K-3 mirror flutter - REPLY FROM RICOH

**MJSfoto1956** · 12-07-2014, 11:01 AM

I'm beginning to believe that it might have something to do with Pentax batteries. Since moving my batteries around I have not had the problem. In order to keep better data, I've labeled my Pentax-branded batteries #1, #2, and #3 so that I can keep track of which combinations are problematic (or not). Might take a while to report back but I have some anecdotal evidence that there is something to this.

YMMV

Michael

airjames · 12-07-2014, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by MJSfoto1956

I'm beginning to believe that it might have something to do with Pentax batteries. Since moving my batteries around I have not had the problem. In order to keep better data, I've labeled my Pentax-branded batteries #1, #2, and #3 so that I can keep track of which combinations are problematic (or not). Might take a while to report back but I have some anecdotal evidence that there is something to this.

YMMV

Michael

I had 4 Pentax batteries and thought the same so I switched to an off brand and it happened there as well. Someone mentioned it was the way the K3 circuitry wasn't getting the correct power and I think that is more the case than the battery. The batteries are pretty consistently made nowadays and the voltage should be adequate if it can power the K3 as long as they do. I had the issue go away with the firmware update 1.11, albeit, a short time I had to send it in for the no-power-on issue. I sent it in for service and have yet to have the problem. I feel like it's a problem of the past.

Pentaxaholic · 12-07-2014, 04:11 PM

Originally posted by ruoyun.huang

so bad seeing so many ppl encoutering this issue... really holding me back from getting one

Apparently you haven't read my detailed experience in response to that question on the Pentax Forum thread "To Buy or not To Buy"
I don't think people would make "a mountain out of a molehill" if they read that first.
I can tell you this, You couldn't PRY my K3 out of my hands!!!!!!!!!

**MJSfoto1956** · 12-07-2014, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by Pentaxaholic

I can tell you this, You couldn't PRY my K3 out of my hands!!!!!!!!!

+1 -- one of the finest cameras I have ever owned (and I am one of those that has had an occasional hiccup wrt the flutter issue)

YMMV

Michael

Pentaxaholic · 12-08-2014, 05:30 AM

Originally posted by WestCoastGuy

Victoria, BC.

I looked into buying a K-3 yesterday, but found all stock here in the suspect serial # range. A couple of the dealers were aware of the issue, having had returned units demonstrating the mirror flop issue. The dealers were all contacting the Ricoh rep to ask about this issue. I have left my name as one holding off purchasing until the issue is resolved.

Hopefully, more info will soon be forthcoming up here in Canada.

Try calling the online dealers and ask them if they have any in stock that are not bearers of the suspect serial number. I'm sure they do. You can have it shipped to your door!

Even if you happen to get one, like I did with my first, they were happy to replace it. I suggest you read my response on Pentax forum to "To buy or not to buy" for details about return policies and helpful information. My second K3 has been problem free and it is not in the serial number range of suspect cameras.

---------- Post added 12-08-14 at 06:33 AM ----------

Originally posted by PiDicus Rex

Doing my due diligence reading before purchase,...

Question to all K3 owners who experienced this issue - Has it only been while shooting stills, or has this occurred when moving in to or from Video mode?

I only had it happen during still shots. (and right out of the box, so it was sent in for exchange)
I LOVE IT!

---------- Post added 12-08-14 at 06:38 AM ----------

Originally posted by MJSfoto1956

I'm beginning to believe that it might have something to do with Pentax batteries. Since moving my batteries around I have not had the problem. In order to keep better data, I've labeled my Pentax-branded batteries #1, #2, and #3 so that I can keep track of which combinations are problematic (or not). Might take a while to report back but I have some anecdotal evidence that there is something to this.

