All Forum Comments
Comment by PeterKR posted on Could someone give me some advice please. at 10/09/2012 - 21:23
thoughton wrote:
Some Ricoh lenses have a rounded pin - these ones have always been fine on my K20D and K5. I've had 4 of these.
I believe it is the Ricoh lenses with a flat-ended pin that you have to watch out for. I've never actually seen one of this type.
I have just received a Sigma Mini Wide II with a P/KR mount, i.e. with the dreaded Ricoh Pin !Some Ricoh lenses have a rounded pin - these ones have always been fine on my K20D and K5. I've had 4 of these.
I believe it is the Ricoh lenses with a flat-ended pin that you have to watch out for. I've never actually seen one of this type.
However, I noted 3 things:-
1) that it is a small Rounded topped pin
2) that the pin only protrudes a VERY small distance above the mount, and
3) it only requires EXTREMELY light force to push it back.
The combination of these gave me confidence to fit it onto my K-r and when I then tried to remove it there was absolutely NO restistance and you wouldn't have known the pin was there !
I then tried fitting and removing the lens again with the same result - OK !
Hopefully this situation will remain.
Peter
Comment by PeterKR posted on Warning about Ricoh Lenses, at 10/09/2012 - 20:59
Perhaps we should start a Skoda/Pentax club !
(Or should that be a Pentax/Skoda club ?)
I got my K-r for the same reasons I got the vRS -
After extensive research I deduced :-
nothing comes near on the price/performance ratings
So far I've been extremely happy with both.
Peter
(Or should that be a Pentax/Skoda club ?)
I got my K-r for the same reasons I got the vRS -
After extensive research I deduced :-
nothing comes near on the price/performance ratings
So far I've been extremely happy with both.
Peter
Comment by PeterKR posted on Am I (we) deluding ourselves? at 03/09/2012 - 10:41
Algernon wrote:
You can mask off the rear of the lens with just masking tape.
Anywhere there are gaps that you can't get masking tape just
seal with pieces of thick string/twine pushed in and carefully
removed afterwards.
You will need a Dremel to cut the metal off.
This will work but you might get adhesive from the masking tape stuck to the rear element.You can mask off the rear of the lens with just masking tape.
Anywhere there are gaps that you can't get masking tape just
seal with pieces of thick string/twine pushed in and carefully
removed afterwards.
You will need a Dremel to cut the metal off.
If you can cut a card ring as I suggested there is no problem.
Also, if you don't have a Dremel there's no need to pay out for one. A cheap set of needle files from Screwfix or Toolstation will do the job.
Firstly mark the flange area to be removed with a soft pencil or scriber (sharp point)
Select a file that is a very narrow triangular shape and it can be used to saw down, making a narrow 'V' slot.
Then use it sideways to cut a groove around the flange and you'll find the unwanted bit snaps off easily.
Then just 'RASE',(Remove All Sharp Edges) as they used to say on engineering drawings.
Good luck
Peter
Comment by PeterKR posted on How to fitting VIVITAR 28-200mm f3.5/5.3 MC MACRO PK/PK-A Lens to Pentax K-r? at 02/09/2012 - 12:14
Charlotte wrote:
Hi Peter,
The camera is virtually unusable at the moment - the batteries are inserted correctly and the camera is set on Battery type auto.
The mirror keeps jamming up, continually 'flipping' or sticking so I end up with either a long exposure when I've chosen a fast 'shutter speed' or not taking a photo at all.
I've reset to factory setting, updated the firmware, cleaned all the contacts and everything else that has been suggested on here and from what I've read online.
I got an AA adapter because there is a lot of talk about the problem being caused due to the battery set up on the k-r and things seemed to work OK for a while and now it's gone loopy again. So I thought maybe I could solve the problem by working out if it's to do with the battery voltage. My experiments today seem to suggest it's not though.
Unfortunately I bought the camera from Amazon and the twelve month warranty has run out, so I was hoping it was something I could sort out myself as I can't afford a hefty repair bill.
