HELP! K-5IIs can't change the Shooting Mode!

fernandezinmecca · 10-23-2015, 01:50 PM

There's usually a hidden battery inside the battery chamber, its hidden but if you look you just might find it. Pull that out.

mee · 10-23-2015, 06:04 PM

Originally posted by 12345

Interesting! Any idea how easy it is to remove the mode dial?

It isn't easy at all!

You have to take out at least a dozen screws, pulling the top part of the body from the bottom, exposing all the circuit boards to get at it from inside. It is really not a task for the faint of heart. And with a weather sealed body, is more complicated due to the weather sealing.

You're more likely to lose screws or lose track of where screws go (there are at least 3 different kind in my K-r for example) than you are repair it.. unless you are meticulous with your extraction. And then, if a part is damaged, you'd need a replacement.

Your best option, should you successfully take apart the camera without damaging any of the fragile wires holding the many circuit boards together, would be to have a dirty contact.

oh and putting it back together is infuriatingly difficult because it has to go on backwards and at a proper orientation in it's respective place. Otherwise your modes will be off from what they say on the top of the dial. With seals it probably is even more 'fun' in getting them all to line up properly while trying to reattach parts. No thanks.

12345 · 10-24-2015, 05:46 AM

Originally posted by fernandezinmecca

There's usually a hidden battery inside the battery chamber, its hidden but if you look you just might find it. Pull that out.

Could you please explain in a little more detail? Are you implying that pulling out this "hidden battery" will reset something? Is there any documentation to back up this theory?

---------- Post added Oct 24th, 2015 at 08:49 ----------

Originally posted by mee

It isn't easy at all! You have to take out at least a dozen screws, pulling the top part of the body from the bottom,.................

Thanks for the info, I guess it's not that important to get back Aperture Priority...

I'm hoping if it's a dirty contact, that maybe after some time, it will correct itself.

fernandezinmecca · 10-24-2015, 10:45 PM

Originally posted by 12345

Could you please explain in a little more detail? Are you implying that pulling out this "hidden battery" will reset something? Is there any documentation to back up this theory?

---------- Post added Oct 24th, 2015 at 08:49 ----------

Thanks for the info, I guess it's not that important to get back Aperture Priority...

I'm hoping if it's a dirty contact, that maybe after some time, it will correct itself.

It does for Canon, sorry for the mix up. I'm in the wrong forum.

12345 · 10-26-2015, 07:31 AM

Originally posted by fernandezinmecca

It does for Canon, sorry for the mix up. I'm in the wrong forum.

No problem!

Audi 5 cyl · 02-20-2016, 08:40 AM

Hello 12345,

I'll be having the same problem soon. I've just got me a manual only, like yours, K-30 for a hefty sum of 55 euros with shipping and will surely try to repair it once it arrives in a week or so. I will let you in on the details if it is a simple repair. I will not bother to repair if the mode dial needs replacing as M mode will suffice for my needs.

Best regards,

Marko

Audi 5 cyl · 03-04-2016, 06:39 AM

Well, just to report now when I've opened up the beast and inspected the problem.

My k30 arrived today, 8700 shutter actuations on it, production date Oct 2012.

First of all, the good thing is, it is rather easy to take the top cover of the camera and there are no many possibilities for an error (two strap screws, three flash screws, one battery compartment screw, two viewfinder screws and one on the side, by the raw button). I doubt that with the k-5IIs things would be any different.

Second, whoever opened up mine before me, did not know what he was doing and managed to completely cut the flex cable and damage the connector. Therefore, I won't be repairing mine, as the parts to do it would set me back about 70 euros and some tinkering and I can still use the camera in manual mode, but without lv and rear panel dial as well. Luckily, the first tests both with homemade and m42 lenses show that it meters nicely. With k, m, a lenses no issues in M mode. For 55e I am happy

Conclusion, on the other hand, is that the possibilities for an error exist but only if you do not know how to open a flex cable connector. Shame to the person who did it

Nevertheless, I would advise anybody with the dial issues to sneak a peak at the problem. Mode dial can not die just like that, being a mechanical thingy, neither can a flex cable, especially not without a serious blow or after a couple of thousand actuations and therefore the solution is probably a greasy connector cleaning or similar.

Na Horuk · 03-04-2016, 07:01 AM

Whoa, wait, did nobody recommend to check the lens and camera mount? Camera will default to M mode if it cannot recognize the lens. Make sure the mount is clean, free of dirt, grime, or damage. Try another lens.
But it could also be the mode dial. There may be some threads or blog posts about removing it somewhere on the internet

Edit: This post refers to the original problem. Not sure how it got resolved

12345 · 03-04-2016, 06:45 PM

Hey thanks, @Audi 5 cyl !

