Buying a [USED] Pentax K-x. (question)

**TAP** · 04-08-2010, 03:32 PM

Hello all,

I just became a member of this forum today, but i have avidly been reading topics here for the past month or so to better familiarize myself with Pentax cameras; more specifically, the K-x.

About an hour ago, I purchased a used K-x from Amazon Warehouse Deals (link below).

http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-K-x-2-7-inch-18-55mm-White/dp/B002OEBTD2

There was little-to-no specification as to the extent which it was used- or the quality of the product, so i called customer service to get as much information as possible. The gentleman told me that in most cases, the item has been returned to Amazon within 30 days (for whatever reason) and goes through an inspection process before it can be re-sold.

So my question is this: What kinds of things should I look for- and what kinds of tests should i perform to make sure my K-x is in 100% working condition?

Thanks in advance!

JeffJS · 04-08-2010, 04:10 PM

Start with page one of the manual (downloadable from Pentax) and go from there. If you've been reading the forums, you know what kind of batteries, cards, etc to get. Download a copy of PhotoMe so you can check the actual shutter count (just so you know). Inspect the camera for cracks and other abrasions and compare it to the condition given when you purchased it. If it came with a warranty, do as much testing as you can within that period. If not you might want to look into a square trade or mack warranty of some sort. Check to see that you have the latest firmware (and beware of the potential problems that can arise with updating it).

Good luck and welcome..

GerryL · 04-08-2010, 04:39 PM

The K-x has been known for battery issues so I would suggest that that is the one that you test the most.
If it has the latest firmware then it should be alright as it fixes the battery issue.
You could also do some FF and BF tests.
Welcome to the forums TAP!
If ever you have a question in mind, you could also get the help of the "search" bar here in the forums as that would make it easier for you to get the answers you need.
It would be like doing research.
Good luck and welcome to the Pentax family too!

**rparmar** · 04-08-2010, 05:10 PM

Just test out everything during a week of regular use. Be sure to try manual focus and manual aperture, each control and even functions you would not normally use. Keep rough track of battery usage to see if it's what you expect.

Don't sweat the details. These things generally either work or they don't.

jct us101 · 04-08-2010, 05:15 PM

Make sure you check for any cracks that might be in the camera body or other things like that. Check to make sure the flash pops up and works, and things like the LCD work correctly and don't have any problems. Then I would suggest taking a few test photos.

Ira · 04-08-2010, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by JeffJS

Download a copy of PhotoMe so you can check the actual shutter count (just so you know).

And just so you know, PhotoMe is free.

And just so you know as well, even on a brand-new camera, it's not unusual to have a few hundred shutter clicks on it already, because they do it for testing.

If the shutter click count says 5,000, I MIGHT be concerned. But anything from 50 to 1,500, I wouldn't be.

Ecaterin · 04-08-2010, 06:30 PM

Originally posted by TAP

Hello all,

I just became a member of this forum today, but i have avidly been reading topics here for the past month or so to better familiarize myself with Pentax cameras; more specifically, the K-x.

About an hour ago, I purchased a used K-x from Amazon Warehouse Deals (link below).

Amazon.com: Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (White): Camera & Photo

There was little-to-no specification as to the extent which it was used- or the quality of the product, so i called customer service to get as much information as possible. The gentleman told me that in most cases, the item has been returned to Amazon within 30 days (for whatever reason) and goes through an inspection process before it can be re-sold.

So my question is this: What kinds of things should I look for- and what kinds of tests should i perform to make sure my K-x is in 100% working condition?

Thanks in advance!

My K-x is a Warehouse Deal camera (for a ridiculously low price) - and I know why it was returned ;D The diopter on mine is off adjustment just a bit. If the diopter is centered (as it should be for someone with 20/20 vision) you'll never be in focus. The misalignment is so slight I'm happy to just keep the diopter knocked a notch to the right for now. At some point if I get the camera serviced, I'll see if it's a cheap fix :P

Most returns aren't actually for a real PROBLEM with the camera (more likely to be 'nah, not what I wanted') - I was very surprised that mine was

So, there's one thing to look for

My Warehouse Deal came with everything that would be in the box new (right down to the plastic bags) including all the info needed for Pentax warranty, so it's definitely a great deal!

