Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

farhaddad · 07-20-2015, 09:40 PM

It looks like Pentax don't really know what serial numbers are affected and they just assumed the problem is only caused to a specific group of serial numbers.

Last week when I contacted Pentax, they've told me that it is better to send it to them to check even if I don't have any issues at the time being. I figured out it would be better to replaced my - #6206... with a new serial since I've bought it from Amazon and I am still within the 30 return days.

Amazon sent me a new camera with a serial number that starts with #6207. Today I've faced the issue twice. The shutter stopped working, the screen froze and the camera couldn't turn off until I removed the battery. This is a bad experience for someone like me because this is my first Pentax DSLR.

I've already bought some K mount lenses and now I really don't know if I want to stay with Pentax anymore.

I'm returning my K-3ii (Again)! What other suggestions for a good camera do you guys have?

**jatrax** · 07-20-2015, 09:50 PM

Originally posted by farhaddad

I'm returning my K-3ii (Again)! What other suggestions for a good camera do you guys have?

Sorry you are having a bad run of luck.

If you like the camera, except for the fault then I would get another k-3II. Third time a charm? All brands have issues, whether you stay with Pentax or not. If you go, well Canon and Nikon both make nice cameras.

I had a similar problem with the k-5 years ago, returned it for another and got a good one. Used it for years until I got the k-3 and now k-3II. For whatever it is worth I have a k-3II within the affected range and so far with maybe 3,000 images no problems at all. It is a very nice camera.

**beachgardener** · 07-20-2015, 10:01 PM

Originally posted by farhaddad

I've already bought some K mount lenses and now I really don't know if I want to stay with Pentax anymore.

having some lenses, I'm thinking that the K-3 has been out for a while longer now, might be the way to go.

farhaddad · 07-20-2015, 10:06 PM

Thank for replying. I really like the camera. I like the grip, the build quality, the screen, the place of the buttons, the WR, the software (believe it or not) and the image quality. I still think that the cheap canon I had T2i had better AF system and video than this, but I don't really care about it that much because I'll be shooting macro most of the time. However, someone just pointed to me that for macro photography even the K50 should be more than enough for me and that I should spend the money on lenses rather the body. I'm really considering the K50 but I also don't know if the SR in the K50 is as good as the K3II.

Frankly I don't know what to do!

**beachgardener** · 07-20-2015, 10:14 PM

a low shutter count K-5IIs?

jimr-pdx · 07-20-2015, 10:14 PM

I'd suggest that Pentax should get the camera not Amazon. Ricoh does not know why Amazon gets returns, but a warranty repair ticket will get their attention - and you will know the next time a body reaches you it will be thoroughly checked out. I would go nuts waiting for it though, quite understandable.. I hope you can get this fixed rapidly!

**rod_grant** · 07-20-2015, 10:30 PM

For macro you probably mostly will need a tripod, so SR won't be a factor.
Either camera is a good choice.
I would stick with (a good copy) K3ii - something to extend you when you find there are big things to capture as well as macro things.

farhaddad · 07-20-2015, 10:30 PM

Originally posted by beachgardener

a low shutter count K-5IIs?

The K-5IIs new is the same price as a K3 at the moment. What I want to know is how the SR compared to K3II in these cameras. K3, K5IIs and K50.

Originally posted by jimr-pdx

I'd suggest that Pentax should get the camera not Amazon. Ricoh does not know why Amazon gets returns, but a warranty repair ticket will get their attention - and you will know the next time a body reaches you it will be thoroughly checked out. I would go nuts waiting for it though, quite understandable.. I hope you can get this fixed rapidly!

You're right about that. However, I don't think I have time for that. I'm thinking about returning the K3II and go with another Pentax instead. In the worst case. I would just sell the K mount lenses and go for a different brand. Although I really like Pentax.

---------- Post added 07-20-15 at 10:35 PM ----------

Originally posted by rod_grant

For macro you probably mostly will need a tripod, so SR won't be a factor.
Either camera is a good choice.
I would stick with (a good copy) K3ii - something to extend you when you find there are big things to capture as well as macro things.

Maybe what I'm doing is considered closeups more than macros since I take them handheld. Do you have any idea how the SR compare in the cameras I've mentioned?

