K1 Mode Dial Failure

**stubyles** · 08-01-2016, 07:22 AM

A five minute call to SRS Microsystems (My vendor) resulted in them arranging a collection, FOC to me, for tomorrow. They will then send it back to Pentax.
Impressed so far.

les3547 · 08-01-2016, 07:53 AM

Does anyone know if for the Mode Dial to fail, must it be used (turned) regularly? I ask because my camera stays on aperture priority all the time.

**stubyles** · 08-01-2016, 01:07 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by les3547

Does anyone know if for the Mode Dial to fail, must it be used (turned) regularly? I ask because my camera stays on aperture priority all the time.

Mine failed when I changed from AV to M after I put an M42 lens on.
I regularly change modes.

Mock · 08-03-2016, 10:02 PM

Wanted to post an update regarding my repair experience so far. It's not good.

I sent off my camera via the dealer on June 23rd, they sent it directly to Sun Camera as is standard for Canadian warranty service. July 13 I get an update stating the repair will be done under warranty and completed in 3 weeks (August 3). I'm leaving for vacation this weekend so I tried to make an arrangement two weeks ago to have the camera shipped back to me faster. When asked by my dealer whether this would be possible, Sun replied with this bombshell: THAT MY CAMERA IS BEING REPAIRED IN THE USA, and will not be completed until August 7.

This means they finish the job on the 7th presumably, ship the camera to Sun, wait forever for it to clear customs, wait for Sun to ship it back to my dealer. I figure it will be back the week of August 15th, nearly 2 months total.
When I read about the service Europeans and others get with the camera turned around in days, I feel very jealous.

Finally, why should I buy from a Canadian dealer if Ricoh is just going to have service done in the USA anyways? I could just as easily have purchased from B&H and avoided having my camera bounce all around the continent...

Rayand · 08-16-2016, 05:26 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by les3547

Does anyone know if for the Mode Dial to fail, must it be used (turned) regularly? I ask because my camera stays on aperture priority all the time.

Mine failed after 1200 actuations, it has gone back to SRS, I use my camera in aperture priority most of the time, for a while I was able to select between click stops and get it to function in TAv, but eventually it went to Manual only.

squarenegs · 08-17-2016, 01:11 PM

OK, here's another hand up. Yesterday, my K1 decided it's now a Manual mode only camera, after approx. 700 exposures. Mind you, a very nice needle-match body but not what I paid for. I turned it on and with the second exposure, having been moved from 'Av' to 'M' it went 'manual for ever'... no matter what the mode dial was set to. I've had problem Pentax lenses, but this is my only DSLR problem body since my first, an *istD. I am not happy!

**UncleVanya** · 08-17-2016, 01:20 PM

Originally posted by squarenegs

OK, here's another hand up. Yesterday, my K1 decided it's now a Manual mode only camera, after approx. 700 exposures. Mind you, a very nice needle-match body but not what I paid for. I turned it on and with the second exposure, having been moved from 'Av' to 'M' it went 'manual for ever'... no matter what the mode dial was set to. I've had problem Pentax lenses, but this is my only DSLR problem body since my first, an *istD. I am not happy!

This sucks. I'm glad it is not a complete failure - you can continue and finish what you are shooting but this is a dreadful pain. My one real question about this is what the long term reliability will be - when "fixed" if these work for a very long time without problems I think it is an annoying quirk... but if repeat failures rear up. That's going to suck.

**monochrome** · 08-17-2016, 01:56 PM

From previous threads - IIRC:

The ribbon connector for the Mode dial simply comes loose
It is a 3 minute fix, actual time spent
Parts are not required
Remaining time is Repair Center foofawraw (Precision)
It was suggested one assembler was poorly trained; # of cameras is limited

Fwiw. That's what I remember.

**UncleVanya** · 08-17-2016, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

From previous threads - IIRC:

The ribbon connector for the Mode dial simply comes loose
It is a 3 minute fix, actual time spent
Parts are not required
Remaining time is Repair Center foofawraw (Precision)
It was suggested one assembler was poorly trained; # of cameras is limited

Fwiw. That's what I remember.

Here's hoping that's accurate and that the repair once made stays made.

