Help! Dropped Silver KP - Flash housing cracked. Any advice?

**rosettaquarrier** · 03-23-2019, 05:13 PM

Got home from a day out, walking from the car to the house and the strap came off at one end

Camera dropped onto the concrete drive and there is now a cosmetic crack to the flash housing.

Camera and flash work fine but the crack is going to really bug me. I checked Precision Camera's site and KP repairs appear to be $353 no matter what you have done - basically half the price of what I paid for the camera for a cosmetic fix.

Any thoughts on other options? Can I order the flash housing from Pentax? Reach out to other camera repairers locally? Or do just glue it with epoxy & paint over the repair once I've matched the color?

Thanks.

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Last edited by rosettaquarrier; 03-23-2019 at 10:00 PM.

**niceshot** · 03-23-2019, 05:21 PM - **1 Like**

fix it with uv activated glue or just use it. Better yes use clear silicone

**rosettaquarrier** · 03-23-2019, 05:22 PM

Hi - I'll have to look that up. Thanks

Fenwoodian · 03-23-2019, 05:23 PM - **1 Like**

.
What I do in similar situations is make a temporary fix , then watch ebay for similar items that are broken. If you are patient, you will often find a broken item for a very reasonable cost.

You might have to wait a year or more, but eventually, a cheap KP that's hopelessly broken and being sold for parts will show up.

Then, once you've obtained the needed part, replace the broken piece yourself. If you don't have a camera/lens shop like me, then maybe you can find some third party to do it for you.

Last edited by Fenwoodian; 03-23-2019 at 06:11 PM.

**rosettaquarrier** · 03-23-2019, 05:30 PM

Thanks - that's certainly an option. I may look at the UV glue to fix for now and try and paint match, while looking out for a replacement on eBay.

Fenwoodian · 03-23-2019, 06:13 PM

.
UV glue is very hard to use. I've used it before for reglueing separated optical elements. For this job, I'd probably use a high quality two part epoxy - much more forgiving than UV glue.

I've used gaffers tape on broken camera bodies before. It usually holds up for a month or two and is then easily replaced. Not sure if it comes in a silver color. Put the gaffers tape on top of the glued joint and it would be incredibly strong. Of course if you use tape, then you could no longer use the pop up flash).

**beachgardener** · 03-23-2019, 06:23 PM - **2 Likes**

accept as battle scar, it may get more, it's character will develop

Fenwoodian · 03-23-2019, 06:25 PM

.

Originally posted by beachgardener

accept as battle scar, it may get more, it's character will develop

Great idea, that's what I'd do. Just leave it as is. Shoot it for a few months. When you hear that the new Pentax flagship is about to be released, sell this KP camera. Even with the crack, I suspect you'd still get a decent price for it, and then you'd be replacing it with the next Pentax "Super Camera".

**rosettaquarrier** · 03-23-2019, 06:48 PM

I think, after more research, UV glue is not the the best plan. I'm concerned if I don't do some sort of gluing the cracked part will eventually break off, so will maybe look at the two-part option. Battle scars is one thing, but I don't want to give it the option to get worse and fall off.

Fenwoodian - My plan for the KP was a bridge to the new APS-C flagship, so I was planning on doing what you say anyway :-)

Thanks all for the advice, it is appreciated.

**beachgardener** · 03-23-2019, 07:04 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by rosettaquarrier

Battle scars is one thing, but I don't want to give it the option to get worse and fall off.

yes definitely needs a little care there, a patch of glue and colour

it will decrease value, but maybe not by that much, still a brilliant camera

**Just1MoreDave** · 03-23-2019, 07:26 PM - **1 Like**

Hope that Pentax puts one of the KP Custom kits into production:

A close look at the Pentax KP Custom - CP+ 2019 | PentaxForums.com

Then you'd have a cool new grip and new flash housing.

Until then, glue it. Plastic is kind of annoying because glues don't really stick to it that well. I have used a lot of Gorilla Brand 5 minute Epoxy recently. Note that this is not their more common Original which is a polyurethane formula. Original will make a big mess. I've also used JB Weld Plastic Bonder which was OK. Use clear packing tape to hold the two parts together while the glue dries and also make the surface smooth. You can sand either glues smooth after a day or so. I would have low expectations for structural strength but you could get it to look OK.

**rosettaquarrier** · 03-23-2019, 07:37 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

Hope that Pentax puts one of the KP Custom kits into production:

A close look at the Pentax KP Custom - CP+ 2019 | PentaxForums.com

Then you'd have a cool new grip and new flash housing.

Until then, glue it. Plastic is kind of annoying because glues don't really stick to it that well. I have used a lot of Gorilla Brand 5 minute Epoxy recently. Note that this is not their more common Original which is a polyurethane formula. Original will make a big mess. I've also used JB Weld Plastic Bonder which was OK. Use clear packing tape to hold the two parts together while the glue dries and also make the surface smooth. You can sand either glues smooth after a day or so. I would have low expectations for structural strength but you could get it to look OK.

Great advice there - thank you. I’ll check out the gorilla brand.

**caliscouser** · 03-23-2019, 09:29 PM

No direct experience, but I think the Precision pricing is just guidance to cover the bases. You could send it to them for evaluation and have them give you an actual quote. It may be less than the $353

**rosettaquarrier** · 03-23-2019, 09:34 PM

Originally posted by caliscouser

No direct experience, but I think the Precision pricing is just guidance to cover the bases. You could send it to them for evaluation and have them give you an actual quote. It may be less than the $353

I may call them Monday to check, thanks.

officiousbystander · 03-23-2019, 10:23 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by beachgardener

accept as battle scar, it may get more, it's character will develop

What annoys you today, you might not notice in a month, unless it affects functionality. It's like that first car park ding in a new car.

