. I have the extended warranty (camera is about 13 months old) but I'm going on an extended overseas trip in a week's time. Does this sound like an aperture actuator mechanism issue? Does anyone know much this costs to fix at a repair shop if I decide to try to get it sorted before going overseas? Thanks in advance.

12-01-2015, 09:40 PM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,933	Edit: I missed the fact this was covered by an extended warranty. It is of course worth repairing under that circumstance. Your camera is likely not worth getting repaired sadly. The only way to know is to send to the authorized Pentax repair facility. Likely it will take forever and cost about what a new body costs. ---------- Post added 12-01-15 at 11:43 PM ---------- Another option as a stopgap is to use this camera as an m42 camera or convert some m or a lenses to manual aperture so you can treat them like preset lenses and use av mode. In those cases the lens aperture mechanism isn't operated by the camera. Last edited by UncleVanya; 12-02-2015 at 07:15 AM.

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12-01-2015, 09:54 PM	#3
nw_mushroom New Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 Original Poster	Yeah I'm looking at just getting something used before I leave. That being said, new K-50s seem to be going for around $250 these days. Would it be crazy to have two?! I suppose I could just resell one when I get back...

12-01-2015, 10:19 PM	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,933	The marketplace here on the forums is good for picking up gear. The k50 used price may be really low.

12-01-2015, 10:27 PM	#5
nw_mushroom New Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 Original Poster	Yeah I've picked up a lens on the marketplace before. Hard for K-50 owners to sell when the retail price for new is so low these days.

12-01-2015, 11:31 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by nw_mushroom I have the extended warranty (camera is about 13 months old) but I'm going on an extended overseas trip in a week's time. Does this sound like an aperture actuator mechanism issue? Does anyone know much this costs to fix at a repair shop if I decide to try to get it sorted before going overseas? This problem is a known issue with the K-50 and should be covered under your extended warranty. Steve

12-02-2015, 07:13 AM	#7
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,933	Originally posted by stevebrot This problem is a known issue with the K-50 and should be covered under your extended warranty. Steve I totally missed the extended warranty. Steve is correct.

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