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07-16-2021, 09:57 AM   #1
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Used Alternative to the K-30

I have a K-30 as my backup camera. It doesn't get used much, but I did notice it seems to have the "dark picture" issue. I've read the "how to replace the solenoid" thread and that looks rather daunting. What are some used alternatives I should look at? I want to stay in the Pentax digital stable as I have a bunch of K mount lenses for my primary camera (the K-1ii). I just need a backup digital camera that I would use very occasionally. I do like the small size of the K-30, and I can live with the not as large/nice sensor (as compared to my K-1ii). Oh, and I don't want to spend too much as this backup camera will mostly stay in my camera case.

Thanks for any feedback/ideas.

07-16-2021, 10:01 AM - 1 Like   #2
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I would look for a K-5 (about 200 or so dollars nowadays) or a K-5ii/K-5iis (anywhere between 250-350 dollars).

Tough enough to use as a main camera, and no issues with the aperture mechanism.

If you take pictures indoors the K-5ii/K-5iis focuses more accurately in artificial light. Otherwise, not that much difference in terms of output (K-5iis does not have AA filter so it gets results that are a bit sharper, but not sure if your customers will notice...)
07-16-2021, 10:03 AM - 4 Likes   #3
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K5 IIs - tough as nails and thoroughly reliable....
07-16-2021, 10:42 AM   #4
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If you want a really cheap camera check K7. It is an underrated camera, but The Samsung sensor can produce some stunning images.
K7 can usually be found very cheap and it feels like a much more modern camera than it is (except for low light sensor performace).
If you need high iso perframce you may have to get K5 or newer cameras.

And I belive the K7/K5 series cameras are slightly smaller than K30.

07-16-2021, 10:44 AM   #5
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get K-50

QuoteOriginally posted by dmach47 Quote
I have a K-30 as my backup camera. It doesn't get used much, but I did notice it seems to have the "dark picture" issue. I've read the "how to replace the solenoid" thread and that looks rather daunting. What are some used alternatives I should look at? I want to stay in the Pentax digital stable as I have a bunch of K mount lenses for my primary camera (the K-1ii). I just need a backup digital camera that I would use very occasionally. I do like the small size of the K-30, and I can live with the not as large/nice sensor (as compared to my K-1ii). Oh, and I don't want to spend too much as this backup camera will mostly stay in my camera case.

Thanks for any feedback/ideas.
I had the same problem.
My K-30 stopped working , so I started looking for the white solenoid and the instruction how to do it.
I also found K-50 , with ~ 5k clicks , good working condition , costing about the same as solenoid.
I am very happy , K-50 very similar size / style / can use AA batteries.
K-30 can still use with manual lenses + KAF4 / PLM lenses - I needed to install the latest firmware from K-50 ( hacked)

---------- Post added 07-17-21 at 01:48 ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Fogel70 Quote
And I belive the K7/K5 series cameras are slightly smaller than K30.
No , they are not , they are flagship range.
Much bigger and heavier than K-30/K-50
07-16-2021, 10:50 AM - 2 Likes   #6
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Another vote for the K-5 II or IIs. I really love my II. The first Pentax body since that one to tempt me much is the K-3 III.
07-16-2021, 11:00 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by i_trax Quote
No , they are not , they are flagship range.
Much bigger and heavier than K-30/K-50
Yeah right. Much bigger and heavier...

K7/K5 is 130.5 x 96.5 x 72.5 mm. 660-670 g
K30 is 130 x 97 x 71 mm, 650 g
K50 is 129 x 96.5 x 70 mm, 650 g

But the K30 has that overhanging flash housing that add volume to the body.

07-16-2021, 11:07 AM   #8
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If you want a professional level camera like your K1, then yes, the K5 or K7 is an excellent choice but if you want something simple, light and compact a K200D would be a great choice. The image quality is excellent with those beautiful CCD colors.
07-16-2021, 11:17 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by Fogel70 Quote
Yeah right. Much bigger and heavier...

K7/K5 is 130.5 x 96.5 x 72.5 mm. 660-670 g
K30 is 130 x 97 x 71 mm, 650 g
K50 is 129 x 96.5 x 70 mm, 650 g

But the K30 has that overhanging flash housing that add volume to the body.
Hm , I have K-30/50 , and K-5/3 range and the flagship models ( ~ 740g with battery / SD card ) definitely feel bigger and heavier, perhaps just my imagination.
07-16-2021, 11:18 AM   #10
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K-5, K-5IIs or either of the K-3 or K-3II. These are the ideal backups for your K-1II as they use the same battery and have similar if not identical control layouts.


My kit is K-1II with the K-3II as my backup. Though often I will use both with a long lens on the K-3II and a wide angle on the K-1II
07-16-2021, 11:28 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by ChristianRock Quote
...not sure if your customers will notice...)
You think I do this for MONEY!?!?!

Note, thank you very much for the advice on the alternate cameras, I just had to say something about "customers". Photography is my hobby to destress from my job, not my job. I'd lose so much money (and be SO stressed losing it) as a professional photographer that it would actually impact the National Debt....

---------- Post added 07-16-21 at 11:35 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by jatrax Quote
K-5, K-5IIs or either of the K-3 or K-3II. These are the ideal backups for your K-1II as they use the same battery...
I like the idea of a backup camera that uses the same battery. I bought a little adaptor for AA batteries in the K-30, but I would not have to use ANYTHING different with the K-5/K-3 series.
07-16-2021, 11:36 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by i_trax Quote
Hm , I have K-30/50 , and K-5/3 range and the flagship models ( ~ 740g with battery / SD card ) definitely feel bigger and heavier, perhaps just my imagination.
The battery in the flagships is definitely heavier, but it has much higher capacity too.
And if your backup camera use the same battery as your main camera, you might even save some weight as you do not have to bring two types of batteries and mayby also two changers.
07-16-2021, 11:59 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Fogel70 Quote
The battery in the flagships is definitely heavier, but it has much higher capacity too.
And if your backup camera use the same battery as your main camera, you might even save some weight as you do not have to bring two types of batteries and mayby also two changers.
I think y'all have convinced me to look at the K-5/K-3 set.

Thanks!
07-16-2021, 12:20 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by dmach47 Quote
You think I do this for MONEY!?!?!

Note, thank you very much for the advice on the alternate cameras, I just had to say something about "customers". Photography is my hobby to destress from my job, not my job. I'd lose so much money (and be SO stressed losing it) as a professional photographer that it would actually impact the National Debt....
Ahaha, no problem, a lot of times when people say they carry a backup camera they are doing photography jobs. But I do realize that's not always the case.
07-16-2021, 12:31 PM - 1 Like   #15
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Personally I would not buy anything older than the K-30 or you will be disappointed. I would buy the newest Pentax I could afford. Shop, but carefully, because prices are all over the place.
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