Sad day: I had to return my K3

David&karen · 01-02-2014, 09:52 AM

Hi everyone. My K3 I bought on Amazon has been giving me fits with inconsistent AF. It would say it was focused, then you take the picture and it is so blurred that nothing is usable. Then you shoot it again and it is perfect. I first thought it was the new Tamron 17-50 F2.8 that I bought, then I tried it on my wife's K5IIs and after a little calibration it is completely consistent in it's AF. Then I tried the DA*300 and it kept doing the same thing. Today I took the 12-24 DA the K5IIs and the K3 out and tried the 12-24 on both cameras and the same lighting and subject for both. On the K5IIs it needed -3 then was perfectly consistent in the images, and on the K3 for every sharp image it gave a really soft image that the AF said was focused. The focused ones were at 0 micro adjustment. I looked at the foot/meter scale and it was on a different distance for almost every shot with a stationary object. Multiple 1/2 pushes of the shutter button before actually taking a pic usually gave a sharp image. I used AFs with focus priority and center point selected and it did the same thing before and after the new firmware. The K5IIs showed no such issues with any lens, and I tried about 10 of them. Amazon allows the return until the 31st so I am gonna do that, then get another one. I'm not posting pics as imo there is no point to it at this stage. Has anyone else seen this behavior in their K3? My guess is this is a fluke and the replacement will cure the issue. Anyway, it is a disappointment but stuff happens.

David

normhead · 01-02-2014, 10:02 AM

I can't say I've experienced that issue... tough luck.

David&karen · 01-02-2014, 10:11 AM

It happens. I'm not anti Pentax or anything like that, I still feel that the brand offers a combination of features that I can't find in any other.

David

**jatrax** · 01-02-2014, 10:18 AM

Tough luck. Maybe I hit the jackpot with a hand tuned model but my k-3 has been spot on with every lens I've tried. No AF adjustment needed.

Hope the replacement works better.

David&karen · 01-02-2014, 10:25 AM

I actually am confident that it will. Pentax has been good to me and my wife over the lat 25 years or so.

Lightograph · 01-02-2014, 11:20 AM

You are not alone my friend. I had the same problem. I got my K3 from Pentax Webstore. When I tried my first shots I found the same that the pictures were not sharp in focus. I tired with DA 70mm Ltd and the DA 35mm Macro Ltd. I found no difference in the results. I became suspicious about K3 and tested the same shot with my K5 IIs. They were tack sharp. I went through the drill of doing the AF fine adjustment. It did improve marginally but the pictures were not really sharp. I tested for front focus and back focus issues with 5 AA batteries placed at 45 degrees all that stuff. Though there were no front or back focusing issues what ever I focused was in focus but not sharp in focus. After this I called Pentax webstore and asked for an exchange. I have sent mine back to webstore and waiting for the replacement.

David&karen · 01-02-2014, 04:49 PM

It sucks thats for sure. Pm me or post when you get. you new camera, i would like to know how it all works out.

David

One3rdEV · 01-02-2014, 08:24 PM - **1 Like**

For the possible benefit of others who may face similar circumstances in the future- also consider that another alternative is to send the new body into to Pentax service (e.g. CRIS in the US) for proper calibration under warranty. Based on observations during the K-5 product life, I believe that such a sample when properly calibrated will deliver a very solid performance afterward. I am certainly no expert, however my impression is that the end-of-production bodies that are calibrated close to the design intended nominal provide very consistent AF performance while those that are not tend to vary considerably in their AF performance. Therefore it is likely that a sample correctly calibrated under warranty to a OEM master lens will ultimately perform better than an exchange unit unless that exchange unit also meets nominal calibration.

Lightograph · 01-02-2014, 10:05 PM

Originally posted by David&karen

It sucks thats for sure. Pm me or post when you get. you new camera, i would like to know how it all works out.

David

Sure David, t will take a week or 10 days before I get the replacement. I will keep you posted.

Lightograph · 01-02-2014, 10:08 PM

Originally posted by One3rdEV

For the possible benefit of others who may face similar circumstances in the future- also consider that another alternative is to send the new body into to Pentax service (e.g. CRIS in the US) for proper calibration under warranty. Based on observations during the K-5 product life, I believe that such a sample when properly calibrated will deliver a very solid performance afterward. I am certainly no expert, however my impression is that the end-of-production bodies that are calibrated close to the design intended nominal provide very consistent AF performance while those that are not tend to vary considerably in their AF performance. Therefore it is likely that a sample correctly calibrated under warranty to a OEM master lens will ultimately perform better than an exchange unit unless that exchange unit also meets nominal calibration.

Thanks for your input. The idea did cross my mind to send my K3 to Pentax service center but than I thought I will try an exchange and see. And I also thought that this would be faster. I hope that the replacement will solve the issue. However if I have to face the music again I will try the service center route.

