ist DS wont start up

Hi

I have an ist DS I bought in Japan 3 years ago

The batteries run out a couple of months ago and when i put new ones in

The Initial settings came up - as followed

Initial settings
Language/ English
DST New York with a box to tick

Menu cancel Ok ok


The problem is I press OK and nothing happens except a clicking sound

Other buttons - menu etc dont do anything either

Display on top of camera just has the battery charged sign which is full and a square bottom left

Have switched it off and on again - There is no lithium back up battery

Havent yet tried other batteries - but were fresh from shop so am baffled
if anyone can help I would appreciate it

Thanks
Ed

Hello Ed and welcome to the forum.

I'm guessing that the camera has lost its memory due to the long interval without fresh batteries. Follow your manual's instructions in Chapter 2 "Getting Started". You will have to go through the Initial Setup section where you have to set the time, date, language, etc. as I don't think the camera will work without setting this up first.

It also would not hurt to check to see what version of firmware is installed by turning the camera on while holding down the MENU button at the same time. Hopefully at least Version 1.0 is displayed on the LCD screen. The latest firmware release for the Ds to date is Version 2.01. You can download it and get installation instructions here:
http://www.pentax.ca/digital/digital_slr/istds/firmware_202.php

And of course you will also have a memory card inserted before you can take pictures.

Hope this works for you because I don't like the "clicking noise" symptom you described.

Let us know how you make out.

Cheers

Drew

Hi Drew

thanks for the tips

I tried what you suggested including turning on while holding menu button
- still nothing

Pentax UK said to send it in - it could be internal battery or sthg but Ive decided not to pair for repair and get a new camera instead

Cheers
Ed