k5 issue

testing different lenses and using liveview i have come to the conclusion that my K5 focus is out. I am in italy and the only way here to get it fixed is sending it to FOWA in turin. All third party technicians here wont touch pentax. I am hoping that it isnt a serious expensive problem as i intend to purchase FF by the end of the year. Any suggestions ideas what the problem might be? I have heard that it could be a mirror issue????

Have you tried calibrating your lenses in camera?

Some lads on here a while ago referred to a "back focus" problem which is, apparently fixable by the owner. Perhaps there's something in the instruction book...

I have calibrated the lenses to the camera but the issue remains unfortunately. It's very frustrating I tell you. I originally thought it was my 16-50 but focus tests with other lenses have proved it otherwise. Back focus problem with the k5. Is there a way to fix it other than lens calibration?????

I don't want to appear to be a doom monger, but I had to give up on my K-5 with certain lenses as no amount of calibration would sort it out. It wasn't an issue with all lenses, but with some, notably the DA 17-70, it was so inconsistent that it was almost useless. With other lenses, such as the Sigma 150-500 and the kit lens it was fine. I haven't experienced any similar issues with my K-5iis or my K-3, so it was definitely the camera that was at fault. I also know other users who had similar issues and the conclusion I unfortunately reached was that some K-5's are simply unreliable focussers. I had another K-5 which was great and had no issues, but I stupidly sold it. I think you have no option but to have the camera fixed, or get a replacement.

Regards
David

Thanks for the input David. Yep, you pretty much summed it up. So frustrating

It can be a misaligned mirror; in that case the composition that you see in the viewfinder will be (slightly) different from the composition in the captured image.

It can also be that the PDAF sensor or image sensor is slightly out; I've seen this being reported once or twice. Adjusting the image sensor should be an easy (and relatively cheap) fix; Pentax can adjust it in software (within limits). You might be able to do it yourself by enabling the debug menu in the K5; the only way I'm aware off is to use the PK_tether software ( http://www.pktether.com/ ) to do so, This will enable a hidden menu in the tools menu (after number 4) that gives you access to additional AF finetuning but I'm not quite sure how it works (it's on my list; see below).

You can use live view for the mean time; maybe buy one of those rear LCD loupes if you opt to go that way (oops, just checked and they seem expensive).

My K5 is also out by a big margin (need +10 on most lenses and I'm not quite sure if it's actually enough).

Yes I have read the info about tethering and yes I am currently using live view with good results but I find live view is only suitable for landscape and tripod access really. I am going to send it off to Pentax Italy today and see what they can come up with. Thanks for he help