K5 Sensor Issues...

Chris@SRSWATFORD · 2010-12-07T17:13:39+0000

Hi all, Sorry for not getting back to you all as quickly as I would have wanted. I have had lengthy conversations with Pentax UK once I was made away of the situation with some users experiencing sensor blobs/stains. I can assure you that out of the large number of K-5's sold, it is a small percentage of users that are affected - no consolation if you are one, but it's worth mentioning. We have taken a few telephone numbers and will be contacting you tomorrow. If you feel your K-5 has an issue with stains on the sensor, we will collect the camera from you free of charge. We will then assess the camera at this end, and if the sensor has the staining/blobs we will issue a replacement camera. We have low stocks of the camera at the moment so this might take a few days. The alternative is that, once we have checked the camera and found an issue, we will send the cameras to Johnsons Photopia, Pentax authorized repairers who will then either repair or replace the camera. Either way, we should be able to turn-around your camera within 7 days. If this leaves any of you without a camera, I am happy to lend a K-7 to keep you going! This is our initiative and has nothing to do with Pentax, and we will send the camera to you free of charge. We can arrange to do this when we collect your K-5. We have a limited number of cameras we can loan out, so to help us out I would kindly ask you to only request a camera if you have no alternative! It’s my boys 18th birthday today, so I am not going to be around this evening, but I will be happy to answer any questions either by PM or email in the morning. I think a few ‘medicinal’ drinks are in order… Please rest assured that we will sort this situation out for everyone. Chris

Pentax Digital SLRsPentax Digital SLRs

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Anvh Anvh

10412 posts
18 years
Dordrecht,
the Netherlands

Posted 10/05/2011 - 18:24 Link

Smeggypants wrote:

You mean successor

The K-7 was the K-5's predecessor.

Yeah.. wasn't really awake yet

Stefan

K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ

Smeggypants Smeggypants

7671 posts
17 years
Smegland

Posted 10/05/2011 - 20:27 Link

[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283

jwoodman jwoodman

28 posts
15 years

Posted 12/05/2011 - 15:19 Link

Been away for some time, surprised and disappointed to find this thread still active. I still want to buy a K-5, but given my location I don't want to get into hassles over returns if there is a problem. Is anybody in a position to offer an opinion on the current probability of getting a problem camera - less than 1%, 1-10%, greater than 10%? Thanks as always.:

Glover Glover

269 posts
16 years
Bristol

Posted 12/05/2011 - 15:38 Link

jwoodman wrote:
Been away for some time, surprised and disappointed to find this thread still active. I still want to buy a K-5, but given my location I don't want to get into hassles over returns if there is a problem. Is anybody in a position to offer an opinion on the current probability of getting a problem camera - less than 1%, 1-10%, greater than 10%? Thanks as always.:

Personally i would say there pretty much over the issue now, the old stock i think has gone and its all new stock coming out now

Pentax K-5
DA 18-55mm AL WR DAL 50-200mm Tamron 70-300mm, Auto Chinon 28mm 2.8. sigma 30mm 1.4 DC
Metz 48 af-1
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johnriley johnriley

24427 posts
24 years
Tyldesley,
Manchester

Posted 12/05/2011 - 16:07 Link

We bought two recently and both are fine.

Best regards, John

pdjones pdjones

2 posts
15 years

Posted 13/05/2011 - 13:32 Link

Bought my K5 in April from SRS and 100% satisfied - Serial Number 4******.
I asked about the sensor issues and was told they've been sorted and all 2011 cameras should be trouble free. Although Pentax haven't actually given a technical explanation of the problem I was informed that it was likely to have been a bonding issue of the protective screen to the sensor.

Peter.

Pentaxophile Pentaxophile

6794 posts
17 years
Nottingham

Posted 13/05/2011 - 13:38 Link

pdjones wrote:
I was informed that it was likely to have been a bonding issue of the protective screen to the sensor.

That sounds very plausible, and might explain how these spots appeared over time.

500px

Gwyn Gwyn

10344 posts
20 years
The Netherlands

Posted 13/05/2011 - 14:12 Link

I'm still keeping an eye on mine, since it isn't a 2011 model.
I'll be back in Bucks in September so I can always call in on Chris again then if any problems develop.
I shall have to leave the credit cards under lock and key though .

royd63uk royd63uk

1072 posts
18 years
Newport,
South Wales,U.k

Posted 13/05/2011 - 17:30 Link

Mine is a late 2010 model too, now at 1800 clicks and still o.k,so i will be watching mine as well.

regards
Roy

Pentax K3 gripped,and some lenses
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pentaxroy/

my pbase gallery

Still27 Still27

256 posts
18 years

Posted 17/05/2011 - 20:34 Link

I'm up to 1600 Shutter count now and still fine, it really is an amazing camera.

Bill
K5+Bigma+BushHawk Shoulderpod.
K5+16-50DA* + 10-17DA Fisheye + 50-135DA* + Sigma 70mm Macro + DA35 2.4..
Slik Pro 700DX tripod.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pixellie/

DaveN DaveN

237 posts
15 years
In the sky

Posted 18/05/2011 - 13:53 Link

Newbie here.

Just got my K5. The manufacture date is Nov 2010 with a serial number beginning 395 and firmware 1.01

Someone else mentioned I should have a low threshold fr returning the camera and it is an "older" model with possible stain sensor.

Can anyone put my mind to peace please.

Discovering the joys of photography with Pentax

royd63uk royd63uk

1072 posts
18 years
Newport,
South Wales,U.k

Posted 18/05/2011 - 13:57 Link

some cameras from around that date have problems most don't...
mine is around that date and at the moment have taken 1800 shots and no sign.
How long guarantee have you got

regards
Roy

Pentax K3 gripped,and some lenses
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pentaxroy/

my pbase gallery

DaveN DaveN

237 posts
15 years
In the sky

Posted 18/05/2011 - 14:01 Link

One year I think (bought from warehouse express)

Discovering the joys of photography with Pentax

Gwyn Gwyn

10344 posts
20 years
The Netherlands

Posted 18/05/2011 - 14:58 Link

I thought Warehouse Express were a Pro Centre? In which case you have 2 years.

My (second) K-5 is from the same period and so far it is fine - well over 3000 photos on it. I am keeping a close eye on it though.

DaveN DaveN

237 posts
15 years
In the sky

Posted 18/05/2011 - 16:01 Link

the chap from online chat said two years but was a bit unclear how you get 2 yrs? Need to register with Pentax ? How?

Discovering the joys of photography with Pentax