On 01/03/2011 5:08 PM, Jens wrote:
Hi List Members
I just recently heard of the problem with the K-5 sensor stains.
What a shame! Pentax launches a truely great new camera - with an exceptionally
great sensor, that offers very low noice at relativly high ISO settings.
And then the big draw back appeared - the sensors have stains! Arrghhh!!!!!!
I just ordered one from Germany (FotoKoch). It will probably arrive on Saturday
or Monday.
I really want this camera, 'cause I just hate using a flash outside the studio.
And the K-7 had just too much noice (sold mine already).
But what about the stains....
I hope my K-5 deosn't show this disease...
Is it over - or still a major problem?
How do I discover if there's a problem - by shooting a bright frame into the
light/sky, or...?
Regards
Jens
If you believe the more excitable member at the Pentax Forum, you would
think that half the cameras made were sensor stained, and that Pentax
deliberately and maliciously sent them out that way.
If you believe Pentax (I tend to), then the problem affected a somewhat
smaller %, certainly less than 5% of the very first run of cameras.
By now it should be over either way.
Check the EXIF for the manufacturing date. Any cameras produced after (I
believe) mid December should be unaffected, and even camera made prior
are unlikely to be affected.
The surest way to check, from what I've read is to run the camera in
LiveView for half an hour or so to well and truely heat up the sensor,
then give it an equal amount of time to cool down.
Point the camera at an evenly lit surface (or the sky). If the surface
is very near, focus at infinity, if using the sky, focus at closest
distance to ensure an out of focus image.
Set the aperture to minimum and take a picture, making sure that there
is enough exposure to make a white image.
If you have sensor stains, you will see (at 100%) what appears to be
black donuts with a black spot in the center.
Note, the "stains" will generally not be visible until you stop down
smaller than f/11.
Here's what Pentax had to say about it:
http://support.pentaximaging.com/node/1214
BTW, if you believe the ninnies at the Pentax Forum, you may be led to
believe that the K5 is virtually an unworking camera because it has so
many "issues".
People like to find something to bitch about.
Enjoy your camera.
--
William Robb
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