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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 09-09-2015, 10:58 PM  
k-3 mirror flap to death
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 51
Views: 7,339
Given the experience the OP is having with fresh batteries dying, I don't see how he could upgrade the firmware. Sounds like a good chance the battery would fail in the middle of the upgrade process. I don't see much choice, send it in for warranty repair as soon as possible. Yes it sucks. You would think by now that mirror flop was a problem Pentax could avoid.
Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50 05-09-2015, 05:57 AM  
K30 has a Wild Hair
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 5
Views: 1,332
No, it's not the same lens every time, and you look in the exif data and iso or shutter speed or both are off. (I mostly shoot aperture priority and that holds up) It's really quit random
Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50 05-05-2015, 09:22 PM  
K30 has a Wild Hair
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 5
Views: 1,332
I have two K30s and this only occurs in one unit. Every so often, under no particular set of circumstances, my K30 gets a wild hair in setting exposure and I end up with a shot that is most often hugely over-exposed. Sometimes it happens between two perfectly exposed shots taken fairly close together (not bracketed or rapid mode). Sometimes it happens when taking a single shot with a long lag between shots. It doesn't happen very often or with any regularity but every once in a while. Annoying when it happens as I've lost a few desired photos when it does. I almost always shoot in aperture mode letting the camera set shutter speed and usually ISO (sometimes in daylight I set ISO to force a higher shutter speed)

Does this happen to anyone else?
Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50 05-05-2015, 09:10 PM  
K30 sensor cleaning tips
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 24
Views: 4,504
I've tried cleaning the focusing screen much to my sorrow. Mind you have cleaned my sensors with no problem but the focusing screen can be fouled by any number of gentle cleaning agents, and your fingers with just the slightest touch. I ended up replacing my focusing screen for about $60. If the problem is on the mirror you can probably see it and you can clean it pretty easily with cleaner for you glasses and a lint free swab or cloth (gently!!!) If the spot is on your focusing screen and so annoying, short of replacing it, get in a dust controlled area and a squeeze puffer and try blowing on and under the focus screen (again gently - don't used canned air) This won't actually get rid of the spot but it might move it to a less objectionable area of the viewfinder. As others have noted - we often live with some dust in the viewfinder if it's not showing up in the pictures.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 05-05-2015, 08:54 PM  
Is My Lens Wearing Out?
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 1
Views: 1,134
I have a Sigma 18-250 DC Macro lens that I've owned for about two years and taken thousands of pictures with. Used mostly on my K30, I've sometimes taken hundreds of pictures with this lens in a day. I love this lens as it has served my needs very well taking action shots using continuous focus and stills at all focal lengths in various lighting conditions. It has been very reliable but lately I've noticed an odd problem sometimes when it tries to gain focus. It will bring the subject into near focus and then I hear the lens motor chatter as it tries to find exact focus. But focus never locks on. If I'm shooting a still I can usually get focus to lock if I can find a high contrast edge near my desired point, But much more difficult for moving subjects. Lighting conditions when this happens can vary. Though somewhat oddly the lens still works very well if the camera uses the focus assist light. The lens behaves the same whether on either of my K30s or my K5. my So is a sign my lens is starting to wear out?
Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50 02-12-2014, 12:03 PM  
Best consumer zoom
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 31
Views: 3,630
The Pentax 55-300 (any version) is certainly a good lens as far as image quality goes. However I find the lens frustraing when it comes to shooting any kind of action. I find the lens tends to focus hunt and it when it does it is slow to cycle thru the entire range. I have much better luck with two Sigma lenses. The Sigma 70-300 APO macro is actually pretty good and maintains center image sharpness well all the way out. I find it focus hunts much less and if it does cycles thru the range much quicker. The macro is actually a close focus feature that is OK and occasionally quite useful. The other lens is the Sigma 55-200 w/ AF & OS. I have two copies of this lens, one bought new the other bought refurbed from Sigma website. With both copies I have been very surprised and pleased at how sharp and crisp the images have been. Focus can be a little slow sometimes but it rarely hunts. Just checked the Sigma website and a refurbished copy of this lens is now $119. At that price I'm tempted to buy a 3rd copy just to have it on hand because I use mine alot in dusty conditions.

