So I like other found a stain on my K5 sensor (serial # 3839123) as I indicated in this thread
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5-forum/125009-stains-your-k5d-s...ml#post1324230
I contacted Pentax USA via the CHAT function on the website and had this conversation on 01/06/11
Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
All agents are currently busy. Please stand by.
You have been connected to Randall S.
Randall S: Thank you for contacting Pentax Chat Support. How may I help you?
Pat Brough: Hello, I have a Pentax K5 that I got as a gift bought at Amazon at or around Nov. 20th. I think the time to return has poast. I do have the stain on my sensor and want to know the process to have replaced or fixed. Thanks in advance for your help
Randall S: have you confirmed you have the stain on the sensor and not just dust on it? Randall S: Not all K-5 cameras are affected by the sensor "stain" problem. The K-5 review page on the Enticing the Light Web site has excellent information on how to distinguish between dust on the sensor and an actual sensor “stain”. It also has a very good assessment of the actual effect of the stain on images. We encourage you to visit the link below for this information.
Review – Pentax K-5 | Enticing the Light
Pat Brough: Yes, here is link to a photo I took Pentax K5 stains at F20 :-( | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Randall S: okay, we can send you a pre-paid UPS shipping label. We need your address, phone number, email address, serial number of the camera.
Pat Brough: Ok 1 second
Pat Brough: Patrick Brough - MY PERSONAL INFO WAS HERE the serial number is 383XXX
Randall S: okay, got it
Randall S: our corporate office will email you the shipping label to print. Pat Brough: Do you need an email address?
Randall S: i already got the email address.
Pat Brough: lol I gave it when I signed in lol forgot
Randall S: MY EMAIL
Randall S: right
Pat Brough: correct
Randall S: also include a note describing the problem, your return shipping address and a copy of your sales receipt.
Pat Brough: Will do, I assume box it us as it came to me with all parts.
Randall S: we only need you to send the camera body, no lens or accessories.
Pat Brough: Ok thanks for your help. anything else I need to do at this point?
Randall S: no, that's all you need.
Pat Brough: great thanks. by the way LOVE the camera ;-) what is the estimated turn around time on this sort of thing?
Randall S: usually 3-4 weeks
Pat Brough: OUCH. ok thanks
Randall S: Thank you for dropping by, Pat, and have a great day!
Thank you for using InstantService. You may now close this window.
Your session has ended. You may now close this window.
I will keep you all posted.
_________________________
I figured the next day I would have an email but got nothing so I chatted again. see the conversation here
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5-forum/125009-stains-your-k5d-s...ml#post1331960
I waited one week with NO email from PENTAX so I chatted again on 01/12/11. I did not save that corrispondance but the jist was, oh we are sorry not sure what happened. Please watch your email and we will send you out email with package lable today.
They did in fact send out the UPS label on 01/12/11.
I have held off as an event came up and weather issues to send it out until today 01/20/11.
I included the emails and corrispondance with the chats, copy of reciept and the BODY ONLy as they instructed.
I was told 3 - 4 weeks. I have my fingures crossed and even indicated in the paper work and email back to them I am leaving on a trip on 02/19/11 - I HOPE they can have my replacement or repaired body back by then. I alos indicated I was willing to pay increased shipping if it would help get it back to me sooner.
I was told it should take 3-4 days to get to Pentax in AZ depending on the weather.
I will keep you all posted as I hear more.
If anyone has other experiance they want to share with sending back to Pentax feel free to share. Thanks
So thought I would share how my return is going
Last edited by vievetrick; 01-20-2011 at 07:40 AM.
Reason: title change