Adam · 07-20-2015, 11:21 PM

Originally posted by farhaddad

I'm returning my K-3ii (Again)! What other suggestions for a good camera do you guys have?

The original K-3? Everything the K-3 II does the K-3 can also do, with the right accessories (GPS) or patience (super resolution)

farhaddad · 07-20-2015, 11:58 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The original K-3? Everything the K-3 II does the K-3 can also do, with the right accessories (GPS) or patience (super resolution)

Pentax claims that the K-3II has an improved SR over the K-3. A member here told me that s/he can see the difference but I want to know how much difference we're talking about here. I don't really care about the GPS and the sensor shift feature wouldn't work on most of what I photograph. I care about the SR the most though.

The main problem for me now is that the K-3II can get the problem at any time and the serial numbers that Pentax have announced are obviously wrong. That means the issue may occur no matter what serial number you have. Which also means that if you get the issue after your warranty has expired, you're on your own. In this case K-3 makes more sense than the K-3II. Just how different is the SR between these two cameras.

Adam · 07-21-2015, 12:38 AM

Originally posted by farhaddad

Pentax claims that the K-3II has an improved SR over the K-3. A member here told me that s/he can see the difference but I want to know how much difference we're talking about here. I don't really care about the GPS and the sensor shift feature wouldn't work on most of what I photograph. I care about the SR the most though.

The main problem for me now is that the K-3II can get the problem at any time and the serial numbers that Pentax have announced are obviously wrong. That means the issue may occur no matter what serial number you have. Which also means that if you get the issue after your warranty has expired, you're on your own. In this case K-3 makes more sense than the K-3II. Just how different is the SR between these two cameras.

I personally think it's mostly marketing talk. I've yet to test the K-3 II's SR at longer focal lengths, but with a normal lens I was able to get sharp hand-helds at very slow shutter speeds (even 0.7s) with both bodies (side by side). I think that the new SR mechanism / evolution was primarily developed to facilitate pixel shifting.

farhaddad · 07-21-2015, 02:28 AM

Originally posted by Adam

I personally think it's mostly marketing talk. I've yet to test the K-3 II's SR at longer focal lengths, but with a normal lens I was able to get sharp hand-helds at very slow shutter speeds (even 0.7s) with both bodies (side by side). I think that the new SR mechanism / evolution was primarily developed to facilitate pixel shifting.

Thank you. How about the SR in K50 and K5? Are they different? Is it worth it to get the K50 for example and buy a lens for the $600 difference?

**beachgardener** · 07-21-2015, 03:43 AM - **1 Like**

SR I think is convenient, a back stop that works well, but not a substitute for good technique ie. camera on tripod, where this is possible.

**hjoseph7** · 07-21-2015, 03:56 AM

I never buy a new product when it first comes out until the dust has settled and they get all the bugs out. I had a chance to get the K3 but opted for the K-5II because it had been out for a while. of course this does not solve your case...

Medomare · 07-21-2015, 06:05 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by farhaddad

Pentax claims that the K-3II has an improved SR over the K-3. A member here told me that s/he can see the difference but I want to know how much difference we're talking about here. I don't really care about the GPS and the sensor shift feature wouldn't work on most of what I photograph. I care about the SR the most though.

The main problem for me now is that the K-3II can get the problem at any time and the serial numbers that Pentax have announced are obviously wrong. That means the issue may occur no matter what serial number you have. Which also means that if you get the issue after your warranty has expired, you're on your own. In this case K-3 makes more sense than the K-3II. Just how different is the SR between these two cameras.

Greets,

yesterday I have put my new K3 II (bought in may in Slovenia) for a check-up even though nothing was aparently wrong with it. The REP said that they Will service the camera on this issue even if it is out of 1-year warranty as the issue is known to Ricoh - Pentax. It is a nice camera and have used it alot in recent months.

Marko

07-20-2015, 09:40 PM	#1
farhaddad Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Wilsonville Photos: Albums Posts: 226	I'm returning my K-3ii (Again)! It looks like Pentax don't really know what serial numbers are affected and they just assumed the problem is only caused to a specific group of serial numbers. Last week when I contacted Pentax, they've told me that it is better to send it to them to check even if I don't have any issues at the time being. I figured out it would be better to replaced my - #6206... with a new serial since I've bought it from Amazon and I am still within the 30 return days. Amazon sent me a new camera with a serial number that starts with #6207. Today I've faced the issue twice. The shutter stopped working, the screen froze and the camera couldn't turn off until I removed the battery. This is a bad experience for someone like me because this is my first Pentax DSLR. I've already bought some K mount lenses and now I really don't know if I want to stay with Pentax anymore. I'm returning my K-3ii (Again)! What other suggestions for a good camera do you guys have?