YMMV

Michael

Thanks for going through the work to track that suspicion! I have read elsewhere that the fresh batteries (first full charge) trigger the issue. My fiance has an Alpha 77 (Sony) and his did the rapid firing (it's mirror-less) on the first battery charge,. Battery had to be removed and replaced to get it to stop,. Since he wore that battery down, it hasn't re-occurred,

---------- Post added 12-08-14 at 06:39 AM ----------

Originally posted by mjsfoto1956

+1 -- one of the finest cameras i have ever owned (and i am one of those that has had an occasional hiccup wrt the flutter issue)

ymmv

michael

amen to that!!
I've owned Minolta, Sony., Olympus, Pentax K-01 and K3 dslr's and K3 is TOPS! I still have my 2 Oly's and K-01, they're nothing to sneeze at either!

jhmos · 12-14-2014, 10:19 PM

Finally put my K-3 in for repair (I hope) before my warranty runs out (only had one year). So back to my old K100D and goodbuy to my Sigma 35mm Art, Sigma 70-200 and Pentax 18-135 till I get the K-3 back again (unless I manual focus I suppose). Not sure I have seen posts from people getting the fix done in Australia, hope C.R.Kennedy get it right.

John.

Rligeski · 12-15-2014, 09:12 PM

Originally posted by MJSfoto1956

I'm beginning to believe that it might have something to do with Pentax batteries. Since moving my batteries around I have not had the problem. In order to keep better data, I've labeled my Pentax-branded batteries #1, #2, and #3 so that I can keep track of which combinations are problematic (or not). Might take a while to report back but I have some anecdotal evidence that there is something to this.

YMMV

Michael

A couple of days ago I experienced the mirror flutter as well. It happened just as I took a shot and the battery had drained to the point of the K3 shutting itself off. Probably fluttered about 10 times before the unit completely shut off from battery drainage.

That day I had a Wasabi battery in the camera, so it doesn't seem to be related to the name on the battery.

My K3 came with the latest software version - I took delivery mid-September.

jhmos · 12-15-2014, 11:30 PM

Originally posted by Rligeski

A couple of days ago I experienced the mirror flutter as well. It happened just as I took a shot and the battery had drained to the point of the K3 shutting itself off. Probably fluttered about 10 times before the unit completely shut off from battery drainage.

That day I had a Wasabi battery in the camera, so it doesn't seem to be related to the name on the battery.

My K3 came with the latest software version - I took delivery mid-September.

You can get the current battery voltage in the EXIF data for each photo to check what the battery condition was before fault (assuming you took more than one photo before the fault, since you may lose the last photo.
The times it's happened to me, it didn't seem to be related to battery condition.
I did some tests a while back looking at the current drawn when taking photos and observed occasional (and apparently random) high current spikes. So I think the fault occurs when there is an extreme enough current spike that brings the voltage down too far.
What the 'fix' does exactly I don't know, just hope it works.

John.

jhmos · 12-17-2014, 06:15 PM

Just got a phone call from C.R.Kennedy (the Australian service centre). The guy I talked to knew nothing about any fix other than v1.11 firmware. After I told him that v1.11 didn't really fix the problem he said he would talk to the technicians about it. So now I am not so sure about the veracity of reports of a real fix for this problem.

John.

**beachgardener** · 12-17-2014, 07:10 PM

Going back a year or so, reports on this forum from customers of CHRIS a mob who serviced Pentax back then, said that the real fix was a service centre firmware update to the mirror box mechanism (or some such thing like that). I would hope that the new versions of K-3 have that fix or a new mirror box in place. Not many new reports of the problem for ages now. Sales at CRK may not be aware, but the technicians should have a direct line to Pentax for information on the problem or the fix.
I did email CRK to find out what serial number K-3's they had (they did not reply), it seems that after a certain serial number, or more precisely date of manufacture, it seems like less reports of a problem.

jhmos · 12-17-2014, 09:13 PM

Originally posted by beachgardener

Going back a year or so, reports on this forum from customers of CHRIS a mob who serviced Pentax back then, said that the real fix was a service centre firmware update to the mirror box mechanism (or some such thing like that). I would hope that the new versions of K-3 have that fix or a new mirror box in place. Not many new reports of the problem for ages now. Sales at CRK may not be aware, but the technicians should have a direct line to Pentax for information on the problem or the fix.
I did email CRK to find out what serial number K-3's they had (they did not reply), it seems that after a certain serial number, or more precisely date of manufacture, it seems like less reports of a problem.

