Whoops. Link is
http://media.pentax.de/downloads/photo/de/17531/Fragen%20und%20Antworten.pdf


Hope your camera is ok - I hate this sort of thing. Then again, of all the companies I am sure Pentax is the one that would resolve without hesitiation - a good sign in my book that they admit to it.

Re-reading, as always on forums - I hope that post does not come across the wrong way... I'm not trolling, and pretty disappointed to hear of the sensor problems as I usually use cameras in very hot countries.
I was set on a K7, however suspect of new models (teething problems) and then this!

Strange comments from a lot of you considering Pentax themselves have released a PDF stating that all K7's suffer from a greenline when the CCD gets "hot" (27 degrees seems to be the temp to bring it on). Video or live view is intensive on the camera, so brings it out. As does very hot weather I guess!

Pentax really dropped a clanger with this one. When they should be trying to trump the other brands at a price point, they over-charged and under-tested.

Just IMHO of course.

The quote:

----------------------------

They have now issued a statement in their FAQ section, found here:
link
(it is the last question & answer, in German language)


For your conveniene, I provide my manual translation here:

Originally Posted by Pentax Europe GmbH

Q: After I used video or live view for an extended period of time, and subsequently take still images, I'll find a bright stripe in the middle of the image.

A: We are aware of the issue. The reason is sensor heat. Both, live view and video cause stress for the sensor (German: "setzen den Sensor dauerhaft unter Spannung") which produces heat. Morever, ambient conditions like summer sun may produce extensive heat on the sensor.
If now a still image is shot after a correspondingly extensive use and matching ambient temperatures, then thermal noise across the center of the image may emerge. The next step of the camera would be the automatic shut-off.
The "noise stripe" will disappear after the cool down of the sensor.

Treat the camera (implying the sensor) the same as you would treat film: "store cool and dry".

Do you think you'll get it by then?

Found this for £1249 tiwn lens kit link

With the current madness of UK motorcycles being bought by Europeans I would have thought that camera's would be similar - for a change cheaper in the UK with the low pound and high Euro?

Ah - so the current prices are already at the "new" level? Makes sense I guess.

Just wondering about pre-ordered K7's, and the price rises that are currently happening.
There were two options of ordering the K7 - sites that charge you for the whole thing right now, versus sites that just take a small deposit, then charge you when you pick it up.
The cheapest (average really) deal that I saw for payment in full upfront was £1298 for both the 18-55 and 50-200 WR kit lenses. Also threw in a wee tripod, 4GB SD card, and a bag.

I went the "pay a small deposit" route, and with a site that does not list the full price, just "it will be our competitive price". Do you think that it'd be a similar price to those listed now, or will the gloves be off and charges whatever market currently is when the camera actually arrives?

That'd be a "yes" to that one then...

SRS have not confirmed their prices yet?
I've seen other sites, and guessing that they will be compariable. Using them as in general they are clearly highly recommended on this forum.

At last things for me are becoming clearer of what I should do. Posting about it has helped me really start thinking about the type of shooting I do, and the frequency of "each type". Not to mention the great advice from all the comments!

What's clear to me now is that I need as a base lens the Tamron 18-250, as most of my shots, even alpine and mountain biking ones are using a lot of zoom ranges. Same deal with travel - a "walk about lens" with a bit extra length to it for my other hobbies.

The WR lenses are still appealing, but they are not worth that much even if at full retail and not at kit-prices, and while it'd be cool to have the sealed lens I have concluded that I just don't need them. Maybe just the base 18-55 for a really light "around town" lens, but depending on the cost/deal I get on the Tamron 18-250... The big factor/realisation here for me was that WR is handy in the Alps, however in the Alps it is very often too dangerous to swap lenses, and while swapping them over is the very time that "WR" has a bit of a flaw!

For SA (which is not my typical shooting conditions/subject!) I'll look out for a second hand Sigma 150-500 or something, worse case a mirror lens. One of my walking poles has a mount as a monopod.

To all - many thanks, you have helped a LOT

Ah, the great information. Many thanks all for responding. It's really helping me make the decisions bit by bit.

For Safari then I plan to buy an old-model (second hand) "A" lens that has a xx-500 zoom.

The main lenses I am still torn between 18-55WR and 50-200WR kit lenses (which make sense given my hobbies, and they are light). Then after a while as I get to know the camera start buying some primes that I tend to favour in the zoom range.

Or, a not-so-superzoom that does not have too many compromises.

it's a pity that Pentax DA* are not a little more encompassing in their zoom range. A 18 to 120 DA* would be wonderful.