How to check K-5 for usual defects?

Hi, people! I'just bought brand new K-5 last weekend... How can I check this lovely camera for the usual defects one needs to check for? You know, sensor stain, mirror flop, and whatnot... I have 18-55mm WR and 50mm f/1.7 M lenses... Also, how much did new firmware help with autofocus and stuff?
Many thanks,
Mike

Well, no need to check for defects as there are not very likely to be any, just set it up as you wish and go out and enjoy it.

Then let's see some of your results!

Well, yes, but... I have 7 days during which I can ask for replacement from the seller, IN CASE there are stuff like sensor stains, and other of the reported (true, earlier products) defects in K-5...
So, I don't want to hope it is all good just to discover it ain't, and then have to send it to people who deal with the warranty...
Does it make sense, now that I've put it this way?

Fair enough, although within 28 days you still should be pretty safe, but shops do sometimes put their own terms in and need the buyer to be sure of their rights.

Let us know how you do!

Sellers sometimes try to impose conditions that the law does not support. It really does repay reading the web pages of a site such as http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/Yourconsu... which offers a simple explanation that should show anyone who has to return a faulty item what they can (and cannot) expect.

Yeah, what is that with the lens release button falling off? I know it doesn't happen to everybody, but if it wasn't such a serious defect, it would almost be funny...

I don’t see your problem, as you are covered by the sale of goods act. That’s assuming you have purchased from a legitimate retailer. Or is it a grey import ?.

It sounds like you are hell bent on finding faults with your camera, why did you purchase it in the first place if you were assuming that you would have defects.

As john said, why not just go out and enjoy using it.


Take care.

Yep, legitimate retailer, got receipt and the warranty slip (+ extended warranty)...
Not hell bent on finding anything... But, hell bent on finding anything that IS there... Stuff like sensor stain ain't really a problem in most cases, but it can be if one shoots uniform surfaces (shape and colour wise)... So, I don't want to discover the sensor stain after 10 months, or so.
No, I didn't buy the camera assuming it would have defects. BUT, having read a lot about SOME issues, present on SOME models, I want to have a piece of mind, knowing that my camera is spotless...
Oh, I'd like to go and enjoy it, but time is a crucial factor here... More time this weekend.

No make/ camera is spotless,
if you looking for faults you will always find one more....

"spotless" in terms of the issues that warrant a replacement, or repair of the purchased unit..

As stated above, it you are looking for issues, sooner or later your will find one or more. You have at least a year's warranty with your camera (not sure why you mention 7 days) and two years if bought from SRS. John Riley's advice is good and sound - use your camera as much as you can fgor taking the photos you want to take!!!!

If there's anything wrong you will come across it soon enough.

Regards
David

I know how you feel. You pay a lot of money and you want it perfect. When there is a fault, you really get down. Unfortunately these faults only arise with time, and sometimes no faults arise at all. You can only take lots of photos in the early days, and scrutinise these carefully as to the operation of the camera, and the quality of the output. Check for obvious physical damage or loose parts, and then hope for the best.

With digital cameras you need to change your attitude to your equipment.

Use it or lose it - No electronic equipment will continue to perform well if it is not used regularly. If you dont plan to use it that much, buy a cheaper one.

Wont last forever - Throw away electronics are susceptable to some of their weakest but most important parts, and are sometimes too expensive to fix. Be prepared for minor maintenance which you can do yourself. There is a limit on the number of clicks which will continue to produce good shots.

Write off your initial cost - When you buy your camera, start saving for your next one. They have a limited life due to the use and obsolesence. We get fairly good value for money from a Pentax SLR, but dont expect it to be an heirloom to pass down to your kids.

We all know the story of the computer and the television. Have to change them regularly due to changes in technology and planned obsolesence. No one wants your old Laptop or TV anymore. Not many people want the 6MP Ist DS either, eventhough I think it was a very good camera.

I see Digital SLRs on TradeMe (Our local E-Bay type auction) going for so little if they havent got video, or a high Megapixel count.

So enjoy it while you can, when you cant, throw it away and move forward to the next model.

When my KR developed a sensor dust spot, I thought OH NO. But I had to realise that I have to keep cleaning it, and when it breaks down, I will just have to buy a new body or model. Its an expensive business being in photography. Hard to justify if you dont love it or use it a lot.

Really ? Have to ?

I still have my television I bought thirteen years ago. It still works, my PVR works with it, I can (and do) run it through my HIFI amp ... why do we HAVE TO replace every xx years ?

We can choose to keep up with the Jones's or decide .. well this still does all I need/want from it why change ?