Upgrading From K-y

sissy64sonny · 01-24-2016, 07:19 PM

I have a question and a comment. I am thinking of upgrading my camera. I have a Pentax K-y. It has always taken great photos, but I hate the battery problem. I did the first firmware, are there more? I want a camera that when the batteries are depleted, they are really depleted. When I put new batteries in now it says batteries depleted. I go ahead and take photos, after a while I am having to turn it off and back on to get it to work. I used some canned air and blew on the shutter button, it seem to help for a while. I would want one that I can use the lenses I have now with it. Thinking of only getting the camera body, I have a 18-135 lens and the one that came with the Pentax K-y and the ones from my manual camera. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. I am just an amateur photographer.

Adam · 01-24-2016, 07:30 PM

What's a K-y?

Also, all Pentax K lenses work with all bodies, so you should be good to upgrade to any camera. I'd recommend the K-50 if you consider yourself more of a beginner, the K-S2 if you want a tilting screen, and the K-3 if you're more advanced.

Newer cameras also don't use AA's, so your battery performance should be more consistent.

**sergysergy** · 01-24-2016, 07:36 PM

K-x I am guessing?

**yucatanPentax** · 01-24-2016, 08:38 PM

Your camera is likely a K-r or K-x, rather than a K-y.

Whichever Pentax DSLR you have, the Firmware updates are listed here. You can check the Firmware version in your camera and compare to the latest on the list:

Software Downloads : Support & Service | RICOH IMAGING

You don't say what type of batteries you are using, but if it is a K-x, many have found that high quality AA batteries really make a difference in life and function. Eneloop batteries are a good brand.

The Best Rechargeable Batteries and Chargers Of 2015 - MetaEfficient

Last edited by yucatanPentax; 01-24-2016 at 09:10 PM.

mee · 01-24-2016, 08:39 PM

Originally posted by Adam

What's a K-y?

An optional, but recommended, factory grease to apply before contacting repair services...

---------- Post added 01-24-16 at 09:40 PM ----------

While we wait for the OP's answer.. 7 is just above y on a qwerty keyboard.. so guessing K-7

**boriscleto** · 01-24-2016, 08:49 PM

Originally posted by mee

While we wait for the OP's answer.. 7 is just above y on a qwerty keyboard.. so guessing K-7

The K-7 did not have a battery problem. The K-x did.

**Nakedgun** · 01-24-2016, 08:57 PM

Originally posted by mee

An optional, but recommended, factory grease to apply before contacting repair services...

---------- Post added 01-24-16 at 09:40 PM ----------

While we wait for the OP's answer.. 7 is just above y on a qwerty keyboard.. so guessing K-7

Or distracted by other pursuits?

mee · 01-24-2016, 09:08 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

The K-7 did not have a battery problem. The K-x did.

Well from a previous post he is talking about getting one of the two: K-x or a K-7.. guess the K-x won.

But the x is far from the y on a keyboard...

Adam · 01-24-2016, 09:16 PM

Originally posted by mee

Well from a previous post he is talking about getting one of the two: K-x or a K-7.. guess the K-x won.

But the x is far from the y on a keyboard...

That's why I'm so confused!

**jatrax** · 01-24-2016, 10:07 PM

Assuming it really is a k-x then there were a number of firmware updates. I no longer remeber the numbers but I think the final one helped on the battery issue. And as noted above Eneloops are the battery of choice for that camera. Nothing else I tried worked nearly as well.

As to upgrades any lens that worked on the k-x will work on newer bodies as well.

Jens Lyn IV · 01-25-2016, 12:48 AM

Originally posted by mee

But the x is far from the y on a keyboard...

Unless he's typing on a QWERTZ-layout keyboard. But since he's in Oklahoma, I doubt that...

I am a super professional amateur armchair forensics analyst investigator.

sissy64sonny · 01-25-2016, 01:13 PM

Originally posted by Adam

What's a K-y?

Also, all Pentax K lenses work with all bodies, so you should be good to upgrade to any camera. I'd recommend the K-50 if you consider yourself more of a beginner, the K-S2 if you want a tilting screen, and the K-3 if you're more advanced.

Newer cameras also don't use AA's, so your battery performance should be more consistent.

Sorry guys I meant K-x.

---------- Post added 01-25-2016 at 02:14 PM ----------

Originally posted by sergysergy

K-x I am guessing?

Yes, sorry about the typo.

**boriscleto** · 01-25-2016, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by sissy64sonny

Sorry guys I meant K-x.

---------- Post added 01-25-2016 at 02:14 PM ----------

Yes, sorry about the typo.

Get a K-3 and don't look back.

sissy64sonny · 01-25-2016, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by sissy64sonny

Sorry guys I meant K-x.

---------- Post added 01-25-2016 at 02:14 PM ----------

Yes, sorry about the typo.

Does the K-50 not use AA's? I am sick of the battery problem!!! I had been looking at a K-50 before I posted here. Thank you all for taking time to reply.

**yucatanPentax** · 01-25-2016, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by sissy64sonny

Does the K-50 not use AA's? I am sick of the battery problem!!! I had been looking at a K-50 before I posted here. Thank you all for taking time to reply.

The K-50 can use the included rechargeable lithium ion battery or with an additional holder, use 4 AAs.

I have the K-30 and find myself switching either way, although I prefer the lithium-ion battery. The AAs have a tendency in my camera to show medium charge, then the camera goes dead (they run out earlier than expected). And I use eneloops exclusively.

