K5 Sensor Issues...

SORRY, I seem to got that one totally out of the context you made it to.

Agree, but TBH is that not Pentax fault for keeping quiet abut the issue and leave it to the roumer mills of the internet to come up with it?
Even shops like (dare I mention them ?) Curry's, Dixon or Jessops (as long as they sell Pentax obviously, but they where meant as an example!) could do a quick 'walk in' check to people who are unsure of what to do or just as part of their customer service (fat chance on that one :twisted.
I love my K-5 but cant wait till I have my one replaced. In this case the internet is in this case Pentax no favour on this issue and there are too many people with the 'wisdom' of knowing what the fault is.
A clear official statement from Pentax HQ would sort that one out but it seem that the powers there be keep rather quiet.

For everyone, assuming that it's a single batch perhaps or part of a batch. The only point I'm making is that the action taken will depend on the actual problem and its extent, all information that we are not privy to. I'm not suggesting concealing the issue.

For example, in a hypothetical scenario where we knew 200 cameras were involved and where they went, then the matter could be dealt with without a major issue. Or the appropriate serial numbers issued for a recall.

If it were a hypothetical 50% of the production then a recall might be considered an appropriate response.

Pentax are dealing with it and as faulty cameras will be replaced it shouldn't be a problem. Returning non-faluty cameras en-masse would probably be a logistical nightmare, so lets wait and see what transpires.

We can all see the dilemna manufacturers face when products are identified as possibly having a common fault. No doubt there are boardroom arguments between the marketing bods knowing the disadvantage of a tarnished image and the accountants fretting about recall costs. The recent Toyota brakes farce is a typical example but they eventually had to relent and recall. At least no-one is likely to die as the result of a blemished sensor but, just the same, it should not happen and a general recall to have cameras checked by the Pro Centres might ultimately be Pentax's wisest decision. In terms of Pentax's future, they simply can't afford disgruntled customers. They need to restore confidence in the K5 as being what it is - by far the best camera currently available at that price.

In these situations, from a customer perspective, it seems to make much more sense for manufacturers to make an official announcement as soon as they have established a cause/solution. Certainly this would reduce the concerns of any potential buyers (me being one for the K5) and not affect sales as severly as allowing the rumours to spread like this one has on the internet.
After reading a few posts on this issue myself there's no way I'm spending £1000+ on the K5 until the issue is resolved and officially explained.

Simon

I've been mulling over this issue for over a week now...almost as long as the decision to purchase the K5 in the first place!
"Go on...you want it" said my Dad, "What?? You've already got a camera?" said my wife!
Have to say, I generally agree with SmutjeUK...the marks on my sensor just won't go away, despite the numerous in-camera cleans and my efforts with a blower. Not done a wet clean...never done one before! The camera's barely out of the box and hasn't been out of the house as yet!
SRS tell me it's just 4% affected, but they've offered me a straight replacement, the moment stock is back in. They have been more than fair and complied with everything I've told them. All credit to them.
It certainly hasn't spoilt my opinion of the camera or Pentax...the indoor practice shots and particularly high ISO shots I've done so far have blown me away. I just love this camera and can't wait to use it on my walking holiday at New Year!

Well yes, I'd agree that a recall might be too extreme.

The thing is, from what I've read, the knee-jerk and rather contemptible reaction seems to have been to deny the existence of the problem.

It's all too common - I expect the vast majority of us have experienced the standard "fob-off" response from organisations from which we request some information.

It's not that I'm entirely unsympathetic - service departments must generally be deluged by George's nitwits, so I can understand them needing a first line of defence, if you like, beyond which people only get if they're a little bit knowledgeable and determined.

But you'd think Pentax would have one or two people that lurked (at least!) on forums, and were intelligent enough to distinguish between a minor and a major problem, and publish some decent quality information sharpish in either case.

As it is, the fob-off type response is simply not credible, and undermines confidence.

Exactly, and if Pentax are too stupid to realise that any obfuscation is going to hit them in their wallet, they deserve to lose out - much though it pains me to say it.

Absolutely!

Rapid response and good communication would have been the best method of damage limitation. Now, not only are 'K5 sensor problems' all over the Internet but also splashed across Amateur Photographer. Surely a statement from Pentax is overdue (other than we're looking into it).

Having spoken to my K5 retailer, he is following the same procedure as SRS which he says is the way he has been instructed by Pentax. He will collect my camera, send it to Johnsons for checking and if the sensor faults are verified a 'clean' replacement K5 will be sent from Belgium. He believes total turn-around should be less than a week. He has asked me to hang on to the present K5 until 4 Jan, which I am happy to do. Like Chris Harland, he is responding with the professionalism you would hope of a Pentax Pro Centre. Credit to them. BTW he said that Pentax has identified the source of the problem and all K5s now coming off the production line have clean sensors, which is good news for those who have delayed their purchase. Hold on - the K5 is definitely worth the wait!

Jim

I have to say I have not been that impressed with the Pentax pro centre from where I purchased my K-5. They have needed a little too much "encouragement" to sort the problem out and on two or three occasions asked that I send it directly to Johnsons rather than them.

The K5 has seemed a mouth-watering prospect since it was announced, but the sensor problem is a definite put-off. I would echo the sentiments voiced by Simon.

A shame. Presumably they cannot now count on your future custom. How short-sighted of them.

Sent from Belgium?
How odd. They use an distributor for Benelux, rather than having their own presence here.
Funny if mine goes from Belgium to Watford to the Netherlands. Pity we can't short circuit that.

What is needed is a simple way of distinguishing spots caused by dust or any other type of removable gunge from stains which originate in the glass protecting the sensor or somewhere under the glass. The "dust alert" function seems to be quite sensitve to fine particulate dust but does not show the stains. Would it be reasonable to expect any spots that persist after sensor cleaning resulting in a clear "dust alert" should be investigated either by the dealer or by Johnsons?

Presumably now that Pentax is aware of the problem they have improved quality control to prevent any more faulty sensors being used in the manufacture of new cameras so once the current stocks are exhausted the problem should disappear. As regards existing stock it should be possible for responsible dealers to check cameras before sale.

The simple way to tell dust from the other stains is read the
posts

The other forum now shows 55% faulty or 133 cameras

This is going to mess up the SH market for K-5's anyone buying
will need to carry out the sensor test before buying just in
case the original owner didn't know about the problem. Plus
are Pentax going to replace sensors on out of warranty cameras?

There was a big problem with Sony sensors in 2005 and (some small
Pentax cameras were also effected). Pentax issued a Notice
in Dec. 2005 link

For a while some cameras (possibly all)were fixed free of charge,
but it seems Sony refused to carry out repairs after Jan.
this year...... so don't ever buy a Sony camera

http://www.imaging-resource.com/badccds.html

Someone on this forum got a Dynax 7D repaired free last
January.

This is just one of several good reasons why Pentax needs to issue a formal statement ASAP. Perhaps that should also be by email or letter to every registered K5 purchaser? Canon dealt with it this way but however it is done Pentax have a responsibility to their K5 customers.