Pentax *istD L2 reports no battery

Hoping someone can help. I've recently bought a new camera - *istD L2 Digital SLR. For a few weeks it has been great - However it intermittently now reports no battery installed - even when I put in brand new ones. I'm using standard AA 1.5V (Philips Powerlife). I've tried cleaning the contacts...changed the batteries around in the battery unit - and sometimes this works. However after a short while of non use it'll go back to reporting no batteries/

I've seen a few threads on this forum around battery problems with other cameras. One thread recommends not to use AA for digital cameras and to use only NiMH (?) rechargeable. Although I've heard elsewhere not to use these.

Before I go out an buy these, can someone confirm if this should solve the problem or is it something more fundamental?

Thanks in advance
Mark

Hi Mark, and welcome to the forum.

I can't comment on your problem, but as far as using rechargeables, it's fine. The problem comes when using some models of CRV3 rechargeables (that's the battery that looks like 2 AAs taped together), where the initial voltage is too high for the camera, and in some circumstances can cause damage.

This problem doesn't exist when using AA rechargeables. I'd definitely recommend them, as you can comfortably get upwards of 7-800 pictures off a full charge, compared with maybe 50-80 from standard alkalines. They don't cost anymore either.. around £1 a cell for Uniross 2500mAH for instance. Two sets and a charger, and they've paid for themselves by the time your first set runs flat.

Someone will come along and sort your main problem out soon though.

Cheers

Liam

I am confused, when you say it "reports no batteries" what does it actually say?

I have the DL2, and when it has no batteries in it, it just wont turn on.

Oh and I use nothing but NiMH rechargibles in my DL2, I always used to carry a set of Lithium single use batteries as a backup, but now I just carry two sets of NiMH's. Never been without power yet.