Stains on your K5d sensor poll

Miserere · 12-14-2010, 10:46 PM - **1 Like**

I've been in touch with Ned Bunnell concerning the stain issue and he kindly made a statement for my K-5 review. You can read it here:

The K-5 Sensor Stains

...

AndyNick · 12-15-2010, 08:33 AM

Originally posted by falconeye

AndyNick has kindly asked my opinion on his case. I'll try my best

First and most interestingly, this is the first significant report I see that a string of pearls may develop in the field. If it can be confirmed, it puts the cover glass imperfection explaination at doubt. So, extra care must be applied in this case.

ATM, I'm not sure what I see. It looks like a string of pearls. But the individual stains seem to be a bit soft (no clear halo) for the typical stain we know, at f/22.

The slight shadow is nice as it does allow to compare the scale and position of the two crops. In itself of course, it is nothing.

I think we need some more tests.
Andy, can you shoot additional tests at f/11 16 22 32 and ideally a f/32 with a macro at closest distance. Maybe even a pinhole shot? I'd like to be sure w're not seeing a strange alien visiting the top of the AA filter

If it can be confirmed, Pentax should be made aware of this particular case.

There is theoretical chance of course, that the cover glass imperfection develops after mechanical tension due to heat. If this is the case, one should do the string of pearls test after a first video session until temperature warning. When I first searched and found MY stains, I already happened to use video this long. However, further tests did NOT agravate the issue anymore. So, I have one more question:

Andy, when you did the first photo w/o the new string, did you use video or LV for more than a few trials before?

Falk,

Thanks for taking a look at the shots and for your consideration.

Pulled out my zoom to cover the extra f stops, but I'm afraid I don't have a macro, nor a pinhole attachment. Here are the extra shots at the requested f stops.

I had used LV for more than a few trials prior to noticing the initial shadow, taking maybe over 100 shots, but without any temperature warning. After noticing the shadow, I had a couple of video sessions that did bring up the temperature warning sign, but gave no change to the shadow, nor presented the string. It was a week later after shooting the party last weekend that the dots were first noticed.

What do you think? Has something alien taken up residence on my sensor and can't be evicted with the sensor cleaner? Or is it a sign of the string appearing after some heated usage? Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

**lawsonstone** · 12-15-2010, 03:18 PM

SN 3909xxx
No stains visible, shooting f/16 and f/22

falconeye · 12-15-2010, 05:44 PM

Originally posted by AndyNick

What do you think? Has something alien taken up residence on my sensor and can't be evicted with the sensor cleaner? Or is it a sign of the string appearing after some heated usage? Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

AndyNick,
thanks for the photos. I'll try some numeric evaluation on these.

But it will be early next week as I'm too busy right now. From just looking, I don't know...
At least the stains at the lower left seem to have a clear halo at f/32 though.

Are these focussed at infinity or close distance? If the latter, which lens?

snostorm · 12-15-2010, 06:18 PM

Just received it today from Amazon.

Ser # 3909xxx

no stains at f22

MrPetkus · 12-15-2010, 07:21 PM

Was the firmware at 1.00 or 1.01? I'm working under the assumption that vetted K5's from Pentax have 1.01 installed. This is due to the fact that:
1) My replacement K5 from Amazon has an earlier serial # than the compromised model && had firmware 1.01 installed.
2) Amazon was aware of the sensor issue and followed up after the replacement was shipped to verify sensor clarity.

Originally posted by snostorm

Just received it today from Amazon.

Ser # 3909xxx

no stains at f22

vievetrick · 12-15-2010, 08:53 PM

Pentax k-5 got issues, sensor issues | Photo Rumors

snostorm · 12-15-2010, 09:19 PM

Originally posted by MrPetkus

Was the firmware at 1.00 or 1.01? I'm working under the assumption that vetted K5's from Pentax have 1.01 installed. This is due to the fact that:
1) My replacement K5 from Amazon has an earlier serial # than the compromised model && had firmware 1.01 installed.
2) Amazon was aware of the sensor issue and followed up after the replacement was shipped to verify sensor clarity.

Hi MrPetkus,

FW is v 1.01.

I have not received any communication from Amazon concerning the sensor. Perhaps Pentax has narrowed down the serial # range where there are possibilities of a faulty sensor assy, and are confident that the ones in the current shipment are good. . .

Scott

volosong · 12-15-2010, 10:42 PM

Ordered last Friday from Amazon and received it the next day. Sensor is clean. S/N 38818xx. Firmware 1.01

AndyNick · 12-16-2010, 01:32 AM

Originally posted by falconeye

Are these focussed at infinity or close distance? If the latter, which lens?

Used the DA* 60-250mm at max zoom, focused at infinity on my computer screen at a distance of approx. 30cm.

