Anyone encounter problem with K5's rear command wheel?

aaronius · 12-09-2010, 12:29 AM

Hi guys, I just realise that my K5's rear command wheel could be spoilt or over-sensitive..

When I am in AV mode and want to change my aperture, the aperture will jump erratically when I scroll the command wheel to the right. In normal circumstances, the value of the aperture should increase accordingly when I scroll to the right eg. 3.5 to 4.0, 4.0 to 4.5, 4.5 to 5.6 etc.. But when I scroll the command wheel to the right, it will sometime jump from 3.5 to 5.6 or worse it will go backwards, 5.6 will suddenly jump back to 4.0..

When I am viewing the pics that I took, scrolling the command wheel to the right is supposed to zoom in and scrolling to the left is supposed to zoom out, but same thing happen here. When I scroll to the right one time, it will zoom in then when I continue to scroll to the right again to zoom in further, it will suddenly zoom out and worse it will zoom out till you can see the folder view!

I have tested the front command wheel for scrolling through pics and also in TV mode for changing the shutter speed and it works perfectly. Is my rear command wheel spoilt (over-sensitive)? I remember my KX didnt behave like this.

ovim · 12-09-2010, 03:39 AM

I don't know about K-5 but my K-r developed the same fault and is now being repaired under warranty. There has been a few other K-r owners with the same problem.

imtheguy · 12-09-2010, 05:58 AM

No problem with my K-5

Mike.P® · 12-09-2010, 07:35 AM

My front wheel does exactly the same thing ... my rear wheel is fine.

Apparently its not the cameras fault but is actually due to user error.

ovim · 12-09-2010, 08:05 AM

Originally posted by Mike.P®

Apparently its not the cameras fault but is actually due to user error.

How can it be user error? If the wheel is scrolled only to one direction and it erratically zooms in/out or increases/decreases shutter speed etc?

ve2vfd · 12-09-2010, 08:27 AM

You're holding it wrong

No wait thats apple!!!

For what it's worth, my rear wheel is also a bit wonky at times. It's sometimes unresponsive for the first few clicks and then comes to life, but it happens maybe 1 in 20 times. I'm not overly concerned as this camera is going back to Pentax in January for the sensor contamination problem.

Pat

pinholecam · 12-09-2010, 06:56 PM

TS has already found the answer.

I better link it here before it devolves into another K5 'DIAL-ALOGY ISSUE' thread from assumptions and hearsay.

Anyone encounter problem with K5's rear command wheel? - ClubSNAP Photography Forums

aaronius · 12-10-2010, 02:04 AM

Thanks for linking the solution here pinholecam! I think the simple solution will be very helpful for many..

Originally posted by pinholecam

TS has already found the answer.

I better link it here before it devolves into another K5 'DIAL-ALOGY ISSUE' thread from assumptions and hearsay.

Anyone encounter problem with K5's rear command wheel? - ClubSNAP Photography Forums

Michael Barker · 04-21-2011, 07:54 AM

How often does this problem need fixing, for those who have it? Is some kind of blower necessary, or does continuous turning back and forth do the job consistently by itself?

Background: I tried a k-r in the store, since my fascination with mirrorless ended when I tried some of the EVFs. I noticed this issue right away on the k-r, without having heard about it before. This sort of annoying problem is certainly not limited to Pentax - the Fuji x100 has various reported issues, for example. But I found the reports of this wheel issue getting worse, reoccurring, and occurring on all models (here and on dpreview) somewhat off-putting. Looking for some encouragement, wondering if it's worth shopping around to find a better copy, or even going for a used k200d instead...

rfortson · 04-21-2011, 08:20 AM

I know on my K20D, my rear dial occasionally wouldn't register turns. Someone pointed out that if the front dial is in between "clicks", it can cause the rear dial to not register. The same thing occurs in reverse as well (rear dial between clicks, front dial doesn't register).

I haven't confirmed if this can still happen with the K5, but it seems like a reasonable scenario.

Anyhoo....just wanted to throw that out there as well.

Rupert · 04-21-2011, 09:13 AM

Originally posted by rfortson

I know on my K20D, my rear dial occasionally wouldn't register turns. Someone pointed out that if the front dial is in between "clicks", it can cause the rear dial to not register. The same thing occurs in reverse as well (rear dial between clicks, front dial doesn't register).

I haven't confirmed if this can still happen with the K5, but it seems like a reasonable scenario.

Anyhoo....just wanted to throw that out there as well.

