K5 Sensor Issues...

Serial number doesn't mean anything.

Silly question: where do you get the shutter counts from? from teh camera itself or from PhotoMe or so? Even places like SRS make mistakes some time, so it's possible there was a return and someone tested it like it was new stock because it was placed on the wrong pile in the stockroom.

Bret

Hi Chris,

I am very sorry to hear of this and can understand that you are upset but I feel I must respond to this in the 'public domain'

All of our stock was brand new from Pentax UK. We have never had any refurbished models and as you say the shutter count was 0 and the sensor was clean. Shutter counts can't be reset and I resent the suggestion that we would sell a refurbished camera as new. This is absolutely not the case and to suggest that it is, is quite wrong and misleading.

As I am sure you are aware, there were many delivery & collection issues before Christmas due to the weather which is beyond our control.

We have got fresh stock on the way and we will sort out a collection and replacement as soon as they arrive.

Feel free to send me a PM or give me a call if you wish to discuss this further.

Chris

I'm annoyed with SRS too.

I ordered a lens last weekend via the website and the response was 'out of stock, delivery after 10th Jan'. This was good because I would be at home alone next week and it could be sneaked in. But now I am told it will be here tomorrow so I shall have to make up an excuse quick.

More seriously, I picked up my replacement K5 on 31st December and it has a 39 serial number and obviously brand new. I was doubly pleased because my first purchase (kit with 18-135mm) was in a wrong box due to SRS trying to be helpful by getting the camera to me before the lens was available - but now I have the correct box.

I've not thoroughly tested the new unit yet; apart from the blobs it didn't work properly when cold (below 5 C) so it has to go in the fridge for an hour or two!

There is something different about the new one. When reviewing images they appear and then subtly resize themselves which causes a distracting movement on the screen. I'm sure the original unit didn't do that. Maybe I have too many options switched on this time.

All fairly trivial perhaps but I wanted to say SRS could not have given better service to me since I became a new customer only three months ago.

I decided to convert my sister to Pentax and to that end ordered her an Optio I-10 for Christmas - ordered from SRS on 04/01/11 at midday and despatched to Jersey CI at about 4-00pm same day - simples - and very good service with an excellent price for the bundle....................these people are GOOD

Tony

They are very good... although I do like the idea that suppliers only send out the units in order of serial number, carefully ticking off each one before they are despatched!

And has anyone noticed that the pre-VAT increase prices have been held?

I've only ever received superlative service from Chris at SRS. This forum and its members have also done very well out of a special relationship that has eveloved.

Thank you Chris!

Great news for me today. Had an email from Pentax France's head of service apologising profusely for the sensor problem, and the Christmas hols delay. They have ordered a replacement and it should be in the mail to me by the end of the week. Huzzah!

Although postie sometimes being a bit tardy I'll have a little bit more of a wait I suppose.

Absolutely John and I also have only previously received extraordinary service from them! (I have personally emailed them to thank them for their service)....
However, the point I was making (I apologise it was a little strong, but I can't seem to edit it), was that after waiting 3 weeks for a replacement, I received a new body which was set up differently to my first purchase and once in use had a very annoying electrical problem which spoilt my enjoyment of it. I was also on an expensive short holiday break at the time, so could do nothing about it!
I don't personally know anyone with another K-5 to compare against, so I use the several threads on this forum to ascertain the other known issues and the serial numbers, which is why I questioned it. I don't for one minute believe Pentax release the cameras in numerical serial order, but I was only following the experiences of my fellow K-5 purchasers on here and reading their facts!
I also don't believe that SRS would send out 'refurbished' models as replacements.
Anyway, I have exchanged messages with Chris and the matter is being resolved. I sincerely hope that the new camera is fully functioning, as all of the the shots I did get whilst I was away are a huge improvement over what I used to achieve with the K10. The metering, sensitivity and dynamic range of this little beauty really is extraordinary!

That's great news Howard. I hope you get your new camera soon.

Now for poor Mike-P to get news of his missing camera and we'll have mostly satisfied K-5 users again .

Crikey - Stop Press !!!

The Optio has been delivered to my sister in Jersey ALREADY !! Unheard of and quite astonishing - I was texted by her at 14-06 which is just over 24 hours after ordering online....................................I just wish I could afford a K5 !!!!!!!!!!!!

Many thanks guys and gals at SRS


Tony

Not by a Royal Mail service presumably. My lens despatched at the same time, has taken close to 48 hours to get to a RM depot just south of the Thames and I'm still sitting around waiting for it. Maybe their Express24 service should be renamed Express72.

This is in no way a criticism of SRS, they did their bit perfectly well, as usual the industrial dinosaur which is the British Post Office has let the side down again.

I received a DSLR body from SRS.

Service was superb. Had a chat with Chris prior to giving up a card number.

Top service, great price and could not recommend them more highly.

Best regards

Got my replacement K5 from Pentax France this morning. Everything OK so far !

Was it a K-5? What day did you order it?

From a previous post I think it may have been a D7000