Good camera until his black pictures problem

tbla wrote:

I have the exact same problem. Hasn't been using the camera for a year, an started using it again for a week ago, and experienced the dark pictures in viewfinder mode.

Sadly, that Pentax doesn't recognize the problem.

If it works in LV mode it must be a software problem...or !!??

Is there any possibility that dpreview, can take up the problem with Pentax?

I'm afraid your camera has the infamous aperture-control solenoid problem, which afflicts many Pentax entry-level dSLRs from the K-r onward - but particularly the K-50, K30 and K-500.  Pentax refuse to acknowledge the problem.

You'll find loads of information by searching for "Pentax K-50 aperture block failure".  The problem is with is a solenoid.  The original white Japan-sourced ones used in earlier models are reliable, but Pentax switched to green China-sourced ones for the K-30s etc.

You can fix the problem by getting hold of an earlier white solenoid and replacing it yourself - but be careful, there are high voltages around.  Merely sanding down the solenoid pole pieces is NOT a permanent solution.

Top line Pentax models don't use solenoids at all in this area, so never have this problem (so K-5, K-3, KP, K-1 are all OK).

You don't have to fix the problem - the camera will still work if you mount a K-mount lens which has an aperture ring.  You then set the Allow Aperture Ring flag to ON (i.e. 2), set Manual Exposure mode, and use the green button for stop-down metering.  Or you may find that you can use Av mode and EV compensation.  As I say, do a search and you'll find loads of info.

Good luck!