Well good luck. I've been researching the other forum. I found another user who also had a 3965xxxx camera manufactured a couple of days after mine and his developed stains after 1,000 shots. His was replaced by Pentax. Mine I think has developed them after rather more: 4,500 at a guess.

There seems to be talk of a statement by Pentax that cameras manufactured after week 50 2010 (13th December) are guaranteed OK. I haven't found that statement yet and I don't know what the change in the manufacturing process (components or procedure) might have been.

Assuming the photome data is correct then clearly the serial numbers are not sequential so it might be advisable to check the date and for pre-13th Decemberers to periodically photograph a blank wall.

Manufacture date = 7th December 2010.

Serial 3965xxx

How can I tell?

Red Nose Day

This is from my replacement K5:

Real world shot:




Spots detail:




These were the spots that cleaning couldn't shift and I only noticed them after recent cleaning once the other dust spots had gone. I took a pre cleaning image and these spots were there and on close examination look quite different to all the other dust spots present which were subsequently removed. They look exactly like the stains on my first K5 and those reported by other users. I am 99.999999999999999999999% sure that these stains were not initially present and therefore have also since developed. In addition to the above cases I have read the various forums and blogs and it seems there are a number of cases where the stains also appear after time.

Was a cause established after the initial problem? If we knew the cause then we either assess the possibility of a reocurrence or conclude that is something different. I have something too which I'll post later.

Finally did it. I used the visible dust swabs and fluid recommended by Chris at SRS. The first bottle of fluid was confiscated at the airport as it wasn't in a clear plastic bag (eh??) so I had another sent by post to France.

Quite a nervewracking experience but the Dutch courage helped. It took a few goes to get the swipe right and there remain a few stubborn marks, but they won't be a problem at normal shooting apertures. I found that you have to use fairly firm pressure otherwise it goes a bit smeary, although the sensor was pretty mucky to start off with. The fluid was very effective as I'm sure this was muck rather than just dust. I hope that I don't have to do it too often though. At f32:

Before:




After (eventually):

Here are a few of my favourite recent rejections:

This one I quite liked but didn't think it stood much of a chance:




This one I thought did stand a chance:




This one I liked the idea of but the execution left a bit to be desired. However a reshoot was not possible so I submitted it anyway:




Your favourite rejections?

From the French jury, Poteau Pourri, douze points.

Well done Georgie. Thanks JudithAnn for the judging and the excellent theme - some really good shots in there.