20 Most Recent Pentax Optio A30 Digital Camera Questions & Answers

Hello, On my Kodak camera, it means the camera was not steady when the picture was taken, so the picture could be blurred. Hope this helps

The date and time (and a lot more) are automatically stored with every picture in its EXIF metadata. Any photo viewing/editing program should be able to display this data. To print this data, please consult the documentation for whatever program you're using to print your pictures. Depending on the program and printer you may print the date on the image, in the margins, or on the back.

You don't need a driver.The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use any photo cataloging program such as Picasa.

Consider NOT connecting your camera to your computer.The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use any photo cataloging program such as Picasa.

Things to check first for a camera that won't turn on are battery contact points, and micro switches that are located on the battery and memory card doors. Troubleshooting tips on other things that need to be checked may be seen here. These tips won't work for every case, but they're worth a try.

When the camera turns on, it goes through an initialization, and if anything isn't right with the microprocessor, it shuts the camera down. If a new battery didn't help, try cleaning the battery contacts inside the camera with a qtip and alcohol, or a pencil eraser. If that doesn't help, it's probably not a power problem, but it could be a lens issue. The following blog detais the things you can try to fix it:
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html
If none of the steps helps, the camera will have to be serviced. You can take it into a local repair shop, or contact Pentax Support. Make sure you get an estimate first, since repair can be costly.
Good luck, and hope this helps.

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Fixing a Lens Error on a Digital Camera
This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include "E18 lens error", or "lens error, restart camera". Some cameras might show nothing at all, but merely make a beeping noise as the lens goes out, then in, then the camera shuts off. Sometimes the lens won't even move.
Fix #1: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait a few minutes. Put a fresh set of batteries back in (preferably rechargeable NiMH 2500mah or better) and turn the camera on. If that didn't work, try pressing and holding the Function or OK button while turning the camera on.
Fix #2: Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install new batteries, and turn on the camera. If you get an Error E30, it means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the memory card and turn it on one last time.
Fix #3: Insert the cameras Audio/Video (AV) cable, and turn the camera on. Inserting this cable ensures that the camera's LCD screen remains off during the start process. Thus extra battery power is available to the camera's lens motor during startup. This extra power can be useful in overcoming grit or sand particals that may be jamming the lens. If the AV cable doesn't fix the lens error by itself, consider keeping this cable installed while trying fixes 4, 5, and 7 as a means to provide extra help to these fixes. But note that I DON'T recommend keeping the cable installed during Fix 6 as you may damage the AV port while tapping the camera. Reinsert the cable only AFTER tapping the camera.
Fix #4: Place the camera flat on its back on a table, pointed at the ceiling. Press and hold the shutter button down, and at the same time press the power-on button. The idea is that the camera will try to autofocus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins in their slots.
Fix #5: Blow compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with the idea of blowing out any sand or grit that may be in there jamming the lens. Other variations include blowing with a hair dryer in "no heat" setting, or sucking the gaps with a vacuum (careful with this one).
Now we're entering into the realm of potentially damaging your camera in conducting the fix. There is definitely some risk here, so take care when conducting the following two fixes.
Fix #6: Repeatedly tap the padded/rubber usb cover on a hard surface with the intent of dislodging any particles that may be jamming the lens. Other variations include hitting a side of the camera against the palm of your hand. A lot of people have reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there is also some potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.
Fix #7: Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Attempt to gently straighten or align the barrel if it's crooked or twisted. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the side of the lens barrel that has the largest gap (note pushing the lens barrel all the way in is NOT recommended as it may become stuck there). While doing any of the above, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins may have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera.

The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.

Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive.

http://pentax.com/subsidiary.html#europe

The lens problem is NOT related to the screen. A broken screen will not affect the lens, and you can still take pictures even with a broken LCD screen. The lens problem is either a bad lens assembly or a bad main board. It is almost always a bad lens assembly. I can replace the lens assembly AND LCD screen for a total of $85, or Pentax will do it for about $180. In my opinion, it is not worth fixing. If you want to sell this camera, contact me at: mrfixitmark at comcast dot net
I can use this camera for parts.

It sounds like you need a new main board. Pentax in Arizona will replace the main board for about $135, or I will replace it for $65. If you just want to get rid of this camera, I also buy all Pentax Option a10, a20, a30, a40 cameras.
Contact me at: mrfixitmark at comcast dot net

You need a new lens assembly. I can replace the lens assembly for $65. If you just want to get rid of this camera, I also buy all Pentax Option a10, a20, a30, a40 cameras. Contact me at: mrfixitmark at comcast dot net

It sounds like you may have a bad lens assembly. If it is sticking open or closed, it will usually make a buzzing noise. If it fails to open or close all the way, it will turn itself back off. This is what it sounds like you are saying. I can fix this for $40, or you can send it to Pentax in Arizona. I don't know what they charge for a lens assembly, but the minimum charge for this camera seems to be about $90. If you just want to get rid of this camera, I also buy all Pentax Option a10, a20, a30, a40 cameras.
Contact me at: mrfixitmark at comcast dot net

It sounds like you may have a bad lens assembly, or a bad main board. If it is sticking, it will buzz. If it fails to open or close all the way, it will turn itself back off. This is what it sounds like you are saying. I can fix this for $40, or you can send it to Pentax in Arizona. I don't know what they charge for a lens assembly, but the minimum charge for this camera seems to be about $90. If you just want to get rid of this camera, I also buy all Pentax Option a10, a20, a30, a40 cameras.
Contact me at: mrfixitmark at comcast dot net

HI there you camera internal CMOS battery is down need to replacement.

that hapened to my old camera its probibly because the batteries and good enough for it go to the shops and buy energiser battery...