One more K70

Hello everybody,

Unfortunately have to report another K70 joined the list of "dark framers" and my k50 with the same issue..  K5 IIs still goes strong, as my "new baby" k10 - 3rd K10 i've bought since it was born in 2006. It is hard to believe that k10 is in like new condition and i have a problem now... 3549 clicks only...     I've bought it for $100 CAD only with the intention to use solenoid made in Japan from it , and because of my old sentiment.  I took some pics with older Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 macro and they look gorgeous!  I bought this Sigma lens from the same guy, having no intention to do so; whilst checking k10 I realized how good the pics are. BTW paid $175 CAD for the lens.

So, the question is: do you guys think i still need to use K10 solenoid in K70 and install so-so one back to k10, or use this beautiful pair k10+Sigma 17-70 in its new life? I still have whole bunch of other Pentax lenses..  I have a feeling its going to be k10 torture if i start what i planned..

regards,

alex

SOOC image: saturation +1, contrast+1, sharpness -1

thks

I bought a broken *ist DL2 from Ebay for £17, it also came with a 18-55 kit lens.

The *ist DL2 and several other models have 2x white solenoids in them, one for aperture and one for the pop up flash.

I fixed my K-30 with one of the white solenoids and have the other for a spare should my K-70 ever go down.

I'm assuming you have a bit of electronics experience and have the tools.

It is a fiddly enough job requiring you knowing how not to electrocute yourself with the flash capacitor... easiest and safest way is to take the battery out for a few days before starting the job.

Keep the K10 as is.

Fix the K70.

halievski wrote:

my intention was exactly as yours with the only difference - i couldn't find a broken one, and bought a good one.. too good to disassemble for parts. Sure, i can fix it myself... but do i need 4 aps-c bodies and 2 other systems and other "collateral" PS ++ ? Leaning to keep k10 - i my view last Pentax camera delivering film like images (of course except 645D)

thks for reply

regards, alex

Maybe I got lucky but I do see broken old Pentax DSLRs on Ebay from time to time, it could be just a matter of waiting for a while. Personally I wouldn't use a fully working CCD Pentax DSLR as a donor. My donor camera had a broken LCD screen and the seller didn't even know if it powered up or not. The batteries for it aren't the cheapest and not worth buying just to see if it powered up or not.

Just keep looking and wait, I guarantee one will come up. Look up the PF thread which states which old bodies have 2 white solenoids, it is a good reference for replacing the solenoid also. Or you might be happy just getting a body with a single white solenoid in it if you don't need two and one becomes available.

Your K-70 is more important than an old K10 though and I wouldn't put a new green solenoid into it, the white solenoid is a permanent fix and you don't want to pull the camera apart more than you need to.

I would have sold you my spare white solenoid but I may need it for my own K-70 although it probably won't break as it is a more recent one, Pentax apparently improved the quality of the later ones, this isn't confirmed as they are so secretive and didn't admit their mistakes but you can read all about it on PF threads.