i need so much help

A couple of years ago we bought a Pentax *ist d which has been shoved back in the cupboard and replaced by our basic digital camera more times than I can to think.

We have it back under warranty because the camera was not recognising the battery - it didn't work but the camera shop we bought it thru closed down. It is spasmotic and when it does work sometimes it takes a fantastic photo and sometimes it is downright shocking.

I cant even figure out what dials I should have turned on for what so if anyone can give me a very basic beginners rundown on how to use this thing I would be most grateful - I hate to think we spent all that money for nothing.

Run some searches on the net. There is some very good info around including books and reviews. I was in the same boat as you when i got mine. Just keep practising and experimenting it will come as second nature before you know it.

Thanks Clarky - but I really think the thing is broken - if I push the button it just doesn't always take a photo - sometimes the camera makes a photo taking sound and I dont get anything on the SD card , sometimes it wont turn on - and then other times it wont turn off.

The basics I understand is that if all the knobs are turned to green then I should be able to snap away like an idiot and the camera will look after me.

I have run searches - that's how I found you guys. We will just have to wait and see if there are any incredibly patient soles around here.

Sounds like it could be battery related, what type of batteries are you using? Is the camera actually a *ist D as they only use CF cards?

Cheers,

It sure sounds electrical
Have you taken it into be looked at :

Yes you are right the other camera takes an SD card this one is a Compact Flash - I have had it sent back under warranty and it come back doing the same thing - because it happens one day and not the next it is almost impossible to "diagnose" apparently.

So my little lemon and I will try to be patient with each other.

Demand a replacement. Where did you buy it from by the way :

Where are you from? If you live near to one of the members of this site then maybe they could take a look at it and offer help of some sort. It's got to be worth a try, and at least you would know whether it was the camera, battery or you, and then at least you can move on from there.
Harry

Exactly what batteries are you using?
Matt

http://www.digicaminfo.btinternet.co.uk/pentaxistd.htm

might give you some hints....

Australia - North Queensland - I have the most amazing scenery to photograph - I just need to get the camera to do it - but I was in the UK not so long ago and enjoyed it so maybe I can come visit again. - MMM might be cheaper to buy a new camera

Thanks for the offer though

Many many thanks

We were sold CR-V3 rechargeable batteries with the camera which we were using. We have bought Kodak Max 3V Lithium Batteries for it, which we seem to be having better luck with however they are not rechargable and are $50.00 a pop.

So any suggestions on the perfect battery would be appreciated - but it would be nice if they were rechargeable.

Happysnappy,

We can probably help you but you do need to answer any questions we ask. Like "exactly which type of battery areyou using?" which has been asked at least twice, and remains unanswered..

Regards,

I use Varta CR-V3s in my ist Ds. They are not rechargeable - I was reluctant to use rechargeables as the instruction book advises against them. They cost me about €15 each - but they last and last - I am now on only my 5th set after over 6000 photos, and I only replaced the last set so I could clean the sensor with the knowledge that I had enough battery power to it.
You have to check the rechargeables give exactly the same values as the non rechargeables or the camera doesn't like it.
Have you tried normal AA batteries, rechargeable of otherwise to see if they work?