NotaxPen · 01-02-2014, 10:10 PM

Originally posted by One3rdEV

For the possible benefit of others who may face similar circumstances in the future- also consider that another alternative is to send the new body into to Pentax service (e.g. CRIS in the US) for proper calibration under warranty. Based on observations during the K-5 product life, I believe that such a sample when properly calibrated will deliver a very solid performance afterward. I am certainly no expert, however my impression is that the end-of-production bodies that are calibrated close to the design intended nominal provide very consistent AF performance while those that are not tend to vary considerably in their AF performance. Therefore it is likely that a sample correctly calibrated under warranty to a OEM master lens will ultimately perform better than an exchange unit unless that exchange unit also meets nominal calibration.

I would like to know why the warranty provider would calibrate the camera better than the factory?

David&karen · 01-02-2014, 10:20 PM

I did consider the cris route, but I was worried that if it needed parts it would be gone for many months as it is so new. So this is faster and I think the safer route at this point.

David

**jatrax** · 01-02-2014, 10:33 PM

Originally posted by NotaxPen

I would like to know why the warranty provider would calibrate the camera better than the factory?

Warranty service in the US is handled by CRIS Camera and presumably they would 'hand tune' any camera they received to factory specs. Is that better than factory? Theoretically no. But the factory might have had a bad day, the camera might have been knocked about in shipping, it might have a part that passed spec at the factory but no longer does for some reason, or the factory may not run as extensive of testing as the service center might.

That said, If I received a camera that did not function properly out of the box, I would prefer an exchange rather than send it in for service. Yes, you take the chance the next one will be no better, but you balance that against the one you have being a 'lemon' that never works right. Not sure there is a right or wrong in this, you pays your money and takes your chances.

Unregistered User · 01-03-2014, 01:03 AM

Originally posted by David&karen

Hi everyone. My K3 I bought on Amazon has been giving me fits with inconsistent AF. It would say it was focused, then you take the picture and it is so blurred that nothing is usable. Then you shoot it again and it is perfect. I first thought it was the new Tamron 17-50 F2.8 that I bought, then I tried it on my wife's K5IIs and after a little calibration it is completely consistent in it's AF. Then I tried the DA*300 and it kept doing the same thing. Today I took the 12-24 DA the K5IIs and the K3 out and tried the 12-24 on both cameras and the same lighting and subject for both. On the K5IIs it needed -3 then was perfectly consistent in the images, and on the K3 for every sharp image it gave a really soft image that the AF said was focused. The focused ones were at 0 micro adjustment. I looked at the foot/meter scale and it was on a different distance for almost every shot with a stationary object. Multiple 1/2 pushes of the shutter button before actually taking a pic usually gave a sharp image. I used AFs with focus priority and center point selected and it did the same thing before and after the new firmware. The K5IIs showed no such issues with any lens, and I tried about 10 of them. Amazon allows the return until the 31st so I am gonna do that, then get another one. I'm not posting pics as imo there is no point to it at this stage. Has anyone else seen this behavior in their K3? My guess is this is a fluke and the replacement will cure the issue. Anyway, it is a disappointment but stuff happens.

David

The only focus issue I have had resently is when trying to capture a horse standing pretty still. It just would'nt fokus. Choosing any other object in the visinity was spot on but not the horse. Still tying to figure that one out. I side stepped a few pases and then got sharp pics. Same ISO, shutter and f-stop. It was cloudy and not so dark, the horse was brown with a white streak on the front.

Before this I had problem with my 17-50 2.8 Tamron that I have had for two years and Live View focus with my DA 18-135 that came in the box. I sent them and my K-3 to the service place. They sent me new lenses and my K-3 back.

NotaxPen · 01-03-2014, 05:43 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

Warranty service in the US is handled by CRIS Camera and presumably they would 'hand tune' any camera they received to factory specs. Is that better than factory? Theoretically no. But the factory might have had a bad day, the camera might have been knocked about in shipping, it might have a part that passed spec at the factory but no longer does for some reason, or the factory may not run as extensive of testing as the service center might.

That said, If I received a camera that did not function properly out of the box, I would prefer an exchange rather than send it in for service. Yes, you take the chance the next one will be no better, but you balance that against the one you have being a 'lemon' that never works right. Not sure there is a right or wrong in this, you pays your money and takes your chances.

