K20D slow shutter lag

**RollsUp** · 10-25-2009, 08:30 PM

The shutter of my K20D has started to lag up to 2 sec at the worst but most of the time it's around 1 sec before the K20D takes a photo. When the shutter button on the battery grip is used the shutter lag is pretty much non existent.
I rarely use the K20D in bad weather, just a few times recently in light snow conditions and each time after taking a photo I put it in a bag until I want to take another.
I've tried resetting back to initial settings in Menu > Setup, made sure the 2 sec delay is off and charged the batteries. It still has some shutter lag when taking photos. The shutter count is less than 20,000 I think. The previous owner at the time I bought it said it had less than 5,000 clicks on it.
Anything else I should try before contacting Pentax USA for a repair quote?
TIA

Ash · 10-25-2009, 09:13 PM

Does it matter how hard the shutter is pressed?
If by pressing harder the shutter activates, then the mechanism of the button may be wearing out, becoming less sensitive.

**enoeske** · 10-25-2009, 09:14 PM

Originally posted by RollsUp

The shutter of my K20D has started to lag up to 2 sec at the worst but most of the time it's around 1 sec before the K20D takes a photo. When the shutter button on the battery grip is used the shutter lag is pretty much non existent.
I rarely use the K20D in bad weather, just a few times recently in light snow conditions and each time after taking a photo I put it in a bag until I want to take another.
I've tried resetting back to initial settings in Menu > Setup, made sure the 2 sec delay is off and charged the batteries. It still has some shutter lag when taking photos. The shutter count is less than 20,000 I think. The previous owner at the time I bought it said it had less than 5,000 clicks on it.
Anything else I should try before contacting Pentax USA for a repair quote?
TIA

What mode are you in? What conditions are you shooting in? Any example images with the EXIF intact from shots where this problem is happening?

**RollsUp** · 10-25-2009, 09:57 PM

Originally posted by Ash

Does it matter how hard the shutter is pressed?
If by pressing harder the shutter activates, then the mechanism of the button may be wearing out, becoming less sensitive.

I don't try and press it harder when the shutter lags, just the usual slow firm press that I use to keep my hand shake to a minimum when I take a photo.

Originally posted by enoeske

What mode are you in? What conditions are you shooting in? Any example images with the EXIF intact from shots where this problem is happening?

M mode, I haven't tried any of the other modes yet. I've noticed it happening in both daylight and in some low light conditions.

A couple of example photos where the shutter lagged.

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

View Picture EXIF

kittykat46 · 10-25-2009, 10:22 PM

Originally posted by RollsUp

......When the shutter button on the battery grip is used the shutter lag is pretty much non existent.
.....TIA

Your critical clue is there....looks like either a mechanical or electrical contact problem related to the main shutter button. It could be as simples as bad solder joint or dirt trapped somewhere, or the contacts are getting worn out.
It shouldn't be difficult to repair...

Ash · 10-25-2009, 10:48 PM

This is what I suggested originally asking about whether it responded to firmer presses. The photos won't help work things out any further.

There's little you can do to fix it yourself - you'll need it repaired to rectify the problem.

**RollsUp** · 10-25-2009, 11:48 PM

I was thinking along those lines too but I wanted to check with forum members just in case there was a magical solution that I had missed somewhere.

I'll see what Pentax USA has to say about it. Thanks.

troyz · 10-26-2009, 12:21 AM

Does the lag go away in manual focus mode?

It's possible that snow = low contrast at AF point(s) = delayed autofocus lock.

**RollsUp** · 10-26-2009, 01:01 AM

Originally posted by troyz

Does the lag go away in manual focus mode?

Using manual focus was when I first noticed it, the shutter lag was at its slowest then.

Quote:

It's possible that snow = low contrast at AF point(s) = delayed autofocus lock.

I use the AF button for focusing, wait for the confirmation then depress the shutter button to take the photo.

wildlifephotog · 10-26-2009, 04:54 AM

If you decide to repair it yourself. I have 2 brand new K20D shutter release switches.

10-25-2009, 08:30 PM	#1
RollsUp Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: AK USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,752	K20D slow shutter lag The shutter of my K20D has started to lag up to 2 sec at the worst but most of the time it's around 1 sec before the K20D takes a photo. When the shutter button on the battery grip is used the shutter lag is pretty much non existent. I rarely use the K20D in bad weather, just a few times recently in light snow conditions and each time after taking a photo I put it in a bag until I want to take another. I've tried resetting back to initial settings in Menu > Setup, made sure the 2 sec delay is off and charged the batteries. It still has some shutter lag when taking photos. The shutter count is less than 20,000 I think. The previous owner at the time I bought it said it had less than 5,000 clicks on it. Anything else I should try before contacting Pentax USA for a repair quote? TIA

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10-25-2009, 09:13 PM	#2
Ash Community Manager Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,612	Does it matter how hard the shutter is pressed? If by pressing harder the shutter activates, then the mechanism of the button may be wearing out, becoming less sensitive.

10-25-2009, 09:14 PM	#3
enoeske Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Surprise, Az Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,124	Originally posted by RollsUp The shutter of my K20D has started to lag up to 2 sec at the worst but most of the time it's around 1 sec before the K20D takes a photo. When the shutter button on the battery grip is used the shutter lag is pretty much non existent. I rarely use the K20D in bad weather, just a few times recently in light snow conditions and each time after taking a photo I put it in a bag until I want to take another. I've tried resetting back to initial settings in Menu > Setup, made sure the 2 sec delay is off and charged the batteries. It still has some shutter lag when taking photos. The shutter count is less than 20,000 I think. The previous owner at the time I bought it said it had less than 5,000 clicks on it. Anything else I should try before contacting Pentax USA for a repair quote? TIA What mode are you in? What conditions are you shooting in? Any example images with the EXIF intact from shots where this problem is happening?

10-25-2009, 10:22 PM	#5
kittykat46 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 923	Originally posted by RollsUp ......When the shutter button on the battery grip is used the shutter lag is pretty much non existent. .....TIA Your critical clue is there....looks like either a mechanical or electrical contact problem related to the main shutter button. It could be as simples as bad solder joint or dirt trapped somewhere, or the contacts are getting worn out. It shouldn't be difficult to repair...

10-25-2009, 10:48 PM	#6
Ash Community Manager Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,612	This is what I suggested originally asking about whether it responded to firmer presses. The photos won't help work things out any further. There's little you can do to fix it yourself - you'll need it repaired to rectify the problem.

10-25-2009, 11:48 PM	#7
RollsUp Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: AK USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,752 Original Poster	I was thinking along those lines too but I wanted to check with forum members just in case there was a magical solution that I had missed somewhere. I'll see what Pentax USA has to say about it. Thanks.

10-26-2009, 12:21 AM	#8
troyz Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 389	Does the lag go away in manual focus mode? It's possible that snow = low contrast at AF point(s) = delayed autofocus lock.

10-26-2009, 01:01 AM	#9
RollsUp Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: AK USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,752 Original Poster	Originally posted by troyz Does the lag go away in manual focus mode? Using manual focus was when I first noticed it, the shutter lag was at its slowest then. Quote: It's possible that snow = low contrast at AF point(s) = delayed autofocus lock. I use the AF button for focusing, wait for the confirmation then depress the shutter button to take the photo.

10-26-2009, 04:54 AM	#10
wildlifephotog Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 924	If you decide to repair it yourself. I have 2 brand new K20D shutter release switches.

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