Who else are waiting for a firmware update for K-r to fix the FF problem

figmental1978 · 03-28-2011, 05:26 PM

Just remember the magnitude of the quake...9.0. A lot of damage was done to japan and they are still recovering. Many of the electronic/camera companies were affected and all people can do is whine about how they are put out by pentax's inability to fess up to this issue. Like many have stated before, canon & nikon have FF/BF issues too.

Also, the K-5 fix was deployed before the quake, it's their flagship model so they're bound to fix that camera first. We bought the cheaper K-r and we'll have to wait until they get their shit together to make a fix. I'm not 100% happy with my K-r either, I bought it with the DA40 and spent a bit of many on that combo and I almost prefer shooting with my K10D. I'm going to wait another week or two, then I'll call the pentax distributor/repair people in melbourne to see what they know. Be patient people.

Originally posted by mp29k

I just want PENTAX to acknowledge the problem and tell us whether they are working on it or not. I am still taking photos all the time.

figmental1978 · 03-28-2011, 05:30 PM

Originally posted by Verglace

That's if a fix ever comes out, at this rate pentax will release a new camera and their 'fix' will be to purchase the new model without the FF issue.

Adam has stated a fix is in the works, I'm sure he wouldn't make such a big statement if he didn't have some inside information. Verglace, your in Melbourne so give C.R Kennedy a call, their service department # is 9823 1555. They're pretty helpful and will let you know your options.

torpesco · 03-28-2011, 11:12 PM

I would like to be told a timeline - even if it's as vague as "4-6 weeks after our offices are operating like normal". I'm hesitant to spend any more money on stuff to go with my camera until there's an official word of some sort.

I'd like to get a flash, a focus screen, a spare battery. Maybe another lens. I really don't expect to give up the camera over all this... But if I do, I want to minimise any further financial exposure.

Maybe Hoya are afraid sales will stall if they acknowledge the issue?

Eriol · 03-29-2011, 12:48 AM

Sales would go up, I suppose, if Pentax would just publish the FW. The K-r is a great camera, however, it seems Pentax does not really believe in its prosumer products. While there is still a special web site for the K-x, for the K-r there seems to be nothing - not that I am missing this ...

Eriol

Verglace · 03-29-2011, 12:55 AM

Originally posted by torpesco

I would like to be told a timeline - even if it's as vague as "4-6 weeks after our offices are operating like normal". I'm hesitant to spend any more money on stuff to go with my camera until there's an official word of some sort.

I'd like to get a flash, a focus screen, a spare battery. Maybe another lens. I really don't expect to give up the camera over all this... But if I do, I want to minimise any further financial exposure.

Maybe Hoya are afraid sales will stall if they acknowledge the issue?

I am in the exact same situation as you, I have money set aside to buy 15mm LTD and am hesitating only because of this issue. I think they are playing it very badly, as I said in an earlier post, Apple recognized the iPad2 problems and promised a fix, as a result people are not affraid of buying them because a fix is promised. Pentax needs to learn from them.

mrjamesabels · 03-29-2011, 06:58 PM

Where is my reassurance? Spring is here but its freezing and I dont want to buy more lenses til this is resolved.

nandystam · 03-29-2011, 09:15 PM

I'm amazed that some of you guys are completely convinced Pentax will not fix this issue; that it's a hardware (not software) based problem; and they are merely laughing at us all for buying the 'poor mans' K-5.

I was reading in another thread that CDAF system used in live view gives accurate focus in all lighting? Has anyone verified this is correct? It would seem like a reasonable workaround if true.

torpesco · 03-29-2011, 11:17 PM

Originally posted by nandystam

I was reading in another thread that CDAF system used in live view gives accurate focus in all lighting? Has anyone verified this is correct? It would seem like a reasonable workaround if true.

Yes, many test shots demonstrating front focus issues pair them against live view shots to prove the point. If I wanted CDAF I would have bought a PEN. Live view is not stellar for moving targets.

nandystam · 03-29-2011, 11:25 PM

Originally posted by torpesco

Yes, many test shots demonstrating front focus issues pair them against live view shots to prove the point. If I wanted CDAF I would have bought a PEN. Live view is not stellar for moving targets.

