Battery grip D-BG1 for *ist-D

Hi all,
Just managed to get hold of a battery grip at long last... and have one question for those of you who've already got one.

Is it correct that you have to always turn on the main power switch?
I have to power up on the body first, then power up the grip to be able to use it. I assumed you could just power up the grip alone... it wasn't clear in the manual!

Matt

To be pedantic you can power the grip first if you like but you will have to power the camera before you can take any pictures.

The grip batteries are shared with the camera irrespective of the grip switch status. If you remove the batteries from the camera but the grip has batteries (but switch in off position) the camera remains operational.

If the system worked as you might prefer I suspect there would be complaints that the camera still worked when it was switched off.

Thanks for clarifying that Malcolm

It's nice to be able to do something in return for your help once in a while.

BTW, I suppose it is just possible that we both have faulty samples.

I was informed by Pentax that when there are two sets of batteries present, the cmera draws power from whichever set has the highest actual voltage (in other words, the freshest set).

It's possible to have totally dead batteries in the camera while the batteries are fine in the grip. As long as at least one set is up to par, the camera works. That happened to me, I went to take off the grip for some reason or other, and the batteries in the camera were dead.

So my battery changing method is to first, recharge the batteries from the grip, then when they're done put them in the camera and charge those up, then put them in the grip. (It's also wise to carry extra batteries).

I find this a little puzzling as I'm not sure why the batteries in the camera need enhancing. I may well be missing something, but I have three sets of 2300 mAh NIMH batteries, and even in the most protracted studio sessions rarely have to change to a new set.

However, I don't use the inbuilt flash at all, so maybe that is relevant to the need for more battery power?

Thanks Malcolm
Good point Arthur Dent - I'll watch out for that!
John - the point is that the camera shows the battery status for the highest level of the two. When the battery indicator shows that the batteries are dying you need to change both sets, not just one.

For me, it's not a case of having longer battery life - NiMH batteries give ample shooting time. It's the combination of weight and increased size, plus the shutter button in portrait mode. Particularly when I have the whopping great Metz 50MZ5 the grip really adds to the handling!

Don't know why I didn't get hold of one earlier!!

Matt

I think this might be why it is so difficult to get hold of the grip for the *istD. To my mind a grip serves 3 purposes. The first is capacity, the second is cost and the third is handling. I rarely if ever used the MD for the LX in consecutive mode but did find it very useful when used to take portraits. Not only was the extra release useful but it was more ergonomic for winding. The grip is useful with the MZ cameras because on a protracted shoot, they can tend to eat batteries and if you are not careful you can add a £1 per roll of film whereas the grip can use rechargeables and would last much longer. As the battery life of the D is long enough for most people and it can us rechargeables anyway, the main purpose of the grip would appear to be to offer an extra release. I expect, therefore, that the sales have been rather low and why so few people stock it.

Kim

Agree with all the above. Same batts as JR very impressed good life. The only reason I would consider the grip is for the handling and extra button.

Just out of curiousity where have people managed to get hold of a D/Ds battery grip?
Only Jessops seem to be able to order one in at a £180 which to me is very steep considering they are selling the Ds +18-55 on their site for £480
Also are most people finding that CRV3s are the best way to go?

thanks

I thought only the D had a dedicated battery grip.

Personally, I find NiMHs work very well. Just ensure they are well-charged.

G

I too use NiMH batteries with no problem at all. I actually have three sets of 2300 mAh, but rarely have to change the first set when out for a day's shooting, even though the camera can be switched on for hours at a time.

If the batteries are well looked after (follow the instructions!) then they are perfectly efficient.

Why add a bulky grip to such a well designed camera?

Ofutter - Park Cameras have one listed in their sale items at £99. You'd better be quick, because they are discontinued (like the *ist-D)

And yes, NiMH work a treat.
Matt

For anyone who might be interested, there are 2 grips for the ist-D available in UK on 'that online auction website' at the moment. One can be seen at http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PENTAX-Grip-D-BG1-for-Penatx-ist-D-digital-SLR_W0QQitemZ75...
The same seller has two available.

NOTE: This grip will only fit the *ist-D camera, not the later models for which, as far as I know, there is no additional battery grip available.

HTH, Pete Smith.