Canon d70: resetting the cuctom setting?

Check your setting in "Custom Functions". Sounds like your "-" (or more specifically your "*" button) has had a feature enabled. I had my "*" button set for focusing - under Focus Settings in Customs Functions. If in doubt reset all Custom Functions to their default.

Remove the battery for 15 mins, replace the battery and the camera will be set to the default settings. Go to the camera's Menu setting and set the Date & Time.

You can perform a two button reset. This can be accomplished by holding the BKT button and the metering mode button simultaneously for two seconds. Review page 111 of the D70 manual details which settings are restored to factory default after performing a two button reset. Custom settings are not changed.

Good luck!

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/digital_cameras/powershot_g_series/powershot_s500#ServiceAndSupport

Issue: How do I reset the camera to its default settings?
Solution: Procedure for resetting the camera to default PowerShot S400, S410, and S500


Resetting the Settings to Default You can reset all of the menu and button operation settings to default except for [Date/Time], [Language], and [Video System].
1. Turn on the camera.
The mode dial can be turned to any setting.
2. Press and hold the <MENU> button for longer than 5 seconds.

The message  Reset settings to default? appears on the LCD monitor.
3. Select [OK] using the and buttons, then press the <SET> button.

• The screen below appears while resetting. The normal screen resumes when resetting is complete.
  
• 
• To cancel resetting, select [Cancel] instead of [OK].

• The custom white balance is not cancelled even if settings are reset to default settings.
• Settings cannot be reset when the camera is connected to a computer, to an optional direct print function compatible printer (CP series) or to a direct print function compatible BJ printer (optional).
• ---

Solution: If troubleshooting fails, the PowerShot S500 requires service.


If all troubleshooting steps have failed, then the issue you describe seems to indicate that your product requires repair service. Canon has excellent service options and we are eager to provide any assistance you may need. Links to the service options that are available for your product are listed below:
Request a Repair Online You can conveniently pre-arrange repair service with a Canon Factory Service Center through Canon's website. Find a Service Location Search to locate a repair service center and obtain further instructions. If you still have questions about the issue you are experiencing, a Technical Support Representative will be happy to answer any question you may have. You can contact us through the email link or phone numbers listed below.

• Obtain Support by Email
  
• For toll-free technical support, please call 1 (800) 828-4040 during regular business hours (currently Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 pm. EST, excluding holidays).
  
• Toll-free TDD Support Line for the Hearing Impaired is available Monday - Friday (excluding holidays) at 1-866-251-3752
  
• Technical Support is available for Customers in Canada at 1-800-OK-CANON
  

We look forward to helping you rectify the issue you are experiencing and are always available to provide any assistance you may need.

Issue: How do I reset the camera to its default settings?
Solution: Procedure for resetting the camera to its default settings PowerShot SD750 and SD1000.

Resetting Settings to Their Default Values - PowerShot SD750 and SD1000. 1. Turn on the camera and press the <MENU> button to open the menu. 2. Using the button, highlight the yellow (Set up) tab. 3. Using the button, select [Reset All..] and press . 4. Select [OK] and press .

• Settings cannot be reset when the camera is connected to a computer or to a printer.
• The following cannot be reset:
• • Shooting mode
  • The [Date/Time], [Language] and [Video System] options in the (Set up) menu
  • White balance data recorded with the custom white balance function
  • Colors specified in the [Color Accent] or [Color Swap] modes of My Colors
  • Newly added My Camera settings

Hi,
Please follow the steps below to reset the setting to default...

1. Turn on the camera and press the <MENU> button to open the menu. 2. Using the button, highlight the yellow (Set up) tab. 3. Using the button, select [Reset All..] and press . 4. Select [OK] and press .

• Settings cannot be reset when the camera is connected to a computer or to a printer.
• The following cannot be reset:
• • Shooting mode
  • The [Date/Time], [Language] and [Video System] options in the (Set up) menu
  • White balance data recorded with the custom white balance function
  • Colors specified in the [Color Accent] or [Color Swap] modes of My Colors
  • Newly added My Camera settings

On the camera's menu system, under Setup2, look for the option titled "Clear Settings". When selected, you can either clear just the Custom Settings, or you can clear all camera settings, which restores it to the factory defaults.

Try to reset camera it will set as factory default settings. If this trick doesn't work, contact Canon service for repair because its has problem in Lens Assembly.
Here is Canon Customer Support link for further info.

Unfortunately, you may have a faulty flash pcb (printed circuit board) The part is around 50$ plus installation 200+ total repair cost. A work around would be to use an external flash unit from the hot shoe

did you try a master reset? my d80 can do a factory reset i'd be surprised if the d70 does not have this feature, look in the manual or download it from nikon's web site