Question about Pentax *ist DS Digital Camera

Ist DS Locked up - non functioning

I have been experiencing a total 'lock-up' problem with my DS- this has been happening for the past 5 months now (have had the canmera for 6.5 mos). About 25% of the time, when I turn the DS on, the system will not autofocus and the status line in the viewfinder and on the camera display flashes on and off. There is also a slight audible sound in sync with this flashing. The I am not able ot press the shutter release as it is locked as well.. I can 'sometimes' rectify the problem by going to manual focus and trying to then fire the camera. If this works, I try going back to AF mode and it will sometimes function (not always). I have performed the obvious, newly charged batteries, removed and remounted lens, tried other AF lenses but I am unable to control this problem. I am not in favor of sending camera back to Pentax yet as I don't like what I am hearing regarding Pentax service in the states. Anyone seen this problem befoire and, if so, what was the solution?

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I would try reflashing the BIOS (firmware) before sending it back. There is a possibility that the firmware code has been corrupted and that is the cause of the problem.

Posted on Sep 08, 2005

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542 Answers

If you go to http://www.pentaximaging.com and click on the service link it will tell you how to send it back (in the United States). My camera had a focusing problem. It was there for almost seven weeks before it was returned. I am not sure how good their technicians are since three weeks after I got the camera back the autofocus quit working again. I ordinarily use manual focus, but no one else in the family does. I called Pentax to complain and was told to ship the camera back (again). Finally they agreed to put out a pick up order for the camera. I was told they would pick it up sometime next week. I expect I won't see the camera again until November and that the camera will have spent a significant time at Pentax during the warranty period.

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Posted on Sep 08, 2005

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