No it's not; but it should somewhat address people's concerns that their camera has some kind of irreparable problem.

Tommot1965 · 03-29-2011, 11:37 PM

not that it helps KR owners..but Ive just been reading a bit about a canon 5d mark 2..and its plagued with AF issues, and thats from a $3000 body...so I would say you/we are not the only camera manufacturers with issues in AF performance

Verglace · 03-30-2011, 03:32 AM

Originally posted by nandystam

I'm amazed that some of you guys are completely convinced Pentax will not fix this issue; that it's a hardware (not software) based problem; and they are merely laughing at us all for buying the 'poor mans' K-5.

Hardware or software... they have not shown any official signs that they are fixing it for the k-r, no press release no announcement, nothing. Although they have also not shown any signs that they wont be fixing it, however since there is no evidence of action, we can only assume inaction. As others have said, we don't need or want the fix to be released right away, we simply want an official assurance that they are working on a fix.

I would so so so much love pentax to prove me wrong. Hopefully in the next few hours as I've been waiting weeks already. Some have been waiting months... But what are the chances of that?

figmental1978 · 03-30-2011, 03:48 AM

Originally posted by Verglace

Hardware or software... they have not shown any official signs that they are fixing it for the k-r, no press release no announcement, nothing. Although they have also not shown any signs that they wont be fixing it, however since there is no evidence of action, we can only assume inaction. As others have said, we don't need or want the fix to be released right away, we simply want an official assurance that they are working on a fix.

I would so so so much love pentax to prove me wrong. Hopefully in the next few hours as I've been waiting weeks already. Some have been waiting months... But what are the chances of that?

I don't remember there ever being an official press release for firmware updates on current or past models. What a strange request. What usually happens is that there's a leak on new firmware, photo nerds like us argue what it will fix and then at some random time, the firmware pops up. I doubt the next K-r firmware will be any different.

nandystam · 03-30-2011, 03:56 AM

Originally posted by figmental1978

I don't remember there ever being an official press release for firmware updates on current or past models. What a strange request. What usually happens is that there's a leak on new firmware, photo nerds like us argue what it will fix and then at some random time, the firmware pops up. I doubt the next K-r firmware will be any different.

Pretty sure I've read that Pentax France, Germany, the UK distributor and some other distributor have all acknowledged the existence of the problem and a firmware solution in the works. Is that not enough?

I guess some people want to hear it from Pentax Japan.

@Verglace have you contacted CR Kennedy about this?

Brydzo · 03-30-2011, 04:19 AM

Pentax France (the Headquarters in Europe) have assured me several times that Pentax JAPAN is aware of the issue and that they are working on the new firmware. Pentax is not hiding it, write to them and they'll tell you there is an issue.

They wrote to me:

Quote:

It is the same problem that occured in the K5, and at this point the new K5 firmware is availbla and the problem is now solved. We do not know exactly when the new K-r firmware will be ready.

Releasing an official press info about this is a marketing suicide. They wrote about stained K5's because the issue was serious and the only way to repair it was replacing the cameras.

It's true about Apple and the iPad2, but Apple is a much bigger company and they can afford it. They are hiring probably more engineers and obviously their fix will be released faster.

At least this is what I think.

Verglace · 03-30-2011, 04:20 AM

Yes I have contacted CR Kennedy, they do not admit that the problem is software and are suggesting I send it in to be serviced. According to this thread ( https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-r-forum/126679-k-r-may-need-auto...n-service.html ) it doesn't really help much and turn around time is almost a month (and since I've only had the camera for 7 weeks I find that unacceptable -- especially since there are a number of special occasions that will be happening in the next few weeks for me)

@figmental1978 - it may not be how pentax usually does things but for a lot of other electronics companies it is standard practice and is not in any way strange, is it really so bad that we hold companies to a higher standard?