That's what I was thinking, "Factory Specs", someone at the factory needs better glasses ;-)

01-02-2014, 09:52 AM	#1
David&karen Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 327	Sad day: I had to return my K3 Hi everyone. My K3 I bought on Amazon has been giving me fits with inconsistent AF. It would say it was focused, then you take the picture and it is so blurred that nothing is usable. Then you shoot it again and it is perfect. I first thought it was the new Tamron 17-50 F2.8 that I bought, then I tried it on my wife's K5IIs and after a little calibration it is completely consistent in it's AF. Then I tried the DA*300 and it kept doing the same thing. Today I took the 12-24 DA the K5IIs and the K3 out and tried the 12-24 on both cameras and the same lighting and subject for both. On the K5IIs it needed -3 then was perfectly consistent in the images, and on the K3 for every sharp image it gave a really soft image that the AF said was focused. The focused ones were at 0 micro adjustment. I looked at the foot/meter scale and it was on a different distance for almost every shot with a stationary object. Multiple 1/2 pushes of the shutter button before actually taking a pic usually gave a sharp image. I used AFs with focus priority and center point selected and it did the same thing before and after the new firmware. The K5IIs showed no such issues with any lens, and I tried about 10 of them. Amazon allows the return until the 31st so I am gonna do that, then get another one. I'm not posting pics as imo there is no point to it at this stage. Has anyone else seen this behavior in their K3? My guess is this is a fluke and the replacement will cure the issue. Anyway, it is a disappointment but stuff happens. David

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
k3 warranty-do not return to store, pink slip	oneeyedhawk	Pentax K-3 & K-3 II	8	12-07-2013 01:36 AM
My Return to Film and my Analogue/Digital Hybrid Idea Thing	FoTom	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	61	08-10-2013 11:16 PM
Should I return my GH2?	ManuH	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	13	06-16-2012 06:47 AM
Help please... should i return my k5 i bought yesterday	Vipertsniper	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	3	02-27-2012 06:03 AM
I had to share - my son in the backyard	khardur	Post Your Photos!	18	05-17-2007 11:06 AM

01-02-2014, 10:02 AM	#2
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I can't say I've experienced that issue... tough luck.

01-02-2014, 10:11 AM	#3
David&karen Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 327 Original Poster	It happens. I'm not anti Pentax or anything like that, I still feel that the brand offers a combination of features that I can't find in any other. David

01-02-2014, 10:18 AM	#4
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Tough luck. Maybe I hit the jackpot with a hand tuned model but my k-3 has been spot on with every lens I've tried. No AF adjustment needed. Hope the replacement works better.

01-02-2014, 10:25 AM	#5
David&karen Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 327 Original Poster	I actually am confident that it will. Pentax has been good to me and my wife over the lat 25 years or so.

01-02-2014, 11:20 AM	#6
Lightograph Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Herndon VA Posts: 34	You are not alone my friend. I had the same problem. I got my K3 from Pentax Webstore. When I tried my first shots I found the same that the pictures were not sharp in focus. I tired with DA 70mm Ltd and the DA 35mm Macro Ltd. I found no difference in the results. I became suspicious about K3 and tested the same shot with my K5 IIs. They were tack sharp. I went through the drill of doing the AF fine adjustment. It did improve marginally but the pictures were not really sharp. I tested for front focus and back focus issues with 5 AA batteries placed at 45 degrees all that stuff. Though there were no front or back focusing issues what ever I focused was in focus but not sharp in focus. After this I called Pentax webstore and asked for an exchange. I have sent mine back to webstore and waiting for the replacement.

01-02-2014, 04:49 PM	#7
David&karen Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 327 Original Poster	It sucks thats for sure. Pm me or post when you get. you new camera, i would like to know how it all works out. David

01-02-2014, 08:24 PM - 1 Like	#8
One3rdEV Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: So-central, MI Posts: 285	For the possible benefit of others who may face similar circumstances in the future- also consider that another alternative is to send the new body into to Pentax service (e.g. CRIS in the US) for proper calibration under warranty. Based on observations during the K-5 product life, I believe that such a sample when properly calibrated will deliver a very solid performance afterward. I am certainly no expert, however my impression is that the end-of-production bodies that are calibrated close to the design intended nominal provide very consistent AF performance while those that are not tend to vary considerably in their AF performance. Therefore it is likely that a sample correctly calibrated under warranty to a OEM master lens will ultimately perform better than an exchange unit unless that exchange unit also meets nominal calibration.

01-02-2014, 10:05 PM	#9
Lightograph Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Herndon VA Posts: 34	Originally posted by David&karen It sucks thats for sure. Pm me or post when you get. you new camera, i would like to know how it all works out. David Sure David, t will take a week or 10 days before I get the replacement. I will keep you posted.

01-02-2014, 10:08 PM	#10
Lightograph Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Herndon VA Posts: 34	Originally posted by One3rdEV For the possible benefit of others who may face similar circumstances in the future- also consider that another alternative is to send the new body into to Pentax service (e.g. CRIS in the US) for proper calibration under warranty. Based on observations during the K-5 product life, I believe that such a sample when properly calibrated will deliver a very solid performance afterward. I am certainly no expert, however my impression is that the end-of-production bodies that are calibrated close to the design intended nominal provide very consistent AF performance while those that are not tend to vary considerably in their AF performance. Therefore it is likely that a sample correctly calibrated under warranty to a OEM master lens will ultimately perform better than an exchange unit unless that exchange unit also meets nominal calibration. Thanks for your input. The idea did cross my mind to send my K3 to Pentax service center but than I thought I will try an exchange and see. And I also thought that this would be faster. I hope that the replacement will solve the issue. However if I have to face the music again I will try the service center route.

