Flashing F-- on Pentax K1 Mk II

axj007 · 01-20-2023, 05:17 PM

Hello everyone. I just got a Pentax K1 Mk II from Ebay. It came with an older M lens(screw-mount). I tested the camera earlier today as it came and everything was perfectly fine.

Later, I removed the screw-mount adapter (genuine) without any problems and proceeded to put on a K-mount lens (SMC FA 50mm f1.4) which I know to be working because I always use it.

I noticed the camera wasn't auto-focusing (just kind of gave a shaking sound) and displayed the flashing "F--" error. From what I read, it could be dirty lens contact, faulty lens or faulty camera body.

I cleaned the contacts in body with cleaning kit, removed battery, reset the camera settings, updated the firmware, but still get the same error.

If I try any other K mount lens (manual or automatic lenses), I get the same result. But if I use them in manual mode, taking them out of "A" aperture mode, they work fine as manual lenses.

Any ideas on what to do to be able to auto focus? Or maybe the camera body is just faulty?

**paulh** · 01-20-2023, 05:29 PM

Move the aperture ring on the lens to "A". Cleaning the lens contacts (camera and lens both) should help as well. Do other autofocus lenses work ok?

**UncleVanya** · 01-20-2023, 06:09 PM

Originally posted by axj007

Hello everyone. I just got a Pentax K1 Mk II from Ebay. It came with an older M lens(screw-mount). I tested the camera earlier today as it came and everything was perfectly fine.

Later, I removed the screw-mount adapter (genuine) without any problems and proceeded to put on a K-mount lens (SMC FA 50mm f1.4) which I know to be working because I always use it.

I noticed the camera wasn't auto-focusing (just kind of gave a shaking sound) and displayed the flashing "F--" error. From what I read, it could be dirty lens contact, faulty lens or faulty camera body.

I cleaned the contacts in body with cleaning kit, removed battery, reset the camera settings, updated the firmware, but still get the same error.

If I try any other K mount lens (manual or automatic lenses), I get the same result. But if I use them in manual mode, taking them out of "A" aperture mode, they work fine as manual lenses.

Any ideas on what to do to be able to auto focus? Or maybe the camera body is just faulty?

What do you use the FA 50 on? And does it autofocus and work in aperture priority mode controlled by the body?

axj007 · 01-20-2023, 06:21 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

What do you use the FA 50 on? And does it autofocus and work in aperture priority mode controlled by the body?

I tried every setting I could think of. I normally shoot in M mode, but tried everything, including everything in AUTO. The camera has the "F-- " showing up in every mode, including aperture priority. When trying to auto focus, the lens vibrates loud and doesn't focus at all

---------- Post added 01-20-23 at 06:22 PM ----------

Originally posted by paulh

Move the aperture ring on the lens to "A". Cleaning the lens contacts (camera and lens both) should help as well. Do other autofocus lenses work ok?

It is on "A". I cleaned the contacts on both the camera and lens. This is happening with every auto-focus lens I own. But they all work perfectly fine on my K5 IIs.

Not a Number · 01-20-2023, 06:33 PM

There could be a fault in the camera. That may be why it was sold with a screw mount / manual focus lens.

Check to see if the screws are tight on the lens mount on the camera body.

Also it is possible the mount was removed for some reason. Under the mount there is a thin sheet metal conductor ring attached to a ground/earth wire. This wire can easily come off the ring and may not have been reattached during re-assembly. If the lens mount is not connected to ground then the electrical contacts won't work.

It may be a simple fix or not. It might be easier to return the camera for your money back.

MarkJerling · 01-20-2023, 06:49 PM

Originally posted by axj007

Hello everyone. I just got a Pentax K1 Mk II from Ebay. It came with an older M lens(screw-mount). I tested the camera earlier today as it came and everything was perfectly fine.

Later, I removed the screw-mount adapter (genuine) without any problems and proceeded to put on a K-mount lens (SMC FA 50mm f1.4) which I know to be working because I always use it.

I noticed the camera wasn't auto-focusing (just kind of gave a shaking sound) and displayed the flashing "F--" error. From what I read, it could be dirty lens contact, faulty lens or faulty camera body.

I cleaned the contacts in body with cleaning kit, removed battery, reset the camera settings, updated the firmware, but still get the same error.

If I try any other K mount lens (manual or automatic lenses), I get the same result. But if I use them in manual mode, taking them out of "A" aperture mode, they work fine as manual lenses.

Any ideas on what to do to be able to auto focus? Or maybe the camera body is just faulty?

Have you tried a reset of the camera? (Spanner menu 4)

axj007 · 01-20-2023, 07:24 PM

Originally posted by MarkJerling

Have you tried a reset of the camera? (Spanner menu 4)

Yes, but didn't do the trick

MarkJerling · 01-20-2023, 07:25 PM

And, no luck when set to "Green mode"?
If so, then I think it may be time to contact the seller.

