pentax k-r ex display

spookydoo · 08-01-2012, 08:48 AM

hi all

first off i haven't a clue about anything dslr but im determined to get one and learn
iv always used bridge cameras eg: fuji hs10
in my local electrical store they have a k-r half price because it's a ex display model
iv looked at it and it looks clean .can anyone tell me what i need to look out for before buying it
damage etc that not noticeable to a newbee
the store are giving the usual 12 months warranty on it
one last thing the assistant said it had been on display for two months
any help would be appreciated
thanks

JinDesu · 08-01-2012, 08:56 AM

Double check that the dials move smoothly without any sort of grinding. Double check that all the buttons press ok - they shouldn't stick. Double check that the shutter button allows you to press it and come back all the way - sometimes it gets stuck halfway if there is dirt there.

Check the front of the camera to see the mirror and see if it is dirty. Look through the viewfinder to see if you see dirt. Take a picture of a evenly colored object (like the blue sky) to see if the sensor is dirty, and how dirty it is.

Shake the camera and listen for any loud sharp clunks. The camera has a shake reduction system held by magnets so you'll hear a little rattle, but it shouldn't sound like a metal nut inside a can.

Look at all the ports to see that they aren't damaged - especially the USB port.

GerryL · 08-01-2012, 10:14 AM

Most stores usually have a return policy.
The best way to know if anything is wrong with it or if you will like it is to buy it if the store has a good return policy.
For electronics it is usually 15 days so I guessing you could have possibly rigorously tested the camera by then and would know if it is a keeper or not..plus during those short days that you have it, you can ask here on the forums any issues you might have with the camera IF either it is an issue or just a perceived issue or it is only normal for that model of camera.
Remember, before jumping into the purchase, ask first their return policy and good luck..

Once you have it in your hands, test away as much as you can so you'll know what you have and not waste any time to return it if it is a lemon.

Docrwm · 08-01-2012, 11:07 AM

In addition to the good advice that you have already received above -

Many display models come minus some important item(s). Makes certain that the key items are present like the battery, charger, CD that includes the software, manual (although that is available online in PDF for download), strap, lens(es) and caps, etc.

Look at the bottom sides to make sure that there are not impact marks.

Open each port and make sure that the latches and hinges work as they should, particularly the battery port.

If possible, power it up and make sure that the popup flash will a) actually pop up and b) actually flash.

**crewl1** · 08-01-2012, 11:26 AM

Be aware that the K-r can be purchased at a reduced price in some locations as it is now discontinued.

Even if the store says it is half price, it may be near the price for a new unit in better condition than a demonstration unit.

What is the price they are selling it for?

**Just1MoreDave** · 08-01-2012, 02:07 PM

Originally posted by JinDesu

Check the front of the camera to see the mirror and see if it is dirty. Look through the viewfinder to see if you see dirt. Take a picture of a evenly colored object (like the blue sky) to see if the sensor is dirty, and how dirty it is.

The dust/dirt spots on the sensor will be indistinct blobs at wide apertures, and sharp at say f16 or f22.

Docrwm · 08-01-2012, 02:10 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

The dust/dirt spots on the sensor will be indistinct blobs at wide apertures, and sharp at say f16 or f22.

Shots of uniform backgrounds at a distance with lots of light at those apertures will show them up the best. Sky on a sunny day with little haze works rather well.

08-01-2012, 08:48 AM	#1
spookydoo New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 3	pentax k-r ex display hi all first off i haven't a clue about anything dslr but im determined to get one and learn iv always used bridge cameras eg: fuji hs10 in my local electrical store they have a k-r half price because it's a ex display model iv looked at it and it looks clean .can anyone tell me what i need to look out for before buying it damage etc that not noticeable to a newbee the store are giving the usual 12 months warranty on it one last thing the assistant said it had been on display for two months any help would be appreciated thanks

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pentax K-5 will display image in to laptop?	antoruiz	Pentax DSLR Discussion	6	05-24-2012 04:43 PM
Pentax K-x image display color flickering problem.	Coeurdechene	Pentax DSLR Discussion	5	04-24-2012 05:07 PM
pentax optio M40 lines across display scree	Unregistered	Visitors' Center	2	08-11-2011 01:11 AM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax Camera and Lens Store Display Stands (Worldwide)	jgmankos	Sold Items	12	06-07-2011 08:44 PM
Pentax K-7 shows about 2 second lag on display after shot was taken	xanis	Pentax DSLR Discussion	4	04-26-2011 12:26 AM

08-01-2012, 08:56 AM	#2
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Double check that the dials move smoothly without any sort of grinding. Double check that all the buttons press ok - they shouldn't stick. Double check that the shutter button allows you to press it and come back all the way - sometimes it gets stuck halfway if there is dirt there. Check the front of the camera to see the mirror and see if it is dirty. Look through the viewfinder to see if you see dirt. Take a picture of a evenly colored object (like the blue sky) to see if the sensor is dirty, and how dirty it is. Shake the camera and listen for any loud sharp clunks. The camera has a shake reduction system held by magnets so you'll hear a little rattle, but it shouldn't sound like a metal nut inside a can. Look at all the ports to see that they aren't damaged - especially the USB port.

08-01-2012, 10:14 AM	#3
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Most stores usually have a return policy. The best way to know if anything is wrong with it or if you will like it is to buy it if the store has a good return policy. For electronics it is usually 15 days so I guessing you could have possibly rigorously tested the camera by then and would know if it is a keeper or not..plus during those short days that you have it, you can ask here on the forums any issues you might have with the camera IF either it is an issue or just a perceived issue or it is only normal for that model of camera. Remember, before jumping into the purchase, ask first their return policy and good luck.. Once you have it in your hands, test away as much as you can so you'll know what you have and not waste any time to return it if it is a lemon.

08-01-2012, 11:07 AM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	In addition to the good advice that you have already received above - Many display models come minus some important item(s). Makes certain that the key items are present like the battery, charger, CD that includes the software, manual (although that is available online in PDF for download), strap, lens(es) and caps, etc. Look at the bottom sides to make sure that there are not impact marks. Open each port and make sure that the latches and hinges work as they should, particularly the battery port. If possible, power it up and make sure that the popup flash will a) actually pop up and b) actually flash.

08-01-2012, 11:26 AM	#5
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Be aware that the K-r can be purchased at a reduced price in some locations as it is now discontinued. Even if the store says it is half price, it may be near the price for a new unit in better condition than a demonstration unit. What is the price they are selling it for?

08-01-2012, 02:07 PM	#6
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by JinDesu Check the front of the camera to see the mirror and see if it is dirty. Look through the viewfinder to see if you see dirt. Take a picture of a evenly colored object (like the blue sky) to see if the sensor is dirty, and how dirty it is. The dust/dirt spots on the sensor will be indistinct blobs at wide apertures, and sharp at say f16 or f22.

08-01-2012, 02:10 PM	#7
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave The dust/dirt spots on the sensor will be indistinct blobs at wide apertures, and sharp at say f16 or f22. Shots of uniform backgrounds at a distance with lots of light at those apertures will show them up the best. Sky on a sunny day with little haze works rather well.