FYI - I shoot the original K5, usually AV priority at F5.6-F8
Forum: Pentax K-01 02-01-2013, 09:19 AM  
Is the K01 Fussy about Batteries?
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 23
Views: 5,676
I have two K-5s and a K01. I have used the Pearstone battery from B&H in my K-5s and it works fine but my K01 won't even power on. I also have a clone battery from BestBatt that works OK in all three cameras.

Anyone else have similar experience?

Since my mirror runaway problem with my first K-5 I have avoided using clone batteries for any extended time. Mainly I use them as a temp until my Pentax batteries recharge. I've often used alternate batteries in other cameras (mostly Panasonics) to no ill effect but Pentax seems to be a bit more particular.
Forum: Pentax K-01 02-01-2013, 09:11 AM  
Lenses that won't autofocus on the K-01
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 28
Views: 6,328
Sigma HSM lenses seem to be hit or miss on the K01. I have two, the 50-200 which works fine, and the 18-128 which never locks focus.

All my non-hsm, screw drive lenses work well but newish screw drive lenses seem to work slightly better. For example my Sigma 17-70, 2.8-4.5 works great. I also have a Sigma 24mm, 2.8 prime lens which works well but occassionally seems slightly off wide open (This same lens works super on my K-5).

I think the DA 35mm, 2.4 on the K01 is just incredible.

FYI - my firmware is 1.01
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-03-2013, 10:35 AM  
?? Re 18-55 wr
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 4
Views: 1,105
Thanks Adam.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-03-2013, 10:20 AM  
?? Re 18-55 wr
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 4
Views: 1,105
Was wondering if there are different versions of the 18-55 WR lens. As in is there a WR version based on the original 18-55 optics, and a newer version based on the 18-55 II optics. I ask because this lens seems like a good match for my K01. I have an 18-55 WR but it doesn't seem as sharp as expected (I know it's a kit lens). I've had this lens for years back when I got my 200D. Was wondering if it's worthwhile if there's a newer version to cough up the coin.
Forum: Pentax K-01 12-26-2012, 02:09 AM  
Problem with K-01 and AF Lens
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 8
Views: 2,404
My Sigma HSM lenses work just fine, excellent in fact, on my K-5. I do not have a problem with HSM lenses per se, but they won't lock focus on my K-01.

My firmware is 1.01, I use only spot focus mode with my K-5 and K-01.

I would understand the light issue better except....

I put my Pentax 55-300, F 4-5.8, on the K-01. Aimed it at a darkened section of my room and it locked focus easily. To indicate how dark, the exposure for the picture was ISO 3200, F 4, at 1/4 sec. The picture was a little blurry for the shutter speed, but exposure was spot on and the K-01 did lock focus. Tried same with a Sigma 17-70, 2.8-4.5 (the non-HSM version) with similar results. Same with the Pentax WR 18-55 kit lens.

But put the aforementioned HSM lens on my K-01, and it won't lock focus in bright daylight. That suggests to me that light itself is not the problem.

I also have more expensive lenses, but the cost of the lens does not seem related to the problem either.

I don't have to use this lens on this camera but I would like to be able to. It just seems like a very odd issue.
Forum: Pentax K-01 12-25-2012, 04:43 PM  
Problem with K-01 and AF Lens
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 8
Views: 2,404
Tried it in brightly lit rooms and outside in daylight. Sometimes (not always) the image in the lcd looks like focus is achieved, but I never get the green square for lock on. I should mention that my K-5 has no problem getting focus to lock with this lens on under the same conditions. The K-5 even locks focus with this lens under poor lighting conditions. On the other hand the K-01 finds focus with the Pentax 35 mm f 2.4 lens quickly even under poor lighting (firmware is 1.01). I'm only having trouble with the Sigma HSM lenses.
Forum: Pentax K-01 12-25-2012, 03:36 PM  
Problem with K-01 and AF Lens
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 8
Views: 2,404
Have tried using my Sigma 18-125 HSM lens on my K-01 but it won't find focus it just cycles thru and never locks. Am I just missing a setting? Pentax lenses all work really well but even regular non-HSM Sigma lenses seem to work not quite as well. Thanks in advance for all help
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 05-10-2012, 04:55 AM  
Sigma 70-300APO or Pentax 55-300???
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 18
Views: 5,935
I have both the Pentax 55-300 and the Sigma 70-300 APO (non-hsm) and have used both on my K5. Both were bought new, so my opinions are based on a new lens and not what you might find used.