01-24-2016, 07:19 PM	#1
sissy64sonny New Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 11	Upgrading From K-y I have a question and a comment. I am thinking of upgrading my camera. I have a Pentax K-y. It has always taken great photos, but I hate the battery problem. I did the first firmware, are there more? I want a camera that when the batteries are depleted, they are really depleted. When I put new batteries in now it says batteries depleted. I go ahead and take photos, after a while I am having to turn it off and back on to get it to work. I used some canned air and blew on the shutter button, it seem to help for a while. I would want one that I can use the lenses I have now with it. Thinking of only getting the camera body, I have a 18-135 lens and the one that came with the Pentax K-y and the ones from my manual camera. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. I am just an amateur photographer.

01-24-2016, 07:30 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	What's a K-y? Also, all Pentax K lenses work with all bodies, so you should be good to upgrade to any camera. I'd recommend the K-50 if you consider yourself more of a beginner, the K-S2 if you want a tilting screen, and the K-3 if you're more advanced. Newer cameras also don't use AA's, so your battery performance should be more consistent. 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:

01-24-2016, 09:16 PM	#9
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by mee Well from a previous post he is talking about getting one of the two: K-x or a K-7.. guess the K-x won. But the x is far from the y on a keyboard... That's why I'm so confused! 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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01-24-2016, 07:36 PM	#3
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,170	K-x I am guessing?

01-24-2016, 08:38 PM	#4
yucatanPentax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas / Yucatan Posts: 1,840	Your camera is likely a K-r or K-x, rather than a K-y. Whichever Pentax DSLR you have, the Firmware updates are listed here. You can check the Firmware version in your camera and compare to the latest on the list: Software Downloads : Support & Service \| RICOH IMAGING You don't say what type of batteries you are using, but if it is a K-x, many have found that high quality AA batteries really make a difference in life and function. Eneloop batteries are a good brand. The Best Rechargeable Batteries and Chargers Of 2015 - MetaEfficient Last edited by yucatanPentax; 01-24-2016 at 09:10 PM.

01-24-2016, 08:39 PM	#5
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by Adam What's a K-y? An optional, but recommended, factory grease to apply before contacting repair services... ---------- Post added 01-24-16 at 09:40 PM ---------- While we wait for the OP's answer.. 7 is just above y on a qwerty keyboard.. so guessing K-7

01-24-2016, 08:49 PM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by mee While we wait for the OP's answer.. 7 is just above y on a qwerty keyboard.. so guessing K-7 The K-7 did not have a battery problem. The K-x did.

01-24-2016, 08:57 PM	#7
Nakedgun Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Southwest Posts: 1,365	Originally posted by mee An optional, but recommended, factory grease to apply before contacting repair services... ---------- Post added 01-24-16 at 09:40 PM ---------- While we wait for the OP's answer.. 7 is just above y on a qwerty keyboard.. so guessing K-7 Or distracted by other pursuits?

01-24-2016, 09:08 PM	#8
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by boriscleto The K-7 did not have a battery problem. The K-x did. Well from a previous post he is talking about getting one of the two: K-x or a K-7.. guess the K-x won. But the x is far from the y on a keyboard...

01-24-2016, 10:07 PM	#10
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Assuming it really is a k-x then there were a number of firmware updates. I no longer remeber the numbers but I think the final one helped on the battery issue. And as noted above Eneloops are the battery of choice for that camera. Nothing else I tried worked nearly as well. As to upgrades any lens that worked on the k-x will work on newer bodies as well.

01-25-2016, 12:48 AM	#11
Jens Lyn IV Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Ringsted, Denmark Photos: Albums Posts: 260	Originally posted by mee But the x is far from the y on a keyboard... Unless he's typing on a QWERTZ-layout keyboard. But since he's in Oklahoma, I doubt that... I am a super professional amateur armchair forensics analyst investigator.

01-25-2016, 01:13 PM	#12
sissy64sonny New Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 11 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam What's a K-y? Also, all Pentax K lenses work with all bodies, so you should be good to upgrade to any camera. I'd recommend the K-50 if you consider yourself more of a beginner, the K-S2 if you want a tilting screen, and the K-3 if you're more advanced. Newer cameras also don't use AA's, so your battery performance should be more consistent. Sorry guys I meant K-x. ---------- Post added 01-25-2016 at 02:14 PM ---------- Originally posted by sergysergy K-x I am guessing? Yes, sorry about the typo.

01-25-2016, 01:21 PM	#13
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by sissy64sonny Sorry guys I meant K-x. ---------- Post added 01-25-2016 at 02:14 PM ---------- Yes, sorry about the typo. Get a K-3 and don't look back.

01-25-2016, 01:22 PM	#14
sissy64sonny New Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 11 Original Poster	Originally posted by sissy64sonny Sorry guys I meant K-x. ---------- Post added 01-25-2016 at 02:14 PM ---------- Yes, sorry about the typo. Does the K-50 not use AA's? I am sick of the battery problem!!! I had been looking at a K-50 before I posted here. Thank you all for taking time to reply.

01-25-2016, 01:28 PM	#15
yucatanPentax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas / Yucatan Posts: 1,840	Originally posted by sissy64sonny Does the K-50 not use AA's? I am sick of the battery problem!!! I had been looking at a K-50 before I posted here. Thank you all for taking time to reply. The K-50 can use the included rechargeable lithium ion battery or with an additional holder, use 4 AAs. I have the K-30 and find myself switching either way, although I prefer the lithium-ion battery. The AAs have a tendency in my camera to show medium charge, then the camera goes dead (they run out earlier than expected). And I use eneloops exclusively.