I've just started getting almost exactly the same problem with my K100D. I use NiMH batteries, have three sets, four each of: 2300, 2500 and 2700 mAh. Three different brands.

They've all given decent service for a year or so, but lately I've been having to top-up their charges frequently to get any shooting time at all.

My charger gives an LCD readout for the charge state of each cell as it charges. Invariably, one cell will take ages longer to charge up. That's pretty much been the case since I got the batteries, but up til recently they would last a few hours of shooting.

I still think it's the batteries, but it's odd how all my sets of batteries seem to be affected. I'm not a heavy user, though, so it could be a characteristic of my usage pattern.

I just bought myself a K10D, so am hoping I'll not have similar problems in future.

Andrew

Just sticking my oar in...

I think it would be pretty unusual to have bought prints from any outlet, even the photographer direct, which included the copyright in the sale.

Unless you have specific proof that the reproduction rights were transferred, proceed with caution. You'd be better advised to either source alternative pictures of the specific aircraft or attempt to track down the photographers.

Failing that, you could always see if a publisher will touch those photos without proof of copyright permissions and publish in the hope that nobody who knows the photographer happens to read it. Then it comes down to how scrupulous (or lucky) you feel.

Additional Information and a request for suggestions...

The hotshoe adapters look problematic
- my Vivitar 550FD flashguns have 4 dedication contacts as well as the centre pin.

All the adapters I can find have metal fittings all but surrounding the centre contact, and the metal seems to be touching (or even part of) the negative contacts which form the gripping parts of the hotshoe.

This means the dedication contacts will all be in contact with each other and with the negative pole of the flashgun. I am worried that there could be some sort of electrical interaction of the "oops, that didn't work" variety.

Anyone know enough about all this to pass comment?

If it helps, the reason for 4 dedication contacts is that the flash was designed to give TTL function and dedication with Ricoh XR series cameras, and also dedication with Canon (and I think Minolta) cameras.

My ideal would be to find an adapter which would let me plug a flash gun into it and only have the centre pin and side rails making contact to form an electrical circuit.

As always, enlightenment would be appreciated! Ho! A Pun.

Andrew

For information - I got hold of a multimeter at the weekend and checked the voltages on my two Vivitar 550FD flash guns.

NOTE: I was using NiMH rechargeable batteries, haven't tested with alkalines.

The readings came in at 6.5 and 7 volts respectively after I waited for the readings to stabilise. I noticed that they were climbing slowly after they reached about 6v, so it may be that they will go a bit above those figures. if left charging. However, I don't see them exceeding 10 volts at any time, so I shall make use of them with my K100d.

Hi Matt

Thanks for that swift reply. Plenty of useful detail.

You know, I used to have an off-camera flash angle bracket with a hot shoe linked to the pc socket on my ME Super - so all I'd need to follow your suggestion would be a hot shoe to PC socket converter. If I can find that bracket and connector - could be in my loft, or anywhere in my parents' house!

On the plus side, replacing that rig would be a lot cheaper than buying two new flash guns.

Time to go hunting.

And I'm open to any further suggestions people might have.

Hello

I've been browsing the forum for enlightenment (pardon the pun) and am still in the dark (couldn't help it) about whether or how I can use my old flash gear with my Pentax K100d. I hope someone here can advise me.

I only want the capability to shoot manual exposures with the old kit, and am trying to establish if this is viable or if I need to save my pennies for expensive flash gear. Please say I don't have to!!

My old gear (which still gets used on a Ricoh XR-X) comprises two Vivitar 550FD flash guns - with TTL dedication contacts for Ricoh and Canon cameras - plus a Ricoh dedicated cable allowing use of one flash off camera and another on camera.

1 - I gather I must first work out whether or not the flashes operate at safe trigger voltages, but I am not 100% sure what classes as safe for the K100d. Info appreciated.

2 - Assuming safe voltage, I will need to mask off or disable the dedicated contacts in some way. That should just leave the central trigger contact exposed. With everything on the flashes set to manual, will the camera try to trigger a pre-flash? What camera settings will avoid a pre-flash?

3 - Will the rig I mention work, or am I missing anything obvious?

All responses will be gratefully received - although derogatory comments about my branching to Ricoh when my main kit was Pentax may not go down too well.

If it helps any, I just picked up a Slingshot 200 for £37 from Tecno - better yet, I persuaded my Mum to make it my birthday present! Thanks Mum!

Just for info - I spotted that Jacobs are doing the K100d with both 18-55 and 50-200 lenses for £399.

Just to let you know you're not alone. I'm a K100d owner based in North Tyneside and my wife doesn't really understand my hobby.

- Why did I buy the Pentax when I had a perfectly good bridge camera?
- Why do I bother taking photos that I then need to spend time adjusting on the computer?
- etc

My real trouble is finding time to fit in photography around the rest of everyday life - there are always things that ought to be prioritised ahead of hobby time.

Being realistic, I'd never get round to regular meetings in any sort of hobby group. However, if the rest of the North East Group fancies a one off meeting at some point, I should be able to negotiate a pass.