Shutter count for new K5

tonyrodgers · 02-23-2012, 07:44 AM

hi,

Does anyone know what initial shutter count one should expect on a new K5?

In January 2012 (about a month ago) I purchased a "new" K5 from a retailer in Sydney. I've since discovered (from exif info) that the shutter count on my first batch of photos, was already over 3,300. This seems rather high for a new, supposedly unused camera. I realise that some factory testing takes place & there'll always be some shutter activations before I get the camera but 3,300 seems a bit over the top. I am wondering if the camera I was sold as "new" had in fact been used already.

In addition it has a low serial number (about 3800000). In the serial number database most other K5s in this range of S/Ns were purchased about 18 months ago (late 2010 or early 2011).

cheers,

Tony

sterretje · 02-23-2012, 08:41 AM

A new K5 has a count of zero. So I would say that that's not a new one.

vloris · 02-23-2012, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by sterretje

A new K5 has a count of zero. So I would say that that's not a new one.

That's not true. And I seriously would hesitate to buy a camera with zero shuttercount, because that either means:
- the camera is new, and was not tested at all in the factory (quality control??)
- as I think that's highly unlikely, it also could be someone tampered with it somehow, so the count is actually much higher...

Having said that, 3300 does sound like too much for a new camera...

sterretje · 02-23-2012, 10:50 AM

Originally posted by vloris

That's not true.

Do you have a K5 ? Check the threads here

Pentax can reset the shutter count at the end of their QC process.

So no K5 for you

jmg257 · 02-23-2012, 11:04 AM

You can check the build date of the body in the EXIF of a picture.

Mine was bought new in January '12 - built 2011-10-11 (not sure if that is Oct 11 or Nov 10), and had a shutter count of Zero.

Besides seeming used, & not new, early cameras had several serious issues - and your is VERY early (2010 & sensor stain early) so I would be definitely looking to return that K5 ASAP.

Adam · 02-23-2012, 11:56 AM

It might be a refurb after the stain issue, you never know.

tonyrodgers · 02-23-2012, 12:13 PM

Yes that's my suspicion, that it's been returned by someone else & refurbished. The manufacture date from the exif is 2010:10:14

I think I will definitely take it back & ask for a replacement.

The other thing which I didn't mention, is that it locked up on me once - I had to remove the battery to get it going again. That alone should be enough to get it replaced anyway...

sterretje · 02-23-2012, 12:45 PM

Originally posted by tonyrodgers

that it locked up on me once - I had to remove the battery to get it going again. That alone should be enough to get it replaced anyway...

It's a problem that happens more often. And a replacement might suffer from the same, so don't expect wonders regarding lockup. Mine has not suffered yet from the problem.

Cor G. · 02-23-2012, 12:51 PM

Had the same thing mine K5 was on 1300.
Went back to the shop and they agreed should be on 0 got a new one with shutter on 0

NKK · 02-23-2012, 02:55 PM

I bought my K-5 in mid jan 2012 too. Shutter count = 0.

Edvinas · 02-23-2012, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by vloris

That's not true. And I seriously would hesitate to buy a camera with zero shuttercount, because that either means:
- the camera is new, and was not tested at all in the factory (quality control??)
- as I think that's highly unlikely, it also could be someone tampered with it somehow, so the count is actually much higher...

Having said that, 3300 does sound like too much for a new camera...

All three K-5s I've got (one of them was replacement for stained sensor), had zero shutter count.

New K-5 = zero shutter count.

Pentax DSLRs before K-5 had shutter 200-300 shutter counts out of the box.

Don From The Radio · 02-23-2012, 03:04 PM

Shutter counts of somewhere around 10 or so seem to also be common. I think mine had 1 or 2 snaps on it. If you paid for a new camera it shouldn't have more than a few. 3000 is beyond unacceptable.

RonHendriks1966 · 02-23-2012, 03:06 PM

Well if your camera is fine I would just go out and use it. The shutter is good for at least 100k, so what are the chances that you are in any danger?

**Ex Finn.** · 02-23-2012, 04:42 PM

If I forked out money for a new camera then that is what I would expect to get. 0 shutter-count is correct. Take it back.

**jbinpg** · 02-23-2012, 04:48 PM

Some people have short memories. When the K-20 was released, people complained about the camera arriving with hundreds of shutter activations after the lab tests. So Pentax/Hoya changed the policy and set the variable to zero for the K-5 release. Mine was zero for an early 3xxxxxx model. Not sure if refurbs enjoyed the same policy.