This seems to be a fairly common problem looking on the web, I think I'm going to have to have a word with Pentax and see what they say.
I will try as Karlo has suggested and get some disposable batteries in the meantime and see if that makes any difference.
I don't know what else to do really, 'tis all rather depressing, I'm suffering from with drawel symptoms.
Thanks everyone,
Charlotte
Hi CharlotteHi Peter,
The camera is virtually unusable at the moment - the batteries are inserted correctly and the camera is set on Battery type auto.
The mirror keeps jamming up, continually 'flipping' or sticking so I end up with either a long exposure when I've chosen a fast 'shutter speed' or not taking a photo at all.
I've reset to factory setting, updated the firmware, cleaned all the contacts and everything else that has been suggested on here and from what I've read online.
I got an AA adapter because there is a lot of talk about the problem being caused due to the battery set up on the k-r and things seemed to work OK for a while and now it's gone loopy again. So I thought maybe I could solve the problem by working out if it's to do with the battery voltage. My experiments today seem to suggest it's not though.
Unfortunately I bought the camera from Amazon and the twelve month warranty has run out, so I was hoping it was something I could sort out myself as I can't afford a hefty repair bill.
This seems to be a fairly common problem looking on the web, I think I'm going to have to have a word with Pentax and see what they say.
I will try as Karlo has suggested and get some disposable batteries in the meantime and see if that makes any difference.
I don't know what else to do really, 'tis all rather depressing, I'm suffering from with drawel symptoms.
Thanks everyone,
Charlotte
I'm very sorry to hear about the full nature of your problem, and now you've got ME worried as my K-r is 10 months old !
However, lets go back to when you first noticed a problem !
Remember, the camera was supplied with a Lion battery and should always work with that (if fully charged).
The first rule of troubleshooting is
"What is the last thing I did before the problem appeared ?"
Did you change a lens and perhaps some dirt got in ?
Silly question, but has the mode dial got moved accidentally and is not 'clicked' onto a proper position - it is easily done - I've done it myself !
Have you tried the 'Sensor Cleaning' procedure (p315 in the Manual) ?
Giving this shake may help ?
Meanwhile, your idea of getting some disposable AA's is quite a good one.
If I get any other ideas I'll post them here.
Also, I was under the impression that regardless of what the seller says the EU states that all goods should be warranteed for TWO YEARS ! - Check it out !
Best wishes
Peter
Comment by PeterKR posted on Do you have a k-r with an AA adapter? at 02/09/2012 - 10:20
I had a similar problem with an old P/KA mount lens which also had the extended flange.
If you are careful you do NOT need to dismatle the lens to fix it !
I made a circular seal from thick card to stop filings getting into the optics.
Just cut a small circle (which you estimate to be a little bigger than the rear element) from paper then try it for size.
Once you have the right size cut a very slightly bigger circle from thick card and 'roll' the edges to soften them. You will then find you can push the seal over the rear element to make an effectice dust seal.
I then cut the flange to match a Pentax DAL lens. I used a thin needle file like a small saw, first downwards then along the side to weaken it and it then snapped off easily. Then simply smooth off the edges with the needle file.
Carefully remove ALL of the swarf and THEN remove the card seal (pick it out with a small spike, pin or needle)- job done !
Good luck
Peter
If you are careful you do NOT need to dismatle the lens to fix it !
I made a circular seal from thick card to stop filings getting into the optics.
Just cut a small circle (which you estimate to be a little bigger than the rear element) from paper then try it for size.
Once you have the right size cut a very slightly bigger circle from thick card and 'roll' the edges to soften them. You will then find you can push the seal over the rear element to make an effectice dust seal.
I then cut the flange to match a Pentax DAL lens. I used a thin needle file like a small saw, first downwards then along the side to weaken it and it then snapped off easily. Then simply smooth off the edges with the needle file.