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03-28-2011, 05:26 PM	#61
figmental1978 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 789	Just remember the magnitude of the quake...9.0. A lot of damage was done to japan and they are still recovering. Many of the electronic/camera companies were affected and all people can do is whine about how they are put out by pentax's inability to fess up to this issue. Like many have stated before, canon & nikon have FF/BF issues too. Also, the K-5 fix was deployed before the quake, it's their flagship model so they're bound to fix that camera first. We bought the cheaper K-r and we'll have to wait until they get their shit together to make a fix. I'm not 100% happy with my K-r either, I bought it with the DA40 and spent a bit of many on that combo and I almost prefer shooting with my K10D. I'm going to wait another week or two, then I'll call the pentax distributor/repair people in melbourne to see what they know. Be patient people. Originally posted by mp29k I just want PENTAX to acknowledge the problem and tell us whether they are working on it or not. I am still taking photos all the time.

03-28-2011, 05:30 PM	#62
figmental1978 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 789	Originally posted by Verglace That's if a fix ever comes out, at this rate pentax will release a new camera and their 'fix' will be to purchase the new model without the FF issue. Adam has stated a fix is in the works, I'm sure he wouldn't make such a big statement if he didn't have some inside information. Verglace, your in Melbourne so give C.R Kennedy a call, their service department # is 9823 1555. They're pretty helpful and will let you know your options.

03-28-2011, 11:12 PM	#63
torpesco Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 87	I would like to be told a timeline - even if it's as vague as "4-6 weeks after our offices are operating like normal". I'm hesitant to spend any more money on stuff to go with my camera until there's an official word of some sort. I'd like to get a flash, a focus screen, a spare battery. Maybe another lens. I really don't expect to give up the camera over all this... But if I do, I want to minimise any further financial exposure. Maybe Hoya are afraid sales will stall if they acknowledge the issue?

03-29-2011, 12:48 AM	#64
Eriol Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Rhine-Main area Photos: Gallery Posts: 37	Sales would go up, I suppose, if Pentax would just publish the FW. The K-r is a great camera, however, it seems Pentax does not really believe in its prosumer products. While there is still a special web site for the K-x, for the K-r there seems to be nothing - not that I am missing this ... Eriol

03-29-2011, 12:55 AM	#65
Verglace Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 468	Originally posted by torpesco I would like to be told a timeline - even if it's as vague as "4-6 weeks after our offices are operating like normal". I'm hesitant to spend any more money on stuff to go with my camera until there's an official word of some sort. I'd like to get a flash, a focus screen, a spare battery. Maybe another lens. I really don't expect to give up the camera over all this... But if I do, I want to minimise any further financial exposure. Maybe Hoya are afraid sales will stall if they acknowledge the issue? I am in the exact same situation as you, I have money set aside to buy 15mm LTD and am hesitating only because of this issue. I think they are playing it very badly, as I said in an earlier post, Apple recognized the iPad2 problems and promised a fix, as a result people are not affraid of buying them because a fix is promised. Pentax needs to learn from them.

03-29-2011, 06:58 PM	#66
mrjamesabels Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NEW JERSEY USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 198	Where is my reassurance? Spring is here but its freezing and I dont want to buy more lenses til this is resolved.

03-29-2011, 09:15 PM	#67
nandystam Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Melbourne, Vic. Posts: 135	I'm amazed that some of you guys are completely convinced Pentax will not fix this issue; that it's a hardware (not software) based problem; and they are merely laughing at us all for buying the 'poor mans' K-5. I was reading in another thread that CDAF system used in live view gives accurate focus in all lighting? Has anyone verified this is correct? It would seem like a reasonable workaround if true.

03-29-2011, 11:17 PM	#68
torpesco Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 87	Originally posted by nandystam I was reading in another thread that CDAF system used in live view gives accurate focus in all lighting? Has anyone verified this is correct? It would seem like a reasonable workaround if true. Yes, many test shots demonstrating front focus issues pair them against live view shots to prove the point. If I wanted CDAF I would have bought a PEN. Live view is not stellar for moving targets.

