Originally posted by rgknief60 My advice: if you get a body back from Precision, take two days to test out every single knob, button, and function that you can imagine. These are complex machines, and it is probably not hard to make a mistake, or accidentally damage a component during the repair process, as evidently happened with my K-1.
It applies to other devices sent to technicians for repairs. Oftentimes, they aren't able to put back the components in factory specifications. That's understandable, though, because we're only human. Besides, some companies' technicians have to get trained to do multiple devices from different brands.
I do hope you get your issue sorted.
Originally posted by AggieDad Do other camera companies have the same problems with their repair facilities?
Yes, and you'll be surprised how Pentax cameras are doing vs other brands. It's usually related to the quality of components. Even if the technician is well-versed in dismantling, some parts are just not designed to be removed and that's where the problem starts. Mirrorless components are even smaller, more sensitive and more one-off.
Originally posted by Doormat Whilst the pentax is way way better built, better ergonomics, better menu (that era) the actual photos I’m getting are way behind the 400d…way behind. The K10 AF is just not accurate, the consumer lenses are woefully poor in comparison to canon consumer lenses from the same era, flash photography is frankly hit and miss…..rattle off a series of flash shots and exposures are all over the place.
There is definitely CCD magic with those cameras.
I had an experience with the CCD K200D, which was my first Pentax DSLR, and the AF accuracy, speed and efficiency is just night-and-day after doing the Fine Adjustment in the service menu. There was a slight bit of learning curve, as with trying any other camera brands, but this forum helped a lot. My experience with the K200D + DA 50-200mm WR was just phenomenal. After the Fine Adjustment, I just got every shot nailed in my BIF shots. That was with an old AF module and a screw-driven lens.
Product manufacturers have different philosophies and their engineers and designers approach things differently, even though the outcomes are usually more or less the same.
Originally posted by Doormat I’d love to use old manual focus lenses but my eyesight is not good enough these days
You can use the focus confirmation sound and just trust it. The AF point also lights up in the OVF during manual focus. If you want, you can also use Catch-In Focus where you can depress the shutter-release button and the shutter will release only when the subject is already in focus.