K20D screen failure

MarkJ · 10-25-2021, 06:30 PM

After falling literally just a few inches to the wood floor, The screen on the back of the K20D camera body only shows an array of vertical colored lines. Is this something a local tech could fix, or a “factory-only” problem ? Or is it something i could deal with, by for instance updating firmware or something?

Thanks in advance for your advice. Cheers Mark

Attached Images

Unregistered User 8 · 10-25-2021, 06:47 PM

Hi Mark, welcome to the forums.

Because of the age of the K20D, getting it repaired will be tricky.
I have linked the thread dedicated to Worldwide repairs, and there are quite a few repairers in the USA. Unfortunately, the cost of repairs would be more than getting another second-hand K20D, or even upgrading to a newer model.. An email doesn't cost anything, so getting a quote from any on the list below couldn't hurt.

Good luck.

Pentax Repair Facilities (Wordwide listing) - PentaxForums.com

Ryszard · 10-26-2021, 07:00 AM

Hi Mark, can you take pictures with that camera? Is everything but the LCD working normally? Something could simply disconnect due to the impact. Assuming, that you're lucky ;-)

DougieD · 10-26-2021, 07:54 AM - **1 Like**

That's bad luck. My K20D screen has a healthy crack after I managed to hit it while closing the hatch on my SUV. It still works perfect. Gotta watch where I put my nose, though!

**photogem** · 10-26-2021, 11:08 AM

Most important question: Does it take photos?
If not, then exodus.
But inside it has the valuable white Japan-Solenoid which is great for repairing any of those:
K30/50/500/70 and K-S1/2 when their solenoid fails.
Much better Pentax bodies anyway.

The K20D was built like a tank but the CMOS Samsung sensor wasn't the best.

MarkJ · 10-26-2021, 09:49 PM

Originally posted by Ryszard

Hi Mark, can you take pictures with that camera? Is everything but the LCD working normally? Something could simply disconnect due to the impact. Assuming, that you're lucky ;-)

Takes pictures just fine. But cannot control anything via menu since i cannot see the menu. Just the lines for a few moments when i turn it on.

MarkJ · 10-26-2021, 09:53 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pjv

Hi Mark, welcome to the forums.

Because of the age of the K20D, getting it repaired will be tricky.
I have linked the thread dedicated to Worldwide repairs, and there are quite a few repairers in the USA. Unfortunately, the cost of repairs would be more than getting another second-hand K20D, or even upgrading to a newer model.. An email doesn't cost anything, so getting a quote from any on the list below couldn't hurt.

Good luck.

Pentax Repair Facilities (Wordwide listing) - PentaxForums.com

Thanks for this. I will check them out.

MarkJ · 10-26-2021, 09:58 PM

Originally posted by photogem

Most important question: Does it take photos?
If not, then exodus.
But inside it has the valuable white Japan-Solenoid which is great for repairing any of those:
K30/50/500/70 and K-S1/2 when their solenoid fails.
Much better Pentax bodies anyway.

The K20D was built like a tank but the CMOS Samsung sensor wasn't the best.

Hopefully this is not a repeat. I am not seeing my replies show up. Yes, takes pictures just fine. Am i correct in guessing that trying to check for a loose connection myself would be pretty stupid? Even if i did used to do electronics last century

**photogem** · 10-27-2021, 08:31 PM

It could just be the connectors.
there is a main connector from the whole backside including LCD to the mainboard
and there are internal connectors connecting the LCD to the LCD board inside the backpart.

Take photos of each step or make drawings.
If the problem remains, its the LCD itself.

Ryszard · 10-28-2021, 01:36 AM

Originally posted by MarkJ

Am i correct in guessing that trying to check for a loose connection myself would be pretty stupid? Even if i did used to do electronics last century

These connectors are tiny and fragile, but I disassembled couple of K-x cameras - and didn't break them. You might be skilled enough too. Good luck!

MarkJ · 10-28-2021, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by Ryszard

These connectors are tiny and fragile, but I disassembled couple of K-x cameras - and didn't break them. You might be skilled enough too. Good luck!

Thanks. I may give it a go. I think i may have the appropriate tools.

MarkJ · 10-28-2021, 02:05 PM

Originally posted by pjv

Hi Mark, welcome to the forums.

Because of the age of the K20D, getting it repaired will be tricky.
I have linked the thread dedicated to Worldwide repairs, and there are quite a few repairers in the USA. Unfortunately, the cost of repairs would be more than getting another second-hand K20D, or even upgrading to a newer model.. An email doesn't cost anything, so getting a quote from any on the list below couldn't hurt.

Good luck.

Pentax Repair Facilities (Wordwide listing) - PentaxForums.com

You were correct. The cheapest repair would be more than a good 2nd hand replacement.

Unregistered User 8 · 10-28-2021, 02:42 PM

Originally posted by MarkJ

You were correct. The cheapest repair would be more than a good 2nd hand replacement.

Thanks for letting us know. Good luck with getting another camera.

**photogem** · 10-29-2021, 12:22 AM

Disassembling the K20D is exactly the same as with the K10D, most parts of the body are interchangeable (but not the LCD).
Follow those steps as described here for the K30:
Manual solenoid replacement Pentax K30 / Discharge flash-condenser / Solenoid choice - PentaxForums.com
but the backside as well.

