Camera malfunction While getting ready to take a picture,my pentax optio 50 suddenly shut off with the lense extended. I changed batteries to no avail. It still won't turn on. When I depress the power button and let off, a red light flashes once then nothing. This is the first and problem I've had.What can be wrong?

Do a search on Pentax tech support, and call them. Don't expect good news.

Hi,

Is the lens totally stuck? Does it even move a little? Did you try to power cycle the camera?

Means the internal gears are damaged - needs service or repair

I am sorry you having that problem, and even more sorry I do not have a solution...On my Pentax Optio M10 batteries rechargeable or fresh alkaline only seem to last about 5-6 pictures before the camera deems them flat without charge and shuts off...it is so annoying I assume yours is possibly doing the same.
I suspect this to be a camera problem, I also notice the camera dos not recognize all rechargeable batteries some of them do not even get acknowledge.
If anyone gets a solution help us both....

I thyink there is a recommended brand for this camera and they should be Duracell.

Check the batteries. It sounds like it needs a charge if it is rechargeable or new batteries if not.

This is probably THE most common failure among digital cameras. There's a halfway chance of fixing it yourself, described here: http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

Not really, it sounds like the lens has been bumped while it was extended. Unfortunately, the "buzz" you hear is the gears stripping one another. The only fix is to have the lens assembly replaced, which usually costs upwards of $200. I see this problem at least 3 times a week in my shop.

happened to me a couple times & after recharging battery, still stuck, so manually pushed it in when motor was running trying to close it.

throw it in the garbage and get a less expensive Samsung digimax s500 for less with better quality and features.. What a mistake in purchasing a Pentax. I wrote to Pentax for I had the same problem. Answer, send it in for repairs with a cost if it is not undaer warranty. Not even a hint as to what may be the problem from them! Pentax, No thanks!