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

Stepalex · 04-28-2011, 11:33 PM

Originally posted by kheldour

Please bear in mind, that Japan is still suffering massive power outages and is still recovering from the devastating earthquake and allow Pentax some extra time to get it right.

Somehow it does not stop Nikon/Canon, which reportedly were much more affected by the disaster from producing firmwares (fixing just minor bugs, not fatal flaws as is the case with K-r) and new cameras.

Originally posted by chiane

Ok, anyone who doesn't just shoot in daylight?

I bought K-r specifically to shoot my 2-year kid indoors... oh wait, he was 1,5 when I bought it - and I STILL cannot use it...

crf529 · 04-29-2011, 06:47 AM

Originally posted by Stepalex

Somehow it does not stop Nikon/Canon, which reportedly were much more affected by the disaster from producing firmwares (fixing just minor bugs, not fatal flaws as is the case with K-r) and new cameras.

Your assuming that development of these firmware updates were commenced shortly after the disaster, which I highly doubt. More accurately these are probably updates that were entirely or mostly completed when the disasters took place.

Originally posted by Stepalex

I bought K-r specifically to shoot my 2-year kid indoors... oh wait, he was 1,5 when I bought it - and I STILL cannot use it...

If it has been 6 months and you haven't been able to use the camera for it's intended purpose to date, surely you would switch to MF to get the important shots? Or even more simply purchase a different camera?

Taobat · 04-29-2011, 07:49 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Stepalex

Somehow it does not stop Nikon/Canon, which reportedly were much more affected by the disaster from producing firmwares (fixing just minor bugs, not fatal flaws as is the case with K-r) and new cameras.

I bought K-r specifically to shoot my 2-year kid indoors... oh wait, he was 1,5 when I bought it - and I STILL cannot use it...

I have been shooting my 9 year old twins indoors as well as out and have not noticed a problem with FF in the vast majority of shots... are you doing very narrow depth of field shots, getting the eyelashes in focus and losing the ears and nose in bokeh? Or how is the FF showing in your shots? I am shooting in a variety of artificial light sources: Halogen, LED, Tungsten, CFL and focus is generally fast and accurate--or at least accurate enough to create lovely portraits of my kids!

What are the conditions that you are seeing these terrible FF shots in? (DOF, distance to subject, focal length and aperture of lens?)

I had to print out Tim Jackson's test target and shoot it from a tripod to confirm FF in my K-r. I noted with interest in researching that target that it was developed to test the Nikon D70 which apparently had a long unresolved back focus problem. Those who are contemplating blood feud with Pentax over the unconscionable delay in fixing the K-r's AF might be interested in that saga.

I don't doubt that this issue is a real and serious problem and has ruined some shots, but the claims that the camera is unusable indoors are so at odds with my experience that they seem like irrational hyperbole.

FWIW, I was showing my K-r to a colleague in the office and she is ready to trade in her T2i. Her perception is that the K-r's AF is both faster and more reliable in the sort of indoor, low-light conditions she regularly shoots in. And she loves the IQ...

BobDoLe · 04-29-2011, 02:21 PM

The work around does not fix the problem, it just helps a lot.

I was in a building with huge windows and the usual lighting. So with the daylight and interior lighting mixture, I was constantly switching back and forth between AWB and Tungsten to get proper focus. AND THEN I had to manually adjust the tungsten to get the proper white balance also.. But when there was sufficient daylight coming through the windows at the subject, focus was thrown way off.

I was taking 3-4 shots and fidgeting with settings in between to get one usable shot. I also had to check each and every shot to verify focus.

Don't get me wrong - I like my KR, but it clearly needs a REAL fix.

LIJ · 04-30-2011, 12:03 AM

Quote:

I was taking 3-4 shots and fidgeting with settings in between to get one usable shot. I also had to check each and every shot to verify focus.

In this type of situation I would have used Live view, which in my opinion is a much better "work around" than the switching to tungsten one, which according to many posters here does not always work very well. People seem to have forgotten this method to fix the ff. Just press the live view button, focus and shoot. Much quicker.