I encountered the same problems as Russ with my K20D on a few occasions, so far none with the K5, but if I do, this was a good reminder of where the problem may be.
Regards!

terihanright · 06-08-2011, 02:49 PM

The thumbwheel on the back of my k5 is acting up too. Reviewing pictures at different zoom ratios is getting difficult It jumps ahead a few steps, then jumps back. I'll admit , the switch gets a lot of use reviewing pictures. But shame on Pentax for not using optical switches for the thumbwheels. These switches will fail on all the k5's that get moderate to heavy use.

Skymist · 06-08-2011, 02:57 PM

Originally posted by aaronius

the aperture will jump erratically when I scroll the command wheel to the right. In normal circumstances, the value of the aperture should increase accordingly when I scroll to the right eg. 3.5 to 4.0, 4.0 to 4.5, 4.5 to 5.6 etc.. But when I scroll the command wheel to the right, it will sometime jump from 3.5 to 5.6 or worse it will go backwards,

I had this exact same fault in the front settings wheel. It's caused by a failure in an optoelectronic device - an LED or a sensor - which causes the signal to drop, or alternately it's a faulty alignment of the flex which holds the components. It has nothing to do with the firmware. Send the camera in for repair or exchange.

kittykat46 · 06-11-2011, 08:44 PM

Originally posted by aaronius

Hi guys, I just realise that my K5's rear command wheel could be spoilt or over-sensitive..

When I am in AV mode and want to change my aperture, the aperture will jump erratically when I scroll the command wheel to the right. In normal circumstances, the value of the aperture should increase accordingly when I scroll to the right eg. 3.5 to 4.0, 4.0 to 4.5, 4.5 to 5.6 etc.. But when I scroll the command wheel to the right, it will sometime jump from 3.5 to 5.6 or worse it will go backwards, 5.6 will suddenly jump back to 4.0..

........

I had a similar problem on my K-7. It became erratic first before failing altogether.
The Pentax service centre said it was a faulty E-wheel circuit (the electronics bit), and it was replaced under warranty. The K-5 shares the same E-wheel hardware, so I'm not surprised others have the same issue.
The rear E-wheel does get a lot of heavy usage, but I wish Pentax would make it more durable.

zackspeed · 06-12-2011, 06:01 PM

@aaronius
What for productiondate is your camera?
And please the first 4 numbers of your Serialnumber?

12-09-2010, 12:29 AM	#1
aaronius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 188	Anyone encounter problem with K5's rear command wheel? Hi guys, I just realise that my K5's rear command wheel could be spoilt or over-sensitive.. When I am in AV mode and want to change my aperture, the aperture will jump erratically when I scroll the command wheel to the right. In normal circumstances, the value of the aperture should increase accordingly when I scroll to the right eg. 3.5 to 4.0, 4.0 to 4.5, 4.5 to 5.6 etc.. But when I scroll the command wheel to the right, it will sometime jump from 3.5 to 5.6 or worse it will go backwards, 5.6 will suddenly jump back to 4.0.. When I am viewing the pics that I took, scrolling the command wheel to the right is supposed to zoom in and scrolling to the left is supposed to zoom out, but same thing happen here. When I scroll to the right one time, it will zoom in then when I continue to scroll to the right again to zoom in further, it will suddenly zoom out and worse it will zoom out till you can see the folder view! I have tested the front command wheel for scrolling through pics and also in TV mode for changing the shutter speed and it works perfectly. Is my rear command wheel spoilt (over-sensitive)? I remember my KX didnt behave like this.

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12-09-2010, 03:39 AM	#2
ovim Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tre, Finland Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,229	I don't know about K-5 but my K-r developed the same fault and is now being repaired under warranty. There has been a few other K-r owners with the same problem.

12-09-2010, 05:58 AM	#3
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	No problem with my K-5

12-09-2010, 07:35 AM	#4
Mike.P® Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Milton, Hampshire, UK Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,154	My front wheel does exactly the same thing ... my rear wheel is fine. Apparently its not the cameras fault but is actually due to user error.

12-09-2010, 08:05 AM	#5
ovim Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tre, Finland Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,229	Originally posted by Mike.P® Apparently its not the cameras fault but is actually due to user error. How can it be user error? If the wheel is scrolled only to one direction and it erratically zooms in/out or increases/decreases shutter speed etc?

