Pentax *ist D Digital Camera - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Unless you are trained as an electronic engineer, I don't think you can replace a flash bulb in a camera. The chance you get the correct "bulb" (it is a tube) is very slim. You could look on ifixit dod com if anyone already did change a flashlight in a camera. I think they also can help when you want to buy spare parts. But first ask what it will cost. Perhaps an external flash is cheaper than a repair. It also gives more light, and can be used on your next camera too.

It appears that you may be in AV mode. You can get your manual here: http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/man-pdf/istdl.pdf

You can try to reset camera settings to default from the menu.And fimware update could help if the software causes the problem.http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/support/download-details/417SD card write protection lock also should be off.

1) i recommend test the batteries that are o.k replace or recharge in full.2) if this do not resolve the problem, the flash or the control circuit (Syscon)is faulty. you must go to the repair shop for fix it. Since this micro device electronic with the microcontroller, is NOT easy fix it , for anyone, you must know something about digital electronic and repair.God bless you

Check what's happening inside by firing off a few shots with the lens removed. Is the mirror flipping up....is the shutter opening? How about the memory card....is it old and in need of replacement?

http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/manual/istD_IB.pdf
Most likely the batteries need to be replaced, or they are being jostled and losing connection with the resistors in the battery bay.

It's hard to tell what is the problem without a closer inspection.
It could be that some connection came loose. If it's like that, then you should bring it to a specialist. To a guarantee if it hasn't expired yet.

Before doing that remove your battery. Put it back in, try to charge it. Is it charging then?

Have you set the 400 ISO, or do you have the camera on Auto ISO?
Go back to your setup menus and set the Sensitivity to the lowest ISO value possible.  Now set the White Balance to Auto. Exit the menus.
Now set the camera to P for program. In effect, you have turned the camera into a point-and-shoot dimwit. It should now take reasonably well exposed shots indoor and outdoor.
If the shutter speed does not register on the body, you should put the dial on Tv and see if you can alter the speeds.  Remember, not all finctions are available for all dial settings.

This is a common problem with this model...happens to me too. I find that turning it off and then on corrects it for awhile.

Check which model of camera you have!
Pentax *ist D takes Pentax K-mount lenses (K, KA, or KAF).
None of them have a button to extend the lens.
So:
If you have a button to extend the lens you do not have a *ist D.
In general, your problem sounds like a low battery.

As long as the camera flash is working, a slave flash will work for you. They're triggered by the light of the camera flash.

i found this which seems similar

http://www.pentaxuser.co.uk/forum/topic/ist-D--HELP-444/p-0#comm_2164

"I know this is late, but the issue sounds to me like the aperture ring is not on A. and if this is a manual lens then you have to set the mode to hyper-program mode and set it to work with "other than A" on aperture."

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this was my issue, i never knew that has i bought the camera 2nd hand without a manual - your issue might be something else but it's worth posting just incase

Try using another lens, if this solves the problem you have a lens problem. If not the camera is the problem.

Have you tried changing the White Balance. You can access this by switching on the camera, pressing the Fn button and then the left arrow.

take out the memory card and move the switch located somewhere on the memory card usually on the side to the unlocked position. Then the memory card isn't locked this is so you don't accidentally delete important things
Thanks and enjoy,
Lee

Have you try using different data cable..??

The lens you are talking about has either:
1)a faulty diaphragm mechanism ( lens stays closed at f 22 or f 16 when you attach it to the camera instead of opening fully as it should ) . or
2) the lens is fine but the diaphragm coupling mechanism inside mirror box ( on the left hand side if viewed from the front ) is not engaging the lens properly so that your lens stays fully closed ( F 22 /16 ) : because diaphragm stays fully closed image in viewfinder appears v. dark.
Solution ? have a camera technician take a look but my guess is that the diaphragm needs cleaning and it should not cost you more than $ 80 bucks.

Make sure you have not set a dial control to say manual focus or Macro focus. Run through the menu's on the screen to see if you have inadvertantly changed sometihg. As you are computing - give Pentax Technical Support Team a a go on their website

How old is it? If you purchased it through a credit card this is proof of purchase. Wat ever the answer to the above contact the Pentax Tech Support line - this may be a recall issue.

If you have a low light setting or night setting or a speed priority setting there is the possibility one or the other has been inadvertently activated and you are getting long time exposures check out all your setting with the manual.