Pentax K-r: The display mysteriously fades out

SmilinBob · 05-17-2019, 01:17 PM

My K-r has served faithfully and well for nearly eight years. Nonetheless, in the last month, the display display mysteriously fades out, several times a week, when I turn the camera to vertical format, i.e., turn the body so that the long side is perpendicular to the ground.

The battery continues to sit snugly in its space. Does anyone know how to remedy this apparent electrical connection problem?

**caliscouser** · 05-17-2019, 01:51 PM - **3 Likes**

Sounds almost like the effects of polarization. Are you wearing sunglasses when this happens?

Adam · 05-17-2019, 03:09 PM

Could be that the wiring to the display is starting to come loose. I'm personally not sure of how complex disassembly might be, but I've seen other users successfully DIY such a repair (or replace the screen altogether).

SmilinBob · 05-20-2019, 10:52 AM

Caliscouser, you are correct! My sunglasses ,ie, polarization has caused the effect. There is no disappearance when gazing at the display with the naked eye. I'll have to search for a pair of prescription, non-polarizing sunglasses...

**ehrwien** · 05-21-2019, 09:46 AM - **1 Like**

And the clairvoyant-of-the-month-award goes to @caliscouser

**mikesbike** · 05-21-2019, 12:58 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ehrwien

And the clairvoyant-of-the-month-award goes to @caliscouser

Absolutely! That was an amazingly insightful answer. Maybe from having a similar experience?

05-17-2019, 01:17 PM	#1
SmilinBob Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 31	Pentax K-r: The display mysteriously fades out My K-r has served faithfully and well for nearly eight years. Nonetheless, in the last month, the display display mysteriously fades out, several times a week, when I turn the camera to vertical format, i.e., turn the body so that the long side is perpendicular to the ground. The battery continues to sit snugly in its space. Does anyone know how to remedy this apparent electrical connection problem?

05-17-2019, 03:09 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Could be that the wiring to the display is starting to come loose. I'm personally not sure of how complex disassembly might be, but I've seen other users successfully DIY such a repair (or replace the screen altogether). Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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05-17-2019, 01:51 PM - 3 Likes	#2
caliscouser Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,037	Sounds almost like the effects of polarization. Are you wearing sunglasses when this happens?

05-20-2019, 10:52 AM	#4
SmilinBob Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 31 Original Poster	Caliscouser, you are correct! My sunglasses ,ie, polarization has caused the effect. There is no disappearance when gazing at the display with the naked eye. I'll have to search for a pair of prescription, non-polarizing sunglasses...

05-21-2019, 09:46 AM - 1 Like	#5
ehrwien Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 2,784	And the clairvoyant-of-the-month-award goes to @caliscouser

05-21-2019, 12:58 PM - 1 Like	#6
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,562	Originally posted by ehrwien And the clairvoyant-of-the-month-award goes to @caliscouser Absolutely! That was an amazingly insightful answer. Maybe from having a similar experience?