K3 Crazy Mirror Sickness (Mirror Flapping Lockup) - Report Yours Here!

**gaweidert** · 08-25-2015, 02:12 PM

Originally posted by peterh337

Mine has just started doing it again, after some time.

Date of event: 24/8/2015
K3 camera purchased: 24/1/2014, repaired by JP Service 10/4/2014 ("unable to recreate fault")
Shutter count: not a lot
Ser No: 4858537 Park Cameras UK
Quality: RAW+JPEG
Memory: two memory cards
Lens: Pentax 16-85
Mode: TAV
Focus: AF
AF button:
SR: off
Firmware: 1.03

The battery was nearly fully charged. The rattling stopped after a few seconds.

Could anyone suggest what I should do?

Upgrade the firmware to version 1.21. This fix stops the problem when it does occurs. You can also send it in for repair.

Last edited by gaweidert; 08-30-2015 at 10:28 AM.

PALADIN85020 · 08-25-2015, 10:07 PM

Originally posted by peterh337

Mine has just started doing it again, after some time.

Date of event: 24/8/2015
K3 camera purchased: 24/1/2014, repaired by JP Service 10/4/2014 ("unable to recreate fault")
Shutter count: not a lot
Ser No: 4858537 Park Cameras UK
Quality: RAW+JPEG
Memory: two memory cards
Lens: Pentax 16-85
Mode: TAV
Focus: AF
AF button:
SR: off
Firmware: 1.03

The battery was nearly fully charged. The rattling stopped after a few seconds.

Could anyone suggest what I should do?

Of course JP Service could not replicate the problem! It's RANDOM. I had mine fixed by C.R.I.S. in Arizona over a year ago and have not had one recurrence of the mirror flap problem since then. There is a specific programming fix on a particular circuit that controls the voltage to the mirror mechanism. Once this is done, there should be no problem, and any Pentax repair facility should be aware what the cure is. The latest user-installable firmware simply arrests the flapping when it occurs; it does not prevent it. It's not a "fix," it's a band-aid.

John

PENTAX : PENTAX Photo Gallery artist page

**BarryE** · 08-26-2015, 12:07 AM

Originally posted by peterh337

Mine has just started doing it again, after some time.

Date of event: 24/8/2015
K3 camera purchased: 24/1/2014, repaired by JP Service 10/4/2014 ("unable to recreate fault")
Shutter count: not a lot
Ser No: 4858537 Park Cameras UK
Quality: RAW+JPEG
Memory: two memory cards
Lens: Pentax 16-85
Mode: TAV
Focus: AF
AF button:
SR: off
Firmware: 1.03

The battery was nearly fully charged. The rattling stopped after a few seconds.

Could anyone suggest what I should do?

Hi Peter, just update to the latest firmware.... I think the fix occurred after version 1.11, as I recall. I had the problem with 1.03 a few times, since then and thousands of shots later, the new firmware handles the problem and the user hardly notices there's been a glitch. Therefore zero problem for me.

**Dougg** · 08-26-2015, 01:54 AM

Probably wise to get the official Pentax repair while the camera is under warranty...

Best, Doug

peterh337 · 08-26-2015, 01:59 AM

Thank you all - just updated it. No news will be good news

I have just phoned Park Cameras and based on "K3 camera purchased: 24/1/2014, repaired by JP Service 10/4/2014" it is OUT of warranty.

awaldram · 08-26-2015, 03:54 AM

Originally posted by peterh337

Thank you all - just updated it. No news will be good news

I have just phoned Park Cameras and based on "K3 camera purchased: 24/1/2014, repaired by JP Service 10/4/2014" it is OUT of warranty.

Buy from a Pentax Pro dealership next time 2 year warranty as standard.

I'm surprised Park aren't and only offer the standard 12 months

Service Support Centre - RICOH IMAGING UK LTD.

totsmuyco · 08-26-2015, 04:46 AM

Well I hope they've addressed this issue not to come out on the k-3II. I ordered one and it's coming this September.

Last edited by totsmuyco; 08-26-2015 at 04:47 AM. Reason: Spelling

cruzrdrvr · 09-30-2015, 12:23 PM

I too am a victim. I received the k3 in October 2014 and the mirror issue has happened twice.

**jpzk** · 10-07-2015, 10:52 AM

Originally posted by DRabbit

So far, the issue seems to have been reported in serial numbers ranging anywhere from:482XXXX to 493XXXX (black bodies)
and
2573XXX to 2578XXX (silver bodies)

I am just trying to convince myself to buy a K3 (not a K3II) and was wondering if the aforementioned numbers are the only ones to worry about?
I know this thread is getting "old" but I thought it would be a good idea to check, anyway.

JP

Arjay Bee · 10-07-2015, 11:09 PM - **1 Like**

This issue is now largely sidestepped by the limitation on the error made by recent firmware upgrades. I have had it a couple of times but recognise it immediately and quickly move beyond the issue by camera restart or battery ejection with no real loss of picture taking opportunity.

Get the camera cos it is great!

