K200D Problem

Hi
I bought a K200D last December whilst abroad and I have used it very little. I noticed after taking some shots (on Auto Pict) in September that they were way over exposed. Not really knowing much about photography, I thought maybe I had altered a setting without realising. However I have just been out experimenting with it and the same thing is happening. Even in bright conditions the flash is popping up and going off. This of course gives me a horrible picture! Then I turned the flash off and all I got was a whiteout. The only way I can get the camera to take a normal picture is on the "M" setting on the dial. Can anyone help?
Thanks

PS-It also eats batteries and hates even top grade/output rechargeables.

Might be worth giving both the contacts on the lens and on the body a rub with a lint free cloth.

In Auto Pict the flash will pop up and discharge unless it has been disabled via the Fn menu.

What lens are you using?

Hi
had the standard lens on, Pentax DA 18-55 F3.5-5.6 AL II. Have tried what you said (checked contacts) but no difference. If I go into Fn and put the flash in wireless mode (off)and then take a shot in daylight in Auto pict, I get a screen full of white, absolutely no definition whatsoever. Weird............. If I put it in Auto flash or "on" I can take a shot but obviously if there is plenty of natural light I am getting over exposed.

Is your EV balance set to zero?

it's the bar you see in the right bottom of the viewfinder.

Stefan, I think you have it! In my ignorance I thought that Auto Pict meant everything was set to a default setting and all I had to do was release the shutter. I have tried it indoors just now with adjusting the EV and it seems fine. I imagine it will be fine in the daylight tomorrow.
Thanks very much

I have checked the shots I took earlier and the Exposure Compensation on the whiteouts was 8.............

I'm glad you've got it sorted, not half as glad as you are I bet! I hope we'll see you again.