k200D clunks when rotated??

bobD · 11-04-2008, 01:32 AM

Hi, I have a K200D to try for a few days with a view to buying.

Your forum has been a great source of information in getting it working with my older m42 lenses. Thanks.

The camera makes an unusual and unexpected noise when it is rotated. (horizontal to vertical rather than front to back)

A soft but noticeable 'Thunk' and a corresponding vibration is felt through the camera body.

I have read several reviews of the camera and no reviewer has mentioned it and the chappie at the camera store had no answer (but is asking Pentax).

It seems to work fine but I am concerned that there may be something loose inside so have put it to one side until I know a little more.

There seem to be a fair number of forum members using this model, anyone had this noise or can explain it?

Oh, it happens both when the camera is switched off and on.

This is my first foray into any digital camera so simple answers would be fine and probably easier understood by this beginner.

Shashinki · 11-04-2008, 01:36 AM

It's most likely the SR-mechanism. It's supposed to be like that. (trying to be simple here

)

bobD · 11-04-2008, 01:49 AM

SR...Shake Reduction?? Would that work if the camera is not switched on??

woodworm · 11-04-2008, 01:58 AM

My K10D does that and it's perfectly normal - I was lead to believe that it's the orientation sensor.

The camera knows when it's being held in either landscape or portrait - you will notice you don't have to rotate your images when viewing them.

MoiVous · 11-04-2008, 03:17 AM

My K200D does something similar - but I worked out the batteries are not tight fitting in their compartment (the supplied Lithium batteries). Undo the battery cover and gently shake back and forth and you'll see what I mean - they move sideways - not a lot, but enough to make a sort of thump. Guess it keeps the end contacts clean....

It might well be a sensor as well - but that amount of inertia seems a bit excessive.

ftpaddict · 11-04-2008, 03:50 AM

Originally posted by woodworm

My K10D does that and it's perfectly normal - I was lead to believe that it's the orientation sensor.

The camera knows when it's being held in either landscape or portrait - you will notice you don't have to rotate your images when viewing them.

Nah; it's the CCD that does that. My K100D has no orientation sensor, and it's still clunky.

bobD · 11-04-2008, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by MoiVous

My K200D does something similar - but I worked out the batteries are not tight fitting in their compartment (the supplied Lithium batteries). Undo the battery cover and gently shake back and forth and you'll see what I mean - they move sideways - not a lot, but enough to make a sort of thump. Guess it keeps the end contacts clean....

.

Yes, that was my first thought and I took the batteries out. Still does it.

Quote:

It might well be a sensor as well - but that amount of inertia seems a bit excessive

Yes but what is 'normal' and why would my sample be more clunky than others?

If it is the ccd , and it does it any time the camera is moved, switched on or not then what are the long term consequences likely to be?.

This will be happening as soon as it leaves the factory, during all shipping and travel!
Bouncing about in the car on a trip, in your pack on a hike, running for the taxi....... !!
Why is it not immobilised when the camera is turned off??

Is it going to get worse through transport faster than use and what of a worn out camera that has little actual use ??

Should I be worried?? What is the Pentax track record like if this turns out to be a major design fault??

Last edited by bobD; 11-04-2008 at 04:08 PM.

Isaac314 · 11-04-2008, 12:39 PM

My k20d does this trick. i can hear the sensor moving right over when i tilt the camera. My worry is that over time it will lead to front/back focusing if the sensor assembly becomes loose...

I'm sure it will be fine. Very good sturdy systems these, it will all have been tested but maybe problems will reveal themselves in a few years time.

tomtor · 11-04-2008, 12:44 PM

Originally posted by bobD

Should I be worried?? What is the Pentax track record like if this turns out to be a major design fault??

No need to worry. The K10's all do it and many forum members have 2 years old K10's with tens of thousands of images taken without any problem.

I'm just at 12000 images after a year but the SR is working as new...

bobD · 11-04-2008, 02:09 PM

Originally posted by tomtor

No need to worry. The K10's all do it

Yes, though so far no k200D user or review has reported this behavior.
It may not be the same thing.

Just heard from the shop.
The national Pentax agent and their tech team have not come across this so want the camera back to test it.

I would still like to hear from any k200D users on this. As well as any thoughts from users of other models with the same symptom.
Thanking you in anticip................ation.

(I have the camera for another 2 days of testing while I try my old lenses.)

Max_Schreck · 11-04-2008, 03:15 PM

Originally posted by bobD

Yes, though so far no k200D user or review has reported this behavior.

