K-30 Creaking Sound

strangeboy · 06-26-2013, 08:27 PM

Ok, at the risk of sounding like a newbie...
I've noticed as of late, a creaking sound from the back, right of my K-30 whenever I grip it and place my thumb against the thumb rest.
Also, if I squeeze just a bit, I can see movement at the seam just above the thumb rest. Whole thing feels quite flexible.
Though I have no plans to immerse the camera in water, I do plan to go out in the rain from time to time.
Might there be a weather seal issue?

Is this weird or is it simply the camera wearing in?
Or do I simply have amazingly powerful thumbs?
Nervous.

Thanks.

strangeboy · 06-26-2013, 08:32 PM

BTW... tried to duplicate this on my K-x. Nothing at all. Solid.

mixberry · 06-26-2013, 09:45 PM

If the K-30 is still warranty,claim warranty it before it runs out, who know you can get replacement with a new k-30 body

Julie · 06-27-2013, 07:55 AM

I noticed the same issue with my K-30 not long ago. Especially when it has a heavy lens/flash mounted and I try to pick it up.
Mine has been out in the snow/rain/sleet before without any issues, but now that you mention it, it really might be a good idea to claim it just it case...

**JimJohnson** · 06-27-2013, 08:00 AM

I just picked up my K-30 out of curiosity. No creaking sound from the thumb rest but my thumb also often presses against the edge of the SD card cover and I hear a slight noise. I consider that as normal as the cover is a moving part. Are you sure you are not doing the same thing?

Julie · 06-27-2013, 08:47 AM

Originally posted by JimJohnson

I just picked up my K-30 out of curiosity. No creaking sound from the thumb rest but my thumb also often presses against the edge of the SD card cover and I hear a slight noise. I consider that as normal as the cover is a moving part. Are you sure you are not doing the same thing?

This is my area of concern:

The rest of the grip doesn't creak, just that area where the thumb rest/front wheel are.

Sounds like it may be the same area OP is describing...

**JimJohnson** · 06-27-2013, 08:50 AM

Rock solid on mine and yes a creak from the front grip would concern me greatly too.

altopiet · 06-27-2013, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by Julie

This is my area of concern:

The rest of the grip doesn't creak, just that area where the thumb rest/front wheel are.

Sounds like it may be the same area OP is describing...

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but how do you get to rest your thumb where you indicated

Julie · 06-27-2013, 09:42 AM

Originally posted by altopiet

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but how do you get to rest your thumb where you indicated

Wait, can we back up a bit... now I feel really stupid.

Is this not the area we are talking about or have I been holding my K30 the wrong way the whole time?

I hear the creak and feel the looseness on the front grip where my middle finger is positioned... (sorry for awkward photos; kind hard to hold one camera and take a photo with another)

Kobayashi.K · 06-27-2013, 09:56 AM

If you look at the bare magnesium body of the K5, you can see that the grip is mounted (glued?) as single part in front of it, there is nothing in between. If the K-30 has the same construction, it's probably only a loose grip. Moreover, just behind the front grip is the battery compartment, so there's nothing essential that can be harmed.

**JimJohnson** · 06-27-2013, 10:03 AM

Originally posted by Julie

This is my area of concern:

The rest of the grip doesn't creak, just that area where the thumb rest/front wheel are.
Sounds like it may be the same area OP is describing...

I think the OP was referring to the 'other thumb rest' on the back of the camera. And I agree, creaks from the front grip are cause for concern. Creaks from the thumb rest are a concern IF they are NOT coming from the thumb pressing against the edge of the SD card door.

Kobayashi.K · 06-27-2013, 10:13 AM

I just wanted to buy the K50 instead of the K-500 because of its extra seals, to avoid creaks ...

strangeboy · 06-27-2013, 12:12 PM

Originally posted by JimJohnson

I think the OP was referring to the 'other thumb rest' on the back of the camera. And I agree, creaks from the front grip are cause for concern. Creaks from the thumb rest are a concern IF they are NOT coming from the thumb pressing against the edge of the SD card door

When I press/push my thumb against the actual thumb rest, I hear the creak and see a bit of movement at the upper seam. I opened the SD card door to get it out of the way and (insert Zeppelin reference) The Sound Remains the Same (sorry).

As far as I can tell, it's the movement at the seam creating the noise. It's annoying since the camera is always in my face... like an insect sound. The camera has never been dropped or subjected to any other trauma, and exhibits no performance issues.

So, do you guys (thanks for the input, btw) believe this is the harbinger of things to come and therefore a warranty issue? I don't have my paperwork with me right now... what is the Pentax warranty?

strangeboy · 06-27-2013, 12:15 PM

Originally posted by Kobayashi.K

If you look at the bare magnesium body of the K5, you can see that the grip is mounted (glued?) as single part in front of it, there is nothing in between. If the K-30 has the same construction, it's probably only a loose grip.

Yes. That might account for the flexibility... there just isn't anything there.
Hmmmm.

**JimJohnson** · 06-27-2013, 12:17 PM

Originally posted by strangeboy

what is the Pentax warranty?

Unless you paid for the extension, there is a one-year warranty. If under warranty, I think both you and Julie need to contact Pentax and arrange for repairs/replacements.

06-26-2013, 08:27 PM	#1
strangeboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 126	K-30 Creaking Sound Ok, at the risk of sounding like a newbie... I've noticed as of late, a creaking sound from the back, right of my K-30 whenever I grip it and place my thumb against the thumb rest. Also, if I squeeze just a bit, I can see movement at the seam just above the thumb rest. Whole thing feels quite flexible. Though I have no plans to immerse the camera in water, I do plan to go out in the rain from time to time. Might there be a weather seal issue? Is this weird or is it simply the camera wearing in? Or do I simply have amazingly powerful thumbs? Nervous. Thanks.