**ramseybuckeye** · 01-20-2023, 08:18 PM

Sounds like you got a camera with broken autofocus. Return it.

axj007 · 01-20-2023, 09:32 PM

Thanks for everyone's input. I started the return process. Upon further review, I noticed the lens mount in the body was a bit loose/out of true. I had tried every possible setting I could think of but didn't get anywhere. Such a shame...but it's always a gamble with eBay. Oh well! The hunt for a K1 shall continue!

**mikesbike** · 01-20-2023, 10:40 PM

Depending in which country you live, the price of a used one in really good condition and moderate use might still be rather costly. But here in the US, there are now some excellent price offers by high-volume, reputable dealerships for a new K-1 II. In view of these reductions, getting a used one would need to be at a very reasonable cost.

axj007 · 01-21-2023, 10:41 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mikesbike

Depending in which country you live, the price of a used one in really good condition and moderate use might still be rather costly. But here in the US, there are now some excellent price offers by high-volume, reputable dealerships for a new K-1 II. In view of these reductions, getting a used one would need to be at a very reasonable cost.

I got this one for $875. Came with 2 SD cards, a battery grip, a lens and 2 batteries. But I guess it was too good to be true. Thought I have seen some deals below $900 for a K1 mk II. (Though for body only). Thought I'd get lucky on this one, but it wasn't meant to be. I'll keep looking out for a good deal. Meanwhile, I have my awesome K5 IIs to keep me company

**mikesbike** · 01-21-2023, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by axj007

I have my awesome K5 IIs to keep me company

I still have mine, despite also having the wonderful KP and the wonderful K-1 II. And yes, I still sometimes use it and with fine results. One of the best Pentax APS-C models, I believe. I also have the battery grip. I especially value its capabilities with some old FA power zoom lenses I bought when still shooting 35mm film.

I got my K-1 II with the deal including the DFA 28-105mm DC WR lens, so for one thing of importance, I would have a FF WR system. The other thing is, what a great deal for a really outstanding all-around zoom lens! I got mine from B&H, where I have done business for many years. I didn't take the battery grip deal, as this camera is plenty large enough for most any larger lens I'd be using with it. I prefer to relegate longer tele to APS-C which for me is more advantageous.

penotax · 12-05-2023, 02:15 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by paulh

Move the aperture ring on the lens to "A". Cleaning the lens contacts (camera and lens both) should help as well. Do other autofocus lenses work ok?

Just bought a second hand Pentax D FA 50mm F/2.8 Macro, I nearly broke my brain trying to figure this out, i thought it was faulty.
Turned out, just need to move it to "A" setting.

Thank you mate

01-20-2023, 05:17 PM	#1
axj007 New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 12	Flashing F-- on Pentax K1 Mk II Hello everyone. I just got a Pentax K1 Mk II from Ebay. It came with an older M lens(screw-mount). I tested the camera earlier today as it came and everything was perfectly fine. Later, I removed the screw-mount adapter (genuine) without any problems and proceeded to put on a K-mount lens (SMC FA 50mm f1.4) which I know to be working because I always use it. I noticed the camera wasn't auto-focusing (just kind of gave a shaking sound) and displayed the flashing "F--" error. From what I read, it could be dirty lens contact, faulty lens or faulty camera body. I cleaned the contacts in body with cleaning kit, removed battery, reset the camera settings, updated the firmware, but still get the same error. If I try any other K mount lens (manual or automatic lenses), I get the same result. But if I use them in manual mode, taking them out of "A" aperture mode, they work fine as manual lenses. Any ideas on what to do to be able to auto focus? Or maybe the camera body is just faulty?

01-20-2023, 05:29 PM	#2
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,301	Move the aperture ring on the lens to "A". Cleaning the lens contacts (camera and lens both) should help as well. Do other autofocus lenses work ok? Last edited by paulh; 01-20-2023 at 05:35 PM.

12-05-2023, 02:15 AM - 2 Likes	#14
penotax Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 27	A setting Originally posted by paulh Move the aperture ring on the lens to "A". Cleaning the lens contacts (camera and lens both) should help as well. Do other autofocus lenses work ok? Just bought a second hand Pentax D FA 50mm F/2.8 Macro, I nearly broke my brain trying to figure this out, i thought it was faulty. Turned out, just need to move it to "A" setting. Thank you mate

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01-20-2023, 06:09 PM	#3
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	Originally posted by axj007 Hello everyone. I just got a Pentax K1 Mk II from Ebay. It came with an older M lens(screw-mount). I tested the camera earlier today as it came and everything was perfectly fine. Later, I removed the screw-mount adapter (genuine) without any problems and proceeded to put on a K-mount lens (SMC FA 50mm f1.4) which I know to be working because I always use it. I noticed the camera wasn't auto-focusing (just kind of gave a shaking sound) and displayed the flashing "F--" error. From what I read, it could be dirty lens contact, faulty lens or faulty camera body. I cleaned the contacts in body with cleaning kit, removed battery, reset the camera settings, updated the firmware, but still get the same error. If I try any other K mount lens (manual or automatic lenses), I get the same result. But if I use them in manual mode, taking them out of "A" aperture mode, they work fine as manual lenses. Any ideas on what to do to be able to auto focus? Or maybe the camera body is just faulty? What do you use the FA 50 on? And does it autofocus and work in aperture priority mode controlled by the body?

