New 'K3' Dust Alert Function and sensor cleaning

I gave my new K3 a 'workout' this weekend in the Lakes and sadly detected a 'smudge' on all photos regardless of lens fitted so suspect Sensor Dust.

I have since discovered that the Sensor Cleansing option was not activated so used that a few times. I tried the Dust Alert function and this showed up some specs and did this a few times but not removed the problem.

I have emailed SMS to see if they can look at it as it is only a month old and first time it has really been used and waiting on their response.

I also tried the Pixel Mapping option whilst I was in this screen which 'did it's thing'. The odd thing is that the 'Dust Alert' function is now 'greyed out' and not selectable. Any clues why?

Have you tried a rocket blower as the dust removal function sometimes needs a bit of help?

Well the good news is that SMS responded almost immediately and offered to collect and return the camera for free (even though it was outside of the Pentax 28 day return.

BUT I though I would try a rocket brush and seems to have moved the mark but now I have splattered loads of smaller 'debris'!!

I will let SMS take care of it and see what the result is....gulp!

UPDATE - SMS say they will look at it.... what a service!

Never heard of SMS

SRS Microsystems ... Sorry..

Regarding the dust alert feature, certainly on the K7 it only works with a DA autofocus lens attached. It is greyed out with a manual focus or non DA lens.

Ah ha!

OR.... a DA* Lens set to 'Manual Focus'

Anyone answer the fact that the 'Dust Removal' feature does not appear to work on 'Shutdown Action' option.

Not sure, but on the K7 it is on 'STARTup' action, ie upon switching on the camera. AF should be selected on the camera (I think the lens has to be able to focus itself for the dust the register.)

You mention sensor cleaning, which is of course a different process to dust removal in the camera. The dust removal feature is a little like house-keeping, just a regular chore to stop dust building up too much .... The marks you mention would not be removed by dust removal action I fear.

I don't have a k3, but you mentioned the' sensor cleaning' option not being activated ... Did you just mean the dust removal, or is there another sensor cleaning auto feature on the K3? Certainly on the earlier models sensor cleaning is a manual user performed (or service centre) function.

You are right.. the action I was describing is in fact 'Dust Removal'. There are two options - 'Startup Action' and 'Shutdown Action' it appears that although I have selected the later it appears to work the same as the former. (Only works on Start Up).

Rocket blower always seems like cleaning your house with a leaf blower.
Just blows it around into other critical areas and loosens harmless dust in the crevices.

Yep...doesn't help when you then realise the blower is a bit 'tired' and probably perishing.!!! Ahh!

While we're on the topic, I noticed that the sensor clean option which uses the SR to shake the sensor, on my new K3 makes no noise at all. On my old K200D the vibration could be clearly heard and felt.

Is this normal?

The K-3 process is ultrasonic, so we won't hear anything. It's quite normal.

So want is the vibration that happens on start up?