So I'm the first one. :)

bobD · 11-04-2008, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by Max_Schreck

So I'm the first one.

So you have the same noise/vibration?
From new out of the box?
With or without batteries in, or lens on/off?

More info would be helpful in my decision as to purchasing this camera. Thank you.

Conan · 11-04-2008, 04:33 PM

Originally posted by bobD

Hi, I have a K200D to try for a few days with a view to buying.

Your forum has been a great source of information in getting it working with my older m42 lenses. Thanks.

The camera makes an unusual and unexpected noise when it is rotated. (horizontal to vertical rather than front to back)

A soft but noticeable 'Thunk' and a corresponding vibration is felt through the camera body.

I have read several reviews of the camera and no reviewer has mentioned it and the chappie at the camera store had no answer (but is asking Pentax).

It seems to work fine but I am concerned that there may be something loose inside so have put it to one side until I know a little more.

There seem to be a fair number of forum members using this model, anyone had this noise or can explain it?

Oh, it happens both when the camera is switched off and on.

This is my first foray into any digital camera so simple answers would be fine and probably easier understood by this beginner.

That's just the Shake Reduction system, nothing to worry about.

bobD · 11-04-2008, 04:54 PM

Quote:

That's just the Shake Reduction system, nothing to worry about

.

Forgive my newcomers ignorance. I thought the SR system was an active one so how can it clunk when not powered up and no batteries?

Several posters have mentioned this but there is nothing in the Pentax manual to advise that the sound/vibration occurs or to expect it. I do not understand how this feature can produce the apparent symptom of something loose inside the case?

Can anyone shed some light on this?

(I think I am ready for the not so simple answers now !)

pixelpruner · 11-04-2008, 06:45 PM

Same thing on my K10D. It freaked me a bit when i first got it but I guessed it was the SR.

I think the SR uses an induced magnetic field to hold the sensor in place... so if the camera is off nothing holds it in place (well, obviously it's movement is limited!). Not sure if that's how it works, just a guess.

11-04-2008, 01:32 AM	#1
bobD Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waikikamukau Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248	k200D clunks when rotated?? Hi, I have a K200D to try for a few days with a view to buying. Your forum has been a great source of information in getting it working with my older m42 lenses. Thanks. The camera makes an unusual and unexpected noise when it is rotated. (horizontal to vertical rather than front to back) A soft but noticeable 'Thunk' and a corresponding vibration is felt through the camera body. I have read several reviews of the camera and no reviewer has mentioned it and the chappie at the camera store had no answer (but is asking Pentax). It seems to work fine but I am concerned that there may be something loose inside so have put it to one side until I know a little more. There seem to be a fair number of forum members using this model, anyone had this noise or can explain it? Oh, it happens both when the camera is switched off and on. This is my first foray into any digital camera so simple answers would be fine and probably easier understood by this beginner.

11-04-2008, 12:08 PM	#7
bobD Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waikikamukau Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248 Original Poster	Originally posted by MoiVous My K200D does something similar - but I worked out the batteries are not tight fitting in their compartment (the supplied Lithium batteries). Undo the battery cover and gently shake back and forth and you'll see what I mean - they move sideways - not a lot, but enough to make a sort of thump. Guess it keeps the end contacts clean..... Yes, that was my first thought and I took the batteries out. Still does it. Quote: It might well be a sensor as well - but that amount of inertia seems a bit excessive Yes but what is 'normal' and why would my sample be more clunky than others? If it is the ccd , and it does it any time the camera is moved, switched on or not then what are the long term consequences likely to be?. This will be happening as soon as it leaves the factory, during all shipping and travel! Bouncing about in the car on a trip, in your pack on a hike, running for the taxi....... !! Why is it not immobilised when the camera is turned off?? Is it going to get worse through transport faster than use and what of a worn out camera that has little actual use ?? Should I be worried?? What is the Pentax track record like if this turns out to be a major design fault?? Last edited by bobD; 11-04-2008 at 04:08 PM.

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11-04-2008, 01:36 AM	#2
Shashinki Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Norway Posts: 355	It's most likely the SR-mechanism. It's supposed to be like that. (trying to be simple here )

11-04-2008, 01:49 AM	#3
bobD Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waikikamukau Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248 Original Poster	SR...Shake Reduction?? Would that work if the camera is not switched on??

