Sensor scratch!!

Hi.
I left my k-5 for sensor cleaning because of the dust I posted before here.
The shop could not get rid of it and they think it could be a scratch.
I bought it on ebay and I took the test photo on the second day or third day after I received the camera.

My first question is if it is not a scratch, is the warranty transferrable to the secondhand buyer?
If it is a scratch, how can I claim refund since it has passed a month during checking this dust problem.

I really hope this is not a scratch.
I could see a white hair like mark on the sensor. Could it be a stain?
Thanks for your reply.

I think you get 45 days to lodge a SNAD on eBay. Leave it to the seller to sort. Get your next from a shop like SRS.

pages.ebay.com/help/buy/item-not-received.html

I see a problem in that how can you make a complaint without actually knowing what the fault is? "It might be a scratch" isn't very strong and the shop who cleaned it could have scratched it themselves anyway. I think you need to know that it actually is a scratch and then decide whether or not it was part of the description and the overall deal.

Then there's the question of how long it is since the purchase and also was it a private or business seller.

You could send it to Pentax's approved repair house (JP Solutions), details are on www.pentax.co.uk and ask for a warranty repair. It isn't 2 years since the K-5 appeared so iot could well be under warranty. At least they will tell you definitively what the fault is.

Thanks for your reply.
Then, 45 days return period will be over.
I bought it on 29 May.

I am sure the shop did not do it because when I first took it to the shop I saw it there.
Thanks.

38 days since May 29.

If the mark was there when you got it and you can not definitively find out what it is and its a significant fault I'd be very very tempted to let the seller resolve the issue.

There is no impact on a SNAD of the seller being a private or a business as it doesn't rely on any trading laws. It's an ebay/papal thang to give buyers confidence they have protection from hokey kit.

It will cost time and money to identify and resolve and forensically there may be no conclusion as to where it came from.

If it was there from your first pics I'd look long and hard at SNAD. It isn't so important what it is. sensors in DSLRs should be blemish free. (even Pentax)

If you can see a mark on the sensor, and you can't remove it by any normally accepted means, it's probably a scratch. Dust particles that look awful in images are near invisible on the sensor to the naked eye.

How does the scratch manifest itself in photos taken? I presume this is a separate issue to the dust spot which you talked about on a previous thread.

Hi.
It is the same spot I was consulting here.
The spot turned out to be a possible scratch.
I need a thorough check for it.
Thanks.

I also informed the seller and he seemed very upset about it.
He already contacted ebay and says they think it is my fault and he will not refund.
It looks quite messy.
I may need to pay for the repair.
I just want the camera working o.k.
I like the camera and the picture quality.
It is not going well.
Thanks.

I wouldn't take his word for it. In my experience contacting ebay and getting a non-automated reply takes much longer than 1 day, so I would confirm it myself if I were you.

If it goes to eBay deciding you'll presumably need some evidence to counteract the long delay before raising the issue and of course the seller may well claim user damage.

I mentioned the time before, in the context that business sellers must accept returns within 14 days, whereas private sellers don't have the same stricture.

Have you explored the possibility of a warranty repair yet? A long shot if it is physical damage.

Of course they will say the issue is your fault.

If the issue was there from your first images which, hopefully you will still have, then it should be a matter if sticking to your guns.

Follow the process. If the seller doesn't resolve you can proceed to the full SNAD process and leave it to ebay to decide. Follow the process to the letter and if they decide in your favour send the item tracked by an insured, recognised service to make sure it doesn't get lost or damaged in transit!!!!!

The main fact being the issue was there from the first test you made. I'd not bother with all the too and fro as it will complicate the matter.

You could always accept a partial refund if you want.

The reason you have 45 days to open a SNAD I guess is just for this kind of issue, something you expect to be perfect isn't and the fault doesn't become apparent immediately.

Hi.
Thanks for your replies.
I will send it to JP ltd today and see what they say.
I may need to inform ebay this issue to save some time not to go over 45 days period considering the advise given above.
I really hope it is a sensor stain or dust.
This is a lovely camera and I want to keep it.
Thanks.

Hi.
I sent the camera in to JP last Thursday.
I hope things go well and get the camera back sound and working well.
I will give more details when I get it back.
Thanks.

Hi.
I phoned JP repair centre today and heard that the spot was a sensor stain.
I spent around 60 pounds to find out what it was.
However, I am getting a new camera. They are sending it to me tomorrow and I will receive it on Thursday.
Huge relief and very pleased with the service and the result.
Thanks for all your advice and support.