Upgrading my K50

Imerino · 05-04-2017, 08:01 AM

Hi everyone,

I have been thinking in upgrading my K-50 (about 10k actuation and 1,5 years). I am very happy with it but I am mainly afraid about the aperture block failure. I am thinking in trying to sell it and upgrade to another model.
The options are K-70 and K-3II (I don’t consider the KP as the price seems to be very high and I don’t see an advantage over the K-3II). I have read that the K-70 share the aperture motor with the K-50 so it can suffer the same problem. This leaves me only one option, the K3II, being a semi-pro camera I can expect a longer life. I have not read about any common issue with the K3II, right?
So, my question is, do you think it does worth buying a K3II (being a 2013 camera is not cutting edge technology), and will be the K-50 easy to resell?
If I do finally upgrade, I would do it in the next 1-2months as I am leaving Canada (I am from Spain and in Canada for work) and the cost of the K3II is about 200€ more expensive in Europe.

Thanks for your opinions!

**pepperberry farm** · 05-04-2017, 08:15 AM

I'd buy a K-3II (or wait a few more months for its replacement) and consider keeping the K-50 as a second/backup body....

pathdoc · 05-04-2017, 08:21 AM

How much do you use your inbuilt flash? Remember that the K3-II doesn't have one.

Ask yourself what you will gain by moving up to the K3-II, and whether you actually need this capability. I have the K-5, and if I had been sticking with APS-C instead of going to full-frame, I would not have upgraded for a very long time. For APS-C, the K-5 is all I need.

In fact, if my *istDL had not died back when the K-5 was still a current flagship camera, I would possibly still be shooting happily with the *istDL (6MP, no shake reduction, worse low-light performance, etc).

(If Pentax comes out with a wide to short tele (18-55 or thereabouts) lens with PLM technology, this will bypass the aperture block failure issue on the K-50; users will then have access to a two-lens set which will suit most amateurs' needs and not require the aperture block.)

BATMON · 05-04-2017, 08:32 AM

No wireless flash on the K-70.

**microlight** · 05-04-2017, 08:37 AM

The K-3II is 2015 vintage, so not that old - the original K-3 was from 2013. No built-in flash, but for travelling, the built-in GPS would serve you well. No known aperture block issues with the K-3 family as far as I'm aware. The AA-free 24MP sensor gives very sharp images with good glass and good technique. The shutter is rated for 200k actuations, so plenty of life there.

stillshot2 · 05-04-2017, 08:44 AM - **1 Like**

I used to worry about the aperture block failure.... until I discovered Takumars! Even today I am still wowed by the 16mp sensor in my K30. I always think about upgrading until I pixel peep some shots where the focus was nailed with a very sharp lens and I just can't justify selling it. I'd say keep what you have and worry when or if a problem shows up.

victormeldrew · 05-04-2017, 08:47 AM - **1 Like**

An old K-50 body won't get that much resale value...if you're happy with its performance, keep it until it breaks...it might never do.

pathdoc · 05-04-2017, 08:48 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stillshot2

Even today I am still wowed by the 16mp sensor in my K30.

That sensor was a legend, and seems to remain so. Black magic. There can be no other explanation.

The Squirrel Mafia · 05-04-2017, 09:47 AM - **1 Like**

I'd suggest just buying a K-3II & keeping the K-50. Even if it were to fail, you can still use the new 55-300 PLM lens if you have the latest firmware installed. All future KAF4 lenses will have the aperture control inside the lens & won't rely on the body for the aperture to work. More KAF4 lenses will eventually come. You can also use lenses with aperture rings as well. The majority of them are older manual lenses, but there are a few that have AF capabilities.

photolady95 · 05-04-2017, 10:10 AM - **1 Like**

If it does break, you can buy the AA adapter and some Eneloops and keep using it with what ever lenses you want.

CarlJF · 05-04-2017, 10:54 AM

If the only reason to change your K-50 is the fear of ABF, it's not a good reason. Your camera will not get you much money on the used market anyway. Just keep it until it breaks, which may well never happen, or you really feel the need for a feature unavailable on your K-50.

**suraswami** · 05-04-2017, 11:55 AM

I had my beloved K50 starting to develop the Black frame issue, was looking around and found an incredible deal on a K3 combo with low shutter count and jumped on it. K3 is amazing camera, very quiet, fast focusing and decisive too. K3 noise when compared to K50 is different. K50 has best picture quality up to ISO 6400 but K3 will use only till 1600 (at least for my liking).

I am still using the K50 with an AA adapter, no issues. Adam suggested the new PLM lens which I will eventually buy and keep using the K50. My 11 yr old son will get the K50 while I chug along the heavier K3 kit, good combo for hiking and bird watching.

So like others mentioned if you want a second one, get K3 or K3-II depending on need for using Flash. Or else get the K70 with extended warranty for peace of mind.