06-27-2013, 10:03 AM	#11
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772	Originally posted by Julie This is my area of concern: The rest of the grip doesn't creak, just that area where the thumb rest/front wheel are. Sounds like it may be the same area OP is describing... I think the OP was referring to the 'other thumb rest' on the back of the camera. And I agree, creaks from the front grip are cause for concern. Creaks from the thumb rest are a concern IF they are NOT coming from the thumb pressing against the edge of the SD card door. Attached Images

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K-30 mechanical sound	Zafar Iqbal	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	8	05-21-2013 06:06 PM
K-30: Mirror Slap Sound Solution?	Elley	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	8	04-28-2013 06:18 PM
Definitive Ruling on K-30 Shutter Sound?	Basset	Pentax K-30 & K-50	71	11-06-2012 02:11 PM
HUGE instant rebates on K-01 (8/30-9/30)	cheekygeek	Pentax K-01	6	09-12-2012 08:05 AM
Korean K-30 Focus-Peaking Test (and Overall K-30 Review)	Welfl	Pentax K-30 & K-50	8	08-23-2012 01:06 PM

06-26-2013, 08:32 PM	#2
strangeboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 126 Original Poster	BTW... tried to duplicate this on my K-x. Nothing at all. Solid.

06-26-2013, 09:45 PM	#3
mixberry Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: West Java, Indonesia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 144	If the K-30 is still warranty,claim warranty it before it runs out, who know you can get replacement with a new k-30 body

06-27-2013, 07:55 AM	#4
Julie Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,069	I noticed the same issue with my K-30 not long ago. Especially when it has a heavy lens/flash mounted and I try to pick it up. Mine has been out in the snow/rain/sleet before without any issues, but now that you mention it, it really might be a good idea to claim it just it case...

06-27-2013, 08:00 AM	#5
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772	I just picked up my K-30 out of curiosity. No creaking sound from the thumb rest but my thumb also often presses against the edge of the SD card cover and I hear a slight noise. I consider that as normal as the cover is a moving part. Are you sure you are not doing the same thing?

06-27-2013, 08:47 AM	#6
Julie Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,069	Originally posted by JimJohnson I just picked up my K-30 out of curiosity. No creaking sound from the thumb rest but my thumb also often presses against the edge of the SD card cover and I hear a slight noise. I consider that as normal as the cover is a moving part. Are you sure you are not doing the same thing? This is my area of concern: The rest of the grip doesn't creak, just that area where the thumb rest/front wheel are. Sounds like it may be the same area OP is describing...

06-27-2013, 08:50 AM	#7
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772	Rock solid on mine and yes a creak from the front grip would concern me greatly too.

06-27-2013, 08:53 AM	#8
altopiet Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: The Gem of the Karoo, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,307	Originally posted by Julie This is my area of concern: The rest of the grip doesn't creak, just that area where the thumb rest/front wheel are. Sounds like it may be the same area OP is describing... Sorry if this is a stupid question, but how do you get to rest your thumb where you indicated

06-27-2013, 09:42 AM	#9
Julie Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,069	Originally posted by altopiet Sorry if this is a stupid question, but how do you get to rest your thumb where you indicated Wait, can we back up a bit... now I feel really stupid. Is this not the area we are talking about or have I been holding my K30 the wrong way the whole time? I hear the creak and feel the looseness on the front grip where my middle finger is positioned... (sorry for awkward photos; kind hard to hold one camera and take a photo with another)

06-27-2013, 09:56 AM	#10
Kobayashi.K Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 716	If you look at the bare magnesium body of the K5, you can see that the grip is mounted (glued?) as single part in front of it, there is nothing in between. If the K-30 has the same construction, it's probably only a loose grip. Moreover, just behind the front grip is the battery compartment, so there's nothing essential that can be harmed.

06-27-2013, 10:13 AM	#12
Kobayashi.K Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 716	I just wanted to buy the K50 instead of the K-500 because of its extra seals, to avoid creaks ...

06-27-2013, 12:12 PM	#13
strangeboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 126 Original Poster	Originally posted by JimJohnson I think the OP was referring to the 'other thumb rest' on the back of the camera. And I agree, creaks from the front grip are cause for concern. Creaks from the thumb rest are a concern IF they are NOT coming from the thumb pressing against the edge of the SD card door When I press/push my thumb against the actual thumb rest, I hear the creak and see a bit of movement at the upper seam. I opened the SD card door to get it out of the way and (insert Zeppelin reference) The Sound Remains the Same (sorry). As far as I can tell, it's the movement at the seam creating the noise. It's annoying since the camera is always in my face... like an insect sound. The camera has never been dropped or subjected to any other trauma, and exhibits no performance issues. So, do you guys (thanks for the input, btw) believe this is the harbinger of things to come and therefore a warranty issue? I don't have my paperwork with me right now... what is the Pentax warranty?

06-27-2013, 12:15 PM	#14
strangeboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 126 Original Poster	Originally posted by Kobayashi.K If you look at the bare magnesium body of the K5, you can see that the grip is mounted (glued?) as single part in front of it, there is nothing in between. If the K-30 has the same construction, it's probably only a loose grip. Yes. That might account for the flexibility... there just isn't anything there. Hmmmm.

06-27-2013, 12:17 PM	#15
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772	Originally posted by strangeboy what is the Pentax warranty? Unless you paid for the extension, there is a one-year warranty. If under warranty, I think both you and Julie need to contact Pentax and arrange for repairs/replacements.