K10D and a big nasty stripe

Paul_C · 12-04-2006, 11:39 PM

Well, for all the discussion about "banding" which in each case I've seen has really been about vertically patterned noise - I found a real band.

I noticed it when playing around with some longish night shots (longish being ~10-30 seconds). It occurs in the same place each time regardless of lens, iso, or noise reduction setting. I haven't seen it in any "real" pictures yet, but I do shoot abstracts so any experiment can become a "real" picture for me.

Attached is a full shot and a 100% crop (that's the moon, btw). This picture was pushed to make that big fat stripe as apparent as possible, but it has annoyingly reared it's head in lesser circumstances.

I emailed "userassistance@pentax.com" (it was on the little paper in the box) a couple dng files to see what they have to say about it. If anyone knows a better way to get support from pentax please let me know.

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

Last edited by Paul_C; 12-06-2006 at 07:23 AM.

jbarnhart · 12-05-2006, 12:57 AM

Looks to me like a memory card issue. Are you using name brand cards? Try another one, or a different brand, and see if the artifact persists.

Jonas B · 12-05-2006, 02:07 AM

Maybe the card is okey but a related possible error might be the transfer of data from card to computer. I once had several pictures affected with something very similar (*ist DS, Sandisk card) and got pretty upset. After some help I nailed the problem to a card reader that wasn't entirely reliable. If you haven't overwritten the files you can try another card reader, another computer, direct connection from camera just to make sure it isn't data transfer chain.
Do you get the same problem with other cards?

slip · 12-05-2006, 04:59 AM

It looks like the moon moved on you

darksorrow · 12-05-2006, 06:21 AM

Originally posted by jbarnhart

Looks to me like a memory card issue.

if the stripe occurs at the exact same place every time, then it isn't very likely to be a memory card issue...

of course, try replacing the cards, but perhaps it would be best if you just wait for support from Pentax.

jbarnhart · 12-06-2006, 01:08 AM

Originally posted by darksorrow

if the stripe occurs at the exact same place every time, then it isn't very likely to be a memory card issue...

I based my observation on the fact that the lines occur in a group of 8, evenly spaced on alternating pixels, and occur for the entire length of the photo. This certainly suggests memory addressing to me. But your milage may vary. Since it's relatively easy to buy, borrow, or steal a different memory card it seemed like a quick thing to check.

Paul_C · 12-06-2006, 02:03 AM

I'll track down and try another card tomorrow evening. Thanks for the tip.

JCSullivan · 12-06-2006, 03:01 AM

I am curious to know why you are waiting for Pentax to reply - why not just take the camera back to the retailer!!!

Exchange or refund. Man this would really mak me a little leary.

Paul_C · 12-06-2006, 07:13 PM

Okay, tried a different card with the same results. If I don't get word back from Pentax tonight I'll give them a call tomorrow.

-=JoN=- · 12-06-2006, 07:40 PM

shouldnt u still be within the 30 day period..i'd just return it...

skydragoness · 12-06-2006, 11:05 PM

Originally posted by Paul_C

Okay, tried a different card with the same results. If I don't get word back from Pentax tonight I'll give them a call tomorrow.

Are you using a card reader or uploading directly from the camera? Just wondering. And what kind of memory are you using anyway? Just curious.

Paul_C · 12-07-2006, 10:13 AM

I'm uploading directly from the camera. The main card I use is a 4gb transcend and the other I tried is a 1gb pqi.

As for all those asking why I don't just return it, I ordered it online from B&H who's return period is only 14 days (I just missed this mark) and their policy requires the shutter count to be under 200 clicks (I've exceeded this dramatically.)

Pentax never emailed me back so I'll give them a call today.

skydragoness · 12-07-2006, 10:43 AM

That stinks about B&H's policy, usually it's longer at most places. And Transcend cards I hear are really good, my mother in law uses a pqi 512 for her p&s and it has been flawless for a year or more.

Hope things work out. That stinks but sometimes I wonder if it's because Pentax was too hasty in making the k10 in time for x-mas.

skydragoness · 12-07-2006, 09:10 PM

I showed this thread to my photo friend and he said your sensor is shot. It's a defect and seems to hit all brands and types of sensors. Esp. the Sony a100/Minolta sensors and C*non (gasp). He has a friend who shoots w/ an Olympus e-300 like his and he gets the same banding but only at iso 800

Paul_C · 01-18-2007, 06:33 PM

I just install the firmware 1.10 and the stripe is gone! Yippie!