07-20-2015, 11:21 PM	#9
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by farhaddad I'm returning my K-3ii (Again)! What other suggestions for a good camera do you guys have? The original K-3? Everything the K-3 II does the K-3 can also do, with the right accessories (GPS) or patience (super resolution) 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:

07-20-2015, 11:58 PM	#10
farhaddad Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Wilsonville Photos: Albums Posts: 226 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam The original K-3? Everything the K-3 II does the K-3 can also do, with the right accessories (GPS) or patience (super resolution) Pentax claims that the K-3II has an improved SR over the K-3. A member here told me that s/he can see the difference but I want to know how much difference we're talking about here. I don't really care about the GPS and the sensor shift feature wouldn't work on most of what I photograph. I care about the SR the most though. The main problem for me now is that the K-3II can get the problem at any time and the serial numbers that Pentax have announced are obviously wrong. That means the issue may occur no matter what serial number you have. Which also means that if you get the issue after your warranty has expired, you're on your own. In this case K-3 makes more sense than the K-3II. Just how different is the SR between these two cameras. Last edited by farhaddad; 07-21-2015 at 12:06 AM.

07-21-2015, 12:38 AM	#11
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by farhaddad Pentax claims that the K-3II has an improved SR over the K-3. A member here told me that s/he can see the difference but I want to know how much difference we're talking about here. I don't really care about the GPS and the sensor shift feature wouldn't work on most of what I photograph. I care about the SR the most though. The main problem for me now is that the K-3II can get the problem at any time and the serial numbers that Pentax have announced are obviously wrong. That means the issue may occur no matter what serial number you have. Which also means that if you get the issue after your warranty has expired, you're on your own. In this case K-3 makes more sense than the K-3II. Just how different is the SR between these two cameras. I personally think it's mostly marketing talk. I've yet to test the K-3 II's SR at longer focal lengths, but with a normal lens I was able to get sharp hand-helds at very slow shutter speeds (even 0.7s) with both bodies (side by side). I think that the new SR mechanism / evolution was primarily developed to facilitate pixel shifting. 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:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Hello again (I'm back!) from Costa Rica	rburgoss	Welcomes and Introductions	9	09-17-2014 07:33 PM
Looks like I'm coming back (again)	Lurch	Welcomes and Introductions	5	08-12-2014 04:04 AM
I'm waiting for my K-30 to come in mail. Did I get the WR 18-55mm lens??	spectamaniac	Pentax K-30 & K-50	4	02-15-2013 03:42 AM
Sadly returning my K-5	kenafein	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	20	12-12-2011 04:32 PM
I'm an uncle, again :)	vievetrick	Post Your Photos!	8	01-22-2008 08:56 PM

07-20-2015, 09:50 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by farhaddad I'm returning my K-3ii (Again)! What other suggestions for a good camera do you guys have? Sorry you are having a bad run of luck. If you like the camera, except for the fault then I would get another k-3II. Third time a charm? All brands have issues, whether you stay with Pentax or not. If you go, well Canon and Nikon both make nice cameras. I had a similar problem with the k-5 years ago, returned it for another and got a good one. Used it for years until I got the k-3 and now k-3II. For whatever it is worth I have a k-3II within the affected range and so far with maybe 3,000 images no problems at all. It is a very nice camera.

07-20-2015, 10:01 PM	#3
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	Originally posted by farhaddad I've already bought some K mount lenses and now I really don't know if I want to stay with Pentax anymore. having some lenses, I'm thinking that the K-3 has been out for a while longer now, might be the way to go.