**niceshot** · 08-17-2016, 06:12 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Here's hoping that's accurate and that the repair once made stays made.

clean your hands and push it back into its socked

Denali_Mark · 08-19-2016, 12:41 AM

Two months into owning the K1 I developed a problem where the camera suddenly was unable to function with several lenses. For a time the camera worked with my newly purchased 24-70 f2.8 lens. Finally, the auto mode failed. The camera would autofocus but was unable to adjust aperture. I contact B&H which told me I needed to discuss with Ricoh- Pentax. Ricoh told me to contact Precision Camera in Connecticut - apparently the only service/repair provider now for Pentax products. I shopped the camera to Precision. They identified the problem as requiring a new mode dial assembly. They returned the camera to me in under a couple business weeks and well under the one-year warranty. The repair order said they had performed a complete repair and all functions were returned to factory spec. This repair included a new mode dial assembly, AF test, firmware download and cleaning. When I tested the camera today it was unable to function with my Sigma 50-500 mm lens (it had before the repair). There was no firmware update. The camera operated fine for a dozen shots or so with my Pentax 24-70 f2.8. Then when I switched to manual mode the dial used to adjust the aperture malfunctioned, cycling up and down apertures in a random manner. The mode dial assembly feels incredibly loose - it rotates very easily like it might twist off. It doesn't feel like it locks well onto the different shooting modes. I'm contacting Precision and Ricoh tomorrow. Really ashamed. The camera was a birthday gift purchased in time for a workshop this fall. First time I have felt really let down by a Pentax product.

redpit · 08-19-2016, 01:14 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

From previous threads - IIRC:

The ribbon connector for the Mode dial simply comes loose
It is a 3 minute fix, actual time spent
Parts are not required
Remaining time is Repair Center foofawraw (Precision)
It was suggested one assembler was poorly trained; # of cameras is limited

Fwiw. That's what I remember.

I'm still waiting for my K-1 to be fixed. I'm calm because of the country I live in and the kind of services we are used to

The official dealer (with whom I have great cooperation and I'm very satisfied) has informed the EU service department in France and they have sent him a small spare part needed for the repair. I don't know if it is the ribbon connector @monochrome mentions above, but the EU service department informed the dealer that it is a very easy repair that can be easily done by our service (although this will be their first such repair). Now we are waiting for the official repair service to open after summer vacation on Monday... That means I'm more or less 40 days with my K-1 stuck in M mode... If I were a pro photographer that wouldn't be accepted, I would already had looked for other options as everybody understands.

Originally posted by Denali_Mark

First time I have felt really let down by a Pentax product.

That are exactly my feelings and thoughts...

I really hope everything turns out well and no further problems are encountered in the future, but first thing first, now I'm waiting for my mode dial repair and I will inform you about anything more I will learn and my experience.

For a friend that asked whether I was changing modes frequently, no is the answer. Most of the time it was on TAv mode and less time in M mode. But if it is to happen I think it will, you don't have to restrict your camera operation to prevent something from damaging. What's the point of not enjoying your camera?

pathdoc · 08-19-2016, 02:49 AM

Is the failure always into M mode? Because if it is, it seems they have at least done their best to give us a "fail-functional" camera - I would rather be stuck in M than anything else, so long as everything else worked. That said, I shoot a lot with an MX and Spotmatic F, so I'm used to not having the luxuries.

Agree, though, that this is a pain in the @r$e, particularly with that account of Sun having to send it off to the US - that was a shocker! I had disappointment from Sun when they said the parts to repair my *istDL were no longer available, but I could not fault them on their communication.

**stubyles** · 08-19-2016, 03:35 AM

Got mine back yesterday 2 1/2 weeks after I sent it to SRS.
Repair document (from Johnsons Photopia Ltd) says that they:

Replaced the Mode Dial,
Repaired Mechanical Assembly,
Cleaned Viewfinder & CCD,
Updated FW,
Checked & Tested.

Everything seems ok.

Rayand · 08-19-2016, 04:03 AM

Originally posted by stubyles

Got mine back yesterday 2 1/2 weeks after I sent it to SRS.
Repair document (from Johnsons Photopia Ltd) says that they:

Replaced the Mode Dial,
Repaired Mechanical Assembly,
Cleaned Viewfinder & CCD,
Updated FW,
Checked & Tested.

Everything seems ok.

Interesting, they told me that they expected a two week turnaround when I took mine in last week.

If the mode dial was replaced it seems that it wasn't just a ribbon cable reseat that was needed, so those who had a quick fix must have had a different problem -??

Lincoln Steampunk event next holiday weekend so I hope mine appears in a similar time, or it's back to the K5 ii

Here's hoping it's the only early adopter pain we suffer, as the wait for FF was just too much, and I succumbed to the temptation!

08-17-2016, 01:11 PM	#126
squarenegs New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 13	Haute mode............ OK, here's another hand up. Yesterday, my K1 decided it's now a Manual mode only camera, after approx. 700 exposures. Mind you, a very nice needle-match body but not what I paid for. I turned it on and with the second exposure, having been moved from 'Av' to 'M' it went 'manual for ever'... no matter what the mode dial was set to. I've had problem Pentax lenses, but this is my only DSLR problem body since my first, an *istD. I am not happy!