The Samsung GX20 is almost identical, service manual here:
SAMSUNG GX-20 SERVICE MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLib

Discharge of the flash-condensor crucial, it charges whenever you open the pop-up flash and you need to do so for the 2 screws located there!

I would take these steps:
- the back-part with the LCD connects just with one quiete large connector, very simple to take off and to "plug on" again.
- Top part back into position, battery in: Test. Could all be fine now.

if not:
- battery out, discharge of condensor!
- smaller flat-wire ribbon connector of the LCD is visible on the K10D, so I think as well on the K20D: Open, clean it with alcool and back in.
TEST

if not fine:
- battery out, discharge
- disassembly of LCD to get to the 2-nd smaller ribbon-wire (I think the K10D and K20D have that, it is too long time ago that I disassembled the LCD, can't remember, but the K5 and
others have 2
If all that doesn't help, then you need a new LCD which is difficult, no longer available. The K200D/K-m/K-x LCD is of the same size but might not fit.

MarkJ · 10-31-2021, 01:25 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by photogem

Disassembling the K20D is exactly the same as with the K10D, most parts of the body are interchangeable (but not the LCD).
Follow those steps as described here for the K30:
Manual solenoid replacement Pentax K30 / Discharge flash-condenser / Solenoid choice - PentaxForums.com
but the backside as well.

The Samsung GX20 is almost identical, service manual here:
SAMSUNG GX-20 SERVICE MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLib

Discharge of the flash-condensor crucial, it charges whenever you open the pop-up flash and you need to do so for the 2 screws located there!

I would take these steps:
- the back-part with the LCD connects just with one quiete large connector, very simple to take off and to "plug on" again.
- Top part back into position, battery in: Test. Could all be fine now.

if not:
- battery out, discharge of condensor!
- smaller flat-wire ribbon connector of the LCD is visible on the K10D, so I think as well on the K20D: Open, clean it with alcool and back in.
TEST

if not fine:
- battery out, discharge
- disassembly of LCD to get to the 2-nd smaller ribbon-wire (I think the K10D and K20D have that, it is too long time ago that I disassembled the LCD, can't remember, but the K5 and
others have 2
If all that doesn't help, then you need a new LCD which is difficult, no longer available. The K200D/K-m/K-x LCD is of the same size but might not fit.

Thank you for this. You are a blessing

10-25-2021, 06:30 PM	#1
MarkJ New Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Posts: 9	K20D screen failure After falling literally just a few inches to the wood floor, The screen on the back of the K20D camera body only shows an array of vertical colored lines. Is this something a local tech could fix, or a “factory-only” problem ? Or is it something i could deal with, by for instance updating firmware or something? Thanks in advance for your advice. Cheers Mark Attached Images

10-25-2021, 06:47 PM	#2
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Hi Mark, welcome to the forums. Because of the age of the K20D, getting it repaired will be tricky. I have linked the thread dedicated to Worldwide repairs, and there are quite a few repairers in the USA. Unfortunately, the cost of repairs would be more than getting another second-hand K20D, or even upgrading to a newer model.. An email doesn't cost anything, so getting a quote from any on the list below couldn't hurt. Good luck. Pentax Repair Facilities (Wordwide listing) - PentaxForums.com Last edited by Unregistered User 8; 10-25-2021 at 06:58 PM.

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10-26-2021, 07:00 AM	#3
Ryszard Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Gdansk, PL Posts: 46	Hi Mark, can you take pictures with that camera? Is everything but the LCD working normally? Something could simply disconnect due to the impact. Assuming, that you're lucky ;-)

10-26-2021, 07:54 AM - 1 Like	#4
DougieD Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Southwestern Ontario Posts: 89	That's bad luck. My K20D screen has a healthy crack after I managed to hit it while closing the hatch on my SUV. It still works perfect. Gotta watch where I put my nose, though!

10-26-2021, 11:08 AM	#5
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,525	Most important question: Does it take photos? If not, then exodus. But inside it has the valuable white Japan-Solenoid which is great for repairing any of those: K30/50/500/70 and K-S1/2 when their solenoid fails. Much better Pentax bodies anyway. The K20D was built like a tank but the CMOS Samsung sensor wasn't the best.

10-26-2021, 09:49 PM	#6
MarkJ New Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ryszard Hi Mark, can you take pictures with that camera? Is everything but the LCD working normally? Something could simply disconnect due to the impact. Assuming, that you're lucky ;-) Takes pictures just fine. But cannot control anything via menu since i cannot see the menu. Just the lines for a few moments when i turn it on.

10-26-2021, 09:53 PM - 1 Like	#7
MarkJ New Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Originally posted by pjv Hi Mark, welcome to the forums. Because of the age of the K20D, getting it repaired will be tricky. I have linked the thread dedicated to Worldwide repairs, and there are quite a few repairers in the USA. Unfortunately, the cost of repairs would be more than getting another second-hand K20D, or even upgrading to a newer model.. An email doesn't cost anything, so getting a quote from any on the list below couldn't hurt. Good luck. Pentax Repair Facilities (Wordwide listing) - PentaxForums.com Thanks for this. I will check them out.