**Dougg** · 10-07-2015, 11:39 PM

Even if done out of the warranty, I expect the official repair would be done a nominal cost, since it's a simple application of a software fix. Very quick turnaround too.

**jpzk** · 10-12-2015, 06:08 PM

Originally posted by jpzk

I am just trying to convince myself to buy a K3 (not a K3II) and was wondering if the aforementioned numbers are the only ones to worry about?
I know this thread is getting "old" but I thought it would be a good idea to check, anyway.

JP

Originally posted by Arjay Bee

This issue is now largely sidestepped by the limitation on the error made by recent firmware upgrades. I have had it a couple of times but recognise it immediately and quickly move beyond the issue by camera restart or battery ejection with no real loss of picture taking opportunity.

Get the camera cos it is great!

Originally posted by Dougg

Even if done out of the warranty, I expect the official repair would be done a nominal cost, since it's a simple application of a software fix. Very quick turnaround too.

So I suppose I could always request that the camera doesn't fall in the "bad" serial numbers?
And that the firmware is V1.21 ?

Thanks!

ijimenez · 10-14-2015, 10:00 PM

*SIGH*

This is the first time this happened to me. K-3 body with grip accessory. Camera set to manual function & single frame shooting. In the middle of shooting it locked up on firing the shutter in rapid succession (machine gun). I had to turn the camera off, then back on to gain control of normal camera function. I think this happened when the camera switched from the low battery in the grip to the battery in the camera body. This happened with firmware 1.03. I removed the grip, and flashed the K-3 firmware to 1.21. I hope this won't happen again, especially in front of other photographers.

Paul the Sunman · 10-14-2015, 10:47 PM

Originally posted by ijimenez

*SIGH*

This is the first time this happened to me. K-3 body with grip accessory. Camera set to manual function & single frame shooting. In the middle of shooting it locked up on firing the shutter in rapid succession (machine gun). I had to turn the camera off, then back on to gain control of normal camera function. I think this happened when the camera switched from the low battery in the grip to the battery in the camera body. This happened with firmware 1.03. I removed the grip, and flashed the K-3 firmware to 1.21. I hope this won't happen again, especially in front of other photographers.

With 1.21 it may still happen, but it will be stopped in its tracks almost instantly.

asharpe · 10-15-2015, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by ijimenez

*SIGH*

I hope this won't happen again, especially in front of other photographers.

First, what do you care what other photographers think? And, of course, *none* of those other photographers have ever had issues with their cameras. Nothing like oil spots on the sensor, or using a toxic chemical on a rubber viewfinder, or anything like that which is much worse than a flapping shutter. Oh, wait.

09-30-2015, 12:23 PM	#833
cruzrdrvr New Member Join Date: May 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5	mirror flutter I too am a victim. I received the k3 in October 2014 and the mirror issue has happened twice.

10-14-2015, 10:00 PM	#838
ijimenez New Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 9	K-3 mirror flop / shutter issue SIGH This is the first time this happened to me. K-3 body with grip accessory. Camera set to manual function & single frame shooting. In the middle of shooting it locked up on firing the shutter in rapid succession (machine gun). I had to turn the camera off, then back on to gain control of normal camera function. I think this happened when the camera switched from the low battery in the grip to the battery in the camera body. This happened with firmware 1.03. I removed the grip, and flashed the K-3 firmware to 1.21. I hope this won't happen again, especially in front of other photographers.

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08-25-2015, 02:12 PM	#826
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	Originally posted by peterh337 Mine has just started doing it again, after some time. Date of event: 24/8/2015 K3 camera purchased: 24/1/2014, repaired by JP Service 10/4/2014 ("unable to recreate fault") Shutter count: not a lot Ser No: 4858537 Park Cameras UK Quality: RAW+JPEG Memory: two memory cards Lens: Pentax 16-85 Mode: TAV Focus: AF AF button: SR: off Firmware: 1.03 The battery was nearly fully charged. The rattling stopped after a few seconds. Could anyone suggest what I should do? Upgrade the firmware to version 1.21. This fix stops the problem when it does occurs. You can also send it in for repair. Last edited by gaweidert; 08-30-2015 at 10:28 AM.

08-25-2015, 10:07 PM	#827
PALADIN85020 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 442	Originally posted by peterh337 Mine has just started doing it again, after some time. Date of event: 24/8/2015 K3 camera purchased: 24/1/2014, repaired by JP Service 10/4/2014 ("unable to recreate fault") Shutter count: not a lot Ser No: 4858537 Park Cameras UK Quality: RAW+JPEG Memory: two memory cards Lens: Pentax 16-85 Mode: TAV Focus: AF AF button: SR: off Firmware: 1.03 The battery was nearly fully charged. The rattling stopped after a few seconds. Could anyone suggest what I should do? Of course JP Service could not replicate the problem! It's RANDOM. I had mine fixed by C.R.I.S. in Arizona over a year ago and have not had one recurrence of the mirror flap problem since then. There is a specific programming fix on a particular circuit that controls the voltage to the mirror mechanism. Once this is done, there should be no problem, and any Pentax repair facility should be aware what the cure is. The latest user-installable firmware simply arrests the flapping when it occurs; it does not prevent it. It's not a "fix," it's a band-aid. John PENTAX : PENTAX Photo Gallery artist page

