[Richard Day]

Originally Posted by NaClH2O

I'm with you racin, I have absolutely NO desire to mess with any of that stuff. Sometimes it's good to know there are professionals out there that I can pay to take those kinds of steps.

NaCl(and yes, I'm one of those guys who isn't afraid to ask for directions either)H2O

Wise and sensible move!

I've just had some info through from my Pentax contacts, interpreted from Japanese English.

From what is said, it is clear that " ... users who access the debug mode are treading on somewhat thin ice".


While there still isn't any official word from the Customer Service section, who are in best position to comment on the warranty invalidation issue, the engineer is saying "... that because of the variables when adjusting front and back focus, it would be quite easy to upset the focus in other areas, like other lenses and other colour temperatures..."


Quote: "If it works for a user, then fine. However there are big risks!"

My thoughts:

It is pretty obvious that the AF settings are done to cover a nominal setting which will be "reasonably accurate" for most lenses and each camera is probably set up in the factory with a "control" lens that is in the middle of all the tolerance parameters.

The only reason for deviation from the norm will be due to poor QC control, or tolerance shifts after set-up due to shipping damage or faulty components. It is a well know fact that shipping by air in de-pressurised and unheated cargo holds can cause damage to sensitive electro-mechanical parts. Most air shipments today are made in temp controlled pressurised holds, but not all.

However, resetting the front and back focus for a lens that could be at one end of tolerances and at a "out of norm" colour temperature, could cause manifest problems overall, so great, even extreme, care should be exercised if you are prepared to undertake it. Take a note of all the settings "before" adjustment so it can be reset in the event of trouble. - May the force be with you!

I suspect that it is possible that future firmware upgrades will not have the debug mode accessable, Pentax Service centres will have a separate service firmware patch that will enable resetting adjustments to be made by service centres only.