20 Most Recent Pentax Optio A20 Digital Camera Questions & Answers

You need a new LCD display.
I can replace the screen for $40, or you can buy the parts on eBay for about $25 and do it yourself if you are very handy, and very skilled with small delicate parts. You could send it to Pentax in Arizona, but they charge about $90 for an LCD replacement. 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

Try the procedures in this tip.

You don't need any software.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, despite what I said first, you can use any photo cataloging program such as Picasa.

You've already got all the software you need.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 iPhoto or any other photo cataloging program.

Hi,

Here is a tip that I wrote about How toget a Digital Camera Lens to work again

Steps toRepair a Digital Camera Lens
heatman101

Try 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.

You can download the manual from the support section of the Pentax website.

Hi,

Click on the link below and scroll down the page until you see the Optio A20 on the left hand side and then click on OptioA20_Web link to download the manual straight to your computer.




http://www.pentax.co.uk/en/Photo_Downloads.html#MediaTypeID2




Regards.

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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 ( http://picasa.google.com ).

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.

The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous intreriors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many cameras, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.

A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.

Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you may want to consider the following methods.

The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:

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.

Hi, I found this youtube video of a guy fixing his Pentax Optio A20 - don't know how good it is but hope it helps :-) http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBUQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D8DbcuEZ48d8&ei=iA3BTNvpJZGavAONxtilCA&usg=AFQjCNHPAubZsI3P3_8TXBVQzmU4Km9Idg

Hi.

You get Memory Card Error when the camera cannot read the memory card.

Remove camera battery, then take out and put back in place the memory card and finally restart the camera.

If that does not work test the camera using a new card. Most cameras from same series DO NOT WORK if the memory card is bigger than 2GB. Bear this in mind if you are testing a new memory card.

You can try attempting file recovery on your old memory card by using a card reader connected to a computer. If card is still not readable, try using a Photo Recovery Software.

Try increasing the ISO to mid levels, toggle with the picture settings till you get normal, maybe try a nighttime setting.

I am assuming that the screen is always white, meaning yuo can't see the menu, and also can't see pictures you have taken. If this is true, then you need a new LCD screen.
I can replace the screen for $40, or you can buy the parts on eBay for about $25 and do it yourself if you are very handy, and very skilled with small delicate parts. You could send it to Pentax in Arizona, but they charge about $90 for an LCD replacement. 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

I can replace the screen for $40, or you can buy the parts on eBay for about $25 and do it yourself if you are very handy, and very skilled with small delicate parts. You could send it to Pentax in Arizona, but they charge about $90 for an LCD replacement. 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 broken display. It is possible that it is the main board, but much more likely that it is the LCD display. I can fix this for $40, not matter if it is the display, or the main board. Or you can send it to Pentax in Arizona, and they will fix it for 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

If you are handy with very small parts, you can replace the display yourself, and you can buy them on eBay for about $25.

It will take a 2 GB card, I am using one now.
I can't tell you about a 4GB card, but that's a LOT of storage, so you probably don't really need a 4GB card anyhow???