Thanks Falk.

nanok · 12-16-2010, 03:58 AM

just got my replacement today as i had some time to go to the shop (left the camera with them last thursday, called them this tuesday and they confirmed i can either wait for the incoming replacement pentax sent, or get the one in their stock -- i finally decided to not wait and got their stock). quick check in the shop showed no stains, serial number is still in the 38*'s. i will do thorough tests later today, but i hope it's okay. (will update the poll when i'm sure).

overall very nice experience, both with the shop and pentax (quick, no hassle), the only mild complaint would be that pentax had not informed the shop before i called the shop and had them call pentax (though once they called, the response was positive). so a bit better communication would be great, but otherwise, i think they are doing great, and wouldn't hesitate to buy a second k-5 if i could afford it now (meaning: the "stain issue" wouldn't put me off one bit)

hope this helps someone, cheers

edit: i did some further testing. there is one minor speck i can see, but it's not as evident as the strings of pearls on the initial one (fuzzy by comparison at the same aperture), so it seems like it's higher up, probably on the upper surface of the sensor. it is perfectly round though so not dust. even if i were to do a replacement because of it, i wouldn't rush to it (probably beginning of next year), it's no big deal for now.

the serial number is 382*

Clarky · 12-16-2010, 05:48 AM

Purchased mine in Sydney last week, ser. 3913..... looks fine, no staining.
I could be wrong but the staining seems to be only affecting earlier models with ser, 38...

Incidently mine came with the updated firmware (1.01) pre installed.

jolepp · 12-16-2010, 07:00 AM

Serial#3841582 came with FW 1.00. Dust removal from menu / blower treatment made no difference, and these look like the infamous stains? (100% crop of the affected area with Pentax D FA 100mm 1:2.8 macro, f=32).

bobmaxja · 12-16-2010, 07:52 AM

THat a realy bad one
FRom the spreadsheet I keep , the one starting with 384xxxx or 385xxxx , many of them have severe string of pearl. Thing start to improve drastically around 388xxxx and seem almost non existant as of 3894xxx

PePe · 12-16-2010, 12:22 PM

Got my replacement today. S/N 3909297. Seems to be clean, judging by the first test shots.
This one had firmware 1.01 preinstalled, the previous one came with 1.00.
I think the way Pentax dealt with the problem is praiseworthy. No armstwisting, no bullshit, no hard feelings.

View Poll Results: Is your K5d sensor stained?
YES - There are stains on my sensor	193	56.43%
NO - My sensor has no stains	149	43.57%
Voters: 342. You may not vote on this poll

12-14-2010, 10:46 PM - 1 Like	#331
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Official Statement from Ned Bunnell I've been in touch with Ned Bunnell concerning the stain issue and he kindly made a statement for my K-5 review. You can read it here: The K-5 Sensor Stains ...

12-16-2010, 03:58 AM	#341
nanok Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 969	just got my replacement today as i had some time to go to the shop (left the camera with them last thursday, called them this tuesday and they confirmed i can either wait for the incoming replacement pentax sent, or get the one in their stock -- i finally decided to not wait and got their stock). quick check in the shop showed no stains, serial number is still in the 38's. i will do thorough tests later today, but i hope it's okay. (will update the poll when i'm sure). overall very nice experience, both with the shop and pentax (quick, no hassle), the only mild complaint would be that pentax had not informed the shop before i called the shop and had them call pentax (though once they called, the response was positive). so a bit better communication would be great, but otherwise, i think they are doing great, and wouldn't hesitate to buy a second k-5 if i could afford it now (meaning: the "stain issue" wouldn't put me off one bit) hope this helps someone, cheers edit: i did some further testing. there is one minor speck i can see, but it's not as evident as the strings of pearls on the initial one (fuzzy by comparison at the same aperture), so it seems like it's higher up, probably on the upper surface of the sensor. it is perfectly round though so not dust. even if i were to do a replacement because of it, i wouldn't rush to it (probably beginning of next year), it's no big deal for now. the serial number is 382 Last edited by nanok; 12-17-2010 at 03:22 AM.

12-16-2010, 07:00 AM	#343
jolepp Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Finland Photos: Albums Posts: 3,196	Serial#3841582 came with FW 1.00. Dust removal from menu / blower treatment made no difference, and these look like the infamous stains? (100% crop of the affected area with Pentax D FA 100mm 1:2.8 macro, f=32). Last edited by jolepp; 03-16-2011 at 08:57 AM.