That's some very useful information! I've been using my K-5IIs in M mode for several months now, and nothing has changed at all... If I ever get a good chance, I just might try taking it apart! Did you get any pictures that might show some details about the teardown?

@Na Horuk, Like I said above, I've been using this camera now for several months, with various lenses, and nothing has changed.

indy · 03-04-2016, 07:10 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

I say the mode dial is broken...
Your reply: No **** Sherlock!

---------- Post added 21-10-15 at 09:14 ----------

Now trying to be helpful.
After a google search this problem in not uncommon.
Most threads suggest a factory reset.
Is your firmware fully updated, if not some threads suggest updating it to the latest version.
Adam says in another thread:

I just fixed a nearly identical issue on my GR with some specialized electronics cleaner. Ck the GR sub forum for details.

Audi 5 cyl · 03-05-2016, 07:49 AM

@12345

I did not take any pictures while dismantling but I can repeat the process on Wednesday and document it. I will post the pictures or video here when done.

Meantime, I would like to share a trick I discovered that lets me use Aperture priority mode without the Mode dial. Once the mode dial is corrupted, the camera jumps automatically to M mode, except if the Auto ISO is on, when it jumps to Av mode. Further, on k-30 it is possible to limit the ISO range and set it for example to 100-800 or other depending on the needs.

For me, as I use many lenses that have not been made for modern cameras, or cameras for that matter, this solution works well and even if I do not have the Lv button, cannot delete pictures on the camera, i do not have rear e-dial and mode dial, I can use the AV and M modes. This actually fits my needs very well as I have never used anything else than those on k-x and my bridge cameras. Additionally, k-30 is a lot better than k-x when it comes to light metering in Av mode, usually spot on.

I hope this info helps.

12345 · 03-05-2016, 02:25 PM

Thanks for the info, very helpful! I'll have to try that, because I almost always end up getting a few "worthless" shots first, till I get the exposure nailed...

Dabola · 03-06-2016, 01:31 AM

Pentax service manuals are not easy to find any more. As far as I know K10d was the last model where Pentax provided this technical manual. You will still find a copy here. With a lot of pictures taken during the disassembly and assembly process.

I am rather sure you will face similarities when you start up with your tools. Good luck!

**Ex Finn.** · 03-06-2016, 07:09 PM

There was a parts break-down for the K7 at the Pentax hacks. Should be very similar to the K5.

**Ex Finn.** · 03-06-2016, 07:20 PM - **1 Like**

Had to dig around...

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10-23-2015, 01:50 PM	#31
fernandezinmecca New Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 6	There's usually a hidden battery inside the battery chamber, its hidden but if you look you just might find it. Pull that out.

10-23-2015, 06:04 PM	#32
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by 12345 Interesting! Any idea how easy it is to remove the mode dial? It isn't easy at all! You have to take out at least a dozen screws, pulling the top part of the body from the bottom, exposing all the circuit boards to get at it from inside. It is really not a task for the faint of heart. And with a weather sealed body, is more complicated due to the weather sealing. You're more likely to lose screws or lose track of where screws go (there are at least 3 different kind in my K-r for example) than you are repair it.. unless you are meticulous with your extraction. And then, if a part is damaged, you'd need a replacement. Your best option, should you successfully take apart the camera without damaging any of the fragile wires holding the many circuit boards together, would be to have a dirty contact. oh and putting it back together is infuriatingly difficult because it has to go on backwards and at a proper orientation in it's respective place. Otherwise your modes will be off from what they say on the top of the dial. With seals it probably is even more 'fun' in getting them all to line up properly while trying to reattach parts. No thanks.

10-24-2015, 05:46 AM	#33
12345 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 520 Original Poster	Originally posted by fernandezinmecca There's usually a hidden battery inside the battery chamber, its hidden but if you look you just might find it. Pull that out. Could you please explain in a little more detail? Are you implying that pulling out this "hidden battery" will reset something? Is there any documentation to back up this theory? ---------- Post added Oct 24th, 2015 at 08:49 ---------- Originally posted by mee It isn't easy at all! You have to take out at least a dozen screws, pulling the top part of the body from the bottom,................. Thanks for the info, I guess it's not that important to get back Aperture Priority... I'm hoping if it's a dirty contact, that maybe after some time, it will correct itself.

10-24-2015, 10:45 PM	#34
fernandezinmecca New Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 6	Originally posted by 12345 Could you please explain in a little more detail? Are you implying that pulling out this "hidden battery" will reset something? Is there any documentation to back up this theory? ---------- Post added Oct 24th, 2015 at 08:49 ---------- Thanks for the info, I guess it's not that important to get back Aperture Priority... I'm hoping if it's a dirty contact, that maybe after some time, it will correct itself. It does for Canon, sorry for the mix up. I'm in the wrong forum.

