Originally posted by SidecarDan I was taking pictures of the sun directly behind a cloud formation and the last one was into direct sunlight when the cloud moved, now all pictures that I take are very dark. Any ideas on how badly I have damaged my camera and how expensive the repair will be? I have a K-70 and was using a 55/300 zoom on auto.
Thanks for any input.
Dan
Dan, try
the methods explained here
If you set your mode-dial on Av or Tav and you know how to chose wide open aperture, then all photos should turn out dark.
Otherwise set it on SCN and lets say portrait and take photos outside: They should be too dark
Then set your K70 on Liveview, i.e. you can see on the LCD-screen the object you focus towards.
Take a photo: Very possibly those photos are quite alright...
and then let us know again.
If you follow those instructions, and expect Live-View photos all other ones are pretty dark, then it is the solenoid and your K70 needs either be sent in (particular if you have still warranty!) or you dare to apply DIY:
Tutorial/Repair Pentax K-70 with aperture-problem: Exchange solenoid - PentaxForums.com
If you do that and feel up to it, then your K70 will be even better afterwards because the Japan solenoid is superior.
I have now repaired 4 x the K70 and all of 'em work fantastic and with serials it is obvious as always (I think I have repaired by now 50 or more K30/50/500/S-1/S2):
Quite a bit faster!
Originally posted by reh321 You should also try the following:
1. set the camera to operate in 'M' mode or 'Av' mode
I am again and again amazed that wrong recommendations like this one occur, particular from you, as you have "engaged" very lively in all "solenoid-discussions".... and thus you should know:
The solenoid is NOT in action if the Pentax is set to M-Mode!
It does not actuate! Av or Tav or P is what is needed! Most important setting for finding out if the solenoid is stuck
- Aperture wide open: Photo dark/completly underexposed
- Aperture fully closed: Photo is fine/correct exposer
Or looking into a lens with clear visible aperture and then LiveView switched on:
f4,0 (half open) is how it should be! f22 or 32 (closed = tiny hole) is the case, if the solenoid is stuck
because in LV the camera meters with f 4,0!