08-17-2016, 01:56 PM	#128
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	From previous threads - IIRC: The ribbon connector for the Mode dial simply comes loose It is a 3 minute fix, actual time spent Parts are not required Remaining time is Repair Center foofawraw (Precision) It was suggested one assembler was poorly trained; # of cameras is limited Fwiw. That's what I remember.

08-17-2016, 01:58 PM	#129
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by monochrome From previous threads - IIRC: The ribbon connector for the Mode dial simply comes loose It is a 3 minute fix, actual time spent Parts are not required Remaining time is Repair Center foofawraw (Precision) It was suggested one assembler was poorly trained; # of cameras is limited Fwiw. That's what I remember. Here's hoping that's accurate and that the repair once made stays made.

08-19-2016, 01:14 AM	#132
redpit Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Greece Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Originally posted by monochrome From previous threads - IIRC: The ribbon connector for the Mode dial simply comes loose It is a 3 minute fix, actual time spent Parts are not required Remaining time is Repair Center foofawraw (Precision) It was suggested one assembler was poorly trained; # of cameras is limited Fwiw. That's what I remember. I'm still waiting for my K-1 to be fixed. I'm calm because of the country I live in and the kind of services we are used to The official dealer (with whom I have great cooperation and I'm very satisfied) has informed the EU service department in France and they have sent him a small spare part needed for the repair. I don't know if it is the ribbon connector @monochrome mentions above, but the EU service department informed the dealer that it is a very easy repair that can be easily done by our service (although this will be their first such repair). Now we are waiting for the official repair service to open after summer vacation on Monday... That means I'm more or less 40 days with my K-1 stuck in M mode... If I were a pro photographer that wouldn't be accepted, I would already had looked for other options as everybody understands. Originally posted by Denali_Mark First time I have felt really let down by a Pentax product. That are exactly my feelings and thoughts... I really hope everything turns out well and no further problems are encountered in the future, but first thing first, now I'm waiting for my mode dial repair and I will inform you about anything more I will learn and my experience. For a friend that asked whether I was changing modes frequently, no is the answer. Most of the time it was on TAv mode and less time in M mode. But if it is to happen I think it will, you don't have to restrict your camera operation to prevent something from damaging. What's the point of not enjoying your camera?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
purchase mode dial?	pixelvandal	Pentax K-01	26	08-25-2018 12:09 PM
K1 stuck in manual mode	ukspeedtraps	Pentax K-1 & K-1 II	50	10-05-2016 12:41 AM
Mode dial not working properly?	wralyn	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	3	11-21-2015 02:32 AM
Mode dial right vs. left	hjoseph7	Pentax DSLR Discussion	24	02-17-2015 08:35 PM
Mode Dial Problem	nrh771	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	5	11-03-2014 02:44 AM

08-01-2016, 07:22 AM	#121
stubyles Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 824	A five minute call to SRS Microsystems (My vendor) resulted in them arranging a collection, FOC to me, for tomorrow. They will then send it back to Pentax. Impressed so far.

08-01-2016, 07:53 AM	#122
les3547 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Sebastopol, California Photos: Albums Posts: 2,020	Does anyone know if for the Mode Dial to fail, must it be used (turned) regularly? I ask because my camera stays on aperture priority all the time.

08-01-2016, 01:07 PM - 1 Like	#123
stubyles Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 824	Originally posted by les3547 Does anyone know if for the Mode Dial to fail, must it be used (turned) regularly? I ask because my camera stays on aperture priority all the time. Mine failed when I changed from AV to M after I put an M42 lens on. I regularly change modes.

08-03-2016, 10:02 PM	#124
Mock Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Edmonton Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 314	Wanted to post an update regarding my repair experience so far. It's not good. I sent off my camera via the dealer on June 23rd, they sent it directly to Sun Camera as is standard for Canadian warranty service. July 13 I get an update stating the repair will be done under warranty and completed in 3 weeks (August 3). I'm leaving for vacation this weekend so I tried to make an arrangement two weeks ago to have the camera shipped back to me faster. When asked by my dealer whether this would be possible, Sun replied with this bombshell: THAT MY CAMERA IS BEING REPAIRED IN THE USA, and will not be completed until August 7. This means they finish the job on the 7th presumably, ship the camera to Sun, wait forever for it to clear customs, wait for Sun to ship it back to my dealer. I figure it will be back the week of August 15th, nearly 2 months total. When I read about the service Europeans and others get with the camera turned around in days, I feel very jealous. Finally, why should I buy from a Canadian dealer if Ricoh is just going to have service done in the USA anyways? I could just as easily have purchased from B&H and avoided having my camera bounce all around the continent...

