k-50 shutter life

shinigami · 08-22-2019, 10:50 AM

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Hello, my friend would like to buy a used pentax k-50 body, the 1 that fits her budget have 19k on shutter count, what's the lifespan of k-50 shutter, is it worth it?

selfnoise · 08-22-2019, 11:15 AM - **2 Likes**

The shutter count should not be the concern with the K50... that model has an aperture block problem that makes it unreliable long term. Look for a K-5 or similar higher end body if you can.

jaq1967 · 08-22-2019, 11:31 AM

Originally posted by selfnoise

The shutter count should not be the concern with the K50... that model has an aperture block problem that makes it unreliable long term. Look for a K-5 or similar higher end body if you can.

It also means you can pick up some very good bargains out there. It isn't a difficult fix and plenty of resources online to show you how to fix the problem. I've repair 3 to date. Filed down slightly the solenoid that was causing the aperture to stick. No problems once fixed.

selfnoise · 08-22-2019, 11:39 AM

Filing the solenoid isn't necessarily a permanent solution. Mine was filed and I'm now getting the same issue again. It really needs to be replaced.

**mikesbike** · 08-22-2019, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by selfnoise

The shutter count should not be the concern with the K50... that model has an aperture block problem that makes it unreliable long term. Look for a K-5 or similar higher end body if you can.

Plus one for this ^. A K-5 is a much finer camera. It does not have "Scene" modes, however. But it is easy to use, a pro design with many direct-access controls. Former flagship models like the K-5 have a much more durable build quality. Find one moderately-used, and you've got a very fine camera, even by current standards. A K-5 II or IIs would be yet better, with improved autofocus with many of the available lenses.

If having the "Scene" modes is important, an older used model, the K200D could be a good choice, and even a low-use perfect one should not cost much. Well built, and I have not heard of one having the aperture block problem.

stillshot2 · 08-22-2019, 12:12 PM

The K200D is really getting dated. I agree a K-5 would be a better alternative!

jaq1967 · 08-22-2019, 12:28 PM

Originally posted by selfnoise

Filing the solenoid isn't necessarily a permanent solution. Mine was filed and I'm now getting the same issue again. It really needs to be replaced.

That's option 2, if you don't get lucky filing the solenoid. Guess I was lucky 3 times on the bounce or simply did a very good repair job each time.

telum · 08-22-2019, 12:43 PM

Mine started working again by switching to AAA-batteries, but I would never buy a used copy, I simply cannot trust that model and I am nervous that my copy will start acting up again...

The Squirrel Mafia · 08-22-2019, 01:02 PM

Unless your friend can get it for about $50 USA & also buy a "white" solenoid (Jeez Louise! 242 sold so far!) to replace the "green" solenoid with some basic soldering skills, I'd pass on it. More than likely it's going to fail sooner or later. Just visit the K-30 & K-50 section of this forum to get an idea of what we're talking about here.

Skip the K-50 & all variants (K-30, K-500, K-S1, K-S2) & go for a K-5, K-5II, K-5IIs, K-3, K-3II, or even a K-70.

Aaron28 · 08-22-2019, 03:20 PM

Camera
PENTAX K-50
Shutter Count
51,931
Manufacture Date
2014:06:10
Lens
M-42 or No Lens

aperture failure about 2 years ago but still running strong with manual lenses but would follow the advice of the K-5 (II) (IIs) or K-3 series etc...

reh321 · 08-22-2019, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by shinigami

Hello, my friend would like to buy a used pentax k-50 body, the 1 that fits her budget have 19k on shutter count, what's the lifespan of k-50 shutter, is it worth it?

There are several threads in the K-30/50 section about what I call the 'Dark Image Syndrome", such as
Dark exposure problems on K-30 or K-50? Discussion Thread - PentaxForums.com

In my case, since the only problem is failure of the body part that controls the aperture, I just purchased several lenses with aperture-control-ring {two of the three are AF} so I could control aperture at the lens instead of at the body. I used my K-30 that way for a couple of months before I purchased a KP, but I still have the K-30 packed with its special kit for times when I want a second system or need a backup.

R.Miller · 08-22-2019, 08:13 PM

Originally posted by shinigami

Hello, my friend would like to buy a used pentax k-50 body, the 1 that fits her budget have 19k on shutter count, what's the lifespan of k-50 shutter, is it worth it?

I had a KS-2 that failed and could not get it replaced or repaired. I would look at a K-5 K-3 or KP series (K-5, K-5II, K-5IIs K3, K3II or KP). I picked up a used K-5 and am really impressed with the features and build quality.

shinigami · 08-23-2019, 06:26 AM

Thanks for all the answers i think k-5 will be better idea

MrB1 · 08-23-2019, 06:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by shinigami

Thanks for all the answers i think k-5 will be better idea

It definitely is but, as Mike suggested in Post #5, if the budget will stretch a bit further, the K-5ii or K-5iis would be even better.

Philip

ChristianRock · 08-23-2019, 12:47 PM

I would just like to add that not all K-50 cameras develop the dreaded aperture block issue... mine's getting closed to 40,000 shutter actuations (I got it with about 35,000). It does have an electronic issue that shows up sometimes then goes away, but for the most time it's been a great camera and I enjoy using it.

I do think that the K-5II and K-5IIs are better, especially for someone who wants to really learn photography.

08-22-2019, 10:50 AM	#1
shinigami Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 40	k-50 shutter life Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Hello, my friend would like to buy a used pentax k-50 body, the 1 that fits her budget have 19k on shutter count, what's the lifespan of k-50 shutter, is it worth it?

