Brand: PENTAX
Category: Camera
Document Type:
Language: EN
Manual for K-50
Uploaded: Aug. 9, 2025, 11:57 p.m.
Manual Publish Date: 2013
Warranty Information
All PENTAX cameras are guaranteed against defects for twelve months from the date of purchase.
Getting Started
- Attaching the Strap: Pass the end of the strap through the strap lug and secure it.
- Inserting the Battery: Use the rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI109 or AA batteries with the optional holder. Follow charging instructions if needed.
- Attaching a Lens: Remove the body mount cover and lens mount cover, align the lens mount index, and turn the lens clockwise until it clicks.
- Turning the Camera On and Off: Turn the main switch to ON to turn the camera on and OFF to turn it off.
- Initial Settings: Set the display language, date, and time.
Basic Operations
- Basic Shooting Operation: Set the mode dial to AUTO, set the focus mode switch to AF.S, position the subject, and press the shutter release button halfway to focus. Press fully to take the picture.
- Using the Built-in Flash: Press the E button to pop up the flash. Take a picture. Push down on the top of the flash to retract it.
- Reviewing Images: Press the Q button to enter playback mode. Use the four-way controller or front e-dial to navigate through images.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Problem | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The camera does not turn on | Battery is not installed | Check if a battery is installed. |
| Battery is not installed properly | Check the orientation of battery. Re-insert battery according to the +/- symbols. (p.47, p.48) | |
| The battery power is low | Replace with a charged battery or use the optional AC adapter kit. | |
| The shutter cannot be released | The built-in flash is charging | E blinks while the built-in flash is charging. Wait until charging is finished. |
| There is no available space on the SD Memory Card | Insert an SD Memory Card with available space or delete unwanted images. (p.73, p.186) | |
| Recording | Wait until recording is finished. | |
| The lens aperture ring is set to a position other than A | Set the lens aperture ring to the A position or select [Enable] in [22. Using Aperture Ring] of the [C Custom Setting 4] menu. (p.265) | |
| Autofocus does not work | The subject is difficult to focus on | Autofocus cannot work well for subjects that have low contrast (sky, white walls, etc.), dark colors, intricate designs, rapidly-moving objects or scenery shot through a window or a net-like pattern. Lock focus on another object located at the same distance as your subject, then aim at the target and press the shutter release button fully. Alternatively, use manual focus. (p.110) |
| The subject is not in the AF area | Position the subject in the AF area. If the subject is outside the AF area, aim the camera at the subject and lock the focus, then compose a picture and press the shutter release button fully. | |
| The subject is too close | Move away from the subject and take a picture. | |
| The focus mode is set to MF | Set the focus mode switch to AF.S or C. (p.101) | |
| The AE Lock function does not operate | B mode is set | AE Lock is not available in B mode. |
| The built-in flash does not discharge | When the flash mode is set to AUTO or SCN mode, the flash will not discharge if the subject is bright | Set the flash mode to E (Flash On) or F (Flash On+Red-eye Reduction). (p.68) |
| K, d, A, Z, y, U, n, or E of SCN mode is set | Select a capture mode other than those shown to the left. (p.82) | |
| The power zoom system does not work | The camera does not have a power zoom function | Use manual zoom. |
| The USB connection with a computer does not work properly | The USB connection mode is set to [PTP] | Set [USB Connection] to [MSC] in [Interface Options] of the [R Set-up 2] menu. (p.235) |