**TAP** · 04-08-2010, 10:42 PM

Thanks everyone for the great responses, and sorry for my late reply [I was busy at work].

Ecaterin, thanks for the personal insight; Its good to hear from someone who was in a similar situation. I'll definitely look into that first once it arrives.

Thanks again everyone, i really appreciate the advice and will take each of your suggestions into consideration when the camera arrives tomorrow :]

**TAP** · 04-08-2010, 10:51 PM

Originally posted by Ecaterin

The diopter on mine is off adjustment just a bit. If the diopter is centered (as it should be for someone with 20/20 vision) you'll never be in focus. The misalignment is so slight I'm happy to just keep the diopter knocked a notch to the right for now. At some point if I get the camera serviced, I'll see if it's a cheap fix :P

You may have already viewed this thread, but I thought it may be helpful to you with your diopter issues. It gives you a pretty good example of how to adjust it on your own.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography/7860-dumb-question-about-diopter.html

jct us101 · 04-08-2010, 11:10 PM

Oh, and I would also like to second the battery issue check. Make sure that the person wasn't just selling it because they didn't want to deal with the problem. I'm not sure how to check for it, but you can definitely look around PF for many threads on it.

Another thing you should check for (but I doubt people ever do) is any damage to the mirror. I've heard of people thinking their lenses were cracked but the mirror actually was somehow damaged in shipping or before that.

**rparmar** · 04-09-2010, 04:58 AM

Also the viewfinder could be out of alignment or simply dirty. I have a camera like that, and find it impossible to clean.

vize · 04-09-2010, 06:44 AM

Check for the cosmetic condition. If there are any dings or scracthes, potentially it could have been dropped or mishandled. Also check for dust and dead/hot pixels on the sensor

GerryL · 04-09-2010, 09:42 AM

Originally posted by vize

Check for the cosmetic condition. If there are any dings or scracthes, potentially it could have been dropped or mishandled. Also check for dust and dead/hot pixels on the sensor

Dust and dead pixels are actually a great issue but an issue nonetheless and if you don't know what you are doing then getting the dust out could be quite annoying.

04-08-2010, 03:32 PM	#1
TAP Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 121	Buying a [USED] Pentax K-x. (question) Hello all, I just became a member of this forum today, but i have avidly been reading topics here for the past month or so to better familiarize myself with Pentax cameras; more specifically, the K-x. About an hour ago, I purchased a used K-x from Amazon Warehouse Deals (link below). http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-K-x-2-7-inch-18-55mm-White/dp/B002OEBTD2 There was little-to-no specification as to the extent which it was used- or the quality of the product, so i called customer service to get as much information as possible. The gentleman told me that in most cases, the item has been returned to Amazon within 30 days (for whatever reason) and goes through an inspection process before it can be re-sold. So my question is this: What kinds of things should I look for- and what kinds of tests should i perform to make sure my K-x is in 100% working condition? Thanks in advance!

04-08-2010, 10:42 PM	#8
TAP Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 121 Original Poster	Thanks everyone for the great responses, and sorry for my late reply [I was busy at work]. Ecaterin, thanks for the personal insight; Its good to hear from someone who was in a similar situation. I'll definitely look into that first once it arrives. Thanks again everyone, i really appreciate the advice and will take each of your suggestions into consideration when the camera arrives tomorrow :] Last edited by TAP; 04-08-2010 at 10:52 PM.

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04-08-2010, 04:10 PM	#2
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Start with page one of the manual (downloadable from Pentax) and go from there. If you've been reading the forums, you know what kind of batteries, cards, etc to get. Download a copy of PhotoMe so you can check the actual shutter count (just so you know). Inspect the camera for cracks and other abrasions and compare it to the condition given when you purchased it. If it came with a warranty, do as much testing as you can within that period. If not you might want to look into a square trade or mack warranty of some sort. Check to see that you have the latest firmware (and beware of the potential problems that can arise with updating it). Good luck and welcome..

04-08-2010, 04:39 PM	#3
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	The K-x has been known for battery issues so I would suggest that that is the one that you test the most. If it has the latest firmware then it should be alright as it fixes the battery issue. You could also do some FF and BF tests. Welcome to the forums TAP! If ever you have a question in mind, you could also get the help of the "search" bar here in the forums as that would make it easier for you to get the answers you need. It would be like doing research. Good luck and welcome to the Pentax family too!

