Got a K5 for $950! Can't believe it! Can I get the sensor stain fixed?

dgaies · 05-13-2011, 09:29 AM

Originally posted by DogLover

A good deal is a two-sided coin. Price ain't the only factor.

Exactly.

I love a good deal as much as the next guy (perhaps even more than the next guy), but a good deal isn't just about price, especially when it comes to buying a used body.

Now, for full disclosure, I bought a used K-5 body a few months back at a pretty good price (around $1100 when new bodies were still about $1450). However, it was from a reputable used camera store from which I had bought over a dozens things from in the past. They also have a 100% money back refund policy should there be any issues. So while there was an element of risk to my decision to buy a used K-5, the risk was substantially less than the situation you've described.

As it turns out, the K-5 I ended up with was a fully inspected (by Pentax) replacement for a previous body that had issues. I guess while the original owner was waiting for his replacement from Pentax, he decided to switch systems and then traded in the replacement K-5 for other gear. I got somewhat lucky the way it all worked out, but I am still accepting some level of risk as I am not covered under any kind of warranty right now

glanglois · 05-13-2011, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by crossover37

Ok he wrote me back and the serial number is 4001507. I spoke to Pentax and they said you need a proof of purchase. If there's no proof of purchase you have to pay for the fix. I tried calling the repair center but they aren't open yet. I wonder what it costs for the cleaning.

I don't suppose you asked your local law enforcement folks to do a NCIC (National Crime Information Center) check on that serial number? In another life, I'd be willing to do that if the request checked out as legitimate.

SpecialK · 05-13-2011, 05:04 PM

Originally posted by Adam

You can get it repaired, and the camera should be under warranty still, right?

Warranties only apply to original owners. Many people think used items retain the warranty - especially sellers in the marketplace...

However, since it is a big known defect and not really possibly-caused-by-the-user, they may elect to fix it anyway.

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05-13-2011, 09:29 AM	#31
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by DogLover A good deal is a two-sided coin. Price ain't the only factor. Exactly. I love a good deal as much as the next guy (perhaps even more than the next guy), but a good deal isn't just about price, especially when it comes to buying a used body. Now, for full disclosure, I bought a used K-5 body a few months back at a pretty good price (around $1100 when new bodies were still about $1450). However, it was from a reputable used camera store from which I had bought over a dozens things from in the past. They also have a 100% money back refund policy should there be any issues. So while there was an element of risk to my decision to buy a used K-5, the risk was substantially less than the situation you've described. As it turns out, the K-5 I ended up with was a fully inspected (by Pentax) replacement for a previous body that had issues. I guess while the original owner was waiting for his replacement from Pentax, he decided to switch systems and then traded in the replacement K-5 for other gear. I got somewhat lucky the way it all worked out, but I am still accepting some level of risk as I am not covered under any kind of warranty right now

05-13-2011, 03:17 PM	#32
glanglois Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Madison, Wis., USA Posts: 1,506	Originally posted by crossover37 Ok he wrote me back and the serial number is 4001507. I spoke to Pentax and they said you need a proof of purchase. If there's no proof of purchase you have to pay for the fix. I tried calling the repair center but they aren't open yet. I wonder what it costs for the cleaning. I don't suppose you asked your local law enforcement folks to do a NCIC (National Crime Information Center) check on that serial number? In another life, I'd be willing to do that if the request checked out as legitimate.

05-13-2011, 05:04 PM	#33
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	Originally posted by Adam You can get it repaired, and the camera should be under warranty still, right? Warranties only apply to original owners. Many people think used items retain the warranty - especially sellers in the marketplace... However, since it is a big known defect and not really possibly-caused-by-the-user, they may elect to fix it anyway.