K1 Mode Dial Failure

Eric64800 · 09-03-2016, 03:11 AM

Hello ,

It would be intresting to know the serial number of each to see if it is all the K1 or only a batch impacted ...

**Rayand** · 09-03-2016, 03:41 AM

6356175

**snpsht** · 09-03-2016, 03:47 AM

6356979

squarenegs · 09-03-2016, 09:26 AM

Here's a bit of follow up on my original post about the failed mode dial on my K1. It had been bought as a 'like new' item from The Camera Exchange. They have been the good part of this experience, taking the camera back and even paying my return postage from Canada.

They are keeping my original payment as part payment on a new K1 which should be available in October. .....October? The apparent lack of availability suggests that there is a BIG problem that is in the process of getting a 'fix'. This is a huge stumble for Pentax. It's been, not only committed Pentax users like us, but the larger photographic community that's waited to see a FF Pentax offering. Everyone's waited, what, a decade and a half? As said earlier in this thread by another member, this is the first time I've been letdown by a Pentax product. Having had it in hand shooting, the K1 is a terrific camera design. However, the follow through to reliable final product seems to be rubbish. Here's keeping my fingers crossed that October will see a 'fixed' K1 built to the usual Pentax quality standard.

Eric64800 · 09-03-2016, 11:15 AM

Any more serial n° ?

Mine is 6368730 and every thing is ok ritgh now

**Rayand** · 09-04-2016, 05:50 AM

Originally posted by Eric64800

Any more serial n° ?

Mine is 6368730 and every thing is ok ritgh now

Your serial number is 12,000 more than mine, perhaps they fixed it on later production and you wont have the problem

**monochrome** · 09-04-2016, 06:27 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by squarenegs

Here's a bit of follow up on my original post about the failed mode dial on my K1. It had been bought as a 'like new' item from The Camera Exchange. They have been the good part of this experience, taking the camera back and even paying my return postage from Canada.

They are keeping my original payment as part payment on a new K1 which should be available in October. .....October? The apparent lack of availability suggests that there is a BIG problem that is in the process of getting a 'fix'. This is a huge stumble for Pentax. It's been, not only committed Pentax users like us, but the larger photographic community that's waited to see a FF Pentax offering. Everyone's waited, what, a decade and a half? As said earlier in this thread by another member, this is the first time I've been letdown by a Pentax product. Having had it in hand shooting, the K1 is a terrific camera design. However, the follow through to reliable final product seems to be rubbish. Here's keeping my fingers crossed that October will see a 'fixed' K1 built to the usual Pentax quality standard.

There is no BIG problem. K-1's are in short supply globally due to lack of sensors available from Sony. Sony's sensor plant was damaged in 2 earthquakes and shut down twice (for more than 2 months total). Pentax started receiving sensors again second week of August - many of the first week's sensor deliveries were rejected as "trash" according to asahi man.

K-1 only recently returned to full production.

Terrencio · 09-05-2016, 03:52 AM

My K-1 failed last week during a vacation to Alaska. The mode dial has been locked for the most part since the body was received May 9th. I have been pressing the center button to facilitate dial changes. The camera body had about 1200 actuations at the time of failure.
I have purchased and still own a K-x, K-5 and Pentax Q over the years and this is the first problem I have ever had with Pentax equipment. Unfortunately, I had none of these other bodies with me on my trip. I was still able to use the K-1 in manual mode for the most part, except for photographing the northern lights we caught in Fairbanks. I could not get the camera shutter to actuate when pointed at the faint light displays. Fortunately, my wife was able to capture the display with her cell phone camera and all was not lost. The camera's serial number is 6359271.

Update: Received call from Precision Camera on 9/12/16, camera received, but the part needed for the repair is out of stock, expected to be received 9/27/16.

Update 10/4/16: 9/27/16 came and went with no change in my camera's status when checked online. A query sent to Precision Camera's customer service resulted in a new estimate of parts arrival on 10/14/2016. Their explanation is that original parts are needed for the repair and they are working with Ricoh to acquire the parts from overseas. The parts have been back ordered.

Update 10/20/16: Part did not arrive once again. Called and spoke to customer service at Precision and they have no idea when Ricoh will ship the needed part. I left a message at Ricoh Customer Service website asking for help in the matter and will give them a couple of days to respond before calling.

Update 10/27/16: Part arrived and camera is being repaired.

Update 11/3/16: Repair completed 11/2/2016, camera is in the process of being shipped back.

Last edited by Terrencio; 11-03-2016 at 02:10 PM. Reason: update 11/3/16

**redpit** · 09-07-2016, 11:27 PM - **2 Likes**

Yesterday I got my K-1 back from the service and it works flawlessly! I spoke with the serviceman and he explained me that Pentax has changed the mode selector base with a new one (the new spare part has different code) as there was a contact problem with the original one (I don't know in which initial batches). The fix is very easy and I got my camera back the next day. I'm glad I shoot with no restrictions again!