12-09-2010, 08:27 AM	#6
ve2vfd Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montreal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,433	You're holding it wrong No wait thats apple!!! For what it's worth, my rear wheel is also a bit wonky at times. It's sometimes unresponsive for the first few clicks and then comes to life, but it happens maybe 1 in 20 times. I'm not overly concerned as this camera is going back to Pentax in January for the sensor contamination problem. Pat

12-09-2010, 06:56 PM	#7
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	TS has already found the answer. I better link it here before it devolves into another K5 'DIAL-ALOGY ISSUE' thread from assumptions and hearsay. Anyone encounter problem with K5's rear command wheel? - ClubSNAP Photography Forums

12-10-2010, 02:04 AM	#8
aaronius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 188 Original Poster	Thanks for linking the solution here pinholecam! I think the simple solution will be very helpful for many.. Originally posted by pinholecam TS has already found the answer. I better link it here before it devolves into another K5 'DIAL-ALOGY ISSUE' thread from assumptions and hearsay. Anyone encounter problem with K5's rear command wheel? - ClubSNAP Photography Forums

04-21-2011, 07:54 AM	#9
Michael Barker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Markham, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 185	How often does this problem need fixing, for those who have it? Is some kind of blower necessary, or does continuous turning back and forth do the job consistently by itself? Background: I tried a k-r in the store, since my fascination with mirrorless ended when I tried some of the EVFs. I noticed this issue right away on the k-r, without having heard about it before. This sort of annoying problem is certainly not limited to Pentax - the Fuji x100 has various reported issues, for example. But I found the reports of this wheel issue getting worse, reoccurring, and occurring on all models (here and on dpreview) somewhat off-putting. Looking for some encouragement, wondering if it's worth shopping around to find a better copy, or even going for a used k200d instead...

04-21-2011, 08:20 AM	#10
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	I know on my K20D, my rear dial occasionally wouldn't register turns. Someone pointed out that if the front dial is in between "clicks", it can cause the rear dial to not register. The same thing occurs in reverse as well (rear dial between clicks, front dial doesn't register). I haven't confirmed if this can still happen with the K5, but it seems like a reasonable scenario. Anyhoo....just wanted to throw that out there as well.

04-21-2011, 09:13 AM	#11
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Originally posted by rfortson I know on my K20D, my rear dial occasionally wouldn't register turns. Someone pointed out that if the front dial is in between "clicks", it can cause the rear dial to not register. The same thing occurs in reverse as well (rear dial between clicks, front dial doesn't register). I haven't confirmed if this can still happen with the K5, but it seems like a reasonable scenario. Anyhoo....just wanted to throw that out there as well. I encountered the same problems as Russ with my K20D on a few occasions, so far none with the K5, but if I do, this was a good reminder of where the problem may be. Regards!

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06-08-2011, 02:49 PM	#12
terihanright Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 28	The thumbwheel on the back of my k5 is acting up too. Reviewing pictures at different zoom ratios is getting difficult It jumps ahead a few steps, then jumps back. I'll admit , the switch gets a lot of use reviewing pictures. But shame on Pentax for not using optical switches for the thumbwheels. These switches will fail on all the k5's that get moderate to heavy use.

06-08-2011, 02:57 PM	#13
Skymist Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Monterey Bay, Callifornia Posts: 107	Originally posted by aaronius the aperture will jump erratically when I scroll the command wheel to the right. In normal circumstances, the value of the aperture should increase accordingly when I scroll to the right eg. 3.5 to 4.0, 4.0 to 4.5, 4.5 to 5.6 etc.. But when I scroll the command wheel to the right, it will sometime jump from 3.5 to 5.6 or worse it will go backwards, I had this exact same fault in the front settings wheel. It's caused by a failure in an optoelectronic device - an LED or a sensor - which causes the signal to drop, or alternately it's a faulty alignment of the flex which holds the components. It has nothing to do with the firmware. Send the camera in for repair or exchange.

06-11-2011, 08:44 PM	#14
kittykat46 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 923	Originally posted by aaronius Hi guys, I just realise that my K5's rear command wheel could be spoilt or over-sensitive.. When I am in AV mode and want to change my aperture, the aperture will jump erratically when I scroll the command wheel to the right. In normal circumstances, the value of the aperture should increase accordingly when I scroll to the right eg. 3.5 to 4.0, 4.0 to 4.5, 4.5 to 5.6 etc.. But when I scroll the command wheel to the right, it will sometime jump from 3.5 to 5.6 or worse it will go backwards, 5.6 will suddenly jump back to 4.0.. ........ I had a similar problem on my K-7. It became erratic first before failing altogether. The Pentax service centre said it was a faulty E-wheel circuit (the electronics bit), and it was replaced under warranty. The K-5 shares the same E-wheel hardware, so I'm not surprised others have the same issue. The rear E-wheel does get a lot of heavy usage, but I wish Pentax would make it more durable.

06-12-2011, 06:01 PM	#15
zackspeed Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 527	@aaronius What for productiondate is your camera? And please the first 4 numbers of your Serialnumber?