that is true, i dont want to do anything obvious to expire my warranty, just looking for a possible easy fix. but yeah i have tried going back to 2.0.. same thing, but if I go back to 1.02 it works just fine in manual mode.

I tried loading the newest 2.01 firmware... with bad results. The firmware update app showed "COMPLETE" and i turned off the camera, turned it on...
and the menus work just fine, the new features and fixes were showing, etc. Bad thing is, in any mode, none of the features worked what so ever(i couldnt take pictures at all, it would not half-shutter focus or take a photo at all.. I have tried charging my batteries full and trying again, but every time i do the firmware flash, it seems like different parts of teh camera's functions work, and do not work... it's bein a little scetchy and random. Maybe do I have to use an AC adapter??

I have a pentax *ist DS SLR. Using kit lens 12-55mm SMC Pentax DA. I have a problem. In all my Auto picture and preset picture modes.. my meter fails to do anything. It autofocuses just perfectl... but my shutter speed is always 1/4000th and the Aperture is always 22. It never changes, no matter what... I have tried cleaning everything. I have changed my batteries, reset default settings, etc. I can go to M(manual) mode or B(bulb) mode and set the shutter speed and aperture manuall just fine and I can take great pictures... But I don't want to be stuck with Manual as my only option of use. Does anyone know where the meter is actually located on this camera? Is it the lense that is below the image sensor? Or is it the small lens to the right of the image sensor? Maybe it has come unplugged, who knows. I have a warrenty, I'd rather try and see if I can get it working myself before having to wait 6 weeks to get the camera repaired by pentax. thanks everyone. -steve