Makes me glad I put off sending in the camera

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Macro Just Plain Nasty	Rupert	Photo Critique	5	09-03-2010 07:55 AM
Macro Big Grey Stripe	eaglem	Post Your Photos!	6	06-27-2010 07:04 AM
Nature Just a nasty way to start the day.	Petermgr	Post Your Photos!	19	04-14-2010 07:52 PM
Macro Stripe on Petal	shooz	Photo Critique	2	02-16-2010 10:55 PM
Bees... black stripe or yellow stripe?	YJD	Post Your Photos!	7	09-08-2008 01:11 PM

12-05-2006, 12:57 AM	#2
jbarnhart Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 99	Looks to me like a memory card issue. Are you using name brand cards? Try another one, or a different brand, and see if the artifact persists.

12-05-2006, 02:07 AM	#3
Jonas B Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Göteborg, Sweden Posts: 810	Maybe the card is okey but a related possible error might be the transfer of data from card to computer. I once had several pictures affected with something very similar (*ist DS, Sandisk card) and got pretty upset. After some help I nailed the problem to a card reader that wasn't entirely reliable. If you haven't overwritten the files you can try another card reader, another computer, direct connection from camera just to make sure it isn't data transfer chain. Do you get the same problem with other cards?

12-05-2006, 04:59 AM	#4
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535	It looks like the moon moved on you

12-05-2006, 06:21 AM	#5
darksorrow New Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sofia, Bulgaria Posts: 13	Originally posted by jbarnhart Looks to me like a memory card issue. if the stripe occurs at the exact same place every time, then it isn't very likely to be a memory card issue... of course, try replacing the cards, but perhaps it would be best if you just wait for support from Pentax.

12-06-2006, 01:08 AM	#6
jbarnhart Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 99	Originally posted by darksorrow if the stripe occurs at the exact same place every time, then it isn't very likely to be a memory card issue... I based my observation on the fact that the lines occur in a group of 8, evenly spaced on alternating pixels, and occur for the entire length of the photo. This certainly suggests memory addressing to me. But your milage may vary. Since it's relatively easy to buy, borrow, or steal a different memory card it seemed like a quick thing to check.

12-06-2006, 02:03 AM	#7
Paul_C Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 97 Original Poster	I'll track down and try another card tomorrow evening. Thanks for the tip.

12-06-2006, 03:01 AM	#8
JCSullivan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Windsor, Canada Posts: 3,056	I am curious to know why you are waiting for Pentax to reply - why not just take the camera back to the retailer!!! Exchange or refund. Man this would really mak me a little leary.

12-06-2006, 07:13 PM	#9
Paul_C Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 97 Original Poster	Okay, tried a different card with the same results. If I don't get word back from Pentax tonight I'll give them a call tomorrow.

12-06-2006, 07:40 PM	#10
-=JoN=- Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 999	shouldnt u still be within the 30 day period..i'd just return it...

12-06-2006, 11:05 PM	#11
skydragoness Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Delaware, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 163	Originally posted by Paul_C Okay, tried a different card with the same results. If I don't get word back from Pentax tonight I'll give them a call tomorrow. Are you using a card reader or uploading directly from the camera? Just wondering. And what kind of memory are you using anyway? Just curious.

12-07-2006, 10:13 AM	#12
Paul_C Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 97 Original Poster	I'm uploading directly from the camera. The main card I use is a 4gb transcend and the other I tried is a 1gb pqi. As for all those asking why I don't just return it, I ordered it online from B&H who's return period is only 14 days (I just missed this mark) and their policy requires the shutter count to be under 200 clicks (I've exceeded this dramatically.) Pentax never emailed me back so I'll give them a call today.

12-07-2006, 10:43 AM	#13
skydragoness Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Delaware, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 163	That stinks about B&H's policy, usually it's longer at most places. And Transcend cards I hear are really good, my mother in law uses a pqi 512 for her p&s and it has been flawless for a year or more. Hope things work out. That stinks but sometimes I wonder if it's because Pentax was too hasty in making the k10 in time for x-mas.

12-07-2006, 09:10 PM	#14
skydragoness Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Delaware, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 163	I showed this thread to my photo friend and he said your sensor is shot. It's a defect and seems to hit all brands and types of sensors. Esp. the Sony a100/Minolta sensors and C*non (gasp). He has a friend who shoots w/ an Olympus e-300 like his and he gets the same banding but only at iso 800

01-18-2007, 06:33 PM	#15
Paul_C Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 97 Original Poster	I just install the firmware 1.10 and the stripe is gone! Yippie! Makes me glad I put off sending in the camera