Battery depletion

Hi

New to the forum.

I bought a Pentax K100D Super in 2007 and have recently encountered a problem. Whichever new batteries I put into the camera, it simply shows a flashing empty battery sign and sometimes a 'Battery Depleted' sign comes up on the screen. The camera has not been frequently used, and I am wondering whether anyone has had any experience in fixes for this fault.
Is this a well known glitch with this camera?

Thanks.

0asto

I've not heard of it before but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened to others. Try using batteries of a different type (if you usually use Rechargeable NiMH then try some alkaline or lithium, or vice-versa) - I'm guessing the camera automatically detects the type of cell and it may have glitched and become stuck. Failing that, try re-installing the latest firmware. Failing that, give Pentax a call and see what they say (although it won't be covered by warranty any more unfortunately).

Hi.
Thanks for that.
Not sure I understand what is meant by 're-installing the latest firmware'. Didn't know this can be done. How do I do this, and where do I go to get the firmware? Thanks for your help.

0asto

Actually you can forget the firmware - I just had a look on Pentax's site and the K100D Super appears to be unique in that there has never been a firmware update issued. They must have got it right first time!

Try changing the battery type though and also try resetting the camera to factory defaults (it'll be in one of the menus somewhere).

Good luck!

Hi.

Tried experimenting with battery types.

My Pentax camera appears to be the first device I have encountered that doesn't get on with Alkaline AA batteries. Presumably the chemistry triggers the wrong response in the camera's sensor.
The standard NmH rechargeable AAs appear to work for a short while even though they are only 1.2v each. They appear to lose charge quite rapidly and this causes the Battery Depletion sign to flash up after only a handful of exposures. Even charged, I notice that some of the electronics play up a little using the NmH batteries, such as the AE-L button. When set to Manual exposure, the pressing of the AE-L button gives me the exposure the camera thinks is correct. With NmH batteries, quite often it will notably over-expose or under-expose a shot. I have noticed that, say, 1/125th at f/5.6 on a 50mm prime lens, remains 1/125th if I shut it down to f/8 or open it to f/4, even after a few pressings of the AE-L button. This appears to be a sign that the batteries are getting low.
I have now got some Sanyo Eneloops which I am told will hold their charge a lot longer and give me a lot less trouble.
Does anyone know of any 1.5v batteries that work without problems with the 100D Super?

Thanks.

0asto

Lithium disposables are fantastic for Pentax cameras in general. In my K200D with review turned off, I got over 1000 shots on one set.