K-30 takes black photos normally but proper photos in live view?

Newtophotos · 01-22-2016, 10:38 PM

My K-30 is taking black photos (extremely under exposed) in Av mode when looking through the viewfinder using my 16-85mm. In live view the photos are properly exposed. The same black photo issue occurs if I switch to my 18-135mm lens which tells me it's not a lens issue. This is when taking photos outdoors in sunlight. What could be causing this issue?

Markovo · 01-22-2016, 11:43 PM

K30 tends to do that....

Newtophotos · 01-23-2016, 12:04 AM

Although is properly exposes in live view it's only if the ISO is very high and the shutter speed is very low. Is it the aperture motor in the camera body? Auzzie-phoenix smartly suggested this.

Markovo · 01-23-2016, 12:50 AM

Try using different metering mode.

**kernos** · 01-23-2016, 08:24 AM - **1 Like**

I have had a K-30 fail after a few years and a K-50 fail after 6-7months. I have been told that it is the aperture motor which is somewhat distressing since the problem seems to have gone through two camera models and perhaps the KS-1 as well (time will tell) without being fixed. My K-50 is currently in repair at Precision Camera (since June 8) and is now in the waiting for parts stage. I have turned my K30 into an M42 platform and shoot aperture priority. When I get my K-50 back, it is decision time. I'm not going to wait for another failure so it is either sell the K-50 and go to a K3 ii or sell my pentax only lenses and switch platforms. Right now, I'm leaning toward selling the K-50 and buying the K3 ii. If it takes Precision Camera months to get my camera back it will probably be time to sell Pentax and move. If that comes about, there is something really attractive about the Fujifilm line and the ability to use some of my old OM lenses. Meanwhile, take a look at the m42 lenses out there. Some of the Russians are really cheap and produce interesting results.

Newtophotos · 06-04-2016, 04:36 AM

Is a failed aperture motor something I can repair? Is it possible to order the parts as a consumer?

**clackers** · 06-04-2016, 04:45 AM

Somebody around here outlined a process for cleaning the part instead of replacing it. You'd have to find the post.

**Quartermaster James** · 06-04-2016, 10:49 AM

Originally posted by clackers

Somebody around here outlined a process for cleaning the part instead of replacing it. You'd have to find the post.

This: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/151-pentax-k-30-k-50/321871-k-30-k-50-ape...available.html ?

01-22-2016, 10:38 PM	#1
Newtophotos Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 439	K-30 takes black photos normally but proper photos in live view? My K-30 is taking black photos (extremely under exposed) in Av mode when looking through the viewfinder using my 16-85mm. In live view the photos are properly exposed. The same black photo issue occurs if I switch to my 18-135mm lens which tells me it's not a lens issue. This is when taking photos outdoors in sunlight. What could be causing this issue?

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01-22-2016, 11:43 PM	#2
Markovo Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Bulgaria Posts: 149	K30 tends to do that....

01-23-2016, 12:04 AM	#3
Newtophotos Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 439 Original Poster	Although is properly exposes in live view it's only if the ISO is very high and the shutter speed is very low. Is it the aperture motor in the camera body? Auzzie-phoenix smartly suggested this.

01-23-2016, 12:50 AM	#4
Markovo Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Bulgaria Posts: 149	Try using different metering mode.

01-23-2016, 08:24 AM - 1 Like	#5
kernos Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 456	I have had a K-30 fail after a few years and a K-50 fail after 6-7months. I have been told that it is the aperture motor which is somewhat distressing since the problem seems to have gone through two camera models and perhaps the KS-1 as well (time will tell) without being fixed. My K-50 is currently in repair at Precision Camera (since June 8) and is now in the waiting for parts stage. I have turned my K30 into an M42 platform and shoot aperture priority. When I get my K-50 back, it is decision time. I'm not going to wait for another failure so it is either sell the K-50 and go to a K3 ii or sell my pentax only lenses and switch platforms. Right now, I'm leaning toward selling the K-50 and buying the K3 ii. If it takes Precision Camera months to get my camera back it will probably be time to sell Pentax and move. If that comes about, there is something really attractive about the Fujifilm line and the ability to use some of my old OM lenses. Meanwhile, take a look at the m42 lenses out there. Some of the Russians are really cheap and produce interesting results.

06-04-2016, 04:36 AM	#6
Newtophotos Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 439 Original Poster	Is a failed aperture motor something I can repair? Is it possible to order the parts as a consumer?

06-04-2016, 04:45 AM	#7
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Somebody around here outlined a process for cleaning the part instead of replacing it. You'd have to find the post.

06-04-2016, 10:49 AM	#8
Quartermaster James Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 653	Originally posted by clackers Somebody around here outlined a process for cleaning the part instead of replacing it. You'd have to find the post. This: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/151-pentax-k-30-k-50/321871-k-30-k-50-ape...available.html ?