Black Spot Problem - NEW K-X

Blue Jay · 04-24-2010, 10:00 AM

My newly delivered K-X out of the box has a "black spot" in the display and recorded in the images. I am convinced it is a Quality Control issue.

New toy, clean freak, washed hands, surgical prep on the kitchen table when I opened the box.

Sun came out on this Saturday morning.
Stepped outside and took first pictures blue sky.

I have a conspicuous tiny black spot on the camera monitor display image.
I have the same tiny black spot on recorded images in exactly the same location.
It is in every image from the very start. Took clean uniform background to reveal it.

"Spot" does not display in viewfinder.
Swapped lenses.
Same black dot, same location.

Being an optimist, I did the page 285 cleaning the CMOS sensor procedure.
(Not that I believed for a minute there was a chance of having introduced something into a new camera since I'd been playing "cleanroom" in the first place.)

No result, or you'd not be reading this now.

Same black spot.

"Plan A" is to box it up and return it.

Figure it was worth sharing in case there was something I've missed.

Thanks in advance.

basso4735 · 04-24-2010, 10:07 AM

Post an image with the spot in it.

Blue Jay · 04-24-2010, 10:16 AM

Will do.
Meanwhile, you can easily duplcate what I'm seeing by putting a black ballpoint pen dot high center on a 3 x 5 index card.

epqwerty · 04-24-2010, 10:17 AM

Are you sure it's just not some sensor dust. A very pesky one at that? I've had an experience with one pesky one that would not come off even running the dust removal from the camera 8 or 9 times.

But to be sure you should post a picture or two and get some more opinions. If the spot doesn't appear on the viewfinder it's probably not a lens issue as these are not P&S cameras what you see in the viewfinder is actually what goes through the lens.

Blue Jay · 04-24-2010, 11:29 AM

The spot is not moving at all in response to the CMOS sensor shake cycles.

The "Dust Alert" detection cycle on p 286 does not reveal anything.

Since it is doing this new, out of the box, I'm dis-inclined to tinker & fidget with it.

I am convinced it is some kind of pre-existing issue.

raz-0 · 04-24-2010, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by Blue Jay

The spot is not moving at all in response to the CMOS sensor shake cycles.

The "Dust Alert" detection cycle on p 286 does not reveal anything.

Since it is doing this new, out of the box, I'm dis-inclined to tinker & fidget with it.

I am convinced it is some kind of pre-existing issue.

Just post a pic, then you'll know. Either that, or don't ask people for their opinion.

bobmaxja · 04-24-2010, 12:00 PM

I believe , one of the function is call Pixel reset. I am sure somebody who have that camera can give you the exact function.
It's seem what you have is dead or non activated pixel

MrApollinax · 04-24-2010, 12:02 PM

Another thing you can try is take a picture of a white paper that is well lit. Set the lens to the largest aperture and take a picture. Then set it to f/8 and take a picture and then set it to f/16 and take a picture then repeat at f/32. Your dust spots should become more defined at smaller appertures.

séamuis · 04-24-2010, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by bobmaxja

I believe , one of the function is call Pixel reset. I am sure somebody who have that camera can give you the exact function.
It's seem what you have is dead or non activated pixel

this a is a possibility worth considering. but I would do as MrApollinax has suggested and post the results.

epqwerty · 04-24-2010, 12:23 PM

The sensor shake option on the camera will not cause the dust particle to move to a different location. Even if you run it a couple of times.

Again I'd post picture before returning it. The odds that you got a defective camera the first time are the same odds that the one you exchange it for will be defective. I'd first make 100% sure that you did get a defective one the first time. Otherwise you could be trading a good one with dust for an actual bad one.

Blue Jay · 04-24-2010, 01:36 PM

Second try to share images has failed.
Sorry.

Bottom Line-
"Dust" scan comes up clean.
(A new camera should not have a dirt problem in the first place.)

Pixel repair function cycle has been used, produces no visible change.

At f40 the "spot" is denser, with more defnition that at f7.

A large part of communicating this experience has been to poll users to establish how common this is. (Apparently it is not common.)

Secondarily- to provide one data point in case there are others who experience this.

I have general confidence in Pentax's quality control, so I do not expect a 50/50 chance of a repeat experience.

Cameras should not produce images of black dots that are not there in front of the lens.

This one, for what ever reason, does, and it does it very consistently.

Blue Jay · 04-24-2010, 01:45 PM

One more time.
One image f40.
Spot in high center.

Wheatfield · 04-24-2010, 01:50 PM

You have dust on your sensor.
It's a pity the camera was shipped with it, but all that this means is that you have succumbed to the inevitable a little sooner than most.

davidvandoren · 04-24-2010, 02:44 PM

I see four spots and some really smaller once.
If you are within the seven days depending on your country's law. I'd return it for a new one. Since you got yours delivered fro somewhere I guess it involves shipping and waiting. Try simple mirror cleaning with a blower.

Don't use a compressed air from a can! It's to strong and can damage your camera.

If it worked enjoy your new camera if not do the shipping.

basso4735 · 04-24-2010, 02:54 PM

If it was a pixel issue it would be more uniform. That definitely looks like dust or debris on the sensor.