07-20-2015, 10:06 PM	#4
farhaddad Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Wilsonville Photos: Albums Posts: 226 Original Poster	Thank for replying. I really like the camera. I like the grip, the build quality, the screen, the place of the buttons, the WR, the software (believe it or not) and the image quality. I still think that the cheap canon I had T2i had better AF system and video than this, but I don't really care about it that much because I'll be shooting macro most of the time. However, someone just pointed to me that for macro photography even the K50 should be more than enough for me and that I should spend the money on lenses rather the body. I'm really considering the K50 but I also don't know if the SR in the K50 is as good as the K3II. Frankly I don't know what to do!

07-20-2015, 10:14 PM	#5
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	a low shutter count K-5IIs?

07-20-2015, 10:14 PM	#6
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	I'd suggest that Pentax should get the camera not Amazon. Ricoh does not know why Amazon gets returns, but a warranty repair ticket will get their attention - and you will know the next time a body reaches you it will be thoroughly checked out. I would go nuts waiting for it though, quite understandable.. I hope you can get this fixed rapidly!

07-20-2015, 10:30 PM	#7
rod_grant Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wangaratta, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,951	For macro you probably mostly will need a tripod, so SR won't be a factor. Either camera is a good choice. I would stick with (a good copy) K3ii - something to extend you when you find there are big things to capture as well as macro things.

07-20-2015, 10:30 PM	#8
farhaddad Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Wilsonville Photos: Albums Posts: 226 Original Poster	Originally posted by beachgardener a low shutter count K-5IIs? The K-5IIs new is the same price as a K3 at the moment. What I want to know is how the SR compared to K3II in these cameras. K3, K5IIs and K50. Originally posted by jimr-pdx I'd suggest that Pentax should get the camera not Amazon. Ricoh does not know why Amazon gets returns, but a warranty repair ticket will get their attention - and you will know the next time a body reaches you it will be thoroughly checked out. I would go nuts waiting for it though, quite understandable.. I hope you can get this fixed rapidly! You're right about that. However, I don't think I have time for that. I'm thinking about returning the K3II and go with another Pentax instead. In the worst case. I would just sell the K mount lenses and go for a different brand. Although I really like Pentax. ---------- Post added 07-20-15 at 10:35 PM ---------- Originally posted by rod_grant For macro you probably mostly will need a tripod, so SR won't be a factor. Either camera is a good choice. I would stick with (a good copy) K3ii - something to extend you when you find there are big things to capture as well as macro things. Maybe what I'm doing is considered closeups more than macros since I take them handheld. Do you have any idea how the SR compare in the cameras I've mentioned?

07-21-2015, 02:28 AM	#12
farhaddad Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Wilsonville Photos: Albums Posts: 226 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam I personally think it's mostly marketing talk. I've yet to test the K-3 II's SR at longer focal lengths, but with a normal lens I was able to get sharp hand-helds at very slow shutter speeds (even 0.7s) with both bodies (side by side). I think that the new SR mechanism / evolution was primarily developed to facilitate pixel shifting. Thank you. How about the SR in K50 and K5? Are they different? Is it worth it to get the K50 for example and buy a lens for the $600 difference?

07-21-2015, 03:43 AM - 1 Like	#13
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	SR I think is convenient, a back stop that works well, but not a substitute for good technique ie. camera on tripod, where this is possible.

07-21-2015, 03:56 AM	#14
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,048	I never buy a new product when it first comes out until the dust has settled and they get all the bugs out. I had a chance to get the K3 but opted for the K-5II because it had been out for a while. of course this does not solve your case...

07-21-2015, 06:05 AM - 1 Like	#15
Medomare Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia Posts: 25	Originally posted by farhaddad Pentax claims that the K-3II has an improved SR over the K-3. A member here told me that s/he can see the difference but I want to know how much difference we're talking about here. I don't really care about the GPS and the sensor shift feature wouldn't work on most of what I photograph. I care about the SR the most though. The main problem for me now is that the K-3II can get the problem at any time and the serial numbers that Pentax have announced are obviously wrong. That means the issue may occur no matter what serial number you have. Which also means that if you get the issue after your warranty has expired, you're on your own. In this case K-3 makes more sense than the K-3II. Just how different is the SR between these two cameras. Greets, yesterday I have put my new K3 II (bought in may in Slovenia) for a check-up even though nothing was aparently wrong with it. The REP said that they Will service the camera on this issue even if it is out of 1-year warranty as the issue is known to Ricoh - Pentax. It is a nice camera and have used it alot in recent months. Marko