Poor Image Quality with My K20D

Steve, did you not try the AF Adjustment via the Custom menu? Could've saved you a lot of hassle.

I've had two K20Ds in a row from SRS that needed -10 adjustment with most of my lenses. The first one I returned because I thought that amount of error was unacceptable. The second was exactly the same, but I've decided to live with, and actually I'm now quite happy with it.

What's the easiest way to check for front/back focus ?

Jason

Use these focus chartslink

They are free (on right hand side)in link

With a K20D, easy and more reliable than using a chart at 45 degrees, is to simply take a shot of a flat subject, and repeat with some AF adjustment dialed in via the Custom menu, and compare shots to see which is sharpest. Repeat with different adjustments until the best is reached.

Shoot subjects with a reasonable amount of light and contrast at typical distances. Use a single AF point (Centre or Selecect), not Auto.

Repeat the whole test to verify with different subjects at different distances.

Really sorry to read about your problems Pothers. Hope you finally get it sorted this time...

Tel, Not sure yet if I would swap brands, I think I would be very tempted if I get another body thats not up to the required standards. The big problem is which one ??
Really dont like the quality of canon & sony and nikons quite a bit more expensive. That really only leaves olympus and their not cheap.

Pete, I did do several focus tests using the test charts and It was just about spot on. Plus Pentax said they had checked the focus when they renewed the main board assembly.The thing is in my last lot of tests nothing is sharp, if it was the focus out of adjustment then something would be.

I'm not convinced that something would necessarily be sharp in your images if the focus was out of adjustment (depends on what you were trying to focus on, amongst other things), and it doesn't make sense that your chart tests were spot on while nearly all your real-world shots are no good.

Your testing methods are not helping to identify the problem, so why not try some different methods, like the one I suggested, for example?

Though unlikely things do happen, to me it seems likely that the problem is to do with focusing and unlikely to be to do with anything else.

Got a letter today from Pentax for my K20D focus issue,(forgot to put the bill of sale in)that's sorted over the phone now.

The letter said the camera require's new focus 'mech' and SR unit at a cost of £138.74 + VAT..SOooo pleased it's under a 2 year warranty BUT won't be back till around the 15th/16th April
So at least I know it was the camera and not me

I got another "new" K20D in the post today, a turn around of 5 days including the weekend.
Sounds good doesn't it. Until you see the images this so called new camera chucks out




The shutter count is 880, so not actually new. Also, once again the time and date were already set with a location of Copenhagan.

I will be contacting Devon camera in the morning to see about getting my money back. The only problem now is the serial number is different from on the invoice. I did email them on Tuesday to let know I may require a refund, so hopefully they will have some answers for me.

I also still have had no refund for the postage cost, £36 todate and more importantly there was no letter of apology. This really is unexceptable service.

Tel, At least they've written to you to let you know whats happening. I hope you get your K20D back and working ok. Even if it takes a bit longer than you expected.

what a bunch of ossers, steve feel gutted for you its beyond a joke now, what you thinking of geting instead,:

Thanks Scott, I really dont know what to get. I was just hoping that Pentax were going to sort it out and give me a new camera, that works like most seem to.

I have been having a look but for the money I will have to take a backward step to get anything else, especially now that the prices have gone up with most brands

you thought about just getting a new k20 from the shop, i just cant believe how badly you have been treated, if i have a fault in the first year with anything i always go to the retailer first as its there problem and they have to sort it,thats law,

Yes I have thought about it,just not sure if Pentax deserve my money anymore. I'll see what Devon camera say tomorrow.

My wife said she knows what I could spend the money on though... Better hurry up and make my mind up...

steve i see where your coming from, and i can understand your very pi**esd off with how you have been treated, and so would i, but sometimes you gotta just cut your nose of to spite your face(i think thats the saying) i changed to sony from pentax (vow what a mistake that was and a dear lesson well learnt),

Steve,

If you haven't lost faith in the Pentax brand -a refund from Devon Camera and a new body from SRS (complete peace of mind re: customer service) might be the way to go.