03-23-2019, 05:30 PM	#5
rosettaquarrier Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sandy, UT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,096 Original Poster	Thanks - that's certainly an option. I may look at the UV glue to fix for now and try and paint match, while looking out for a replacement on eBay. Last edited by rosettaquarrier; 03-23-2019 at 05:36 PM.

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03-23-2019, 05:21 PM - 1 Like	#2
niceshot Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,563	fix it with uv activated glue or just use it. Better yes use clear silicone

03-23-2019, 05:22 PM	#3
rosettaquarrier Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sandy, UT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,096 Original Poster	Hi - I'll have to look that up. Thanks

03-23-2019, 05:23 PM - 1 Like	#4
Fenwoodian Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,874	. What I do in similar situations is make a temporary fix , then watch ebay for similar items that are broken. If you are patient, you will often find a broken item for a very reasonable cost. You might have to wait a year or more, but eventually, a cheap KP that's hopelessly broken and being sold for parts will show up. Then, once you've obtained the needed part, replace the broken piece yourself. If you don't have a camera/lens shop like me, then maybe you can find some third party to do it for you. Last edited by Fenwoodian; 03-23-2019 at 06:11 PM.

03-23-2019, 06:13 PM	#6
Fenwoodian Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,874	. UV glue is very hard to use. I've used it before for reglueing separated optical elements. For this job, I'd probably use a high quality two part epoxy - much more forgiving than UV glue. I've used gaffers tape on broken camera bodies before. It usually holds up for a month or two and is then easily replaced. Not sure if it comes in a silver color. Put the gaffers tape on top of the glued joint and it would be incredibly strong. Of course if you use tape, then you could no longer use the pop up flash).

03-23-2019, 06:23 PM - 2 Likes	#7
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	accept as battle scar, it may get more, it's character will develop

03-23-2019, 06:25 PM	#8
Fenwoodian Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,874	. Originally posted by beachgardener accept as battle scar, it may get more, it's character will develop Great idea, that's what I'd do. Just leave it as is. Shoot it for a few months. When you hear that the new Pentax flagship is about to be released, sell this KP camera. Even with the crack, I suspect you'd still get a decent price for it, and then you'd be replacing it with the next Pentax "Super Camera".

03-23-2019, 06:48 PM	#9
rosettaquarrier Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sandy, UT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,096 Original Poster	I think, after more research, UV glue is not the the best plan. I'm concerned if I don't do some sort of gluing the cracked part will eventually break off, so will maybe look at the two-part option. Battle scars is one thing, but I don't want to give it the option to get worse and fall off. Fenwoodian - My plan for the KP was a bridge to the new APS-C flagship, so I was planning on doing what you say anyway :-) Thanks all for the advice, it is appreciated.

03-23-2019, 07:04 PM - 1 Like	#10
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	Originally posted by rosettaquarrier Battle scars is one thing, but I don't want to give it the option to get worse and fall off. yes definitely needs a little care there, a patch of glue and colour it will decrease value, but maybe not by that much, still a brilliant camera

03-23-2019, 07:26 PM - 1 Like	#11
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,339	Hope that Pentax puts one of the KP Custom kits into production: A close look at the Pentax KP Custom - CP+ 2019 \| PentaxForums.com Then you'd have a cool new grip and new flash housing. Until then, glue it. Plastic is kind of annoying because glues don't really stick to it that well. I have used a lot of Gorilla Brand 5 minute Epoxy recently. Note that this is not their more common Original which is a polyurethane formula. Original will make a big mess. I've also used JB Weld Plastic Bonder which was OK. Use clear packing tape to hold the two parts together while the glue dries and also make the surface smooth. You can sand either glues smooth after a day or so. I would have low expectations for structural strength but you could get it to look OK.

03-23-2019, 07:37 PM	#12
rosettaquarrier Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sandy, UT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,096 Original Poster	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave Hope that Pentax puts one of the KP Custom kits into production: A close look at the Pentax KP Custom - CP+ 2019 \| PentaxForums.com Then you'd have a cool new grip and new flash housing. Until then, glue it. Plastic is kind of annoying because glues don't really stick to it that well. I have used a lot of Gorilla Brand 5 minute Epoxy recently. Note that this is not their more common Original which is a polyurethane formula. Original will make a big mess. I've also used JB Weld Plastic Bonder which was OK. Use clear packing tape to hold the two parts together while the glue dries and also make the surface smooth. You can sand either glues smooth after a day or so. I would have low expectations for structural strength but you could get it to look OK. Great advice there - thank you. I’ll check out the gorilla brand.

03-23-2019, 09:29 PM	#13
caliscouser Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,037	No direct experience, but I think the Precision pricing is just guidance to cover the bases. You could send it to them for evaluation and have them give you an actual quote. It may be less than the $353

03-23-2019, 09:34 PM	#14
rosettaquarrier Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sandy, UT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,096 Original Poster	Originally posted by caliscouser No direct experience, but I think the Precision pricing is just guidance to cover the bases. You could send it to them for evaluation and have them give you an actual quote. It may be less than the $353 I may call them Monday to check, thanks.

03-23-2019, 10:23 PM - 1 Like	#15
officiousbystander Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 912	Originally posted by beachgardener accept as battle scar, it may get more, it's character will develop What annoys you today, you might not notice in a month, unless it affects functionality. It's like that first car park ding in a new car.

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