04-08-2010, 05:10 PM	#4
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,823	Just test out everything during a week of regular use. Be sure to try manual focus and manual aperture, each control and even functions you would not normally use. Keep rough track of battery usage to see if it's what you expect. Don't sweat the details. These things generally either work or they don't.

04-08-2010, 05:15 PM	#5
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793	Make sure you check for any cracks that might be in the camera body or other things like that. Check to make sure the flash pops up and works, and things like the LCD work correctly and don't have any problems. Then I would suggest taking a few test photos.

04-08-2010, 06:19 PM	#6
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by JeffJS Download a copy of PhotoMe so you can check the actual shutter count (just so you know). And just so you know, PhotoMe is free. And just so you know as well, even on a brand-new camera, it's not unusual to have a few hundred shutter clicks on it already, because they do it for testing. If the shutter click count says 5,000, I MIGHT be concerned. But anything from 50 to 1,500, I wouldn't be.

04-08-2010, 06:30 PM	#7
Ecaterin Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Seattle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 723	Originally posted by TAP Hello all, I just became a member of this forum today, but i have avidly been reading topics here for the past month or so to better familiarize myself with Pentax cameras; more specifically, the K-x. About an hour ago, I purchased a used K-x from Amazon Warehouse Deals (link below). Amazon.com: Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (White): Camera & Photo There was little-to-no specification as to the extent which it was used- or the quality of the product, so i called customer service to get as much information as possible. The gentleman told me that in most cases, the item has been returned to Amazon within 30 days (for whatever reason) and goes through an inspection process before it can be re-sold. So my question is this: What kinds of things should I look for- and what kinds of tests should i perform to make sure my K-x is in 100% working condition? Thanks in advance! My K-x is a Warehouse Deal camera (for a ridiculously low price) - and I know why it was returned ;D The diopter on mine is off adjustment just a bit. If the diopter is centered (as it should be for someone with 20/20 vision) you'll never be in focus. The misalignment is so slight I'm happy to just keep the diopter knocked a notch to the right for now. At some point if I get the camera serviced, I'll see if it's a cheap fix :P Most returns aren't actually for a real PROBLEM with the camera (more likely to be 'nah, not what I wanted') - I was very surprised that mine was So, there's one thing to look for My Warehouse Deal came with everything that would be in the box new (right down to the plastic bags) including all the info needed for Pentax warranty, so it's definitely a great deal!

04-08-2010, 10:51 PM	#9
TAP Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 121 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ecaterin The diopter on mine is off adjustment just a bit. If the diopter is centered (as it should be for someone with 20/20 vision) you'll never be in focus. The misalignment is so slight I'm happy to just keep the diopter knocked a notch to the right for now. At some point if I get the camera serviced, I'll see if it's a cheap fix :P You may have already viewed this thread, but I thought it may be helpful to you with your diopter issues. It gives you a pretty good example of how to adjust it on your own. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography/7860-dumb-question-about-diopter.html

04-08-2010, 11:10 PM	#10
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793	Oh, and I would also like to second the battery issue check. Make sure that the person wasn't just selling it because they didn't want to deal with the problem. I'm not sure how to check for it, but you can definitely look around PF for many threads on it. Another thing you should check for (but I doubt people ever do) is any damage to the mirror. I've heard of people thinking their lenses were cracked but the mirror actually was somehow damaged in shipping or before that.

04-09-2010, 04:58 AM	#11
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,823	Also the viewfinder could be out of alignment or simply dirty. I have a camera like that, and find it impossible to clean.

04-09-2010, 06:44 AM	#12
vize Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 45	Check for the cosmetic condition. If there are any dings or scracthes, potentially it could have been dropped or mishandled. Also check for dust and dead/hot pixels on the sensor

04-09-2010, 09:42 AM	#13
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Originally posted by vize Check for the cosmetic condition. If there are any dings or scracthes, potentially it could have been dropped or mishandled. Also check for dust and dead/hot pixels on the sensor Dust and dead pixels are actually a great issue but an issue nonetheless and if you don't know what you are doing then getting the dust out could be quite annoying.