04-24-2010, 10:00 AM	#1
Blue Jay New Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tehachapi California Posts: 22	Black Spot Problem - NEW K-X My newly delivered K-X out of the box has a "black spot" in the display and recorded in the images. I am convinced it is a Quality Control issue. New toy, clean freak, washed hands, surgical prep on the kitchen table when I opened the box. Sun came out on this Saturday morning. Stepped outside and took first pictures blue sky. I have a conspicuous tiny black spot on the camera monitor display image. I have the same tiny black spot on recorded images in exactly the same location. It is in every image from the very start. Took clean uniform background to reveal it. "Spot" does not display in viewfinder. Swapped lenses. Same black dot, same location. Being an optimist, I did the page 285 cleaning the CMOS sensor procedure. (Not that I believed for a minute there was a chance of having introduced something into a new camera since I'd been playing "cleanroom" in the first place.) No result, or you'd not be reading this now. Same black spot. "Plan A" is to box it up and return it. Figure it was worth sharing in case there was something I've missed. Thanks in advance.

04-24-2010, 01:45 PM	#12
Blue Jay New Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tehachapi California Posts: 22 Original Poster	One more time. One image f40. Spot in high center. Attached Images

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04-24-2010, 10:07 AM	#2
basso4735 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: MA Posts: 133	Post an image with the spot in it.

04-24-2010, 10:16 AM	#3
Blue Jay New Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tehachapi California Posts: 22 Original Poster	Will do. Meanwhile, you can easily duplcate what I'm seeing by putting a black ballpoint pen dot high center on a 3 x 5 index card.

04-24-2010, 10:17 AM	#4
epqwerty Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 550	Are you sure it's just not some sensor dust. A very pesky one at that? I've had an experience with one pesky one that would not come off even running the dust removal from the camera 8 or 9 times. But to be sure you should post a picture or two and get some more opinions. If the spot doesn't appear on the viewfinder it's probably not a lens issue as these are not P&S cameras what you see in the viewfinder is actually what goes through the lens.

04-24-2010, 11:29 AM	#5
Blue Jay New Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tehachapi California Posts: 22 Original Poster	The spot is not moving at all in response to the CMOS sensor shake cycles. The "Dust Alert" detection cycle on p 286 does not reveal anything. Since it is doing this new, out of the box, I'm dis-inclined to tinker & fidget with it. I am convinced it is some kind of pre-existing issue.

04-24-2010, 11:48 AM	#6
raz-0 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Central NJ Posts: 470	Originally posted by Blue Jay The spot is not moving at all in response to the CMOS sensor shake cycles. The "Dust Alert" detection cycle on p 286 does not reveal anything. Since it is doing this new, out of the box, I'm dis-inclined to tinker & fidget with it. I am convinced it is some kind of pre-existing issue. Just post a pic, then you'll know. Either that, or don't ask people for their opinion.

04-24-2010, 12:00 PM	#7
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	I believe , one of the function is call Pixel reset. I am sure somebody who have that camera can give you the exact function. It's seem what you have is dead or non activated pixel

04-24-2010, 12:02 PM	#8
MrApollinax Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,529	Another thing you can try is take a picture of a white paper that is well lit. Set the lens to the largest aperture and take a picture. Then set it to f/8 and take a picture and then set it to f/16 and take a picture then repeat at f/32. Your dust spots should become more defined at smaller appertures.

04-24-2010, 12:05 PM	#9
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Originally posted by bobmaxja I believe , one of the function is call Pixel reset. I am sure somebody who have that camera can give you the exact function. It's seem what you have is dead or non activated pixel this a is a possibility worth considering. but I would do as MrApollinax has suggested and post the results.

04-24-2010, 12:23 PM	#10
epqwerty Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 550	The sensor shake option on the camera will not cause the dust particle to move to a different location. Even if you run it a couple of times. Again I'd post picture before returning it. The odds that you got a defective camera the first time are the same odds that the one you exchange it for will be defective. I'd first make 100% sure that you did get a defective one the first time. Otherwise you could be trading a good one with dust for an actual bad one.

04-24-2010, 01:36 PM	#11
Blue Jay New Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tehachapi California Posts: 22 Original Poster	Second try to share images has failed. Sorry. Bottom Line- "Dust" scan comes up clean. (A new camera should not have a dirt problem in the first place.) Pixel repair function cycle has been used, produces no visible change. At f40 the "spot" is denser, with more defnition that at f7. A large part of communicating this experience has been to poll users to establish how common this is. (Apparently it is not common.) Secondarily- to provide one data point in case there are others who experience this. I have general confidence in Pentax's quality control, so I do not expect a 50/50 chance of a repeat experience. Cameras should not produce images of black dots that are not there in front of the lens. This one, for what ever reason, does, and it does it very consistently.

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04-24-2010, 01:50 PM	#13
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	You have dust on your sensor. It's a pity the camera was shipped with it, but all that this means is that you have succumbed to the inevitable a little sooner than most.

04-24-2010, 02:44 PM	#14
davidvandoren Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Taiwan Posts: 85	I see four spots and some really smaller once. If you are within the seven days depending on your country's law. I'd return it for a new one. Since you got yours delivered fro somewhere I guess it involves shipping and waiting. Try simple mirror cleaning with a blower. Don't use a compressed air from a can! It's to strong and can damage your camera. If it worked enjoy your new camera if not do the shipping.

04-24-2010, 02:54 PM	#15
basso4735 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: MA Posts: 133	If it was a pixel issue it would be more uniform. That definitely looks like dust or debris on the sensor.