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08-22-2019, 11:15 AM - 2 Likes	#2
selfnoise Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Westbrook, ME, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 288	The shutter count should not be the concern with the K50... that model has an aperture block problem that makes it unreliable long term. Look for a K-5 or similar higher end body if you can.

08-22-2019, 11:31 AM	#3
jaq1967 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Essex Posts: 54	Originally posted by selfnoise The shutter count should not be the concern with the K50... that model has an aperture block problem that makes it unreliable long term. Look for a K-5 or similar higher end body if you can. It also means you can pick up some very good bargains out there. It isn't a difficult fix and plenty of resources online to show you how to fix the problem. I've repair 3 to date. Filed down slightly the solenoid that was causing the aperture to stick. No problems once fixed.

08-22-2019, 11:39 AM	#4
selfnoise Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Westbrook, ME, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 288	Filing the solenoid isn't necessarily a permanent solution. Mine was filed and I'm now getting the same issue again. It really needs to be replaced.

08-22-2019, 11:53 AM	#5
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,566	Originally posted by selfnoise The shutter count should not be the concern with the K50... that model has an aperture block problem that makes it unreliable long term. Look for a K-5 or similar higher end body if you can. Plus one for this ^. A K-5 is a much finer camera. It does not have "Scene" modes, however. But it is easy to use, a pro design with many direct-access controls. Former flagship models like the K-5 have a much more durable build quality. Find one moderately-used, and you've got a very fine camera, even by current standards. A K-5 II or IIs would be yet better, with improved autofocus with many of the available lenses. If having the "Scene" modes is important, an older used model, the K200D could be a good choice, and even a low-use perfect one should not cost much. Well built, and I have not heard of one having the aperture block problem.

08-22-2019, 12:12 PM	#6
stillshot2 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,070	The K200D is really getting dated. I agree a K-5 would be a better alternative!

08-22-2019, 12:28 PM	#7
jaq1967 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Essex Posts: 54	Originally posted by selfnoise Filing the solenoid isn't necessarily a permanent solution. Mine was filed and I'm now getting the same issue again. It really needs to be replaced. That's option 2, if you don't get lucky filing the solenoid. Guess I was lucky 3 times on the bounce or simply did a very good repair job each time.

08-22-2019, 12:43 PM	#8
telum Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 45	Mine started working again by switching to AAA-batteries, but I would never buy a used copy, I simply cannot trust that model and I am nervous that my copy will start acting up again...

08-22-2019, 01:02 PM	#9
The Squirrel Mafia Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3,058	Unless your friend can get it for about $50 USA & also buy a "white" solenoid *(Jeez Louise! 242 sold so far!)* to replace the "green" solenoid with some basic soldering skills, I'd pass on it. More than likely it's going to fail sooner or later. Just visit the K-30 & K-50 section of this forum to get an idea of what we're talking about here. Skip the K-50 & all variants (K-30, K-500, K-S1, K-S2) & go for a K-5, K-5II, K-5IIs, K-3, K-3II, or even a K-70.

08-22-2019, 03:20 PM	#10
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	Camera PENTAX K-50 Shutter Count 51,931 Manufacture Date 2014:06:10 Lens M-42 or No Lens aperture failure about 2 years ago but still running strong with manual lenses but would follow the advice of the K-5 (II) (IIs) or K-3 series etc...

08-22-2019, 03:33 PM	#11
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,186	Originally posted by shinigami Hello, my friend would like to buy a used pentax k-50 body, the 1 that fits her budget have 19k on shutter count, what's the lifespan of k-50 shutter, is it worth it? There are several threads in the K-30/50 section about what I call the 'Dark Image Syndrome", such as Dark exposure problems on K-30 or K-50? Discussion Thread - PentaxForums.com In my case, since the only problem is failure of the body part that controls the aperture, I just purchased several lenses with aperture-control-ring {two of the three are AF} so I could control aperture at the lens instead of at the body. I used my K-30 that way for a couple of months before I purchased a KP, but I still have the K-30 packed with its special kit for times when I want a second system or need a backup.

08-22-2019, 08:13 PM	#12
R.Miller Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Midwest Coastal Region USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 426	Originally posted by shinigami Hello, my friend would like to buy a used pentax k-50 body, the 1 that fits her budget have 19k on shutter count, what's the lifespan of k-50 shutter, is it worth it? I had a KS-2 that failed and could not get it replaced or repaired. I would look at a K-5 K-3 or KP series (K-5, K-5II, K-5IIs K3, K3II or KP). I picked up a used K-5 and am really impressed with the features and build quality.

08-23-2019, 06:26 AM	#13
shinigami Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 40 Original Poster	Thanks for all the answers i think k-5 will be better idea

08-23-2019, 06:47 AM - 1 Like	#14
MrB1 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 845	Originally posted by shinigami Thanks for all the answers i think k-5 will be better idea It definitely is but, as Mike suggested in Post #5, if the budget will stretch a bit further, the K-5ii or K-5iis would be even better. Philip

08-23-2019, 12:47 PM	#15
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,912	I would just like to add that not all K-50 cameras develop the dreaded aperture block issue... mine's getting closed to 40,000 shutter actuations (I got it with about 35,000). It does have an electronic issue that shows up sometimes then goes away, but for the most time it's been a great camera and I enjoy using it. I do think that the K-5II and K-5IIs are better, especially for someone who wants to really learn photography.