08-26-2015, 12:07 AM	#828
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,653	Originally posted by peterh337 Mine has just started doing it again, after some time. Date of event: 24/8/2015 K3 camera purchased: 24/1/2014, repaired by JP Service 10/4/2014 ("unable to recreate fault") Shutter count: not a lot Ser No: 4858537 Park Cameras UK Quality: RAW+JPEG Memory: two memory cards Lens: Pentax 16-85 Mode: TAV Focus: AF AF button: SR: off Firmware: 1.03 The battery was nearly fully charged. The rattling stopped after a few seconds. Could anyone suggest what I should do? Hi Peter, just update to the latest firmware.... I think the fix occurred after version 1.11, as I recall. I had the problem with 1.03 a few times, since then and thousands of shots later, the new firmware handles the problem and the user hardly notices there's been a glitch. Therefore zero problem for me.

08-26-2015, 01:54 AM	#829
Dougg Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Washington Photos: Albums Posts: 293	Probably wise to get the official Pentax repair while the camera is under warranty... Best, Doug

08-26-2015, 01:59 AM	#830
peterh337 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London Posts: 573	Thank you all - just updated it. No news will be good news I have just phoned Park Cameras and based on "K3 camera purchased: 24/1/2014, repaired by JP Service 10/4/2014" it is OUT of warranty.

08-26-2015, 03:54 AM	#831
awaldram Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 732	Originally posted by peterh337 Thank you all - just updated it. No news will be good news I have just phoned Park Cameras and based on "K3 camera purchased: 24/1/2014, repaired by JP Service 10/4/2014" it is OUT of warranty. Buy from a Pentax Pro dealership next time 2 year warranty as standard. I'm surprised Park aren't and only offer the standard 12 months Service Support Centre - RICOH IMAGING UK LTD.

08-26-2015, 04:46 AM	#832
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	Well I hope they've addressed this issue not to come out on the k-3II. I ordered one and it's coming this September. Last edited by totsmuyco; 08-26-2015 at 04:47 AM. Reason: Spelling

10-07-2015, 10:52 AM	#834
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Originally posted by DRabbit So far, the issue seems to have been reported in serial numbers ranging anywhere from:482XXXX to 493XXXX (black bodies) and 2573XXX to 2578XXX (silver bodies) I am just trying to convince myself to buy a K3 (not a K3II) and was wondering if the aforementioned numbers are the only ones to worry about? I know this thread is getting "old" but I thought it would be a good idea to check, anyway. JP

10-07-2015, 11:09 PM - 1 Like	#835
Arjay Bee Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Horn Island, Torres Straits, Q Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,715	This issue is now largely sidestepped by the limitation on the error made by recent firmware upgrades. I have had it a couple of times but recognise it immediately and quickly move beyond the issue by camera restart or battery ejection with no real loss of picture taking opportunity. Get the camera cos it is great!

10-07-2015, 11:39 PM	#836
Dougg Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Washington Photos: Albums Posts: 293	Even if done out of the warranty, I expect the official repair would be done a nominal cost, since it's a simple application of a software fix. Very quick turnaround too.

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10-12-2015, 06:08 PM	#837
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Originally posted by jpzk I am just trying to convince myself to buy a K3 (not a K3II) and was wondering if the aforementioned numbers are the only ones to worry about? I know this thread is getting "old" but I thought it would be a good idea to check, anyway. JP Originally posted by Arjay Bee This issue is now largely sidestepped by the limitation on the error made by recent firmware upgrades. I have had it a couple of times but recognise it immediately and quickly move beyond the issue by camera restart or battery ejection with no real loss of picture taking opportunity. Get the camera cos it is great! Originally posted by Dougg Even if done out of the warranty, I expect the official repair would be done a nominal cost, since it's a simple application of a software fix. Very quick turnaround too. So I suppose I could always request that the camera doesn't fall in the "bad" serial numbers? And that the firmware is V1.21 ? Thanks!

10-14-2015, 10:47 PM	#839
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	Originally posted by ijimenez SIGH This is the first time this happened to me. K-3 body with grip accessory. Camera set to manual function & single frame shooting. In the middle of shooting it locked up on firing the shutter in rapid succession (machine gun). I had to turn the camera off, then back on to gain control of normal camera function. I think this happened when the camera switched from the low battery in the grip to the battery in the camera body. This happened with firmware 1.03. I removed the grip, and flashed the K-3 firmware to 1.21. I hope this won't happen again, especially in front of other photographers. With 1.21 it may still happen, but it will be stopped in its tracks almost instantly.

10-15-2015, 09:32 AM	#840
asharpe Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Palo Alto, CA Posts: 221	Originally posted by ijimenez SIGH I hope this won't happen again, especially in front of other photographers. First, what do you care what other photographers think? And, of course, none of those other photographers have ever had issues with their cameras. Nothing like oil spots on the sensor, or using a toxic chemical on a rubber viewfinder, or anything like that which is much worse than a flapping shutter. Oh, wait.