10-26-2021, 09:58 PM	#8
MarkJ New Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Originally posted by photogem Most important question: Does it take photos? If not, then exodus. But inside it has the valuable white Japan-Solenoid which is great for repairing any of those: K30/50/500/70 and K-S1/2 when their solenoid fails. Much better Pentax bodies anyway. The K20D was built like a tank but the CMOS Samsung sensor wasn't the best. Hopefully this is not a repeat. I am not seeing my replies show up. Yes, takes pictures just fine. Am i correct in guessing that trying to check for a loose connection myself would be pretty stupid? Even if i did used to do electronics last century

10-27-2021, 08:31 PM	#9
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,525	It could just be the connectors. there is a main connector from the whole backside including LCD to the mainboard and there are internal connectors connecting the LCD to the LCD board inside the backpart. Take photos of each step or make drawings. If the problem remains, its the LCD itself.

10-28-2021, 01:36 AM	#10
Ryszard Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Gdansk, PL Posts: 46	Originally posted by MarkJ Am i correct in guessing that trying to check for a loose connection myself would be pretty stupid? Even if i did used to do electronics last century These connectors are tiny and fragile, but I disassembled couple of K-x cameras - and didn't break them. You might be skilled enough too. Good luck!

10-28-2021, 09:06 AM	#11
MarkJ New Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ryszard These connectors are tiny and fragile, but I disassembled couple of K-x cameras - and didn't break them. You might be skilled enough too. Good luck! Thanks. I may give it a go. I think i may have the appropriate tools.

10-28-2021, 02:05 PM	#12
MarkJ New Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Originally posted by pjv Hi Mark, welcome to the forums. Because of the age of the K20D, getting it repaired will be tricky. I have linked the thread dedicated to Worldwide repairs, and there are quite a few repairers in the USA. Unfortunately, the cost of repairs would be more than getting another second-hand K20D, or even upgrading to a newer model.. An email doesn't cost anything, so getting a quote from any on the list below couldn't hurt. Good luck. Pentax Repair Facilities (Wordwide listing) - PentaxForums.com You were correct. The cheapest repair would be more than a good 2nd hand replacement.

10-28-2021, 02:42 PM	#13
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Originally posted by MarkJ You were correct. The cheapest repair would be more than a good 2nd hand replacement. Thanks for letting us know. Good luck with getting another camera.

10-29-2021, 12:22 AM	#14
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,525	Disassembling the K20D is exactly the same as with the K10D, most parts of the body are interchangeable (but not the LCD). Follow those steps as described here for the K30: Manual solenoid replacement Pentax K30 / Discharge flash-condenser / Solenoid choice - PentaxForums.com but the backside as well. The Samsung GX20 is almost identical, service manual here: SAMSUNG GX-20 SERVICE MANUAL Pdf Download \| ManualsLib Discharge of the flash-condensor crucial, it charges whenever you open the pop-up flash and you need to do so for the 2 screws located there! I would take these steps: - the back-part with the LCD connects just with one quiete large connector, very simple to take off and to "plug on" again. - Top part back into position, battery in: Test. Could all be fine now. if not: - battery out, discharge of condensor! - smaller flat-wire ribbon connector of the LCD is visible on the K10D, so I think as well on the K20D: Open, clean it with alcool and back in. TEST if not fine: - battery out, discharge - disassembly of LCD to get to the 2-nd smaller ribbon-wire (I think the K10D and K20D have that, it is too long time ago that I disassembled the LCD, can't remember, but the K5 and others have 2 If all that doesn't help, then you need a new LCD which is difficult, no longer available. The K200D/K-m/K-x LCD is of the same size but might not fit.

10-31-2021, 01:25 PM - 1 Like	#15
MarkJ New Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Originally posted by photogem Disassembling the K20D is exactly the same as with the K10D, most parts of the body are interchangeable (but not the LCD). Follow those steps as described here for the K30: Manual solenoid replacement Pentax K30 / Discharge flash-condenser / Solenoid choice - PentaxForums.com but the backside as well. The Samsung GX20 is almost identical, service manual here: SAMSUNG GX-20 SERVICE MANUAL Pdf Download \| ManualsLib Discharge of the flash-condensor crucial, it charges whenever you open the pop-up flash and you need to do so for the 2 screws located there! I would take these steps: - the back-part with the LCD connects just with one quiete large connector, very simple to take off and to "plug on" again. - Top part back into position, battery in: Test. Could all be fine now. if not: - battery out, discharge of condensor! - smaller flat-wire ribbon connector of the LCD is visible on the K10D, so I think as well on the K20D: Open, clean it with alcool and back in. TEST if not fine: - battery out, discharge - disassembly of LCD to get to the 2-nd smaller ribbon-wire (I think the K10D and K20D have that, it is too long time ago that I disassembled the LCD, can't remember, but the K5 and others have 2 If all that doesn't help, then you need a new LCD which is difficult, no longer available. The K200D/K-m/K-x LCD is of the same size but might not fit. Thank you for this. You are a blessing