LuckyStar · 04-30-2011, 02:38 AM - **1 Like**

My newly purchased Pentax K-R is my first DSLR. I'm not happy about Pentax's unwillingness to acknowledge this problem. I think I'm reflecting the view of many on this thread in understanding that this might not be an easy fix, and that Japan has bigger worries these days than firmware updates for Pentax users. I'm willing to give them as much time as they need to address this, but the company needs to acknowledge that this is a known issue and promise to fix it via firmware of product recall. I will return my K-R to Amazon if Pentax is unwilling or unable to acknowledge this fact. In the meantime, I'd encourage everybody who owns a K-R who shares this view to call Pentax customer service a few times a week demanding such an acknowledgement, as well as contacting the vendor you purchased it from. The managers at Adorama and Amazon have more clout than we do, and are able to go higher up the food chain. I encourage everyone on this forum to aggressively pursue a fair remedy. But at the same time, I can't stress enough that in all communication we should express compassion for what's going on in Japan, and our willingness to be flexible on a time frame for a remedy in light of what's going on there.

SteveUK · 04-30-2011, 04:24 AM

I got an acknowledgement

Quote:

Thank you for your enquiry.
This issue has already been reported to our factory, and our engineers are investigating the case, in order to quickly fix it.

But yes I'm sure it will focus their attention if its brought to the attention of Amazon. I raised to my retailer (a specialist photo chain) and advised I intend to request refund if this is not fixed and gave them the opportunity to refund now if they are not happy with my waiting (just so they don't turn around and say its too late you've had it too long now we can only "fix" it or replace with recon job).

knishita · 04-30-2011, 12:52 PM - **1 Like**

Guys, I got response from Pentax Japan. I really do not think there will be firmware update any time soon according to the e-mail I got from Pentax Japan. This is what the Pentax Japan said, in my Japanese translation.

We confirmed the issue by re-creating the condition. We have put newly designed AF module in this model to improve the capability. However, it is unfortunate to have this AF issue under certain conditions.

One of the factor of this issue is due to the limitation of the hardware, it is difficult to resolve the issue only with firmware update. (When Japanese says difficult, it means impossible.)

We are truly regret that we cannot meet your expectation. Pentax is still looking for the possible improvement for the issue, however, at this point the current firmware seems to be the best we can do.

If you like to confirm this information, I have the phone number for this guy from Pentax Japan.

sorry guys....

SteveUK · 04-30-2011, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by knishita

... We have put newly designed AF module in this model to improve the capability.....

Hmm, wonder if they'll try to fob us off with a partial firmware fix or if they'll actually fit new module for us/ replace units. Glad I've got a case open with Pentax and kept shop aware.

nandystam · 04-30-2011, 08:13 PM

Originally posted by SteveUK

Hmm, wonder if they'll try to fob us off with a partial firmware fix or if they'll actually fit new module for us/ replace units. Glad I've got a case open with Pentax and kept shop aware.

Well that email suggests a firmware fix isn't going to do anything.

I'd suggest it's more likely that like the sensor stain issue on the K-5, they'll just replace the AF module under warranty or something along those lines.

Metalwizards · 04-30-2011, 09:33 PM

This isn't great news. Maybe downgrading to a k-x is a fix for some . . .

that sucks tho

WerTicus · 04-30-2011, 09:38 PM

does the problem go away when you set your WB to tungsten?

gp1806 · 04-30-2011, 10:14 PM

Originally posted by WerTicus

does the problem go away when you set your WB to tungsten?

The FF gets better if you select tungsten WB, but it is still there.

SteveUK · 04-30-2011, 11:04 PM

Originally posted by Metalwizards

This isn't great news. Maybe downgrading to a k-x is a fix for some . . .

that sucks tho

Only bad news if they TRY to put out a firmware fix when they know it won't work well, it could be good news if they offer to retro fit replacement module or replace faulty units.

Andresin · 04-30-2011, 11:20 PM

Originally posted by WerTicus

does the problem go away when you set your WB to tungsten?