Unlike a previous poster I think the Sigma is built like a tank and don't mind a small weight disadvantage. The Macro (or rather close focus) feature is interesting and fun but not something I personally use very often. What is useful to me is the Sigma focuses faster and hunts less. Since I shoot many action shots, that's a major plus. My 55-300 would often go into focus hunt mode and was slow in that process. I was missing too many shots. The Sigma may not be as overall sharp at 300 as the Pentax but it stays pretty sharp in the center which is acceptable for what I do. Up to 200 the Sigma's IQ is very good. Overall I like my Sigma and think it's a good option especially since it's about $100 less than the DA version of the 55-300.

The Pentax 55-300 is lighter and the IQ is very good and gets a small edge over the Sigma. When using the Sigma I have missed the extra range at the bottom end so the Pentax is a bit more versatile. While it doesn't have the close focus feature, I have seen many Pentax images of insects and flowers that have been cropped and enlarged to approximate a macro look quite convincingly. If it weren't for my focus issues I would rather use the Pentax but I'm not unhappy at all using the Sigma. My advice is determine how you will most use the lens and go from there.

As an aside, I also own your Tamron 18-200. May not be as good as the 18-250 but not a horrible lens really. It's a grab and go tourist lens for when you don't really want to carry a bag of stuff around. Images can be quite good with care in the field and some PP at home. Unless cash is the issue that make the trade necessary, I'd personally hang on to it since you already have it.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 03-27-2012, 01:04 PM  
K-5, what focus mode for moving objects?
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 41
Views: 7,726
I Agree w/ Deiberson, - AF/5 point/Continuous

I'm usually shooting skydivers landing which can be fast moving. I usually use AV mode set to F8. F8 is the sweet spot for many lenses and offers enough depth of field so focus can be slightly off and you still get a usable photo. In bright sun the shutter speed will still be fast enough to capture the action without blurring even at low ISO. I only worry about the ISO in darker settings where I might set the ISO at 800 (more or less depending) to keep the K5 at F8 and still have a fast enough shutter speed. The K5's sensor is good enough so that using a higher ISO doesn't diminish the IQ much if at all.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 03-16-2012, 03:22 PM  
Sensor spot
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 25
Views: 3,780
I recently got a spot on my K5 sensor that would not go away despite using the camera's dust removal mode many times and tried a blower without success. When I got home I took out my Eclipse and pec pads and gave a damp cleaning, tested, and had a reduced but still discernible spot. Gave it a second damp cleaning and the sensor was good. My K5 had recently come back from repair (unrelated issue) and assume FWIW that the spot was not dust but more likely oil. I've heard of other cameras (Nikons) having a similar problem with new cameras and a few stories re K5's. If it is oil I would not be surprised to see it maybe one or two more times and then never again. Hopefully your technique with the eclipse is sound. I personally would not use distilled water to clean my sensor unless it was an extreme emergency (like I dropped the K5 in the ocean). Eclipse is designed to clean and evaporate quickly without leaving any chemical spots. Do not get too aggressive and over-saturate your tool with the eclipse. It is possible to "drown" your sensor which leads to an expensive and uncovered by warranty repair (sad personal experience). Also, don't reuse the same pad if you do successive cleanings. Use reasonable care and try multiple goes with the eclipse. If it's still a "new" K5 and you still can't get the damn spot out, I'd see about maybe getting an exchange. After reasonable efforts on your part it may simply be beyond you and further more radical steps may void your warranty.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 02-14-2012, 02:13 PM  
Pentax K-5 Mirror won't lift
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 26
Views: 4,376
Octav

Agreed that continuing to use a battery that is quite likely depleted after significant use may cause damage. But in my case and from what I read the OP's case, the battery was immediately replaced with one known to be fully charged and yet the problem continued, "Battery Depleted" was displayed even after the a fully charged battery was installed. In my case the camera reset itself after about 12 hours, a fully charge battery installed and the K5 performed normally for about 150 shots and then the same problem re-occured. I had read somewhere that sometimes in this case, giving the camera a firm tap (not a hard knock) would restore function, and again in my case it did (for about 200 shots and a newly charged battery installed just in case). Obviously that's not a good long term situation so sending it in is really the best and only solution.

EvilTwin

Again not disputing what the engineer said, I understood his point. If you own more than one lens it's unlikely they all have a sticky bayonet. If the problem only occurs with one lens then yes a sticky bayonet is a likely culprit but if the same problem occurs with all your lenses then I would say it's the camera. Having had sticky bayonet (and aperture leafs) the lens often demonstrates exposure problems as well.