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12-15-2010, 08:33 AM	#332
AndyNick New Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Rural Japan Posts: 5	Originally posted by falconeye AndyNick has kindly asked my opinion on his case. I'll try my best First and most interestingly, this is the first significant report I see that a string of pearls may develop in the field. If it can be confirmed, it puts the cover glass imperfection explaination at doubt. So, extra care must be applied in this case. ATM, I'm not sure what I see. It looks like a string of pearls. But the individual stains seem to be a bit soft (no clear halo) for the typical stain we know, at f/22. The slight shadow is nice as it does allow to compare the scale and position of the two crops. In itself of course, it is nothing. I think we need some more tests. Andy, can you shoot additional tests at f/11 16 22 32 and ideally a f/32 with a macro at closest distance. Maybe even a pinhole shot? I'd like to be sure w're not seeing a strange alien visiting the top of the AA filter If it can be confirmed, Pentax should be made aware of this particular case. There is theoretical chance of course, that the cover glass imperfection develops after mechanical tension due to heat. If this is the case, one should do the string of pearls test after a first video session until temperature warning. When I first searched and found MY stains, I already happened to use video this long. However, further tests did NOT agravate the issue anymore. So, I have one more question: Andy, when you did the first photo w/o the new string, did you use video or LV for more than a few trials before? Falk, Thanks for taking a look at the shots and for your consideration. Pulled out my zoom to cover the extra f stops, but I'm afraid I don't have a macro, nor a pinhole attachment. Here are the extra shots at the requested f stops. I had used LV for more than a few trials prior to noticing the initial shadow, taking maybe over 100 shots, but without any temperature warning. After noticing the shadow, I had a couple of video sessions that did bring up the temperature warning sign, but gave no change to the shadow, nor presented the string. It was a week later after shooting the party last weekend that the dots were first noticed. What do you think? Has something alien taken up residence on my sensor and can't be evicted with the sensor cleaner? Or is it a sign of the string appearing after some heated usage? Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

12-15-2010, 03:18 PM	#333
lawsonstone Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wilmore, KY Posts: 376	SN 3909xxx No stains visible, shooting f/16 and f/22

12-15-2010, 05:44 PM	#334
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Originally posted by AndyNick What do you think? Has something alien taken up residence on my sensor and can't be evicted with the sensor cleaner? Or is it a sign of the string appearing after some heated usage? Look forward to hearing your thoughts. AndyNick, thanks for the photos. I'll try some numeric evaluation on these. But it will be early next week as I'm too busy right now. From just looking, I don't know... At least the stains at the lower left seem to have a clear halo at f/32 though. Are these focussed at infinity or close distance? If the latter, which lens?

12-15-2010, 06:18 PM	#335
snostorm Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	Just received it today from Amazon. Ser # 3909xxx no stains at f22

12-15-2010, 07:21 PM	#336
MrPetkus Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 387	Was the firmware at 1.00 or 1.01? I'm working under the assumption that vetted K5's from Pentax have 1.01 installed. This is due to the fact that: 1) My replacement K5 from Amazon has an earlier serial # than the compromised model && had firmware 1.01 installed. 2) Amazon was aware of the sensor issue and followed up after the replacement was shipped to verify sensor clarity. Originally posted by snostorm Just received it today from Amazon. Ser # 3909xxx no stains at f22

12-15-2010, 08:53 PM	#337
vievetrick Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Easthampton - Massachusetts - USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,183	Pentax k-5 got issues, sensor issues \| Photo Rumors

12-15-2010, 09:19 PM	#338
snostorm Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	Originally posted by MrPetkus Was the firmware at 1.00 or 1.01? I'm working under the assumption that vetted K5's from Pentax have 1.01 installed. This is due to the fact that: 1) My replacement K5 from Amazon has an earlier serial # than the compromised model && had firmware 1.01 installed. 2) Amazon was aware of the sensor issue and followed up after the replacement was shipped to verify sensor clarity. Hi MrPetkus, FW is v 1.01. I have not received any communication from Amazon concerning the sensor. Perhaps Pentax has narrowed down the serial # range where there are possibilities of a faulty sensor assy, and are confident that the ones in the current shipment are good. . . Scott

12-15-2010, 10:42 PM	#339
volosong Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 696	Ordered last Friday from Amazon and received it the next day. Sensor is clean. S/N 38818xx. Firmware 1.01

12-16-2010, 01:32 AM	#340
AndyNick New Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Rural Japan Posts: 5	Originally posted by falconeye Are these focussed at infinity or close distance? If the latter, which lens? Used the DA* 60-250mm at max zoom, focused at infinity on my computer screen at a distance of approx. 30cm. Thanks Falk.

12-16-2010, 05:48 AM	#342
Clarky Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sydney/Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 191	Purchased mine in Sydney last week, ser. 3913..... looks fine, no staining. I could be wrong but the staining seems to be only affecting earlier models with ser, 38... Incidently mine came with the updated firmware (1.01) pre installed.

12-16-2010, 07:52 AM	#344
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	THat a realy bad one FRom the spreadsheet I keep , the one starting with 384xxxx or 385xxxx , many of them have severe string of pearl. Thing start to improve drastically around 388xxxx and seem almost non existant as of 3894xxx

12-16-2010, 12:22 PM	#345
PePe Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Helsinki, Finland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 597	Got my replacement today. S/N 3909297. Seems to be clean, judging by the first test shots. This one had firmware 1.01 preinstalled, the previous one came with 1.00. I think the way Pentax dealt with the problem is praiseworthy. No armstwisting, no bullshit, no hard feelings.