Shutter Button problem

I guess I already know the answer to this, but I'll ask the question in the hope that someone has a simple soloution.

The shutter on my *ist DS sometimes fails to release the shutter. Sometimes it won't even activate a half-press to get a meter reading etc. If I plug a cable release in it works fine.

If I fiddle around sufficiently, changing modes, power off/on, change lenses and so on it'll eventually start working.

I have tried it with different batteries, lenses and memory cards, with the same results - sometimes it fires, sometimes it doesn't.

So any alternatives to a drive across Slough to the Pentax Service centre?

And it was all going so well after a weekend in Somerset with the new 16-45 lens. Someone must be punishing me!

Try checking that you're not using a manual focus lens with the camera set to AF - the shutter will only release when the camera thinks it's in focus.

There is probably also a custome setting that only enables you to press the shutter release when in focus. This needs switching off....

John,

Thanks but it happens even with the newest AF lenses in AF mode - but fires when I use the remote cable, therefore it looks like the button itself.

Sorry to hear that - it looks like a repair job unless anyone can think of anything else.

Took the camera to Langley this afternoon. Picked up a bit of gossip about the repair centre. I was directed to main reception (not the repair centre next door). At that point I thought "ooh errr perhaps they've stopped mending things here". However when I asked the lady on reception "How long?" the reply was "well we used to have to send these off to Europe, but now we have all the necessary equipment here", so presumably closure is not imminent.

Still going to have to wait a couple of weeks

Maybe I need to start planning/saving for another digital body

That is bit of interesting news, when I broke my D last year they sent the replacment from Germany, maybe Pentax UK are gearing up for an expected increase is service/repairs demand.

I have a sneeky feeling that Pentax are going to surprise a lot of people later this year or early next.

Well I got my DS back from Langley on Friday. Despite it being out of warranty they fixed it free as "good will"



I complemented the receptionist on the speed with which they turned it around, and she said that it was often quicker to bring it in, as items sent by post tended to hang around in the warehouse for a few days before making it into the system.