I have not experienced any improvement by switching to tungsten wb. My FF problem is still there.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Does K-r fimware fix the K-x firmware design issue around Drive Mode?	etoprakb	Pentax K-r	16	04-25-2011 05:35 PM
K-7 Firmware update problem!	DonRicklin	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	8	01-13-2011 01:03 PM
Can a firmware update really fix the AF issue????	tbirdas	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	4	12-30-2010 01:10 AM
Problem with AF after Firmware Update (*istDS)	Hambino	Pentax DSLR Discussion	2	10-09-2010 05:08 AM
Firmware update	jon pafford	Pentax DSLR Discussion	2	04-17-2009 05:52 AM

04-28-2011, 11:33 PM	#181
Stepalex New Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 11	Originally posted by kheldour Please bear in mind, that Japan is still suffering massive power outages and is still recovering from the devastating earthquake and allow Pentax some extra time to get it right. Somehow it does not stop Nikon/Canon, which reportedly were much more affected by the disaster from producing firmwares (fixing just minor bugs, not fatal flaws as is the case with K-r) and new cameras. Originally posted by chiane Ok, anyone who doesn't just shoot in daylight? I bought K-r specifically to shoot my 2-year kid indoors... oh wait, he was 1,5 when I bought it - and I STILL cannot use it...

04-29-2011, 06:47 AM	#182
crf529 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 124	Originally posted by Stepalex Somehow it does not stop Nikon/Canon, which reportedly were much more affected by the disaster from producing firmwares (fixing just minor bugs, not fatal flaws as is the case with K-r) and new cameras. Your assuming that development of these firmware updates were commenced shortly after the disaster, which I highly doubt. More accurately these are probably updates that were entirely or mostly completed when the disasters took place. Originally posted by Stepalex I bought K-r specifically to shoot my 2-year kid indoors... oh wait, he was 1,5 when I bought it - and I STILL cannot use it... If it has been 6 months and you haven't been able to use the camera for it's intended purpose to date, surely you would switch to MF to get the important shots? Or even more simply purchase a different camera?

04-29-2011, 07:49 AM - 1 Like	#183
Taobat Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 44	Originally posted by Stepalex Somehow it does not stop Nikon/Canon, which reportedly were much more affected by the disaster from producing firmwares (fixing just minor bugs, not fatal flaws as is the case with K-r) and new cameras. I bought K-r specifically to shoot my 2-year kid indoors... oh wait, he was 1,5 when I bought it - and I STILL cannot use it... I have been shooting my 9 year old twins indoors as well as out and have not noticed a problem with FF in the vast majority of shots... are you doing very narrow depth of field shots, getting the eyelashes in focus and losing the ears and nose in bokeh? Or how is the FF showing in your shots? I am shooting in a variety of artificial light sources: Halogen, LED, Tungsten, CFL and focus is generally fast and accurate--or at least accurate enough to create lovely portraits of my kids! What are the conditions that you are seeing these terrible FF shots in? (DOF, distance to subject, focal length and aperture of lens?) I had to print out Tim Jackson's test target and shoot it from a tripod to confirm FF in my K-r. I noted with interest in researching that target that it was developed to test the Nikon D70 which apparently had a long unresolved back focus problem. Those who are contemplating blood feud with Pentax over the unconscionable delay in fixing the K-r's AF might be interested in that saga. I don't doubt that this issue is a real and serious problem and has ruined some shots, but the claims that the camera is unusable indoors are so at odds with my experience that they seem like irrational hyperbole. FWIW, I was showing my K-r to a colleague in the office and she is ready to trade in her T2i. Her perception is that the K-r's AF is both faster and more reliable in the sort of indoor, low-light conditions she regularly shoots in. And she loves the IQ...

04-29-2011, 02:21 PM	#184
BobDoLe Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 32	The work around does not fix the problem, it just helps a lot. I was in a building with huge windows and the usual lighting. So with the daylight and interior lighting mixture, I was constantly switching back and forth between AWB and Tungsten to get proper focus. AND THEN I had to manually adjust the tungsten to get the proper white balance also.. But when there was sufficient daylight coming through the windows at the subject, focus was thrown way off. I was taking 3-4 shots and fidgeting with settings in between to get one usable shot. I also had to check each and every shot to verify focus. Don't get me wrong - I like my KR, but it clearly needs a REAL fix.

04-30-2011, 12:03 AM	#185
LIJ Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 56	Quote: I was taking 3-4 shots and fidgeting with settings in between to get one usable shot. I also had to check each and every shot to verify focus. In this type of situation I would have used Live view, which in my opinion is a much better "work around" than the switching to tungsten one, which according to many posters here does not always work very well. People seem to have forgotten this method to fix the ff. Just press the live view button, focus and shoot. Much quicker.

