A acouple of questions before I buy

Steven363 · 04-24-2014, 06:15 AM

Hi Folks,
After much hand wringing, investigating the K-5 iis and K-3 I decided to upgrade from my K-10D to the K-5 iis. The K-3 is too much for my budget and the extra money will help to find a decent additional lens.
I do have a couple of questions before I buy it though.

1. Batteries. I want to get an extra battery for the camera but everybody seems to be sold out. I wanted to stay with the Pentax brand because I'm not sure if I should trust these third party batteries so my questions is this.
Does anybody use 3rd party batteries for the K-5 iis?
If so will I need to buy a charger with it?
Which brands do you trust?

2. Firmware. I understand that there may be some issues with the latest firmware (1.07) and I am going to have enough learning the new camera after having the K-10D for some 7 years so is anybody aware of where I can get version 1.06? Ricoh imaging will only allow 1.07 downloads.

I will most likely buy the camera from B&H, no grip, and an extended warranty. For $20.00 the warranty seems the smart way to go.

Thank you for your time,
Steven

k5astro · 04-24-2014, 06:41 AM

I use a Proflash battery and it works just fine.

You can get 1.06 on the UK support site. Definitely avoid 1.07! I'm still trying to get support to give me a solution to that.

Yeah $20 sounds well worth it.

The K5ii is a great camera although it has some flash issues. However, it works so well in low light that you really don't need a flash.

Enjoy!

**TER-OR** · 04-24-2014, 07:08 AM

I had an aftermarket battery which crapped out on me. The Wasabi brand seems to be much more reliable, though. You can use your OEM charger with any of these.

If you turn off the automatic image review this will save a lot of battery power. You really just need one spare, the batteries last a long time - unless you're going to use the onboard flash or video recording a lot, then you'll suck electrons quickly.

**Ahab** · 04-24-2014, 08:15 AM

I use the Wasabi and B&H batteries, some are 3 years old and never had a problem. They recharge just fine although the older ones are showing signs of slowing down after many charges, I'll just replace them with another Wasabi. They certainly have given great service.

**pearsaab** · 04-24-2014, 08:37 AM

i use wasabi and maxelle and they both work great...the camera is awesome!!!

Steven363 · 04-24-2014, 01:37 PM

What kind of flash issues are you referring to? I will be using flash in family, indoor situations as well as using wireless transmitters with the 540 fgz flash. Most of the time the camera will be used for landscape and some birding.

Steven

Originally posted by gbeaton

I use a Proflash battery and it works just fine.

You can get 1.06 on the UK support site. Definitely avoid 1.07! I'm still trying to get support to give me a solution to that.

Yeah $20 sounds well worth it.

The K5ii is a great camera although it has some flash issues. However, it works so well in low light that you really don't need a flash.

Enjoy!

stormtech · 04-24-2014, 07:33 PM

When I bought my K-5iis 1 year ago I went with what B&H had as an aftermarket battery which was a Pearstone. I have a grip on mine and use the Pearstone in the grip as the primary battery. It lasts forever and am glad I bought it. I see now that B&H shows a Watson battery now instead of the Pearstone. Looking at the reviews I would think it would be fine. Reviews are very good the same as the Pearstone was.

You will not need a different charger.

I am still running the 1.06 firmware. I haven't read of any real problems with the 1.07 but I am one not to upgrade unless it will give me some improvements. Hopefully you will be able to find the 1.06 somewhere.

And yes, the $20 extended warranty is a no brainer. It even includes a free cleaning and check up one time.

Northern Tier of Penna? You might be close to me depending on if you are east or west.

**felixkh** · 04-25-2014, 03:19 AM

I have the K5IIs as well and I have one original and one 3rd party battery called DiviPower which can last as long the the original.

Capture Lights · 04-25-2014, 10:28 AM

I too use Wasabi Power, they are are still reliable and pumping juice as we speak.

calicojack · 04-26-2014, 05:50 AM

2 Wasabi's and a charger from Amazon as back up to my original Pentax battery. The Wasabi's appear to be as good as the original (so far) and the charger is more convienient to travel with (plastic body encloses a swing away plug as opposed to a seperate power cord).

Oldbayrunner · 04-26-2014, 06:36 AM

Originally posted by Steven363

Hi Folks,

If so will I need to buy a charger with it?

2. Firmware. I understand that there may be some issues with the latest firmware (1.07) and I am going to have enough learning the new camera after having the K-10D for some 7 years so is anybody aware of where I can get version 1.06? Ricoh imaging will only allow 1.07 downloads.

For $20.00 the warranty seems the smart way to go.

Thank you for your time,
Steven

No you wont need a charger, however another charger does come in handy when you want to charge 2 batteries at the same time. Also it is nice to have an aftermarket charger that can be used also in ones car in case one of those rare emergencies comes up.

