K-5 Problem with the level horizon indication

Monobod · 04-11-2011, 02:06 AM

I took my new K-5 out for the first time yesterday only to find when I used my tripod that the camera was indicating 'level' on the rear screen, when it was obviously a couple of degrees off level in the viewfinder.

Correcting the position so that the viewfinder was correct with the horizon (seascape) the back screen indication was that it was not level. Hmmm.

What is the point of having such a useful facility if it is out of alignment. I would add that the camera has not been dropped or knocked. Also, checking the camera is level with a hotshoe bubbe gives the same result. That is to say when the camera viewfinder and the bubble are both level, the rear screen dispays 3 blips to the left.

Is this a calibration error that can be corrected under warrantee? What a pain if I loose the camera for a week or so!

Adam · 04-11-2011, 02:43 AM

Yes, this is a known QC issue. Pentax service should be able to correct it via firmware under warranty.

Monobod · 04-11-2011, 03:01 AM

Thank you for your reply.

Monobod · 04-13-2011, 02:51 PM

I have now downloaded the firmware version 1.03 and this has corrected the problem. I am relieved that the camera has not had to go back.

Just as an aside, I spent last Sunday in Southwold, the first time I have really used the K-5 'properly'. Although the images were just general shots of the town, beach huts and pier, I am very pleased with the amount of detail, the exceptional accuracy of the exposures and the general handling of the camera.

REM · 04-14-2011, 09:15 AM

My K-7 is slightly off but its not a big deal. Its close enough and I have other levels on my tripod. I just wish Pentax would wake up and put a "Calibrate" menu feature on their (future) cameras. Most smartphones and other electronics now have this. Just enter the Calibrate mode, place the camera on a known level surface, hit "OK" and let the firmware calibrate itself. No need to send off for warranty work.

Eruditass · 04-14-2011, 03:05 PM

Originally posted by REM

My K-7 is slightly off but its not a big deal. Its close enough and I have other levels on my tripod. I just wish Pentax would wake up and put a "Calibrate" menu feature on their (future) cameras. Most smartphones and other electronics now have this. Just enter the Calibrate mode, place the camera on a known level surface, hit "OK" and let the firmware calibrate itself. No need to send off for warranty work.

Agreed, I'm quite surprised this wasn't in there.

simico · 04-15-2011, 01:43 AM

Originally posted by Monobod

I have now downloaded the firmware version 1.03 and this has corrected the problem.

What?? You mean your level was off (just like mine) and installing fw 1.03 magically made the level perfect? Sounds quite unbelievable... but I'll check the e-level on my cam again, maybe fw 1.03 magically fixed mine, too lol

Monobod · 04-16-2011, 12:03 AM

Yes, I am not telling fibs. This is a firmware correction to a known problem apparently.

04-11-2011, 02:06 AM	#1
Monobod Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Suffolk, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 49	K-5 Problem with the level horizon indication I took my new K-5 out for the first time yesterday only to find when I used my tripod that the camera was indicating 'level' on the rear screen, when it was obviously a couple of degrees off level in the viewfinder. Correcting the position so that the viewfinder was correct with the horizon (seascape) the back screen indication was that it was not level. Hmmm. What is the point of having such a useful facility if it is out of alignment. I would add that the camera has not been dropped or knocked. Also, checking the camera is level with a hotshoe bubbe gives the same result. That is to say when the camera viewfinder and the bubble are both level, the rear screen dispays 3 blips to the left. Is this a calibration error that can be corrected under warrantee? What a pain if I loose the camera for a week or so!

04-11-2011, 02:43 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Yes, this is a known QC issue. Pentax service should be able to correct it via firmware under warranty. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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04-11-2011, 03:01 AM	#3
Monobod Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Suffolk, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 49 Original Poster	Thank you for your reply.

04-13-2011, 02:51 PM	#4
Monobod Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Suffolk, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 49 Original Poster	I have now downloaded the firmware version 1.03 and this has corrected the problem. I am relieved that the camera has not had to go back. Just as an aside, I spent last Sunday in Southwold, the first time I have really used the K-5 'properly'. Although the images were just general shots of the town, beach huts and pier, I am very pleased with the amount of detail, the exceptional accuracy of the exposures and the general handling of the camera.

04-14-2011, 09:15 AM	#5
REM Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 78	My K-7 is slightly off but its not a big deal. Its close enough and I have other levels on my tripod. I just wish Pentax would wake up and put a "Calibrate" menu feature on their (future) cameras. Most smartphones and other electronics now have this. Just enter the Calibrate mode, place the camera on a known level surface, hit "OK" and let the firmware calibrate itself. No need to send off for warranty work.

04-14-2011, 03:05 PM	#6
Eruditass Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	Originally posted by REM My K-7 is slightly off but its not a big deal. Its close enough and I have other levels on my tripod. I just wish Pentax would wake up and put a "Calibrate" menu feature on their (future) cameras. Most smartphones and other electronics now have this. Just enter the Calibrate mode, place the camera on a known level surface, hit "OK" and let the firmware calibrate itself. No need to send off for warranty work. Agreed, I'm quite surprised this wasn't in there.

04-15-2011, 01:43 AM	#7
simico Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Budapest Posts: 821	Originally posted by Monobod I have now downloaded the firmware version 1.03 and this has corrected the problem. What?? You mean your level was off (just like mine) and installing fw 1.03 magically made the level perfect? Sounds quite unbelievable... but I'll check the e-level on my cam again, maybe fw 1.03 magically fixed mine, too lol

04-16-2011, 12:03 AM	#8
Monobod Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Suffolk, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 49 Original Poster	Yes, I am not telling fibs. This is a firmware correction to a known problem apparently.