P30n Shutter Release Button Not Working

Rickppb · 05-30-2021, 05:16 AM - **1 Like**

Hey Guys,
Recently got my mothers old Pentax P30n out of the cupboard and was hoping to try out some 35mm photography. Unfortunately the shutter release button to take a photo doesn't seem to be doing anything when pressed. I thought it may have needed film in it to function so I loaded some in and wound it but it still did not shoot. I have got fresh battery's in and the shutter speed display functions fine when looking through lens and half or whole pressing the button, but a full press will not release the shutter. The film wind lever also seems to function fine. Been looking through other threads trying to figure out a fix but haven't been able to just yet.

**othar** · 05-30-2021, 07:10 AM

Originally posted by Rickppb

The film wind lever also seems to function fine.

The shutter needs batteries to work, which you obviously have.
It only works after you wound the film up a frame with the film wind lever (which should be stuck now too, because the shutter didn't fire).
If both sentences apply, you have a some kind of damage in the camera.

Not a Number · 05-30-2021, 07:34 AM

Is the self-timer on? Turning the camera off before it times out might make it seem the shutter is not firing.

Rickppb · 05-30-2021, 07:58 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Is the self-timer on? Turning the camera off before it times out might make it seem the shutter is not firing.

The self timer isnt on. :/

Rickppb · 05-30-2021, 08:00 AM

Originally posted by othar

The shutter needs batteries to work, which you obviously have.
It only works after you wound the film up a frame with the film wind lever (which should be stuck now too, because the shutter didn't fire).
If both sentences apply, you have a some kind of damage in the camera.

The wind up lever doesn't get stuck after one rotation, should it? I am able to keep winding without the shutter firing.

Aaron28 · 05-30-2021, 08:24 AM

would suggest trying a cable release but do not think the P30 has one......it may have an ir remote which could be tried not sure bout that either.....if so it could be in that drive mode

from sitting a while it could simply be gummed up.....something could be holding up the works......stuff around the mount should move rather easily and spring back into place....something could be block the shutter button from making contact to release........the big deal is you are able to advance the film without the shutter firing

**othar** · 05-30-2021, 09:17 AM

Originally posted by Rickppb

The wind up lever doesn't get stuck after one rotation, should it?

On my P30 it gets stuck without a shutter release, otherwise you couldn't be sure whether you already took a picture for that frame or not.
As yours doesn't get stuck I presume it got loose and the shutter doesn't fire because you don't reach the end position of the winder.

stevebrot · 05-30-2021, 10:02 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Rickppb

The wind up lever doesn't get stuck after one rotation, should it?

Yes...The action of winding cocks the shutter and once cocked, you should not be able to wind until the shutter is released. Your camera may be made workable with routine service.

BTW...Welcome to the Pentax Forums!

Steve

sfkazimierczak · 06-01-2021, 12:07 AM

Hi,

I have a little suggestion. Does the advance lever advance the film? Lever in P30 is screwed in with a center screw. It's visible only after removing the plastic cover. Sometimes that screw comes loose and what might seems like a working advance lever isn't actually doing its work. That was the issue with my P30 when I got it years ago.

johnha · 06-01-2021, 11:36 PM

Is the film rewind button (bottom of the camera stuck in)? It would normally reset when the back is opened, but if stuck (or halfway) it would allow the wind on lever to wind continuously.

mcvegan · 11-20-2022, 02:54 PM

My P30t has been in its photo bag in a box since the 2000s I am so sad to say. My Kx and K1000 survived their hibernations though. Its mirror was stuck. I fixed that so that isn't the issue. The timer doesn't work either.
OK. What can I do to clean please if it's dirty?

05-30-2021, 05:16 AM - 1 Like	#1
Rickppb New Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 3	P30n Shutter Release Button Not Working Hey Guys, Recently got my mothers old Pentax P30n out of the cupboard and was hoping to try out some 35mm photography. Unfortunately the shutter release button to take a photo doesn't seem to be doing anything when pressed. I thought it may have needed film in it to function so I loaded some in and wound it but it still did not shoot. I have got fresh battery's in and the shutter speed display functions fine when looking through lens and half or whole pressing the button, but a full press will not release the shutter. The film wind lever also seems to function fine. Been looking through other threads trying to figure out a fix but haven't been able to just yet.

06-01-2021, 12:07 AM	#9
sfkazimierczak Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Gallery Posts: 56	Hi, I have a little suggestion. Does the advance lever advance the film? Lever in P30 is screwed in with a center screw. It's visible only after removing the plastic cover. Sometimes that screw comes loose and what might seems like a working advance lever isn't actually doing its work. That was the issue with my P30 when I got it years ago. Attached Images

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05-30-2021, 07:10 AM	#2
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by Rickppb The film wind lever also seems to function fine. The shutter needs batteries to work, which you obviously have. It only works after you wound the film up a frame with the film wind lever (which should be stuck now too, because the shutter didn't fire). If both sentences apply, you have a some kind of damage in the camera.

05-30-2021, 07:34 AM	#3
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Is the self-timer on? Turning the camera off before it times out might make it seem the shutter is not firing.

05-30-2021, 07:58 AM	#4
Rickppb New Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number Is the self-timer on? Turning the camera off before it times out might make it seem the shutter is not firing. The self timer isnt on. :/

05-30-2021, 08:00 AM	#5
Rickppb New Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Originally posted by othar The shutter needs batteries to work, which you obviously have. It only works after you wound the film up a frame with the film wind lever (which should be stuck now too, because the shutter didn't fire). If both sentences apply, you have a some kind of damage in the camera. The wind up lever doesn't get stuck after one rotation, should it? I am able to keep winding without the shutter firing.

05-30-2021, 08:24 AM	#6
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	would suggest trying a cable release but do not think the P30 has one......it may have an ir remote which could be tried not sure bout that either.....if so it could be in that drive mode from sitting a while it could simply be gummed up.....something could be holding up the works......stuff around the mount should move rather easily and spring back into place....something could be block the shutter button from making contact to release........the big deal is you are able to advance the film without the shutter firing

05-30-2021, 09:17 AM	#7
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by Rickppb The wind up lever doesn't get stuck after one rotation, should it? On my P30 it gets stuck without a shutter release, otherwise you couldn't be sure whether you already took a picture for that frame or not. As yours doesn't get stuck I presume it got loose and the shutter doesn't fire because you don't reach the end position of the winder.

05-30-2021, 10:02 AM - 1 Like	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Rickppb The wind up lever doesn't get stuck after one rotation, should it? Yes...The action of winding cocks the shutter and once cocked, you should not be able to wind until the shutter is released. Your camera may be made workable with routine service. BTW...Welcome to the Pentax Forums! Steve

06-01-2021, 11:36 PM	#10
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	Is the film rewind button (bottom of the camera stuck in)? It would normally reset when the back is opened, but if stuck (or halfway) it would allow the wind on lever to wind continuously.

11-20-2022, 02:54 PM	#11
mcvegan New Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Oregon Posts: 6	My P30t has been in its photo bag in a box since the 2000s I am so sad to say. My Kx and K1000 survived their hibernations though. Its mirror was stuck. I fixed that so that isn't the issue. The timer doesn't work either. OK. What can I do to clean please if it's dirty?