Check the shutter actuation count of your Pentax K-5 — processed entirely in your browser, never uploaded anywhere. Note: PEF files are not yet supported in the browser tool; use ExifTool or the camera menu method below.
Check Shutter Count →The Pentax K-5 (2010) is a highly regarded enthusiast APS-C DSLR that earned a strong following for its 77-point weather and dust sealing, outstanding high-ISO performance (ISO 51200 expanded), and wide compatibility with K-mount lenses spanning decades. It features a 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor with the PRIME II processor, 7 fps burst, in-body Shake Reduction (SR) IBIS, 11-point SAFOX IX+ phase-detect AF, and dual SD/SD card slots (one only). The mechanical shutter is estimated at approximately 100,000 actuations (not officially published by Pentax).
| 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 / IIs (successor) | 2012 | 16.3 MP APS-C | ~100,000 (est.) | PEF / DNG |
| Pentax K-3 (2013 flagship) | 2013 | 24.35 MP APS-C | ~200,000 | PEF / DNG |
| Pentax K-70 (consumer) | 2016 | 24.24 MP APS-C | ~100,000 | PEF / DNG |
exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.PEF| Actuation Count | % of Rated Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 15,000 | 0 – 15 % | Very low use — near new |
| 15,000 – 40,000 | 15 – 40 % | Low 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's 77-seal weather-proofing is a major selling point. On used bodies, check around the SD card slot cover, battery compartment door, and lens mount for any signs of seal deformation or moisture ingress history. The mirror box should be clean and dry.
The in-body SR mechanism can develop issues on high-mileage bodies. Test by shooting at 1/15s with a standard lens and comparing results with SR on and off — you should see a clear improvement with SR enabled.
The SAFOX IX+ 11-point AF on the K-5 can develop front/back focus issues. Test with a focus chart or a ruler at 45° before buying. Pentax DSLRs have a built-in AF Fine Adjustment menu (MENU → AF → AF Fine Adjustment) that allows per-lens correction of up to ±10 steps.
If prices are close, prefer the K-5 II or K-5 IIs — the AF system was updated from SAFOX IX+ to SAFOX X+ with improved -3 EV sensitivity. The IIs variant has the AA filter removed for sharper images. All three share the same sensor and general shutter rating.
Use ExifTool: exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.PEF. Or check in-camera via MENU → Set-up → Camera Information. The PEF MakerNote reliably stores the count.
Pentax has not published an official rating. User community reports and teardowns suggest approximately 100,000 actuations, placing it in the same class as most enthusiast mid-range DSLRs of 2010.
Yes. The K-5 can save RAW files in either Pentax PEF or Adobe DNG format. Both contain the shutter count in their MakerNote data, readable via ExifTool.
Only a Pentax authorised service centre can reset the hardware counter after a physical shutter replacement. Always read the count from a PEF/DNG file yourself, not from a screenshot.