03-29-2011, 11:25 PM	#69
nandystam Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Melbourne, Vic. Posts: 135	Originally posted by torpesco Yes, many test shots demonstrating front focus issues pair them against live view shots to prove the point. If I wanted CDAF I would have bought a PEN. Live view is not stellar for moving targets. No it's not; but it should somewhat address people's concerns that their camera has some kind of irreparable problem.

03-29-2011, 11:37 PM	#70
Tommot1965 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,026	not that it helps KR owners..but Ive just been reading a bit about a canon 5d mark 2..and its plagued with AF issues, and thats from a $3000 body...so I would say you/we are not the only camera manufacturers with issues in AF performance

03-30-2011, 03:32 AM	#71
Verglace Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 468	Originally posted by nandystam I'm amazed that some of you guys are completely convinced Pentax will not fix this issue; that it's a hardware (not software) based problem; and they are merely laughing at us all for buying the 'poor mans' K-5. Hardware or software... they have not shown any official signs that they are fixing it for the k-r, no press release no announcement, nothing. Although they have also not shown any signs that they wont be fixing it, however since there is no evidence of action, we can only assume inaction. As others have said, we don't need or want the fix to be released right away, we simply want an official assurance that they are working on a fix. I would so so so much love pentax to prove me wrong. Hopefully in the next few hours as I've been waiting weeks already. Some have been waiting months... But what are the chances of that?

03-30-2011, 03:48 AM	#72
figmental1978 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 789	Originally posted by Verglace Hardware or software... they have not shown any official signs that they are fixing it for the k-r, no press release no announcement, nothing. Although they have also not shown any signs that they wont be fixing it, however since there is no evidence of action, we can only assume inaction. As others have said, we don't need or want the fix to be released right away, we simply want an official assurance that they are working on a fix. I would so so so much love pentax to prove me wrong. Hopefully in the next few hours as I've been waiting weeks already. Some have been waiting months... But what are the chances of that? I don't remember there ever being an official press release for firmware updates on current or past models. What a strange request. What usually happens is that there's a leak on new firmware, photo nerds like us argue what it will fix and then at some random time, the firmware pops up. I doubt the next K-r firmware will be any different.

03-30-2011, 03:56 AM	#73
nandystam Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Melbourne, Vic. Posts: 135	Originally posted by figmental1978 I don't remember there ever being an official press release for firmware updates on current or past models. What a strange request. What usually happens is that there's a leak on new firmware, photo nerds like us argue what it will fix and then at some random time, the firmware pops up. I doubt the next K-r firmware will be any different. Pretty sure I've read that Pentax France, Germany, the UK distributor and some other distributor have all acknowledged the existence of the problem and a firmware solution in the works. Is that not enough? I guess some people want to hear it from Pentax Japan. @Verglace have you contacted CR Kennedy about this?

03-30-2011, 04:19 AM	#74
Brydzo Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 56	Pentax France (the Headquarters in Europe) have assured me several times that Pentax JAPAN is aware of the issue and that they are working on the new firmware. Pentax is not hiding it, write to them and they'll tell you there is an issue. They wrote to me: Quote: It is the same problem that occured in the K5, and at this point the new K5 firmware is availbla and the problem is now solved. We do not know exactly when the new K-r firmware will be ready. Releasing an official press info about this is a marketing suicide. They wrote about stained K5's because the issue was serious and the only way to repair it was replacing the cameras. It's true about Apple and the iPad2, but Apple is a much bigger company and they can afford it. They are hiring probably more engineers and obviously their fix will be released faster. At least this is what I think.

03-30-2011, 04:20 AM	#75
Verglace Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 468	Yes I have contacted CR Kennedy, they do not admit that the problem is software and are suggesting I send it in to be serviced. According to this thread ( https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-r-forum/126679-k-r-may-need-auto...n-service.html ) it doesn't really help much and turn around time is almost a month (and since I've only had the camera for 7 weeks I find that unacceptable -- especially since there are a number of special occasions that will be happening in the next few weeks for me) @figmental1978 - it may not be how pentax usually does things but for a lot of other electronics companies it is standard practice and is not in any way strange, is it really so bad that we hold companies to a higher standard?