[rodaballo]

Dear firends, I recently got a K10D with a shaking sensor issue. The sensor dances like crazy at shutter speeds longer than 1/3. It seems that it is the SR system failing and insists on moving erratically, which renders the camera unusable at lower speeds. I made a video of the sensor's performance so that you can see what I am talking about. Yes, it is that bad.

I have found little information about this issue on this forum. Some users did experience it on their K10D, but also it seems that it occurred also in some K7 and some K5. There is no apparent solution for this problem, apart from sending it to repair. I am not considering a professional repair since cost would long exceed what I paid for the camera. I was wondering if any of you is so clever to modify the K10D's firmware and completely deactivate the SR system of the camera. Maybe this could help to, at least, have a static sensor. The shaking sensor issue, by the way, occurs in my camera when SR is on or off, indistinctly. I would very much appreciate your help.

[UncleVanya]

Can't you turn off Sr in the menus?

[rodaballo]

Can't you turn off Sr in the menus?

Thanks for your reply. I cannot see the option in the menu of the K10D, not even on the DEBUG mode, or at least I cannot find it. The K10D has an external SR activation lever. Turning it off does not change anything.

[UncleVanya]

Thanks for your reply. I cannot see the option in the menu of the K10D, not even on the DEBUG mode, or at least I cannot find it. The K10D has an external SR activation lever. Turning it off does not change anything.

Gotcha. It's been a while since I used that camera. Does two second self timer make any difference?

[rodaballo]

I have just tested it. No differences. The funny thing is that the sensor begins the rain dance just after I click the shutter button. So, during the 2 seconds delay you can hear/feel the shake. And it goes on when shooting.

[UncleVanya]

I have just tested it. No differences. The funny thing is that the sensor begins the rain dance just after I click the shutter button. So, during the 2 seconds delay you can hear/feel the shake. And it goes on when shooting.

I can't recall if the 2 second timer turns off SR on that body. I suggested it to eliminate the mechanical switch from the equation but if have to dig up a manual to confirm it disables SR on that model. The only other idea I have is that if it isn't using the very latest firmware you could try updating firmware.

[rodaballo]

Technically, the current firmware is 1.31.00.19
Thanks for your help

[Not a Number]

Just turn off SR with the switch on the back of the camera below the 4 way selector..

Edit: Saw the later post that it doesn't seem to change things. Sounds like the only solution is to have the camera serviced, probably just less expensive to replace the camera. Precision doesn't even list the K10D any longer on their service list. No parts.

[twilhelm]

The K10D will have a sensor shake issue when the batteries are going bad, or the contacts get a “film” on them. Start be cleaning the battery contacts on the camera and the battery with a pencil erasure. Then check the voltage of the batteries you have.

I have (had) 3 batteries for my K10D. I had this happen to me, and the battery in question completely died 2 days later. It has never happened with either of my other batteries. Someone else had the issue, (can’t remember who) and it was a bad battery for them also.

CCD sensors, such as the K10D use, have greater power requirements than the CMOS sensors in newer cameras. At longer exposure times, the shake issue will appear when the battery starts to go bad due to the shake reduction system not getting enough voltage.

[Robot camera]

I have a sensor shake issue with my K20D, when in live view mode. It only happens with the 16-50mm f/2.8, if I remember correctly. The same lens is fine on my K3. The live view isn't great on the K20D, so with the sensor
shake, I don't use it much.

[E-man]

Sad to say, but repair costs and parts availability--or lack thereof--have moved the K10D into the 'end-of-life' category. Although it's a still a great camera, it's more cost effective to replace and upgrade than to repair, so the best thing to do is just use it until you can't use it anymore. I picked one up a couple of years ago for $78 in great condition with a fairly low shutter count of around 5,000. It works great and I still use it on occasion, but I find my K200D, which has the same sensor, to be a little more user friendly and better suited for my needs.

[Dabola]

Five years ago + + many threads in this forums refered to the K10d Service manual. A useful pdf with a lot of technical information. Also about the SR system. You will still find it at the1st link here. From page 60 and further on you'll get a lot of information abut the SR system.

How to test the SR by a special software. In case of error / error code refer tables. And finally some tables for adjustments (by the same software). The download link for Samsung GX10 (same camera) service software doesn't work any more but perhaps you'll find it somewhere else...

I have never done this by myself but it looks like you have nothing to loose. Good luck!

[Gimbal]

When there is no hope left, open it up and glue the sensor in place and cut the lines to the SR coils.

[rodaballo]

Dear friends, many thanks for your input. After reading your observations I come to the conclusion that I should take the risk and buy a new battery for my K10D. I will test the camera with a new fresh battery and see what happens. I will keep you updated. Thank you for this valuable information.

[rodaballo]

Dear friends. Today I got a new battery for my dancing K10D. Unfortunately the sensor still shakes with a fresh new battery. I am afraid that this camera has reached its final destination. Thanks for your help anyway.