Jack

02-23-2012, 07:44 AM	#1
tonyrodgers Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 42	Shutter count for new K5 hi, Does anyone know what initial shutter count one should expect on a new K5? In January 2012 (about a month ago) I purchased a "new" K5 from a retailer in Sydney. I've since discovered (from exif info) that the shutter count on my first batch of photos, was already over 3,300. This seems rather high for a new, supposedly unused camera. I realise that some factory testing takes place & there'll always be some shutter activations before I get the camera but 3,300 seems a bit over the top. I am wondering if the camera I was sold as "new" had in fact been used already. In addition it has a low serial number (about 3800000). In the serial number database most other K5s in this range of S/Ns were purchased about 18 months ago (late 2010 or early 2011). cheers, Tony

02-23-2012, 11:04 AM	#5
jmg257 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 202	You can check the build date of the body in the EXIF of a picture. Mine was bought new in January '12 - built 2011-10-11 (not sure if that is Oct 11 or Nov 10), and had a shutter count of Zero. Besides seeming used, & not new, early cameras had several serious issues - and your is VERY early (2010 & sensor stain early) so I would be definitely looking to return that K5 ASAP. Last edited by jmg257; 02-23-2012 at 11:59 AM.

02-23-2012, 11:56 AM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	It might be a refurb after the stain issue, you never know. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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02-23-2012, 08:41 AM	#2
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	A new K5 has a count of zero. So I would say that that's not a new one.

02-23-2012, 09:54 AM	#3
vloris New Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 18	Originally posted by sterretje A new K5 has a count of zero. So I would say that that's not a new one. That's not true. And I seriously would hesitate to buy a camera with zero shuttercount, because that either means: - the camera is new, and was not tested at all in the factory (quality control??) - as I think that's highly unlikely, it also could be someone tampered with it somehow, so the count is actually much higher... Having said that, 3300 does sound like too much for a new camera...

02-23-2012, 10:50 AM	#4
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	Originally posted by vloris That's not true. Do you have a K5 ? Check the threads here Pentax can reset the shutter count at the end of their QC process. So no K5 for you

02-23-2012, 12:13 PM	#7
tonyrodgers Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 42 Original Poster	Yes that's my suspicion, that it's been returned by someone else & refurbished. The manufacture date from the exif is 2010:10:14 I think I will definitely take it back & ask for a replacement. The other thing which I didn't mention, is that it locked up on me once - I had to remove the battery to get it going again. That alone should be enough to get it replaced anyway...

02-23-2012, 12:45 PM	#8
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	Originally posted by tonyrodgers that it locked up on me once - I had to remove the battery to get it going again. That alone should be enough to get it replaced anyway... It's a problem that happens more often. And a replacement might suffer from the same, so don't expect wonders regarding lockup. Mine has not suffered yet from the problem.

02-23-2012, 12:51 PM	#9
Cor G. Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 37	Had the same thing mine K5 was on 1300. Went back to the shop and they agreed should be on 0 got a new one with shutter on 0

02-23-2012, 02:55 PM	#10
NKK Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Malmö, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 583	I bought my K-5 in mid jan 2012 too. Shutter count = 0.

02-23-2012, 03:03 PM	#11
Edvinas Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kaunas Posts: 1,458	Originally posted by vloris That's not true. And I seriously would hesitate to buy a camera with zero shuttercount, because that either means: - the camera is new, and was not tested at all in the factory (quality control??) - as I think that's highly unlikely, it also could be someone tampered with it somehow, so the count is actually much higher... Having said that, 3300 does sound like too much for a new camera... All three K-5s I've got (one of them was replacement for stained sensor), had zero shutter count. New K-5 = zero shutter count. Pentax DSLRs before K-5 had shutter 200-300 shutter counts out of the box.

02-23-2012, 03:04 PM	#12
Don From The Radio Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Delaware Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 344	Shutter counts of somewhere around 10 or so seem to also be common. I think mine had 1 or 2 snaps on it. If you paid for a new camera it shouldn't have more than a few. 3000 is beyond unacceptable.

02-23-2012, 03:06 PM	#13
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Well if your camera is fine I would just go out and use it. The shutter is good for at least 100k, so what are the chances that you are in any danger?

02-23-2012, 04:42 PM	#14
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	If I forked out money for a new camera then that is what I would expect to get. 0 shutter-count is correct. Take it back.

02-23-2012, 04:48 PM	#15
jbinpg Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Prince George, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,546	Some people have short memories. When the K-20 was released, people complained about the camera arriving with hundreds of shutter activations after the lab tests. So Pentax/Hoya changed the policy and set the variable to zero for the K-5 release. Mine was zero for an early 3xxxxxx model. Not sure if refurbs enjoyed the same policy. Jack