10-26-2015, 07:31 AM	#35
12345 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 520 Original Poster	Originally posted by fernandezinmecca It does for Canon, sorry for the mix up. I'm in the wrong forum. No problem!

02-20-2016, 08:40 AM	#36
Audi 5 cyl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: France Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 363	Hello 12345, I'll be having the same problem soon. I've just got me a manual only, like yours, K-30 for a hefty sum of 55 euros with shipping and will surely try to repair it once it arrives in a week or so. I will let you in on the details if it is a simple repair. I will not bother to repair if the mode dial needs replacing as M mode will suffice for my needs. Best regards, Marko

03-04-2016, 06:39 AM	#37
Audi 5 cyl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: France Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 363	Well, just to report now when I've opened up the beast and inspected the problem. My k30 arrived today, 8700 shutter actuations on it, production date Oct 2012. First of all, the good thing is, it is rather easy to take the top cover of the camera and there are no many possibilities for an error (two strap screws, three flash screws, one battery compartment screw, two viewfinder screws and one on the side, by the raw button). I doubt that with the k-5IIs things would be any different. Second, whoever opened up mine before me, did not know what he was doing and managed to completely cut the flex cable and damage the connector. Therefore, I won't be repairing mine, as the parts to do it would set me back about 70 euros and some tinkering and I can still use the camera in manual mode, but without lv and rear panel dial as well. Luckily, the first tests both with homemade and m42 lenses show that it meters nicely. With k, m, a lenses no issues in M mode. For 55e I am happy Conclusion, on the other hand, is that the possibilities for an error exist but only if you do not know how to open a flex cable connector. Shame to the person who did it Nevertheless, I would advise anybody with the dial issues to sneak a peak at the problem. Mode dial can not die just like that, being a mechanical thingy, neither can a flex cable, especially not without a serious blow or after a couple of thousand actuations and therefore the solution is probably a greasy connector cleaning or similar.

03-04-2016, 07:01 AM	#38
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Whoa, wait, did nobody recommend to check the lens and camera mount? Camera will default to M mode if it cannot recognize the lens. Make sure the mount is clean, free of dirt, grime, or damage. Try another lens. But it could also be the mode dial. There may be some threads or blog posts about removing it somewhere on the internet Edit: This post refers to the original problem. Not sure how it got resolved

03-04-2016, 06:45 PM	#39
12345 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 520 Original Poster	Hey thanks, @Audi 5 cyl ! That's some very useful information! I've been using my K-5IIs in M mode for several months now, and nothing has changed at all... If I ever get a good chance, I just might try taking it apart! Did you get any pictures that might show some details about the teardown? @Na Horuk, Like I said above, I've been using this camera now for several months, with various lenses, and nothing has changed.

03-04-2016, 07:10 PM	#40
indy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 274	Originally posted by bertwert I say the mode dial is broken... Your reply: No **** Sherlock! ---------- Post added 21-10-15 at 09:14 ---------- Now trying to be helpful. After a google search this problem in not uncommon. Most threads suggest a factory reset. Is your firmware fully updated, if not some threads suggest updating it to the latest version. Adam says in another thread: I just fixed a nearly identical issue on my GR with some specialized electronics cleaner. Ck the GR sub forum for details.

03-05-2016, 07:49 AM	#41
Audi 5 cyl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: France Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 363	@12345 I did not take any pictures while dismantling but I can repeat the process on Wednesday and document it. I will post the pictures or video here when done. Meantime, I would like to share a trick I discovered that lets me use Aperture priority mode without the Mode dial. Once the mode dial is corrupted, the camera jumps automatically to M mode, except if the Auto ISO is on, when it jumps to Av mode. Further, on k-30 it is possible to limit the ISO range and set it for example to 100-800 or other depending on the needs. For me, as I use many lenses that have not been made for modern cameras, or cameras for that matter, this solution works well and even if I do not have the Lv button, cannot delete pictures on the camera, i do not have rear e-dial and mode dial, I can use the AV and M modes. This actually fits my needs very well as I have never used anything else than those on k-x and my bridge cameras. Additionally, k-30 is a lot better than k-x when it comes to light metering in Av mode, usually spot on. I hope this info helps.

03-05-2016, 02:25 PM	#42
12345 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 520 Original Poster	Thanks for the info, very helpful! I'll have to try that, because I almost always end up getting a few "worthless" shots first, till I get the exposure nailed...

03-06-2016, 01:31 AM	#43
Dabola Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Bergen, Norway Posts: 60	Pentax service manuals are not easy to find any more. As far as I know K10d was the last model where Pentax provided this technical manual. You will still find a copy here. With a lot of pictures taken during the disassembly and assembly process. I am rather sure you will face similarities when you start up with your tools. Good luck!

03-06-2016, 07:09 PM	#44
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	There was a parts break-down for the K7 at the Pentax hacks. Should be very similar to the K5.