Problems with meter on istDL

I have a Pentax istDL whose meter sometimes refuses to work - it just shows three dashes instead of the exposure (it also says MF (manual focus) despite it being in AF mode. Sometimes fresh batteries will fix it; sometimes turning it off and on lots of times will fix it; sometimes it just won't work.. As it won't give a meter reading, I can't take a picture! I've done a factory re-set also several times, to no avail. Has anyone come across this and is there a resolution?

Since there is a problem with both focussing and metering I think it could be something as simple as dirty contacts on either or both the body and the lens. Give them both a good clean with a lint free cloth.

Hadn't thought of that! I'll give it a try (although, as it's intermittent, it might be a while until I know if it's fixed!) Thanks.

Let us know how you get on and welcome to the forum

Thanks!