11-04-2008, 01:58 AM	#4
woodworm Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: North Wales Posts: 266	My K10D does that and it's perfectly normal - I was lead to believe that it's the orientation sensor. The camera knows when it's being held in either landscape or portrait - you will notice you don't have to rotate your images when viewing them.

11-04-2008, 03:17 AM	#5
MoiVous Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 677	My K200D does something similar - but I worked out the batteries are not tight fitting in their compartment (the supplied Lithium batteries). Undo the battery cover and gently shake back and forth and you'll see what I mean - they move sideways - not a lot, but enough to make a sort of thump. Guess it keeps the end contacts clean.... It might well be a sensor as well - but that amount of inertia seems a bit excessive.

11-04-2008, 03:50 AM	#6
ftpaddict Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Yurp Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,666	Originally posted by woodworm My K10D does that and it's perfectly normal - I was lead to believe that it's the orientation sensor. The camera knows when it's being held in either landscape or portrait - you will notice you don't have to rotate your images when viewing them. Nah; it's the CCD that does that. My K100D has no orientation sensor, and it's still clunky.

11-04-2008, 12:39 PM	#8
Isaac314 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: London Photos: Gallery Posts: 417	My k20d does this trick. i can hear the sensor moving right over when i tilt the camera. My worry is that over time it will lead to front/back focusing if the sensor assembly becomes loose... I'm sure it will be fine. Very good sturdy systems these, it will all have been tested but maybe problems will reveal themselves in a few years time.

11-04-2008, 12:44 PM	#9
tomtor Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 382	Originally posted by bobD Should I be worried?? What is the Pentax track record like if this turns out to be a major design fault?? No need to worry. The K10's all do it and many forum members have 2 years old K10's with tens of thousands of images taken without any problem. I'm just at 12000 images after a year but the SR is working as new...

11-04-2008, 02:09 PM	#10
bobD Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waikikamukau Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248 Original Poster	Originally posted by tomtor No need to worry. The K10's all do it Yes, though so far no k200D user or review has reported this behavior. It may not be the same thing. Just heard from the shop. The national Pentax agent and their tech team have not come across this so want the camera back to test it. I would still like to hear from any k200D users on this. As well as any thoughts from users of other models with the same symptom. Thanking you in anticip................ation. (I have the camera for another 2 days of testing while I try my old lenses.)

11-04-2008, 03:15 PM	#11
Max_Schreck Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 7	Originally posted by bobD Yes, though so far no k200D user or review has reported this behavior. So I'm the first one. :)

11-04-2008, 04:05 PM	#12
bobD Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waikikamukau Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248 Original Poster	Originally posted by Max_Schreck So I'm the first one. So you have the same noise/vibration? From new out of the box? With or without batteries in, or lens on/off? More info would be helpful in my decision as to purchasing this camera. Thank you.

11-04-2008, 04:33 PM	#13
Conan Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Philippines Posts: 99	Originally posted by bobD Hi, I have a K200D to try for a few days with a view to buying. Your forum has been a great source of information in getting it working with my older m42 lenses. Thanks. The camera makes an unusual and unexpected noise when it is rotated. (horizontal to vertical rather than front to back) A soft but noticeable 'Thunk' and a corresponding vibration is felt through the camera body. I have read several reviews of the camera and no reviewer has mentioned it and the chappie at the camera store had no answer (but is asking Pentax). It seems to work fine but I am concerned that there may be something loose inside so have put it to one side until I know a little more. There seem to be a fair number of forum members using this model, anyone had this noise or can explain it? Oh, it happens both when the camera is switched off and on. This is my first foray into any digital camera so simple answers would be fine and probably easier understood by this beginner. That's just the Shake Reduction system, nothing to worry about.

11-04-2008, 04:54 PM	#14
bobD Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waikikamukau Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248 Original Poster	Quote: That's just the Shake Reduction system, nothing to worry about . Forgive my newcomers ignorance. I thought the SR system was an active one so how can it clunk when not powered up and no batteries? Several posters have mentioned this but there is nothing in the Pentax manual to advise that the sound/vibration occurs or to expect it. I do not understand how this feature can produce the apparent symptom of something loose inside the case? Can anyone shed some light on this? (I think I am ready for the not so simple answers now !)

11-04-2008, 06:45 PM	#15
pixelpruner Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Leeds, NE UK Posts: 220	Same thing on my K10D. It freaked me a bit when i first got it but I guessed it was the SR. I think the SR uses an induced magnetic field to hold the sensor in place... so if the camera is off nothing holds it in place (well, obviously it's movement is limited!). Not sure if that's how it works, just a guess.