The Pentax K-5 II carries a factory-rated shutter life of 100,000 actuations. PEF files are not yet supported in the browser tool — check via ExifTool or the camera menu. Learn what the count means for this weather-sealed 2012 APS-C DSLR with SAFOX X+ AF and in-body Shake Reduction.
Check Shutter Count →The Pentax K-5 II (2012) is Pentax's mid-range weather-sealed APS-C DSLR flagship from 2012–2013, superseded by the K-3 in late 2013. It is built around a 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor with the PRIME II processor and inherits the K-5's strengths — 92 dust- and weather-resistant seals, in-body Shake Reduction (IBIS), 7 fps burst, 1/8000 s top shutter speed, and dual RAW output (PEF and DNG). The key upgrade over the K-5 is the SAFOX X+ 11-point AF system with a sensitive centre-cross point rated to −3 EV (vs. −1 EV on the K-5 SAFOX IX+). ISO range reaches 100–51200 (expanded). Pentax officially rates the mechanical shutter at 100,000 actuations.
exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.PEF) or check the count directly on the camera via MENU → Set-up (wrench) → Camera Information.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Rated Shutter Life | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentax K-5 | 2010 | 16.3 MP APS-C | ~100,000 (est.) | PEF / DNG |
| Pentax K-5 II (this camera) | 2012 | 16.3 MP APS-C | 100,000 (rated) | PEF / DNG |
| Pentax K-5 IIs (no AA filter) | 2012 | 16.3 MP APS-C | 100,000 (rated) | PEF / DNG |
| Pentax K-3 (successor) | 2013 | 24.4 MP APS-C | 200,000 (rated) | PEF / DNG |
exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.PEF. The total shutter count will appear in the terminal output.exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.DNG. Both PEF and DNG carry the same MakerNote counter value.
With a factory-rated shutter life of 100,000 actuations, the K-5 II gives buyers a reliable baseline for evaluating wear. Many K-5 II bodies sold today are enthusiast- or semi-pro-owned and may have moderate to high counts; the weather sealing means field use does not necessarily harm the body if the seals are intact.
| Actuation Count | % of Rated Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 15,000 | 0 – 15 % | Very low use — near new |
| 15,000 – 40,000 | 15 – 40 % | Low to moderate use |
| 40,000 – 70,000 | 40 – 70 % | Moderate use |
| 70,000 – 90,000 | 70 – 90 % | High use — negotiate price |
| 90,000 + | 90 %+ | Near or past rated life — budget for shutter replacement |
The K-5 II's 92-point weather and dust sealing is one of its defining features. On used bodies, inspect the SD card slot cover, battery compartment door, and lens mount gasket for signs of deformation or compression fatigue. The mirror box should be dry and free from water staining. Bodies used regularly in rain or snow may show residue around seam lines.
The in-body SR mechanism can develop play or noise on high-mileage bodies. Test by shooting at 1/15 s with a standard focal length lens and comparing shots with SR on and off — there should be a clear improvement with SR active. A buzzing or grinding sound during SR activation indicates a worn unit.
The upgraded SAFOX X+ system is the K-5 II's headline improvement over the K-5. Test AF accuracy with a ruler at 45° or a dedicated focus chart. Use the built-in AF Fine Adjustment (MENU → AF → AF Fine Adjustment) to correct any per-lens front or back focus up to ±10 steps. Confirm the centre-cross point locks quickly in dim light.
If prices are similar, consider whether you prefer the K-5 IIs. The IIs omits the optical low-pass filter, producing visibly sharper fine detail and greater micro-contrast at the cost of occasional moiré on repetitive patterns. Both share identical shutter, AF, weather sealing, and sensor specifications — the only difference is the AA filter. The shutter count guidance on this page applies equally to both variants.
Use ExifTool: exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.PEF. Alternatively, check in-camera via MENU → Set-up (wrench) → Camera Information. PEF files are not yet supported in the shuttercount.app browser tool, so one of these two methods is required.
Pentax officially rates the K-5 II mechanical shutter at 100,000 actuations. This is a stated factory rating — unlike the original K-5, for which Pentax published no official figure. Many K-5 II bodies continue operating well past this rating; the number indicates the mean life tested before first failure, not a hard stop.
The K-5 IIs (lowercase s) is the same camera as the K-5 II with one change: the optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter is removed. This produces sharper, higher-contrast images with finer detail resolved, particularly with telephoto or prime lenses. The trade-off is increased susceptibility to moiré on finely patterned subjects. All other specifications — sensor, AF, IBIS, weather sealing, burst rate, and shutter rating — are identical.
Below 20,000 is excellent; 20,000–50,000 is moderate; above 80,000 is high and warrants price negotiation or factoring in a potential shutter replacement cost. Always verify the count via ExifTool or the camera menu rather than trusting seller descriptions or screenshots, which can be falsified.
Yes. The K-5 II uses the Pentax K-mount, which has been fully backward-compatible since 1975. Modern DA, DA L, D FA, and FA Limited lenses work with full autofocus, metering, and IBIS coordination. Older K, M, A, and F-series manual-focus lenses are also physically compatible and usable in stop-down aperture metering mode. The K-mount ecosystem spans hundreds of lenses from over 50 years of production.