I'll have to look back and find those old posts. I hope your right about the techs and there is an real fix.

John.

**beachgardener** · 12-17-2014, 11:52 PM

In my view Pentax should come out and explain exactly what it is and what they are doing/have done about it, this sort of honesty would come across really well with the Pentax fans and set a precedent for the other companies to be honest with their customers.

WestCoastGuy · 12-17-2014, 11:55 PM

One of the larger local dealers here in Victoria, BC Canada knew of the issue when I talked to him last weekend. He said "...all units of that serial # series had been shipped back...". I checked that the unit on display was outside the range listed in the beginning on this thread.

totsmuyco · 12-18-2014, 12:15 AM

It's funny that here in the Philippines the official dealer CameraHaus Cebu branch hasn't heard of this defect. I don't know if those sold here in Asia are free of such problem. It would be good to hear some feedback from those who bought their units here if there are any with this problem.

cps1959 · 12-21-2014, 02:30 AM

Hi,
I am in the UK and I have just bought a New K-3 silver edition + Battery grip. The serial number is 2576xxx.
I have just checked the firmware and it is v1.00 do I have to install every firmware individually or do I just install the latest v1.11.
For the record I have owned a K-500,and K-5 and never had an issue with the mirrow flutter, fingers crossed with the K-3.
Because it is a 2576xxx serial number does it mean it is an old stock item particularly as it only has firmware v1.00 installed or is that normal.

12-07-2014, 04:11 PM	#78
Pentaxaholic Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 76	Read "To buy or not to Buy" on Pentax forums Originally posted by ruoyun.huang so bad seeing so many ppl encoutering this issue... really holding me back from getting one Apparently you haven't read my detailed experience in response to that question on the Pentax Forum thread "To Buy or not To Buy" I don't think people would make "a mountain out of a molehill" if they read that first. I can tell you this, You couldn't PRY my K3 out of my hands!!!!!!!!! Last edited by Pentaxaholic; 12-07-2014 at 04:12 PM. Reason: error

12-08-2014, 05:30 AM	#80
Pentaxaholic Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 76	Originally posted by WestCoastGuy Victoria, BC. I looked into buying a K-3 yesterday, but found all stock here in the suspect serial # range. A couple of the dealers were aware of the issue, having had returned units demonstrating the mirror flop issue. The dealers were all contacting the Ricoh rep to ask about this issue. I have left my name as one holding off purchasing until the issue is resolved. Hopefully, more info will soon be forthcoming up here in Canada. Try calling the online dealers and ask them if they have any in stock that are not bearers of the suspect serial number. I'm sure they do. You can have it shipped to your door! Even if you happen to get one, like I did with my first, they were happy to replace it. I suggest you read my response on Pentax forum to "To buy or not to buy" for details about return policies and helpful information. My second K3 has been problem free and it is not in the serial number range of suspect cameras. ---------- Post added 12-08-14 at 06:33 AM ---------- Originally posted by PiDicus Rex Doing my due diligence reading before purchase,... Question to all K3 owners who experienced this issue - Has it only been while shooting stills, or has this occurred when moving in to or from Video mode? I only had it happen during still shots. (and right out of the box, so it was sent in for exchange) I LOVE IT! ---------- Post added 12-08-14 at 06:38 AM ---------- Originally posted by MJSfoto1956 I'm beginning to believe that it might have something to do with Pentax batteries. Since moving my batteries around I have not had the problem. In order to keep better data, I've labeled my Pentax-branded batteries #1, #2, and #3 so that I can keep track of which combinations are problematic (or not). Might take a while to report back but I have some anecdotal evidence that there is something to this. YMMV Michael Thanks for going through the work to track that suspicion! I have read elsewhere that the fresh batteries (first full charge) trigger the issue. My fiance has an Alpha 77 (Sony) and his did the rapid firing (it's mirror-less) on the first battery charge,. Battery had to be removed and replaced to get it to stop,. Since he wore that battery down, it hasn't re-occurred, ---------- Post added 12-08-14 at 06:39 AM ---------- Originally posted by mjsfoto1956 +1 -- one of the finest cameras i have ever owned (and i am one of those that has had an occasional hiccup wrt the flutter issue) ymmv michael amen to that!! I've owned Minolta, Sony., Olympus, Pentax K-01 and K3 dslr's and K3 is TOPS! I still have my 2 Oly's and K-01, they're nothing to sneeze at either! Last edited by Pentaxaholic; 12-08-2014 at 05:42 AM. Reason: added