SN: 6355971

Eric64800 · 09-08-2016, 12:33 AM - **1 Like**

Thank you for your report

**redpit** · 09-08-2016, 01:16 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Eric64800

Thank you for your report

You're welcome! One of the great things about PF is that connection and feedback from all over the planet

We have learnt a lot first hand from real users and not from reviewers or people who use Pentax equipment occasionally... I'm waiting for the goods news from other K-1 users also and I'm keeping an eye on other issues that may arise but most importantly the beautiful K-1 photos that are being uploaded!

**snpsht** · 09-13-2016, 08:17 PM

Mine arrived back today and it is working fine again - so pleased to have it home where it belongs.

That was excellent turnaround from CRKennedy - 8 days including a weekend and postage time at both ends.

Jonathan Mac · 09-13-2016, 10:59 PM

Obviously this should be repaired for free.

I don't have a K-1 but the only part of my K-3 which is clearly fragile is the mode dial, and my guess would be that the K-1 dial is based on the same design. I've taken great care with it from the beginning as it worries me.

**UncleVanya** · 09-14-2016, 12:34 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Obviously this should be repaired for free.

I don't have a K-1 but the only part of my K-3 which is clearly fragile is the mode dial, and my guess would be that the K-1 dial is based on the same design. I've taken great care with it from the beginning as it worries me.

??????
What on earth makes you feel that the k-3 mode dial is fragile? I would think reports of failures would have poured in as they did with the k-1... Crickets...

**snpsht** · 09-14-2016, 02:31 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Obviously this should be repaired for free.

I don't have a K-1 but the only part of my K-3 which is clearly fragile is the mode dial, and my guess would be that the K-1 dial is based on the same design. I've taken great care with it from the beginning as it worries me.

I have two K-3s and both of them have been absolutely fine...very robust in fact. One fell into an icy, fast flowing, boulder strewn river (with me and tripod attached) and after drying out is still going strong a couple of years later. I have taken them both into very rough conditions with no ill effects at all. From my experience, there's absolutely nothing that's fragile about the K-3, and I don't think there was ever a problem with the mode dial.

The K-1 mode dial problem is a known issue and Pentax has fixed it - I expect the mode dial will now last as long as the camera does. I certainly won't be giving it the kid glove treatment!

09-04-2016, 06:27 AM - 1 Like	#157
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kirkwood (St. Louis) MO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,057	Originally posted by squarenegs Here's a bit of follow up on my original post about the failed mode dial on my K1. It had been bought as a 'like new' item from The Camera Exchange. They have been the good part of this experience, taking the camera back and even paying my return postage from Canada. They are keeping my original payment as part payment on a new K1 which should be available in October. .....October? The apparent lack of availability suggests that there is a BIG problem that is in the process of getting a 'fix'. This is a huge stumble for Pentax. It's been, not only committed Pentax users like us, but the larger photographic community that's waited to see a FF Pentax offering. Everyone's waited, what, a decade and a half? As said earlier in this thread by another member, this is the first time I've been letdown by a Pentax product. Having had it in hand shooting, the K1 is a terrific camera design. However, the follow through to reliable final product seems to be rubbish. Here's keeping my fingers crossed that October will see a 'fixed' K1 built to the usual Pentax quality standard. There is no BIG problem. K-1's are in short supply globally due to lack of sensors available from Sony. Sony's sensor plant was damaged in 2 earthquakes and shut down twice (for more than 2 months total). Pentax started receiving sensors again second week of August - many of the first week's sensor deliveries were rejected as "trash" according to asahi man. K-1 only recently returned to full production. Last edited by monochrome; 09-04-2016 at 08:09 AM.

09-05-2016, 03:52 AM	#158
Terrencio New Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4	K-1 failure to manual mode operation My K-1 failed last week during a vacation to Alaska. The mode dial has been locked for the most part since the body was received May 9th. I have been pressing the center button to facilitate dial changes. The camera body had about 1200 actuations at the time of failure. I have purchased and still own a K-x, K-5 and Pentax Q over the years and this is the first problem I have ever had with Pentax equipment. Unfortunately, I had none of these other bodies with me on my trip. I was still able to use the K-1 in manual mode for the most part, except for photographing the northern lights we caught in Fairbanks. I could not get the camera shutter to actuate when pointed at the faint light displays. Fortunately, my wife was able to capture the display with her cell phone camera and all was not lost. The camera's serial number is 6359271. Update: Received call from Precision Camera on 9/12/16, camera received, but the part needed for the repair is out of stock, expected to be received 9/27/16. Update 10/4/16: 9/27/16 came and went with no change in my camera's status when checked online. A query sent to Precision Camera's customer service resulted in a new estimate of parts arrival on 10/14/2016. Their explanation is that original parts are needed for the repair and they are working with Ricoh to acquire the parts from overseas. The parts have been back ordered. Update 10/20/16: Part did not arrive once again. Called and spoke to customer service at Precision and they have no idea when Ricoh will ship the needed part. I left a message at Ricoh Customer Service website asking for help in the matter and will give them a couple of days to respond before calling. Update 10/27/16: Part arrived and camera is being repaired. Update 11/3/16: Repair completed 11/2/2016, camera is in the process of being shipped back. Last edited by Terrencio; 11-03-2016 at 02:10 PM. Reason: update 11/3/16