Carefully remove ALL of the swarf and THEN remove the card seal (pick it out with a small spike, pin or needle)- job done !
Good luck
Peter
Comment by PeterKR posted on How to fitting VIVITAR 28-200mm f3.5/5.3 MC MACRO PK/PK-A Lens to Pentax K-r? at 01/09/2012 - 21:43
parigby wrote:
FA 28 - 70
I agree that that is a useful general use range.FA 28 - 70
However, since I couldn't afford the FA 28-70 I find my Sigma 28-70 AF Epsilon (very low cost off ebay) is now my 'carry around' lens.
Peter
Comment by PeterKR posted on If you could only take one lens.. at 01/09/2012 - 21:31
Hi Charlotte
Stop worrying about the voltage - it's irrelevant !
All that IS important is that you insert them correctly as indicated by the little marks moulded onto the holder (They are in series by the way)
The K-r is designed to take either the Lion battery or AA's with the holder.
Check the camera MENU and you will find a setting for BATTERY TYPE and select AUTO. It then doesn't matter whether you have the Lion or the AA's - all that matters is that they are charged.
Like another of your respondants I also use hybrid rechargeables, in my case UNIROSS Hybrio, and they are PERFECT !
So stop worrying and just keep taking those lovely photos !
Best wishes
Peter
Stop worrying about the voltage - it's irrelevant !
All that IS important is that you insert them correctly as indicated by the little marks moulded onto the holder (They are in series by the way)
The K-r is designed to take either the Lion battery or AA's with the holder.
Check the camera MENU and you will find a setting for BATTERY TYPE and select AUTO. It then doesn't matter whether you have the Lion or the AA's - all that matters is that they are charged.
Like another of your respondants I also use hybrid rechargeables, in my case UNIROSS Hybrio, and they are PERFECT !
So stop worrying and just keep taking those lovely photos !
Best wishes
Peter
Comment by PeterKR posted on Do you have a k-r with an AA adapter? at 01/09/2012 - 21:23
I'm a very cautious type and always carry a spare battery so as soon as I got my K-r I got a low price compatible battery from Amazon and it's been perfect.
Later, someone on this Forum told me he got an AA battery holder for the K-r from China for around £4. I also got one of these and again it's perfect and I use it with hybrid rechargeables. It also means that if ever I'm out and the rechargeables (or the Lion which I also carry) run out I can always buy some AA's anywhere.
Peter
Later, someone on this Forum told me he got an AA battery holder for the K-r from China for around £4. I also got one of these and again it's perfect and I use it with hybrid rechargeables. It also means that if ever I'm out and the rechargeables (or the Lion which I also carry) run out I can always buy some AA's anywhere.
Peter
Comment by PeterKR posted on Need another battery at 01/09/2012 - 21:13
Just remembered - Douglas Adams knew the answer all along.
Bearing in mind that the 'standard' lens on 35mm was a 50mm, the answer to the ultimate question for an APSC dslr is obviously '42' (mm) !!!
Peter:
Bearing in mind that the 'standard' lens on 35mm was a 50mm, the answer to the ultimate question for an APSC dslr is obviously '42' (mm) !!!
Peter:
Comment by PeterKR posted on If you could only take one lens.. at 20/08/2012 - 09:57
Since I also have a K-r (albeit bought October 2011) I am anxious to see how this problems progresses.
However, forever the optimist (and also an engineer) I never stop looking for different reasons for problems to occur.
Whilst there are many reports on the web of similar symptoms to yours this might not neccessarily mean the causes are the same ? It is worth exploring all possibilities before giving up !
I had a look on the USA Pentax Forum and found the following posting
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-r/195457-mirror-flop-issue.html
Two issues come up here :-
1) Are you only having problems with one particular lens - there is a suggestion that a bent aperture lever can cause problems and
2) There is a suggested 'Cure'
These might be totally irrelevant to your problem but it is worth a look ?
Item 1) might explain why some people have said that a stronger battery helps !
Good luck
Peter