12-14-2014, 10:19 PM	#81
jhmos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Melbourne Posts: 111	Woe is me. Finally put my K-3 in for repair (I hope) before my warranty runs out (only had one year). So back to my old K100D and goodbuy to my Sigma 35mm Art, Sigma 70-200 and Pentax 18-135 till I get the K-3 back again (unless I manual focus I suppose). Not sure I have seen posts from people getting the fix done in Australia, hope C.R.Kennedy get it right. John.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K-3 1.03 update not on Ricoh site	gosman	Pentax K-3 & K-3 II	4	03-07-2014 02:08 PM
Ricoh promoting the Pentax K-3	bxf	Pentax K-3 & K-3 II	78	10-29-2013 06:02 AM
RICOH Promo Video for the K-3	Steve.Ledger	Pentax K-3 & K-3 II	17	10-10-2013 02:02 PM
Pentax Ricoh's reply to your comments at our interview	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	302	09-26-2012 08:53 AM
Reply from Ricoh about suggestions.	David&karen	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	7	11-10-2011 03:46 AM

12-07-2014, 11:01 AM	#76
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305	I'm beginning to believe that it might have something to do with Pentax batteries. Since moving my batteries around I have not had the problem. In order to keep better data, I've labeled my Pentax-branded batteries #1, #2, and #3 so that I can keep track of which combinations are problematic (or not). Might take a while to report back but I have some anecdotal evidence that there is something to this. YMMV Michael

12-07-2014, 02:04 PM	#77
airjames Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 295	Originally posted by MJSfoto1956 I'm beginning to believe that it might have something to do with Pentax batteries. Since moving my batteries around I have not had the problem. In order to keep better data, I've labeled my Pentax-branded batteries #1, #2, and #3 so that I can keep track of which combinations are problematic (or not). Might take a while to report back but I have some anecdotal evidence that there is something to this. YMMV Michael I had 4 Pentax batteries and thought the same so I switched to an off brand and it happened there as well. Someone mentioned it was the way the K3 circuitry wasn't getting the correct power and I think that is more the case than the battery. The batteries are pretty consistently made nowadays and the voltage should be adequate if it can power the K3 as long as they do. I had the issue go away with the firmware update 1.11, albeit, a short time I had to send it in for the no-power-on issue. I sent it in for service and have yet to have the problem. I feel like it's a problem of the past.

12-07-2014, 05:15 PM	#79
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305	Originally posted by Pentaxaholic I can tell you this, You couldn't PRY my K3 out of my hands!!!!!!!!! +1 -- one of the finest cameras I have ever owned (and I am one of those that has had an occasional hiccup wrt the flutter issue) YMMV Michael

12-15-2014, 09:12 PM	#82
Rligeski New Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Brownstown Twp., Mi Posts: 6	Originally posted by MJSfoto1956 I'm beginning to believe that it might have something to do with Pentax batteries. Since moving my batteries around I have not had the problem. In order to keep better data, I've labeled my Pentax-branded batteries #1, #2, and #3 so that I can keep track of which combinations are problematic (or not). Might take a while to report back but I have some anecdotal evidence that there is something to this. YMMV Michael A couple of days ago I experienced the mirror flutter as well. It happened just as I took a shot and the battery had drained to the point of the K3 shutting itself off. Probably fluttered about 10 times before the unit completely shut off from battery drainage. That day I had a Wasabi battery in the camera, so it doesn't seem to be related to the name on the battery. My K3 came with the latest software version - I took delivery mid-September.