01-20-2023, 06:21 PM	#4
axj007 New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 12 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya What do you use the FA 50 on? And does it autofocus and work in aperture priority mode controlled by the body? I tried every setting I could think of. I normally shoot in M mode, but tried everything, including everything in AUTO. The camera has the "F-- " showing up in every mode, including aperture priority. When trying to auto focus, the lens vibrates loud and doesn't focus at all ---------- Post added 01-20-23 at 06:22 PM ---------- Originally posted by paulh Move the aperture ring on the lens to "A". Cleaning the lens contacts (camera and lens both) should help as well. Do other autofocus lenses work ok? It is on "A". I cleaned the contacts on both the camera and lens. This is happening with every auto-focus lens I own. But they all work perfectly fine on my K5 IIs.

01-20-2023, 06:33 PM	#5
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	There could be a fault in the camera. That may be why it was sold with a screw mount / manual focus lens. Check to see if the screws are tight on the lens mount on the camera body. Also it is possible the mount was removed for some reason. Under the mount there is a thin sheet metal conductor ring attached to a ground/earth wire. This wire can easily come off the ring and may not have been reattached during re-assembly. If the lens mount is not connected to ground then the electrical contacts won't work. It may be a simple fix or not. It might be easier to return the camera for your money back.

01-20-2023, 06:49 PM	#6
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,408	Originally posted by axj007 Hello everyone. I just got a Pentax K1 Mk II from Ebay. It came with an older M lens(screw-mount). I tested the camera earlier today as it came and everything was perfectly fine. Later, I removed the screw-mount adapter (genuine) without any problems and proceeded to put on a K-mount lens (SMC FA 50mm f1.4) which I know to be working because I always use it. I noticed the camera wasn't auto-focusing (just kind of gave a shaking sound) and displayed the flashing "F--" error. From what I read, it could be dirty lens contact, faulty lens or faulty camera body. I cleaned the contacts in body with cleaning kit, removed battery, reset the camera settings, updated the firmware, but still get the same error. If I try any other K mount lens (manual or automatic lenses), I get the same result. But if I use them in manual mode, taking them out of "A" aperture mode, they work fine as manual lenses. Any ideas on what to do to be able to auto focus? Or maybe the camera body is just faulty? Have you tried a reset of the camera? (Spanner menu 4)

01-20-2023, 07:24 PM	#7
axj007 New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 12 Original Poster	Originally posted by MarkJerling Have you tried a reset of the camera? (Spanner menu 4) Yes, but didn't do the trick

01-20-2023, 07:25 PM	#8
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,408	And, no luck when set to "Green mode"? If so, then I think it may be time to contact the seller.

01-20-2023, 08:18 PM	#9
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,294	Sounds like you got a camera with broken autofocus. Return it.

01-20-2023, 09:32 PM	#10
axj007 New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 12 Original Poster	Thanks for everyone's input. I started the return process. Upon further review, I noticed the lens mount in the body was a bit loose/out of true. I had tried every possible setting I could think of but didn't get anywhere. Such a shame...but it's always a gamble with eBay. Oh well! The hunt for a K1 shall continue!

01-20-2023, 10:40 PM	#11
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	Depending in which country you live, the price of a used one in really good condition and moderate use might still be rather costly. But here in the US, there are now some excellent price offers by high-volume, reputable dealerships for a new K-1 II. In view of these reductions, getting a used one would need to be at a very reasonable cost.

01-21-2023, 10:41 AM - 1 Like	#12
axj007 New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 12 Original Poster	Originally posted by mikesbike Depending in which country you live, the price of a used one in really good condition and moderate use might still be rather costly. But here in the US, there are now some excellent price offers by high-volume, reputable dealerships for a new K-1 II. In view of these reductions, getting a used one would need to be at a very reasonable cost. I got this one for $875. Came with 2 SD cards, a battery grip, a lens and 2 batteries. But I guess it was too good to be true. Thought I have seen some deals below $900 for a K1 mk II. (Though for body only). Thought I'd get lucky on this one, but it wasn't meant to be. I'll keep looking out for a good deal. Meanwhile, I have my awesome K5 IIs to keep me company

01-21-2023, 03:53 PM	#13
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	Originally posted by axj007 I have my awesome K5 IIs to keep me company I still have mine, despite also having the wonderful KP and the wonderful K-1 II. And yes, I still sometimes use it and with fine results. One of the best Pentax APS-C models, I believe. I also have the battery grip. I especially value its capabilities with some old FA power zoom lenses I bought when still shooting 35mm film. I got my K-1 II with the deal including the DFA 28-105mm DC WR lens, so for one thing of importance, I would have a FF WR system. The other thing is, what a great deal for a really outstanding all-around zoom lens! I got mine from B&H, where I have done business for many years. I didn't take the battery grip deal, as this camera is plenty large enough for most any larger lens I'd be using with it. I prefer to relegate longer tele to APS-C which for me is more advantageous.