Optio 330 defect - buttons not working

Actually I don't own this type of camera. somebody give me to have a look. The camera has the same problem like yours. It cannot take picture though it can focus on an object. Since most camera has 2 stages when taking pictures (first step is to focus and measure the exposure needed, second step is actually taking the picture), I assume the problem coming from the button itself. Moreover it has been used in dusty environment. So I tried to blow the shutter button (using normal hand blower), some time it worked. Then I spray some CRC contact cleaner, and then it solve the problem. BUT... This camera also has another problem, it doesn;t recognize the CF card. The owner actually just has been using the 11MB internal memory. I tried to clean the memory card contact pins, but it very hard to reach using q-tips. so I sprayed some CRC there. still the same. So I return the camera with shutter button working. BUT... the next day, he came to me again complaining the camera won't work it came up with some noise. So I decided to open up the camera (the warranty finish anyway, and currently we are on the ocean). so using philips jewelry screwdriver, I take out all the out side screw. apparenly a small sticker jam out the plastic gear inside the camera. so I remove it and everything is fine. about the button, If you guys wants to fix it properly, after open the outside metal case, there will be 3 screw holding the button. remove the screws and you can do a proper cleaning on the button and copper connections. I saw the main reason of the problem is the button it self. If we try to press the connection using screw driver, the camera taking pictures all the time. (I turned on this camera when the button was already removed) when we open this camera, make sure we left the memory lit open. then after removing the metal case/shell, we can then put back the memory, battery and close the lit about the memory card, I find out the problem when I put it in my fuji S7000. it recognize it but it is not formatted. so I format it using this camera. then I put back to optio330rs. it works. I thinks it's partly dirt and partly not properly formatted.

I also have the same problem which has only recently started. It is now out of waranty (Boaught in October 2001) and has developed a strange fault where the camera will not focus from the initial press of the shutter button and will not take a photo on continuation of full depression of the shutter button. Following this the whole camera seems locked (i.e. no buttons work any more) the only way to get out of this lock is to power cycle the camera or change mode (i.e. to play and then back to camera mode). Anyone had any follow ups on this? Anyone had this fault fixed? How much did it cost? Could it be fixed? Will be considering the Canon Digital Ixus 400 as a replacement unless I get something back from Pentax in the next couple of days. If I do I'll post on this forum to let everyone know if there is a resolution (no pun intended :) Losing the use of the camera is like loosing the mobile phone, I feel helpless!

I have the same problem with my camera. I am out of warranty, so I openened my camera and everything looked ok. I agree it is a Firmware problem. My firmwarew is V1.10 but I wrote it down again. It did not help. I have tried different kinds of CF cards (size, brand,..), change date to 2001, reset opetions,... but nothing helps. It is a very nice camera but Pentax Service is really ugly, they have not answered me yet (3 months waiting...) I think I will never buy any other Pentax product.

I too have experienced problems with the buttons on my Pentax Optio 330. They have not been as dramatic as yours, but I believe they stem from the same problem. I talked to a Pentax Rep to indicated that this may be due to the main circuite board on the camera. Repair cost... Well lets just say that the first time it happened it was under warranty, and the second time, it's not... I'm not having it repaired... I'm switching brands. To be fair I should say that when my Pentax has been working, it's been a fantastic little camera. I work in a retail environment selling cameras, and have noticed recently that almost all of the repairs we have coming into our stop has been the Pentax digital cameras. Because of this, I am getting a little worried and not repairing my camera.