12-15-2014, 11:30 PM	#83
jhmos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Melbourne Posts: 111	Originally posted by Rligeski A couple of days ago I experienced the mirror flutter as well. It happened just as I took a shot and the battery had drained to the point of the K3 shutting itself off. Probably fluttered about 10 times before the unit completely shut off from battery drainage. That day I had a Wasabi battery in the camera, so it doesn't seem to be related to the name on the battery. My K3 came with the latest software version - I took delivery mid-September. You can get the current battery voltage in the EXIF data for each photo to check what the battery condition was before fault (assuming you took more than one photo before the fault, since you may lose the last photo. The times it's happened to me, it didn't seem to be related to battery condition. I did some tests a while back looking at the current drawn when taking photos and observed occasional (and apparently random) high current spikes. So I think the fault occurs when there is an extreme enough current spike that brings the voltage down too far. What the 'fix' does exactly I don't know, just hope it works. John.

12-17-2014, 06:15 PM	#84
jhmos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Melbourne Posts: 111	Just got a phone call from C.R.Kennedy (the Australian service centre). The guy I talked to knew nothing about any fix other than v1.11 firmware. After I told him that v1.11 didn't really fix the problem he said he would talk to the technicians about it. So now I am not so sure about the veracity of reports of a real fix for this problem. John.

12-17-2014, 07:10 PM	#85
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	Going back a year or so, reports on this forum from customers of CHRIS a mob who serviced Pentax back then, said that the real fix was a service centre firmware update to the mirror box mechanism (or some such thing like that). I would hope that the new versions of K-3 have that fix or a new mirror box in place. Not many new reports of the problem for ages now. Sales at CRK may not be aware, but the technicians should have a direct line to Pentax for information on the problem or the fix. I did email CRK to find out what serial number K-3's they had (they did not reply), it seems that after a certain serial number, or more precisely date of manufacture, it seems like less reports of a problem.

12-17-2014, 09:13 PM	#86
jhmos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Melbourne Posts: 111	Originally posted by beachgardener Going back a year or so, reports on this forum from customers of CHRIS a mob who serviced Pentax back then, said that the real fix was a service centre firmware update to the mirror box mechanism (or some such thing like that). I would hope that the new versions of K-3 have that fix or a new mirror box in place. Not many new reports of the problem for ages now. Sales at CRK may not be aware, but the technicians should have a direct line to Pentax for information on the problem or the fix. I did email CRK to find out what serial number K-3's they had (they did not reply), it seems that after a certain serial number, or more precisely date of manufacture, it seems like less reports of a problem. I'll have to look back and find those old posts. I hope your right about the techs and there is an real fix. John.

12-17-2014, 11:52 PM	#87
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	In my view Pentax should come out and explain exactly what it is and what they are doing/have done about it, this sort of honesty would come across really well with the Pentax fans and set a precedent for the other companies to be honest with their customers.

12-17-2014, 11:55 PM	#88
WestCoastGuy New Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 22	One of the larger local dealers here in Victoria, BC Canada knew of the issue when I talked to him last weekend. He said "...all units of that serial # series had been shipped back...". I checked that the unit on display was outside the range listed in the beginning on this thread.

12-18-2014, 12:15 AM	#89
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	It's funny that here in the Philippines the official dealer CameraHaus Cebu branch hasn't heard of this defect. I don't know if those sold here in Asia are free of such problem. It would be good to hear some feedback from those who bought their units here if there are any with this problem.

12-21-2014, 02:30 AM	#90
cps1959 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: United Kingdom Photos: Albums Posts: 7	Hi, I am in the UK and I have just bought a New K-3 silver edition + Battery grip. The serial number is 2576xxx. I have just checked the firmware and it is v1.00 do I have to install every firmware individually or do I just install the latest v1.11. For the record I have owned a K-500,and K-5 and never had an issue with the mirrow flutter, fingers crossed with the K-3. Because it is a 2576xxx serial number does it mean it is an old stock item particularly as it only has firmware v1.00 installed or is that normal.