I updated my K5 ll's from the original version to 1.07 right after my purchase and to be honest I have tried to simulate the issues noted from others and haven't encountered any of them with my camera. So I guess you would need to look at the updates from what version yours comes with and make the determination if what has been updated is worth it and whether what some consumers are reporting as firmware update problems are isolated instances or wide spread. If wide spread usually a lot of consumers report the same issues since the cameras are programmed the same. All I can attest to is that I haven't had any problems since updating.

$20.00 is worth spending for some extra protection IMO.

Steven363 · 04-26-2014, 06:55 AM

Thank you for all of your replies. Your answers have helped me to make some decisions.
Yesterday (Friday) I ordered the K-5 iis and the extended warranty from B&H
Extra battery was the Wasabi from Amazon and also ordered Cactus V5 wireless triggers as well.

Funny thing though. As soon as I finished placing the order I ran out to the mail box to see if the camera arrived (Just kidding) It's going to be a long week waiting.
I am curious to see what changes in certain areas as compared to the K-10D such as being able to shoot in higher ISO's and auto-focus. Guess there will be a bit of a learning curve as well. Oh well, never too old to learn.
Forgot to mention that I downloaded the version 1.06 firmware update and will keep a close eye to see if issues continue or just wait to see if there is going to be anymore updates. Now that the K-3 is front and center Ricoh may forget about the K-5 series. Just have to wait and watch.
Steven

stormtech · 04-26-2014, 07:33 AM

Congratulations on making your decision and pulling the trigger. For me the worst part is the research and decision making. Now that is over for you and the fun part begins aside from the wait for it to arrive.

I came from the K-20D to the K-5 and now K-5IIs. The higher ISO shooting is just so liberating. With the K-20D my limit was ISO400 with ISO800 in a pinch. Now with the K-5IIs my limit is ISO1600 with ISO3200 in a pinch. Actually even higher ISO's than that clean up very well.

Please update us with your thoughts when you've had a chance to work with you new camera a bit.

Oldbayrunner · 04-27-2014, 06:16 AM

Congrats and welcome to the K5 lls club.....as Stormtech mentioned every camera has a learning curve so don't judge your camera/lens performance based on your initial photos and it will take a little bit to learn the button functions but you will be glad you have them on down the road.

04-24-2014, 06:15 AM	#1
Steven363 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern tier Pennsylvania Posts: 32	A acouple of questions before I buy Hi Folks, After much hand wringing, investigating the K-5 iis and K-3 I decided to upgrade from my K-10D to the K-5 iis. The K-3 is too much for my budget and the extra money will help to find a decent additional lens. I do have a couple of questions before I buy it though. 1. Batteries. I want to get an extra battery for the camera but everybody seems to be sold out. I wanted to stay with the Pentax brand because I'm not sure if I should trust these third party batteries so my questions is this. Does anybody use 3rd party batteries for the K-5 iis? If so will I need to buy a charger with it? Which brands do you trust? 2. Firmware. I understand that there may be some issues with the latest firmware (1.07) and I am going to have enough learning the new camera after having the K-10D for some 7 years so is anybody aware of where I can get version 1.06? Ricoh imaging will only allow 1.07 downloads. I will most likely buy the camera from B&H, no grip, and an extended warranty. For $20.00 the warranty seems the smart way to go. Thank you for your time, Steven

04-24-2014, 01:37 PM	#6
Steven363 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern tier Pennsylvania Posts: 32 Original Poster	Flash Issues? What kind of flash issues are you referring to? I will be using flash in family, indoor situations as well as using wireless transmitters with the 540 fgz flash. Most of the time the camera will be used for landscape and some birding. Steven Originally posted by gbeaton I use a Proflash battery and it works just fine. You can get 1.06 on the UK support site. Definitely avoid 1.07! I'm still trying to get support to give me a solution to that. Yeah $20 sounds well worth it. The K5ii is a great camera although it has some flash issues. However, it works so well in low light that you really don't need a flash. Enjoy!

04-26-2014, 06:55 AM	#12
Steven363 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern tier Pennsylvania Posts: 32 Original Poster	Thank you for all of your replies. Your answers have helped me to make some decisions. Yesterday (Friday) I ordered the K-5 iis and the extended warranty from B&H Extra battery was the Wasabi from Amazon and also ordered Cactus V5 wireless triggers as well. Funny thing though. As soon as I finished placing the order I ran out to the mail box to see if the camera arrived (Just kidding) It's going to be a long week waiting. I am curious to see what changes in certain areas as compared to the K-10D such as being able to shoot in higher ISO's and auto-focus. Guess there will be a bit of a learning curve as well. Oh well, never too old to learn. Forgot to mention that I downloaded the version 1.06 firmware update and will keep a close eye to see if issues continue or just wait to see if there is going to be anymore updates. Now that the K-3 is front and center Ricoh may forget about the K-5 series. Just have to wait and watch. Steven Last edited by Steven363; 04-26-2014 at 07:03 AM. Reason: Added to last paragraph

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04-24-2014, 06:41 AM	#2
k5astro Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 387	I use a Proflash battery and it works just fine. You can get 1.06 on the UK support site. Definitely avoid 1.07! I'm still trying to get support to give me a solution to that. Yeah $20 sounds well worth it. The K5ii is a great camera although it has some flash issues. However, it works so well in low light that you really don't need a flash. Enjoy!

