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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 11-03-2018, 08:21 AM

Is aperture block really a problem?
Posted By Bigrob

Replies: 107
Views: 14,245

I think the problem in many folks eyes is the nature of the failure - rather than getting worn out from use (which is understandable), the problem seems to occur with light use. My K-50 was about 3 years old, with only about 5,000 shots when it first failed. I didn't expect it to fail so soon. But i now know that many consider a $900 camera (with the kit 18-135 lens) to be essentially a disposable camera. Yikes. A K-3ii was out of my budget range.

I don't feel sorry for Pentax. I think they made a calculated business decision to not own up to the part sourcing problem. They could have admitted the problem and repaired these cameras off warranty. That would have been a very nice customer satisfaction story, but at a cost to their bottom line. Not sure if ignoring it was a better decision for them. This story just doesn't seem to go away. I will try to keep my K-50 going for as long as I can, but when the end comes I don't think I can write another check to Pentax. Sorry for being a little annoyed with them. It didn't have to be this way.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 10-16-2018, 06:06 PM

why upgrade from K-50 to K-5 or K-3, etc. ?
Posted By Bigrob

Replies: 9
Views: 1,780

Thanks all. Plenty of food for thought here. I think you've collectively talked me back from the MFT cliff I was approaching when the K-50 first broke down. Got to love the Pentax enthusiasm.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 10-16-2018, 11:33 AM

why upgrade from K-50 to K-5 or K-3, etc. ?
Posted By Bigrob

Replies: 9
Views: 1,780

Hi All - after having the aperture block issue with my K-50, several folks suggested getting a used K-5 or K-3. They mentioned the big upgrade in capabilities I would get with either camera. I typically use my camera for travel and for landscapes, usually shoot in AV or manual mode and keep my eye on the histogram. I would say I am more than a casual user, but am definitely not a pixel peeper. I once shot RAW and used Light Room, but now am happy with the jpeg results out of the camera.

Can you help me understand what the key benefits of an upgrade to K-3 or K-5 would give me? In my own ignorance I had thought a working K-50 is all the camera I would ever need. What am I missing? I am intrigued by the idea of upgrading.

Thanks, Bob

PS - in my 3rd try I have brought my K-50 back to life, and fully functioning, for now.

Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 10-10-2018, 05:40 AM

Any updates on the K-50 aperature block problem?
Posted By Bigrob

Replies: 17
Views: 2,231

Just a quick update. I went back into the camera last night, and was able to fix it. There is a ribbon cable (actually might be mylar or something else) that had come partially loose during the assembly/disassembly process. This cable made the electrical connections from the top plate to the camera body. Re-seating it carefully brought the camera back to life. Thanks for the offers & suggestions for a K-5 or K-3, but I think I will now stick with the K-50 for as long as it lasts. Not quite sure how long the aperture fix will last.

Maybe I should get into the camera repair business? Just kidding.

Bob

Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 10-10-2018, 05:40 AM

Any updates on the K-50 aperature block problem?
Posted By Bigrob

Replies: 17
Views: 2,231

Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 10-08-2018, 08:13 PM

Any updates on the K-50 aperature block problem?
Posted By Bigrob

Replies: 17
Views: 2,231

Thanks Steve. Good info on reliability. I still haven’t given up on repairing the K-50. Had it taken apart again today and found a lose ribbon cable that fixed a couple of functions, but the mode dial and delete button are still not working. Also did a firmware update. Will keep trying, but thinking of a used K-5 as a reasonable way to keep with My Pentax lenses.

You may well be right about major camera makers not fixing cameras off warranty. But it does leave me little disappointed.

Time to dust off my AE-1 :-)

Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 10-06-2018, 06:40 PM

Any updates on the K-50 aperature block problem?
Posted By Bigrob

Replies: 17
Views: 2,231

Well, I tried to make the repair as suggested in many places on this and other forums. I had no trouble slowly and carefully taking the K-50 apart. I got to the aperture controller and carefully removed and filed it a bit. Then I carefully re-assembled the camera. Unfortunately I may have fixed the aperature controller but caused other problems. Pressing the flash button puts the camera into live view. Almost any selection of the control dial shows the camera in AV mode. I can take photos, but not delete them. I am now trying to figure out where I went wrong.

I would caution others about trying to make this repair on their own. I am fairly good at repairs in general. I am good with my hands. But, it appears I have fried my camera.

I was thinking of bailing on Pentax until I realized I have some nice lenses: DA 18-135 WR and DA 55-300 WR. I would like to put off switching to another system for a few years. Would you recommend a used K-5 or K-3? I would like to keep my investment under $300 if at all possible. Something about cutting my losses. The alternative for me is to bite the bullet and buy an MFT or Fuji camera. Sorry Pentax, but not owning up to the aperature block problem is unforgivable to me. I'm happy to buy used, but rather not give any $ to Pentax at this point.

I was so happy with my K-50 until this. Oh well, life goes on.

BigRob

Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 09-09-2018, 05:16 AM

Movement at Night
Posted By Bigrob

Replies: 26
Views: 1,815