Even better save money and get the K-1

Imerino · 05-04-2017, 01:33 PM

I also have a K01 and many film cameras, thats why I was thinking in selling the K50 if I finally bought the K3II.

My idea was upgrading to the K3II now that I can buy it 20% cheaper in Canada than in Europe. Also that camera should last much longer than the K50, not only for its expected life but for the features it has.

I have now even more doubts than before

nicolpa47 · 05-04-2017, 02:12 PM

I have a K30 and K50. The K3ii is currently available at a good price in the UK and recently had a free battery grip as well. I took advantage of that offer for a few reasons:-

1) The aperture block issue was at the back of my mind (although I also have a K100D which I could cannibalise for two solenoids to keep the K30/K50 working).
2) The price was good and the free battery grip
3) Likely price rises due to Pentax's apparent intention to move "up market".
4) Possible prices rises due to currency changes.
5) Better camera construction and specs of the K3ii.

I have to say I'm impressed with the quality and feel of the K3ii and with the results I'm getting from it.

I've always preferred having two cameras be they film SLRs or DSLRs, so I would buy the K3ii and keep the K50. I know little of the K01 to comment on that.

I will keep the K30/K50 as their monetary value is not significant, and I will use them turnabout as my backup camera on photo expeditions. If I were to need to buy any cameras in the future, they would be at the level of the K3ii or it's successors, rather than the K30/50/70 line as the build quality looks and feels so much better(albeit heavier). The KP is also attractive, but too pricey compared to the K3ii at the moment and that pricing is partly behind point 3) above.

The Squirrel Mafia · 05-04-2017, 02:31 PM

Originally posted by Imerino

I also have a K01 and many film cameras, thats why I was thinking in selling the K50 if I finally bought the K3II.

My idea was upgrading to the K3II now that I can buy it 20% cheaper in Canada than in Europe. Also that camera should last much longer than the K50, not only for its expected life but for the features it has.

I have now even more doubts than before

In that case, just unload the K-50. The K-01 is essentially a K-50 sans the mirrorbox & OVF. Same exact sensor & IQ.

I can see that the K-50 cameras still fetch a decent price on eBay. I see bodies selling for about +-$200 or so. They average about +$250 with the 18-55 kit lens & about +-$300 for the 18-55 & 50-200 kit lenses. There are some ridiculously priced bodies at the moment. Like a red body that has been sitting on eBay for months 'cause they want $400 for it. It's never going to sell.

05-04-2017, 08:01 AM	#1
Imerino Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 27	Upgrading my K50 Hi everyone, I have been thinking in upgrading my K-50 (about 10k actuation and 1,5 years). I am very happy with it but I am mainly afraid about the aperture block failure. I am thinking in trying to sell it and upgrade to another model. The options are K-70 and K-3II (I don’t consider the KP as the price seems to be very high and I don’t see an advantage over the K-3II). I have read that the K-70 share the aperture motor with the K-50 so it can suffer the same problem. This leaves me only one option, the K3II, being a semi-pro camera I can expect a longer life. I have not read about any common issue with the K3II, right? So, my question is, do you think it does worth buying a K3II (being a 2013 camera is not cutting edge technology), and will be the K-50 easy to resell? If I do finally upgrade, I would do it in the next 1-2months as I am leaving Canada (I am from Spain and in Canada for work) and the cost of the K3II is about 200€ more expensive in Europe. Thanks for your opinions!

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05-04-2017, 08:15 AM	#2
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,797	I'd buy a K-3II (or wait a few more months for its replacement) and consider keeping the K-50 as a second/backup body....

05-04-2017, 08:21 AM	#3
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	How much do you use your inbuilt flash? Remember that the K3-II doesn't have one. Ask yourself what you will gain by moving up to the K3-II, and whether you actually need this capability. I have the K-5, and if I had been sticking with APS-C instead of going to full-frame, I would not have upgraded for a very long time. For APS-C, the K-5 is all I need. In fact, if my istDL had not died back when the K-5 was still a current flagship camera, I would possibly still be shooting happily with the istDL (6MP, no shake reduction, worse low-light performance, etc). (If Pentax comes out with a wide to short tele (18-55 or thereabouts) lens with PLM technology, this will bypass the aperture block failure issue on the K-50; users will then have access to a two-lens set which will suit most amateurs' needs and not require the aperture block.)

05-04-2017, 08:32 AM	#4
BATMON Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 207	No wireless flash on the K-70.

05-04-2017, 08:37 AM	#5
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,129	The K-3II is 2015 vintage, so not that old - the original K-3 was from 2013. No built-in flash, but for travelling, the built-in GPS would serve you well. No known aperture block issues with the K-3 family as far as I'm aware. The AA-free 24MP sensor gives very sharp images with good glass and good technique. The shutter is rated for 200k actuations, so plenty of life there.