04-24-2014, 07:08 AM	#3
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	I had an aftermarket battery which crapped out on me. The Wasabi brand seems to be much more reliable, though. You can use your OEM charger with any of these. If you turn off the automatic image review this will save a lot of battery power. You really just need one spare, the batteries last a long time - unless you're going to use the onboard flash or video recording a lot, then you'll suck electrons quickly.

04-24-2014, 08:15 AM	#4
Ahab Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Arnold, Md. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 762	I use the Wasabi and B&H batteries, some are 3 years old and never had a problem. They recharge just fine although the older ones are showing signs of slowing down after many charges, I'll just replace them with another Wasabi. They certainly have given great service.

04-24-2014, 08:37 AM	#5
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900	i use wasabi and maxelle and they both work great...the camera is awesome!!!

04-24-2014, 07:33 PM	#7
stormtech Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: In the boonies (NW Penna) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,744	When I bought my K-5iis 1 year ago I went with what B&H had as an aftermarket battery which was a Pearstone. I have a grip on mine and use the Pearstone in the grip as the primary battery. It lasts forever and am glad I bought it. I see now that B&H shows a Watson battery now instead of the Pearstone. Looking at the reviews I would think it would be fine. Reviews are very good the same as the Pearstone was. You will not need a different charger. I am still running the 1.06 firmware. I haven't read of any real problems with the 1.07 but I am one not to upgrade unless it will give me some improvements. Hopefully you will be able to find the 1.06 somewhere. And yes, the $20 extended warranty is a no brainer. It even includes a free cleaning and check up one time. Northern Tier of Penna? You might be close to me depending on if you are east or west.

04-25-2014, 03:19 AM	#8
felixkh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,201	I have the K5IIs as well and I have one original and one 3rd party battery called DiviPower which can last as long the the original.

04-25-2014, 10:28 AM	#9
Capture Lights Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 113	I too use Wasabi Power, they are are still reliable and pumping juice as we speak.

04-26-2014, 05:50 AM	#10
calicojack Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Long Island, N.Y. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,124	2 Wasabi's and a charger from Amazon as back up to my original Pentax battery. The Wasabi's appear to be as good as the original (so far) and the charger is more convienient to travel with (plastic body encloses a swing away plug as opposed to a seperate power cord).

04-26-2014, 06:36 AM	#11
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by Steven363 Hi Folks, If so will I need to buy a charger with it? 2. Firmware. I understand that there may be some issues with the latest firmware (1.07) and I am going to have enough learning the new camera after having the K-10D for some 7 years so is anybody aware of where I can get version 1.06? Ricoh imaging will only allow 1.07 downloads. For $20.00 the warranty seems the smart way to go. Thank you for your time, Steven No you wont need a charger, however another charger does come in handy when you want to charge 2 batteries at the same time. Also it is nice to have an aftermarket charger that can be used also in ones car in case one of those rare emergencies comes up. I updated my K5 ll's from the original version to 1.07 right after my purchase and to be honest I have tried to simulate the issues noted from others and haven't encountered any of them with my camera. So I guess you would need to look at the updates from what version yours comes with and make the determination if what has been updated is worth it and whether what some consumers are reporting as firmware update problems are isolated instances or wide spread. If wide spread usually a lot of consumers report the same issues since the cameras are programmed the same. All I can attest to is that I haven't had any problems since updating. $20.00 is worth spending for some extra protection IMO.

04-26-2014, 07:33 AM	#13
stormtech Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: In the boonies (NW Penna) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,744	Congratulations on making your decision and pulling the trigger. For me the worst part is the research and decision making. Now that is over for you and the fun part begins aside from the wait for it to arrive. I came from the K-20D to the K-5 and now K-5IIs. The higher ISO shooting is just so liberating. With the K-20D my limit was ISO400 with ISO800 in a pinch. Now with the K-5IIs my limit is ISO1600 with ISO3200 in a pinch. Actually even higher ISO's than that clean up very well. Please update us with your thoughts when you've had a chance to work with you new camera a bit.

04-27-2014, 06:16 AM	#14
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	Congrats and welcome to the K5 lls club.....as Stormtech mentioned every camera has a learning curve so don't judge your camera/lens performance based on your initial photos and it will take a little bit to learn the button functions but you will be glad you have them on down the road.