04-30-2011, 02:38 AM - 1 Like	#186
LuckyStar New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 1	My newly purchased Pentax K-R is my first DSLR. I'm not happy about Pentax's unwillingness to acknowledge this problem. I think I'm reflecting the view of many on this thread in understanding that this might not be an easy fix, and that Japan has bigger worries these days than firmware updates for Pentax users. I'm willing to give them as much time as they need to address this, but the company needs to acknowledge that this is a known issue and promise to fix it via firmware of product recall. I will return my K-R to Amazon if Pentax is unwilling or unable to acknowledge this fact. In the meantime, I'd encourage everybody who owns a K-R who shares this view to call Pentax customer service a few times a week demanding such an acknowledgement, as well as contacting the vendor you purchased it from. The managers at Adorama and Amazon have more clout than we do, and are able to go higher up the food chain. I encourage everyone on this forum to aggressively pursue a fair remedy. But at the same time, I can't stress enough that in all communication we should express compassion for what's going on in Japan, and our willingness to be flexible on a time frame for a remedy in light of what's going on there.

04-30-2011, 04:24 AM	#187
SteveUK Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Southern UK Posts: 93	I got an acknowledgement Quote: Thank you for your enquiry. This issue has already been reported to our factory, and our engineers are investigating the case, in order to quickly fix it. But yes I'm sure it will focus their attention if its brought to the attention of Amazon. I raised to my retailer (a specialist photo chain) and advised I intend to request refund if this is not fixed and gave them the opportunity to refund now if they are not happy with my waiting (just so they don't turn around and say its too late you've had it too long now we can only "fix" it or replace with recon job).

04-30-2011, 12:52 PM - 1 Like	#188
knishita New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Huntsville, AL Photos: Albums Posts: 16	Guys, I got response from Pentax Japan. I really do not think there will be firmware update any time soon according to the e-mail I got from Pentax Japan. This is what the Pentax Japan said, in my Japanese translation. We confirmed the issue by re-creating the condition. We have put newly designed AF module in this model to improve the capability. However, it is unfortunate to have this AF issue under certain conditions. One of the factor of this issue is due to the limitation of the hardware, it is difficult to resolve the issue only with firmware update. (When Japanese says difficult, it means impossible.) We are truly regret that we cannot meet your expectation. Pentax is still looking for the possible improvement for the issue, however, at this point the current firmware seems to be the best we can do. If you like to confirm this information, I have the phone number for this guy from Pentax Japan. sorry guys....

04-30-2011, 02:24 PM	#189
SteveUK Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Southern UK Posts: 93	Originally posted by knishita ... We have put newly designed AF module in this model to improve the capability..... Hmm, wonder if they'll try to fob us off with a partial firmware fix or if they'll actually fit new module for us/ replace units. Glad I've got a case open with Pentax and kept shop aware.

04-30-2011, 08:13 PM	#190
nandystam Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Melbourne, Vic. Posts: 135	Originally posted by SteveUK Hmm, wonder if they'll try to fob us off with a partial firmware fix or if they'll actually fit new module for us/ replace units. Glad I've got a case open with Pentax and kept shop aware. Well that email suggests a firmware fix isn't going to do anything. I'd suggest it's more likely that like the sensor stain issue on the K-5, they'll just replace the AF module under warranty or something along those lines.

04-30-2011, 09:33 PM	#191
Metalwizards Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Santa Cruz Photos: Albums Posts: 124	This isn't great news. Maybe downgrading to a k-x is a fix for some . . . that sucks tho

04-30-2011, 09:38 PM	#192
WerTicus Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Perth Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,514	does the problem go away when you set your WB to tungsten?

04-30-2011, 10:14 PM	#193
gp1806 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs Photos: Albums Posts: 848	Originally posted by WerTicus does the problem go away when you set your WB to tungsten? The FF gets better if you select tungsten WB, but it is still there.

04-30-2011, 11:04 PM	#194
SteveUK Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Southern UK Posts: 93	Originally posted by Metalwizards This isn't great news. Maybe downgrading to a k-x is a fix for some . . . that sucks tho Only bad news if they TRY to put out a firmware fix when they know it won't work well, it could be good news if they offer to retro fit replacement module or replace faulty units.

04-30-2011, 11:20 PM	#195
Andresin New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Stockholm Posts: 20	Originally posted by WerTicus does the problem go away when you set your WB to tungsten? I have not experienced any improvement by switching to tungsten wb. My FF problem is still there.