05-04-2017, 08:44 AM - 1 Like	#6
stillshot2 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,070	I used to worry about the aperture block failure.... until I discovered Takumars! Even today I am still wowed by the 16mp sensor in my K30. I always think about upgrading until I pixel peep some shots where the focus was nailed with a very sharp lens and I just can't justify selling it. I'd say keep what you have and worry when or if a problem shows up.

05-04-2017, 08:47 AM - 1 Like	#7
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	An old K-50 body won't get that much resale value...if you're happy with its performance, keep it until it breaks...it might never do.

05-04-2017, 08:48 AM - 1 Like	#8
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by stillshot2 Even today I am still wowed by the 16mp sensor in my K30. That sensor was a legend, and seems to remain so. Black magic. There can be no other explanation.

05-04-2017, 09:47 AM - 1 Like	#9
The Squirrel Mafia Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3,058	I'd suggest just buying a K-3II & keeping the K-50. Even if it were to fail, you can still use the new 55-300 PLM lens if you have the latest firmware installed. All future KAF4 lenses will have the aperture control inside the lens & won't rely on the body for the aperture to work. More KAF4 lenses will eventually come. You can also use lenses with aperture rings as well. The majority of them are older manual lenses, but there are a few that have AF capabilities.

05-04-2017, 10:10 AM - 1 Like	#10
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	If it does break, you can buy the AA adapter and some Eneloops and keep using it with what ever lenses you want.

05-04-2017, 10:54 AM	#11
CarlJF Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Quebec City Posts: 1,185	If the only reason to change your K-50 is the fear of ABF, it's not a good reason. Your camera will not get you much money on the used market anyway. Just keep it until it breaks, which may well never happen, or you really feel the need for a feature unavailable on your K-50.

05-04-2017, 11:55 AM	#12
suraswami Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 419	I had my beloved K50 starting to develop the Black frame issue, was looking around and found an incredible deal on a K3 combo with low shutter count and jumped on it. K3 is amazing camera, very quiet, fast focusing and decisive too. K3 noise when compared to K50 is different. K50 has best picture quality up to ISO 6400 but K3 will use only till 1600 (at least for my liking). I am still using the K50 with an AA adapter, no issues. Adam suggested the new PLM lens which I will eventually buy and keep using the K50. My 11 yr old son will get the K50 while I chug along the heavier K3 kit, good combo for hiking and bird watching. So like others mentioned if you want a second one, get K3 or K3-II depending on need for using Flash. Or else get the K70 with extended warranty for peace of mind. Even better save money and get the K-1

05-04-2017, 01:33 PM	#13
Imerino Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 27 Original Poster	I also have a K01 and many film cameras, thats why I was thinking in selling the K50 if I finally bought the K3II. My idea was upgrading to the K3II now that I can buy it 20% cheaper in Canada than in Europe. Also that camera should last much longer than the K50, not only for its expected life but for the features it has. I have now even more doubts than before

05-04-2017, 02:12 PM	#14
nicolpa47 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,034	I have a K30 and K50. The K3ii is currently available at a good price in the UK and recently had a free battery grip as well. I took advantage of that offer for a few reasons:- 1) The aperture block issue was at the back of my mind (although I also have a K100D which I could cannibalise for two solenoids to keep the K30/K50 working). 2) The price was good and the free battery grip 3) Likely price rises due to Pentax's apparent intention to move "up market". 4) Possible prices rises due to currency changes. 5) Better camera construction and specs of the K3ii. I have to say I'm impressed with the quality and feel of the K3ii and with the results I'm getting from it. I've always preferred having two cameras be they film SLRs or DSLRs, so I would buy the K3ii and keep the K50. I know little of the K01 to comment on that. I will keep the K30/K50 as their monetary value is not significant, and I will use them turnabout as my backup camera on photo expeditions. If I were to need to buy any cameras in the future, they would be at the level of the K3ii or it's successors, rather than the K30/50/70 line as the build quality looks and feels so much better(albeit heavier). The KP is also attractive, but too pricey compared to the K3ii at the moment and that pricing is partly behind point 3) above.

05-04-2017, 02:31 PM	#15
The Squirrel Mafia Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3,058	Originally posted by Imerino I also have a K01 and many film cameras, thats why I was thinking in selling the K50 if I finally bought the K3II. My idea was upgrading to the K3II now that I can buy it 20% cheaper in Canada than in Europe. Also that camera should last much longer than the K50, not only for its expected life but for the features it has. I have now even more doubts than before In that case, just unload the K-50. The K-01 is essentially a K-50 sans the mirrorbox & OVF. Same exact sensor & IQ. I can see that the K-50 cameras still fetch a decent price on eBay. I see bodies selling for about +-$200 or so. They average about +$250 with the 18-55 kit lens & about +-$300 for the 18-55 & 50-200 kit lenses. There are some ridiculously priced bodies at the moment. Like a red body that has been sitting on eBay for months 'cause they want $400 for it. It's never going to sell.