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10-08-2014, 10:08 PM   #1
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Any Aussie just bought a K3?

Hello there, just wondering if any Aussies out there just recently bought a new K3 from Aussie supplier, what serial numbers? I'd like to cross reference that with the mirror flop serial number data on this forum, also it'd be good to know if the new models being sold still have the lag using external flash unit? There is a thread outlining both of these problems. I would like to buy one, but, hanging off waiting for these issues to be fixed.
Thank you.

10-08-2014, 10:21 PM   #2
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i think you will find if you buy from the pentax.om.au site (CR Kennedy) you will get the latest stock. If you are not sure give them a phone call or an email. They have always been happy to answer my questions for the past 40 years. Last phone call was two days ago.
10-08-2014, 10:27 PM   #3
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Thanks Bob, i did email them about what serial numbers they have in stock and whether they are expecting new shipments, but it has been nearly two weeks now with no reply, I may have to call them.
Do you have one? If so does it have the flash lag thing? https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/242556-k-3-delay-when-using-flash.html I find the flash lag thing quite extraordinary, I was going to get a K3 as the mirror flop thing is by most reports not that bad as such, but now i find there is another problem with delayed flash firing. A bit perplexing.
10-08-2014, 11:31 PM   #4
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Yes i had the first batch of K3s. I have never been happy with the TTL on digital camera flash guns. I've had trouble with the k10, k20, K7, K5, K01 I think and baybe the K3. Usually they just won't fire. Most annoying is when everything is set to manual and the flash goes of in auto. I don't think I've had a problem with shutter lag. I did with a sigma flash on the K10.

I've just purchased a pair of Godox that only work in manual. It's fantastic for my needs.

In the past CR Kennedy has replaced a faulty 50_135 and a K5 with a sensor stain. I've had many items fixed both in and out of warranty. Usually flash guns that I break. I had to be patient with my K01 which was sent to japan twice to be fixed under warranty and I have a niggle about a repair from around 20 years ago.

10-09-2014, 02:17 AM   #5
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Mate, I bought a K3 with a Pentax Battery grip as a package deal. I have used the K3 with a Pentax 50mm f2.8 macro, a Pentax 18 - 135mm, a Pentax 16 - 45 mm, Pentax 17 - 70, Sigma 600mm f8 mirror, Sigma 150 - 500mm, Sigma 120 - 400mm and the only problems I have had were caused by the idiot who pushes the buttons. serial number 3899375. I also run two K5's with knock off battery grips. The earlier model would sometimes freeze when I was using the SIGMA 120 - 400; this seems to have disappeared with the last software update, whenever that was. Have just had all three on a car based trip to the Flinders Ranges, no problems. I am fairly rough with equipment and have had no problems so far.
10-09-2014, 03:11 AM   #6
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Using my early shipment K-3, I shot hundreds of rapid fire flash shots at one very dynamic live event a few months ago with the K-3, and never really noticed any flash delay. I've shot the same event for 4 years now, first with the K-x, then two years with the K-5, now the K-3, all with the same old Sigma 530 DG ST in PTTL mode. All three cameras seem to have behaved the same.

Also I've not had any mirror flop. The camera has hung once or twice, but no flopping.
10-09-2014, 03:28 AM   #7
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The issues seems to have been from earlier batches of K3s but newer batches should not have this problem. Firmware version 1.11 is supposed to fix the flopping issue and I have no issues after upgrading the firmware. I got the 1st batch of K3.

10-09-2014, 10:21 PM   #8
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4860619 Had no problems at all and taken around 4000 shots bought from Kennedy.
10-09-2014, 11:02 PM   #9
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Cheers thanks for everyone’s input
10-09-2014, 11:02 PM   #10
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Bought July from Digi Direct, no issues here, I didn't even consider the all the reports of flapping and other "fear uncertainty doubt" before I bought. K3 made sense to me as an upgrade from the K7 - that's it. Now I can shoot in really difficult lighting and nail the exposure and white balance in camera and you could pretty much send Stevie Wonder out with this camera and expect 95% of shots in focus, it's that good. Live view is great on tripods, was using it last night - just so fast and convenient. K3's flash is a lot more predictable and consistent than K10 or K7, in my experience.

Worth noting that all cameras from all brands will have some small number that develop issues. (That small number go on to have a huge number of internet postings.) The small chance that you get a dud is the reason you get a warranty. K3 is better made than the K5, by all accounts, so if you're happy with the K5, why worry?
10-09-2014, 11:05 PM   #11
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cheers, thanks
10-10-2014, 12:18 AM   #12
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K3 all good for the past year

I purchased my K3 when they became available in Aust about this time last year from DCW - #4848668. I estimate that I have taken about 20k shots in that time. I only use flash occasionally and have not had any problems (in fact I think it gives better results than with my old K5). Also no mirror flop issues. However I recently was playing with the interval, composite interval multi-exposure functions and my camera froze and I had to remove the battery and re-start. So that is the only issue I have had.


I previously had a K5 which I thought was great. I shoot mainly my kids sport (football, basketball, athletics) as well enjoying some birding and the occasional video for my business. For me the K3 is a significant improvement over the K5 - I get more keepers and the xtra resolution on the 24MP sensor gives more scope to crop. The best pics from the K3 are better (sharper &IQ) than the best from my K5. So if your thinking of moving to a K3 I reckon you should make the jump - you're missing shots until you do! Like the previous poster I think you have a low chance of a problem but get your warranty and if there is a problem CRK are there to provide a solution. They also sell them at US prices or thereabouts.
10-10-2014, 12:25 AM   #13
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Cheers thanks, reckon i will get one
10-10-2014, 01:45 AM   #14
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I got one a couple of months ago....sn 4976409......australian stock.....probally 3,000 shots so far ..... all good....I woldn't hesitate.....oh yeah...I didn't!
10-10-2014, 01:48 AM   #15
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cheers noel, thanks

i was looking for someone with sn 49..... with no problems

Last edited by beachgardener; 10-10-2014 at 01:51 AM. Reason: add info.
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