Marekret

From what I can tell it seems whatever damage is already done and further fiddling will only re-confirm what you already know. Bite the bullet and send it in, the quicker you do the quicker it will be back in your photographer arms
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 02-13-2012, 05:10 PM  
K5 Mirror Flops - Smoking Gun Found
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 410
Views: 86,953
On top of what others have already said, I expect QC and service will improve under Ricoh's stewardship. Ricoh seems to want to play with the big boys and those are two areas that could use some TLC if that's going to happen. I think this is probably a great time (or shortly after the new model is announced) to buy a K5.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 02-13-2012, 04:58 PM  
Why K5 price drop like a rock?
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 67
Views: 11,891
I hope it's doing well for you. Sounds like the original owner got scared by all the stories. At 35 shutter clicks and unregistered that might be worth the chance but for the most part I would not take a risk on a used K5. Too afraid of buying someone else's problems. I bought 2 new K5s so I only have my own. ;) I wonder if at some point factory refurbs are going to become available.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 02-13-2012, 04:46 PM  
Pentax K-5 Mirror won't lift
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 26
Views: 4,376
Not disputing what the engineer told you, but in my case the problem occurred with different lens and after my K5 came back from its 2nd trip to CRIS the K5 and those same lenses are performing just fine together.

I suspect the repair shop after examining the camera might be able to suggest that as part of the problem but I don't think I would consider that as the first place to look. Especially if the lens performs fine on a back up camera, or the K5 shows the same problem with different lenses. Seems like something the user could superficially check for themselves.

In any case a trip to the repair shop under warranty will at least get your K5 a good cleaning and tuneup
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 02-12-2012, 06:01 PM  
Pentax K-5 Mirror won't lift
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 26
Views: 4,376
Once it started acting up my K5 would return to normal for brief periods but the problems would always come back, And times between incidents grew shorter. It won't pay to rely on it at this point. My advice - send it in now, at least you have a reliable backup
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 02-12-2012, 05:48 PM  
Why K5 price drop like a rock?
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 67
Views: 11,891
Good attitude, I feel pretty much the same way. I've even given away some of my older gear to aspiring photographers. Cameras are meant to be used not sitting on shelves
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 02-12-2012, 05:38 PM  
Pentax K-5 Mirror won't lift
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 26
Views: 4,376
My sympathies, I had pretty much the same experience with my K5 which had performed without any issues for about 22K activations. Sometimes the camera would act OK after sitting for several hours. Sometimes it would respond to a firm tap. Long story short it took two trips to CRIS to finally get it back in order. They replaced circuit boards, circuit cables, and the mirror box along with performing the shutter overrun modification and all the usual checks and cleaning. I wouldn't hesitate about sending it in - the problem won't get better by itself. I still love my K5, enough that I bought a second one which has been problem free so far with frequent heavy use. After the 2nd trip to CRIS my original K5 seems good as new so for now I'm happy. I have the extended warranty on both cameras and am confident I will get years of use from them.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 01-18-2012, 12:59 AM  
K5 Mirror Flops - Smoking Gun Found
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 410
Views: 86,953
You know after re-reading about this problem and how it seemed to be related to the state of the battery, I got to thinking about the problem I had with my K5 locking up and getting a "Battery Depleted" message even tho I was using a freshly charged battery. One of the repair actions CRIS did on my K5 was perform the "Mirror Overrun Modification". ("Mirror Overrun" being the Pentax term for mirror flops). I never experienced the "Flops" issue so I was a little surprised they did that but assumed they were just being proactive about a potential but unrelated problem. Now I wonder if the "Mirror Overrun Modification" isn't a coverall term for a general fix of a known issue in the K5's electronics that is responsible for a number of different problems that K5 owners have been experiencing.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 01-07-2012, 07:29 AM  
K-5 Warranty Question
Posted By geezer52
Replies: 9
Views: 2,501
There's no real requirement to register your K5 or the extended warranty. When I sent my K5 into CRIS for repair they wanted copies of all my purchase paperwork and when I got it all back it seems like they had tied my K5's serial number to the serial number on my extended warranty card.

For Zane, all I can tell you is $20 for the extended warranty is about the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy. Considering all the anecdotal experiences reported with this model I might even call it an investment
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