09-07-2016, 11:27 PM - 2 Likes	#159
redpit Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Athens Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 674	Yesterday I got my K-1 back from the service and it works flawlessly! I spoke with the serviceman and he explained me that Pentax has changed the mode selector base with a new one (the new spare part has different code) as there was a contact problem with the original one (I don't know in which initial batches). The fix is very easy and I got my camera back the next day. I'm glad I shoot with no restrictions again! SN: 6355971 Last edited by redpit; 09-08-2016 at 12:37 AM.

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09-03-2016, 03:11 AM	#151
Eric64800 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Pyrenées Atlantiques Posts: 55	Hello , It would be intresting to know the serial number of each to see if it is all the K1 or only a batch impacted ...

09-03-2016, 03:41 AM	#152
Rayand Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 14	6356175

09-03-2016, 03:47 AM	#153
snpsht Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South Coast, NSW Posts: 257	6356979

09-03-2016, 09:26 AM	#154
squarenegs New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 5	Here's a bit of follow up on my original post about the failed mode dial on my K1. It had been bought as a 'like new' item from The Camera Exchange. They have been the good part of this experience, taking the camera back and even paying my return postage from Canada. They are keeping my original payment as part payment on a new K1 which should be available in October. .....October? The apparent lack of availability suggests that there is a BIG problem that is in the process of getting a 'fix'. This is a huge stumble for Pentax. It's been, not only committed Pentax users like us, but the larger photographic community that's waited to see a FF Pentax offering. Everyone's waited, what, a decade and a half? As said earlier in this thread by another member, this is the first time I've been letdown by a Pentax product. Having had it in hand shooting, the K1 is a terrific camera design. However, the follow through to reliable final product seems to be rubbish. Here's keeping my fingers crossed that October will see a 'fixed' K1 built to the usual Pentax quality standard.

09-03-2016, 11:15 AM	#155
Eric64800 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Pyrenées Atlantiques Posts: 55	Any more serial n° ? Mine is 6368730 and every thing is ok ritgh now

09-04-2016, 05:50 AM	#156
Rayand Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 14	Originally posted by Eric64800 Any more serial n° ? Mine is 6368730 and every thing is ok ritgh now Your serial number is 12,000 more than mine, perhaps they fixed it on later production and you wont have the problem

09-08-2016, 12:33 AM - 1 Like	#160
Eric64800 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Pyrenées Atlantiques Posts: 55	Thank you for your report

09-08-2016, 01:16 AM - 1 Like	#161
redpit Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Athens Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 674	Originally posted by Eric64800 Thank you for your report You're welcome! One of the great things about PF is that connection and feedback from all over the planet We have learnt a lot first hand from real users and not from reviewers or people who use Pentax equipment occasionally... I'm waiting for the goods news from other K-1 users also and I'm keeping an eye on other issues that may arise but most importantly the beautiful K-1 photos that are being uploaded!

09-13-2016, 08:17 PM	#162
snpsht Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South Coast, NSW Posts: 257	Mine arrived back today and it is working fine again - so pleased to have it home where it belongs. That was excellent turnaround from CRKennedy - 8 days including a weekend and postage time at both ends.

09-13-2016, 10:59 PM	#163
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 4,156	Obviously this should be repaired for free. I don't have a K-1 but the only part of my K-3 which is clearly fragile is the mode dial, and my guess would be that the K-1 dial is based on the same design. I've taken great care with it from the beginning as it worries me.

09-14-2016, 12:34 AM	#164
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,752	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Obviously this should be repaired for free. I don't have a K-1 but the only part of my K-3 which is clearly fragile is the mode dial, and my guess would be that the K-1 dial is based on the same design. I've taken great care with it from the beginning as it worries me. ?????? What on earth makes you feel that the k-3 mode dial is fragile? I would think reports of failures would have poured in as they did with the k-1... Crickets...

09-14-2016, 02:31 AM	#165
snpsht Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South Coast, NSW Posts: 257	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Obviously this should be repaired for free. I don't have a K-1 but the only part of my K-3 which is clearly fragile is the mode dial, and my guess would be that the K-1 dial is based on the same design. I've taken great care with it from the beginning as it worries me. I have two K-3s and both of them have been absolutely fine...very robust in fact. One fell into an icy, fast flowing, boulder strewn river (with me and tripod attached) and after drying out is still going strong a couple of years later. I have taken them both into very rough conditions with no ill effects at all. From my experience, there's absolutely nothing that's fragile about the K-3, and I don't think there was ever a problem with the mode dial. The K-1 mode dial problem is a known issue and Pentax has fixed it - I expect the mode dial will now last as long as the camera does. I certainly won't be giving it the kid glove treatment!