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07-17-2011, 04:02 PM   #1
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How bad is to change lens while K5's power is on

hey guys im keep forgetting to switch off the K5 while changing lens.so wondering is this bad for the camera/lens

thanks

07-17-2011, 04:16 PM   #2
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I do it all the time. Never had a problem
07-17-2011, 04:19 PM   #3
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Yes. Most of the time there will be no problem. However, you are removing an electrically hot connection between the lens and camera. That increases the possibility of a voltage spike across the contacts. The spike is probably small but the potential for damage is real. It's somewhat similar to removing an external drive from your computer without first ejecting it. Generally you will be fine, but I have fried a memory card doing that.
07-17-2011, 05:42 PM   #4
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I too have done it hundreds of times with my K10/K20/K5. Highly unlikely I would shut off the camera in the middle of a shoot.

As to damaging a memory card by removing lenses, that would be one heck of a path for a surge to travel. I'd think a voltage regulator/surge protection mechanism of some kind would protect from such a thing, particularly considering it's possible to zap the body on a very dry day, particularly when swapping lenses or replacing cards.

07-17-2011, 05:49 PM   #5
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I try to remember to switch off the body before changing lenses, but in practice I've probably forgotten to do so at least a hundred times and have never had a problem.
07-17-2011, 07:06 PM   #6
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A charged sensor may attract dust, but I doubt it will physically harm the camera.
07-17-2011, 08:34 PM   #7
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I have only heard about it attracting dust. On that score I am surprised how well the dust cleaning works in both my K7 and K5 compared with the K10 and 20. I keep forgetting to turn off, but I am not having a dust problem either K7 or 5.

07-17-2011, 11:36 PM   #8
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If you have a non-chipped lens the SR system may be set to the wrong focal length... But not too sure how big a difference that will make...
07-17-2011, 11:40 PM   #9
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Through the K10, k20,k7 and k5 I almost never switch the camera off. I shoot mostly with primes, so I change lenses A LOT, and have never had any problem.

However with old non -A lenses, it's quicker to turn off and on to register the FL for SR than to do it thru the menu system.
07-18-2011, 12:08 AM   #10
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It never occurred to me that this might cause a problem.
Perhaps the attraction of dust, but the shutter is closed or closes when the lens release button is pushed and the lens rotated and thus electronically disconnected.
I wouldn't be surprised if the electronic communication between lens and camera should somehow be neutralized when the lens release button is pressed. But this I do not know for sure.
I have full confidence in the Japanese engineers, they are smart enough...
07-18-2011, 03:20 AM   #11
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I noticed that my K-7 only read lens id at power-on so changing lenses without turning it off resulted in errors in the exif and wrong sensor stabilization.

I have not tested this on a K-5, but I always turn off my camera before changing lenses.
07-18-2011, 07:15 AM   #12
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I fried a Sigma 150-500mm doing that. Luckily it was under warranty.
07-18-2011, 08:27 AM   #13
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I really worry the most about SDM lenses with it.
07-18-2011, 08:44 AM   #14
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Reading the manual (gasp! I Know ) for my new Sigma 18-50 that has OS (and HSM) it makes it a point to state NEVER (their emphasis, not mine) remove the lens with the body powered on when OS may be active.

Older lenses though shouldn't be a problem compared to something powered from the body i'd imagine ?
07-18-2011, 08:59 AM   #15
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I've done it (forgot) and had no problem yet, but I wouldn't call it a good idea. After having done it I then still cycle power after the fact to ensure the camera recognizes then lens properly and also to trip the dust shaker. I find it useful to clean the contacts on both the camera and the lens periodically
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