08-16-2016, 05:26 AM - 1 Like	#125
Rayand New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 16	Originally posted by les3547 Does anyone know if for the Mode Dial to fail, must it be used (turned) regularly? I ask because my camera stays on aperture priority all the time. Mine failed after 1200 actuations, it has gone back to SRS, I use my camera in aperture priority most of the time, for a while I was able to select between click stops and get it to function in TAv, but eventually it went to Manual only.

08-17-2016, 01:20 PM	#127
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by squarenegs OK, here's another hand up. Yesterday, my K1 decided it's now a Manual mode only camera, after approx. 700 exposures. Mind you, a very nice needle-match body but not what I paid for. I turned it on and with the second exposure, having been moved from 'Av' to 'M' it went 'manual for ever'... no matter what the mode dial was set to. I've had problem Pentax lenses, but this is my only DSLR problem body since my first, an *istD. I am not happy! This sucks. I'm glad it is not a complete failure - you can continue and finish what you are shooting but this is a dreadful pain. My one real question about this is what the long term reliability will be - when "fixed" if these work for a very long time without problems I think it is an annoying quirk... but if repeat failures rear up. That's going to suck.

08-17-2016, 06:12 PM	#130
niceshot Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,564	Originally posted by UncleVanya Here's hoping that's accurate and that the repair once made stays made. clean your hands and push it back into its socked

08-19-2016, 12:41 AM	#131
Denali_Mark Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Anchorage, AK Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 157	Two months into owning the K1 I developed a problem where the camera suddenly was unable to function with several lenses. For a time the camera worked with my newly purchased 24-70 f2.8 lens. Finally, the auto mode failed. The camera would autofocus but was unable to adjust aperture. I contact B&H which told me I needed to discuss with Ricoh- Pentax. Ricoh told me to contact Precision Camera in Connecticut - apparently the only service/repair provider now for Pentax products. I shopped the camera to Precision. They identified the problem as requiring a new mode dial assembly. They returned the camera to me in under a couple business weeks and well under the one-year warranty. The repair order said they had performed a complete repair and all functions were returned to factory spec. This repair included a new mode dial assembly, AF test, firmware download and cleaning. When I tested the camera today it was unable to function with my Sigma 50-500 mm lens (it had before the repair). There was no firmware update. The camera operated fine for a dozen shots or so with my Pentax 24-70 f2.8. Then when I switched to manual mode the dial used to adjust the aperture malfunctioned, cycling up and down apertures in a random manner. The mode dial assembly feels incredibly loose - it rotates very easily like it might twist off. It doesn't feel like it locks well onto the different shooting modes. I'm contacting Precision and Ricoh tomorrow. Really ashamed. The camera was a birthday gift purchased in time for a workshop this fall. First time I have felt really let down by a Pentax product.

08-19-2016, 02:49 AM	#133
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Is the failure always into M mode? Because if it is, it seems they have at least done their best to give us a "fail-functional" camera - I would rather be stuck in M than anything else, so long as everything else worked. That said, I shoot a lot with an MX and Spotmatic F, so I'm used to not having the luxuries. Agree, though, that this is a pain in the @r$e, particularly with that account of Sun having to send it off to the US - that was a shocker! I had disappointment from Sun when they said the parts to repair my *istDL were no longer available, but I could not fault them on their communication.

08-19-2016, 03:35 AM	#134
stubyles Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 824	Got mine back yesterday 2 1/2 weeks after I sent it to SRS. Repair document (from Johnsons Photopia Ltd) says that they: Replaced the Mode Dial, Repaired Mechanical Assembly, Cleaned Viewfinder & CCD, Updated FW, Checked & Tested. Everything seems ok.

08-19-2016, 04:03 AM	#135
Rayand New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 16	Originally posted by stubyles Got mine back yesterday 2 1/2 weeks after I sent it to SRS. Repair document (from Johnsons Photopia Ltd) says that they: Replaced the Mode Dial, Repaired Mechanical Assembly, Cleaned Viewfinder & CCD, Updated FW, Checked & Tested. Everything seems ok. Interesting, they told me that they expected a two week turnaround when I took mine in last week. If the mode dial was replaced it seems that it wasn't just a ribbon cable reseat that was needed, so those who had a quick fix must have had a different problem -?? Lincoln Steampunk event next holiday weekend so I hope mine appears in a similar time, or it's back to the K5 ii Here's hoping it's the only early adopter pain we suffer, as the wait for FF was just too much, and I succumbed to the temptation!