01-02-2014, 10:10 PM	#11
NotaxPen Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 123	Originally posted by One3rdEV For the possible benefit of others who may face similar circumstances in the future- also consider that another alternative is to send the new body into to Pentax service (e.g. CRIS in the US) for proper calibration under warranty. Based on observations during the K-5 product life, I believe that such a sample when properly calibrated will deliver a very solid performance afterward. I am certainly no expert, however my impression is that the end-of-production bodies that are calibrated close to the design intended nominal provide very consistent AF performance while those that are not tend to vary considerably in their AF performance. Therefore it is likely that a sample correctly calibrated under warranty to a OEM master lens will ultimately perform better than an exchange unit unless that exchange unit also meets nominal calibration. I would like to know why the warranty provider would calibrate the camera better than the factory?

01-02-2014, 10:20 PM	#12
David&karen Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 327 Original Poster	I did consider the cris route, but I was worried that if it needed parts it would be gone for many months as it is so new. So this is faster and I think the safer route at this point. David

01-02-2014, 10:33 PM	#13
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by NotaxPen I would like to know why the warranty provider would calibrate the camera better than the factory? Warranty service in the US is handled by CRIS Camera and presumably they would 'hand tune' any camera they received to factory specs. Is that better than factory? Theoretically no. But the factory might have had a bad day, the camera might have been knocked about in shipping, it might have a part that passed spec at the factory but no longer does for some reason, or the factory may not run as extensive of testing as the service center might. That said, If I received a camera that did not function properly out of the box, I would prefer an exchange rather than send it in for service. Yes, you take the chance the next one will be no better, but you balance that against the one you have being a 'lemon' that never works right. Not sure there is a right or wrong in this, you pays your money and takes your chances.

01-03-2014, 01:03 AM	#14
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by David&karen Hi everyone. My K3 I bought on Amazon has been giving me fits with inconsistent AF. It would say it was focused, then you take the picture and it is so blurred that nothing is usable. Then you shoot it again and it is perfect. I first thought it was the new Tamron 17-50 F2.8 that I bought, then I tried it on my wife's K5IIs and after a little calibration it is completely consistent in it's AF. Then I tried the DA*300 and it kept doing the same thing. Today I took the 12-24 DA the K5IIs and the K3 out and tried the 12-24 on both cameras and the same lighting and subject for both. On the K5IIs it needed -3 then was perfectly consistent in the images, and on the K3 for every sharp image it gave a really soft image that the AF said was focused. The focused ones were at 0 micro adjustment. I looked at the foot/meter scale and it was on a different distance for almost every shot with a stationary object. Multiple 1/2 pushes of the shutter button before actually taking a pic usually gave a sharp image. I used AFs with focus priority and center point selected and it did the same thing before and after the new firmware. The K5IIs showed no such issues with any lens, and I tried about 10 of them. Amazon allows the return until the 31st so I am gonna do that, then get another one. I'm not posting pics as imo there is no point to it at this stage. Has anyone else seen this behavior in their K3? My guess is this is a fluke and the replacement will cure the issue. Anyway, it is a disappointment but stuff happens. David The only focus issue I have had resently is when trying to capture a horse standing pretty still. It just would'nt fokus. Choosing any other object in the visinity was spot on but not the horse. Still tying to figure that one out. I side stepped a few pases and then got sharp pics. Same ISO, shutter and f-stop. It was cloudy and not so dark, the horse was brown with a white streak on the front. Before this I had problem with my 17-50 2.8 Tamron that I have had for two years and Live View focus with my DA 18-135 that came in the box. I sent them and my K-3 to the service place. They sent me new lenses and my K-3 back.

01-03-2014, 05:43 PM	#15
NotaxPen Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 123	Originally posted by jatrax Warranty service in the US is handled by CRIS Camera and presumably they would 'hand tune' any camera they received to factory specs. Is that better than factory? Theoretically no. But the factory might have had a bad day, the camera might have been knocked about in shipping, it might have a part that passed spec at the factory but no longer does for some reason, or the factory may not run as extensive of testing as the service center might. That said, If I received a camera that did not function properly out of the box, I would prefer an exchange rather than send it in for service. Yes, you take the chance the next one will be no better, but you balance that against the one you have being a 'lemon' that never works right. Not sure there is a right or wrong in this, you pays your money and takes your chances. That's what I was thinking, "Factory Specs", someone at the factory needs better glasses ;-)