Optio 33LF - SD memory card format problem

I've just been given a Pentax Optio 33LF for Christmas. My mother's had it for a year and a bit but never used it, aside from snapping a few pics around the house on the internal memory card. On that (the internal card) all seems to work fine.

I inserted a brand new 256MB SD memory card. Carefully following the instructions, I tried to format it. I took this through to the point where my camera LCD said it was 'formatting' and then *poof* the screen went black and my camera turned itself off.

I tried it several times. I tried it with a new 16MB SD card, in case the 256MB had been too big? Yet all to no avail.

Can anyone possibly tell me what's wrong, and what I can do to make my camera format and successfully use a SD card!

Thanks.

Are you using fresh batteries?

G

Yes. A brand new CR-V3.

Sorry, that was me - I'm not used to being able to post without being logged in!

I have the similar problem. My 33LF is just out of warranty. I can turn it on, take one shot then it turns off all by itself. I have to wait a few minutes before it will work again, then the process repeats itself. Anyone else had this problem? It has new batteries.

Regards.

I would suggest the old standby of loading the latest firmware, which you should be able to download from the Pentax web site http://www.pentax.co.jp/english/support/download_digital.html

However, if it powered off while the firmware upgrade was taking place you might end up with a seriously dead camera. If you have a mains adapter it might be worth a try, otherwise I'd take it to my nearest Pentax service center.