Ermm, no offence as I don't know your knowledge level with memory cards. Have you tried formatting the card once it's in your camera?

I only ask as I made a similar mistake a couple of years back trying to use an SD card in my camera which was previously used in a PalmOne. I got the 'memory card error' msg but after formatting evrything was fine and I still use the same card with no problems!

Now, you may think I'm not gonna be much help here....but hear me out. I've had my S for just over a year now and quite early on, I got similar problems to you when trying to connect my S to my PC (less than a year old c/w WinXP). I tried completely uninstalling'n'reinstalling the software, trying a diff USB port, etc but to no avail.

My solution (from advice received here) was to buy a card reader. In my case, I decided on a multicard reader in case I changed cameras in the future and I've never looked back.

IMO, a reader is a lot simplier to use than fiddling around with a cable - just remove the card, plug it in and away I go! I'm actually now considering a built in reader for my PC just to tidy up my workstation

Sorry this doesn't clear the problem but I hope it gives you an alternative option....
Robert

Hobsy

I'm not quite clear on your description re viewfinder. If you are talking about looking through the small 'viewfinder' and not the LCD screen, then LCD screen goes off anyway! If what you are experiencing is the screen going into 'time-out', well I hope the following helps.....

Switch on your camera-press MENU-using navi key, scroll right to SETUP-scroll down to next page. Here you'll find SLEEP TIMEOUT and AUTO POWER OFF with a choice of time settings, which you can change.

I hope this is what you're after.
Rab

Hi

Having read much on this exact problem, I've found that the cost varies greatly from country to country....and so does the Customer Service quality that you'll receive!!

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1028 - this forum talks a lot on this subject. You might need to do some digging to find the thread though.

IMO, best bet is to source the local Pentax reapir and simply ask! Sorry, I can't be of more help.

Rab

Unfortunately, the S doesn't have any way of resetting the software yourself, using drivers, etc as with the later models.

I've read a lot on this matter and it's a return to a Pentax repair, I'm afraid. Pentax will also deny any manufacturing problem and blame it squarely on 'user misuse/neglect' - a matter that has angered many of us S users......

Rab

Keith

Check out the spec on your charger. I'm pretty sure that the chargers are designed to prevent surges, etc damaging the camera. After all, we can still experience surges and spikes in our own supply, hence the need for protection for PCs, etc.

Not quite answering your question, but I hope it helps.....
Robert

Hi

I'm afraid there's no manual adjustment that can be made to the shutter speed on the S. You can try manipulating the other settings however, such as, WB, ISO and EV.

To minimise the risk of the shutter lag that you're experiencing, practice holding down the shutter release button halfway. This autofocuses for you and when fully depressed, it almost instantly takes the picture.

Hope this helps....
Robert

Hi Kev

IMO I found shopping around was my best bet as I haven't found a 'one stop shop' for all things S/S4. It also depends on what you're looking for. I've bought a couple of cases, a spare batt, lenses and filters thru eBay with no problems. Let me know what you're after and I'll see if I can point you in the general direction.

In the meantime, however, you could try http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=777 for starters.

Hope this helps.......
Robert

Groan , well JoJo you are not alone re this head scratcher! Something similar happened with me and my S software. After much beating of chest and gnashing of teeth, I bought myself a USB card reader.

I bought mine (a multireader) thru the 'net and have had it for 8mths now w/o any problems. As mentioned, they are relatively inexpensive - shop around or try eBay.

This doesn't solve your problem, but I hope it helps!

Robert Reid

Hmmm, I find that my S sometimes wanders off the focus also. The way I correct this is by giving the release button a quick 'press and release' just a tap without firing off a shot. This then brings the lens back into focus. I'm not advocating that this is the correct procedure but it works for me.........

Hope this helps
Robert