Optio S problem...

Hya,

Just got my Optio S and now having problems with it. Can anyone please help me?

I don't know what I did to it, but now the lenses are perminantly out even when it is switched off. I thought it may have been due to the battery dying but it seems I am wrong. Pressing the start button causes it to beep (as if starting up) and instantly switch off not even getting to the startup screen, leaving the lenses stuck out.

I'm really at a loss as to what I've managed to do here. If there is any kind of solution I could do myself I would be most grateful for any advice.

Many thanks!

Did you find a silution? I have the same problem. Hope this is not a problem with this model.

Hi inle01

I'm not going to be much help here, but was only wondering if you ever got the problem of your sticking lens sorted?

I've trawled a few sites with customer feedback reviews and (if it's any comfort) this doesn't seem to be a common fault..........however.

I, for one, would be interested in your 'adventure'. Let us know how you got on.

I have the same exact problem... I think what I did was turn the camera off when it was still writing to the memory from the last photo I took.

Hmm, no reply from inle01! Why start a topic with no intention of replying

kj, are you saying that your lens is stuck out still? I've tried to switch off before its 'written to card' before and I get a message saying something like 'saving to card' or 'writing to card' and then it retracts the lens and switches off - no problems. Also, if my batt is depleted abd I try to power up, it extends the lens, gives off warning bleeps, retracts and states 'battery depleted'.

I would suggest that, seeing how Pentax have patented this new 'sliding lens mechanism' that you may have a faulty unit. I'd contact Pentax to see if they can shed any light on your predicament. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Again, let us know how you get on

Rab

I am having the same problem and pentax uk stated that it was impact damage and was my fault. After paying to have the camera repaired the very next time i used it, it had the same problem. Once again i sent it back and they said it was impact damage again. I am currently waiting for more information from Pentax, i would advise not to buy the camera just yet!!

I am currently having the same problem. I do not believe it is impact damage, because in the past i have dropped this camera befire with no damage and had it working quite well for a long time after.

Today i go to turn it on, was using it a moment, then, it says there is an error with the memory card and shuts off, closing. I removed the memory card and turned it back on, it opened, but not completely, and turned itself off. Since then, I have had the same problem as has been described, it will not retract or turn back on completely.

I think I'm going to cry. I've had this camera a year and dearly love it. I don't think I have the money to buy another, or repair (my guess is repairs wont come cheep)

May I ask how much it cost you to repair?
I really AM thinking tihs might be a model problem, not in defect, but that its just not equiped to take jostling like one expects it would undergoe. as i said, i have dropped it before, but apparently some little jostle since that time effected it. If say, id jostled it while it was on, perhaps that error would make sense, but i really dont understand it!

hi i have s similar sort of problem the lens mechanism is really stifff and doesnt open or retract properly i sent my camera to pentax and they said it was my fault and caused by fluid damage which i know nothing about apparently there a 'sticky substance inside mpeading it which somehow got in there with out me knowing and without any signs on the outside would be interested to know if anyone elso had similar prob or explanation from pentax many thanks j

Yep the locked lens fault happened to me over the weekend. What Pentax are saying is wrong. IMO it is definately a design fault. I was just snaping photos when the battery charge expired and that was that. A locked lens which I can do nothing about yet. No shock or liquids involved.

Hi All

Well, although I (at the moment) haven't had this problem occur with my S (just waiting for the day now.......), there def seems to be a fault that Pentax should be addressing.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how to go about getting some action from Pentax? I've had dealings with them in the past on a different matter and was met with the same 'wonderful' customer service!!!

I addressed a no. of my queries to pentax over the phone got nowhere said they would respond in a letter. Got a letter effectively just a repeat of the 'payment request' i recieved before. Have written formally requesting they address my concerns, just have to see where that gets me. Does anyone know what to do if you want to challenge their claim of user damage is their some form of recourse i.e. trading standards etc. I've just finished uni and got a bit of time onn my hands so quite happy to take this all the way see if i can get slightly more satisfactory response. Their claim that a 'sticky substance' somehow got into the camera just seems rediculous if they'd told me it was through knocking it or something i woiuld have been annoyed but accepted that posssibly it was my fault as i did with previous easily broken screen, but fluid damage? Its all too easy to make these digiatl camera with weak design and when they go wrong blame it on you if you've so much as used it a couple of times.

I suggest anyone who buys one factor in cost of comprehensive insurance into the price

jack

This was Pentax America's response to my e-mail concerning my Optio S with the lens locked in the extended position:

"Our records do not indicate a common problem with the Optio S.

Without a prior examination, it may be difficult to properly respond regarding your camera problem. However, some user forums may complain about loss of warranty coverage when physical damage is created by the user. Impact, sand, or water damage voids any product warranty, however."

I enclosed a link to this forum in my e-mail to them.

Kinda makes you mad when a company the size of Pentax doesn't seem interested in the effectiveness (or lack of it) in their Customer Service Depts!!

Well jackrees, I'm sure a lot of us would appreciate you taking the time to assemble a formal approach to Pentax. My suggestion would be to also include a link to this forum to hopefully show them that you're not just ONE disgruntled customer, but in fact there are a few!!

I'll trawl thru the other forums for which I'm registered to see if there are similar stories of woe and pass on the links.

Robert

Greetings from Spain!!!

I've just bought a Pentax Optio S4 (yesterday), no falls, hitting or liquids. I turned it off, and when i tried to turn it on again the lens got stuck (it won't come out) and the screen is black, though the camera makes the common noise of starting and appears a green light near the viewfinder.

I want to cry, cause I bought it for may holidays and I have to take the plane in four days!!!

Does anyone have the same problem??
Any ideas???
:

Hola margafv

?Como esta? Wow! That is the quickest lens failure recorded on this forum - you should get a prize from Pentax!!

As you can see from this forum, many people have had the same problem and each time, Pentax blame the customer for either dropping it, forcing the lens on it or spilling liquid on it.

BUT you only bought yours a few days ago!! Did you buy it locally? If so, take it back NOW and demand a replacement!!!! The time you have had it is so short that they cannot possibly try to blame you - buena suerte!

Rab