I'd return the K-5 with lower serial number for a currently made one, like the current 400xxxxx series numbers. If in the future you want to sell this K-5 used, Pentax owners know via forums the serial number range that are stained and which ones to avoid.
I'd skip any K-5 used with starting serial number 382-399.
K-5 camera isn't cheap, you should be joyous about your purchase of it !!!
Instead you're wondering why you got K-5 from the well known stained serial number batch, I say you should just return it, try again, or wait a bit.
Its a shame Pentax is creating factory refurbs and selling them as brand new instead of refurbed. Buyer beware !
Full warranty is nice, but you've obviously received someone else's reject camera with a lower serial number and Pentax modified build info placed in exif data to fool new K-5 customers.
Its a real shame.
As I said, I'd return it, for refund or exchange. Tell Amazon you want a 400 or higher serial number from current K-5 production run or your money back.
Originally posted by Pennypunny Dear All,
During the past couple of weeks this forum has helped me tremendously in making a decision whether to buy a K5 or not. Many thanks for this.
I finally ordered a K5 at Amazon Germany about a month ago, but returned it due to heavy FF. Other than that, I really liked the camera a lot (especially when compared to my Dad's Canon gear which I use every now and then). So, after the new firmware came out, it was pretty much a no-brainer for me to go ahead and order another copy right away.
I received my new K5 yesterday and must admit that I was slightly disappointed when I found out that it had a rather old serial nr. (3854606). I checked the forum's firmware database and found that virtually all the recent purchases had newer serials.
At the same time I have to say that the camera seems to have no issues, in particular no major stains or necklaces (although the sensor was actually quite dirty, but nothing that wouldn't go away with a bit of cleaning). I didn't test the FF yet but will do so tonight. The firmware was 1.01.
I was hoping to get your opinion on whether the old serial nr. should give me any reason to be concerned and return the camera to ask for a replacement. In particular since I understand that some "older" cameras started to show the stains only after a while.
I am aware that one could easily ask why I would want to return a camera that seems to work just fine. On the other hand the "want-to-have-factor" was a major point in making my purchase decision. Hence, I want my new luxury toy to be in perfect shape all around.
Looking forward to hearing your opinion.
Many thanks,
Ben