FAQs

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Camera Questions

Subscription Questions

• Why am I asked to log in?
• Where can I get replacement software for my digital camera?
• List the differences between the Pentax *ist Digital SLR cameras
• I am a subscriber but the system doesn't appear to register this?
• I am a subscriber but the subscription page says subscribe now?
• What do the error codes on my camera mean?
• Where can I get an instruction book for my camera?
• Is the classified advert buyer genuine?

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Replacement software disks can be purchased for £34.99 via Pentax UK's spares department. To contact spares e-mail: spares@photo.pentax.co.uk or phone 01753 792 767.

Alternatively the USB drivers for Pentax cameras can be downloaded from: http://www.pentaximaging.com. The USB driver is the software program that will allow the camera to connect to the computer. Once the USB driver is installed images can be transferred to and displayed on the PC. The site includes instructions on downloading and installation.

Once transferred to a PC the images can be viewed using any software that supports the .jpg file format. This is a standard file format and is supported by most imaging software. The images can also be edited using appropriate software.

This is a question we are often asked by Pentax users. The table below compares the various features of the *ist D, DL, DS and DS2 cameras.

	*ist DL	*ist D	*ist DS	*ist DS2
Type	TTL autofocus, auto- exposure digital SLR digital-still camera with stainless steel chassis construction and built-in retractable P-TTL auto flash		TTL autofocus, auto- exposure digital SLR digital-still camera with built-in retractable P-TTL auto flash
Effective Pixels	6.1 Megapixels	6.1 Megapixels	6.1 megapixels	6.1 megapixels
Image Capture Device
Type	Interline interlace CCD with a primary colour filter. Size: 23.5mm x 15.7mm	Interline interlace CCD. Size: 23.5mm x 15.7mm (diagonal line: 28.40mm).	Interline interlace CCD with a primary colour filter Sensor size: 23.5mm x 15.7mm	Interline interlace CCD with a primary colour filter. Size: 23.5mm x 15.7mm
Total Pixels	6.31 megapixels	6.31 megapixels	6.31 megapixels	6.31 megapixels
Colour Depth	8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW) x3 colours	8-bit TIFF-RGB Ver.6.0 and 12-bit RAW	8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW)	8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW)
Recorded Pixels	JPEG 3008x2008 pixels, 2400x1600 pixels, 1536x1024 pixels RAW 3008x2008 pixels	Large: 3008 x 2008 pixels. Middle: 2400 x 1600 pixels. Small: 1536 x 1024 pixels. (Switchable to 1152 x 768 pixels or 960 x 640 pixels by custom function)	JPEG: [6M] 3008x2008, [4M] 2400x1600, [1.5M] 1536x1024 RAW: [6M] 3008x2008	JPEG: [6M] 3008x2008, [4M] 2400x1600, [1.5M] 1536x1024 RAW: [6M] 3008x2008
Focus System
Type	TTL phase- matching 3-point autofocus system (SAFOX VIII)	TTL phase- matching autofocus system	TTL Phase- matching 11-point autofocus system (SAFOX VIII)	TTL Phase- matching 11-point wide autofocus system (SAFOX VIII)
Autofocus Modes	AF-Single (with focus lock), AF- Continuous, Manual	AF-Single, AF- Continuous, Manual Focus switchable. Focus lock available. AF sensor point selectable. AF auxiliary illumination by built-in flash available	AF-single (with focus lock); Manual focus AF- continuous available when you select Action mode	AF-single (with focus lock); Manual focus, AF- continuous available* * In the Auto Picture and Picture modes, AF- continuous is activated only when the Action mode is selected.
Illumination Range	EV0 - EV19 (At ISO 200 with 50mm f/1.4 lens	EV0 to EV19 (at ISO200)	EV0 - EV19 (at Standard Output Sensitivity 200 with 50mm F1.4 lens)
Lens Mount
Type	PENTAX KAF mount compatible with PENTAX KAF2, KAF and KA mount lenses	PENTAX KAF mount compatible with PENTAX KAF2-, KAF- and KA-mount lenses.	PENTAX KAF bayonet mount (by using AF adapter) Usable Lens: PENTAX KAF2-, KAF-, and KA-mount lenses	PENTAX KAF mount compatible with PENTAX KAF2-, KAF- and KA-mount lenses.
Power zoom function	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
K-mount lenses	usable with restrictions	usable with restrictions	usable with restrictions	usable with restrictions
S-mount lenses	usable with adapter and restrictions	usable with adapter and restrictions	usable with adapter and restrictions	usable with adapter and restrictions
67/645 lenses	usable with adapter and restrictions	usable with adapter and restrictions	usable with adapter and restrictions	usable with adapter and restrictions
Exposure Control
Light Metering Method	TTL open- aperature metering with choice of: 16- segment, Center- weighted & Spot meter	TTL open- aperture 16- segment metering. Spot metering and center- weighted metering selectable.	TTL open- aperture 16- segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information) Metering Mode (1) Multi -segment metering (2) Centre- weighted metering (3) Spot metering	TTL open-aperture 16- segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information) Metering Mode: Multi- segment metering, Center- weighted metering, Spot metering
Metering Range	EV1 - EV21.5 (At ISO 200 with 50mm f/1.4 lens)	EV0 to EV21 (at ISO200 with 50mm f/1.4 lens) EV1 to EV21.5 with multi- segment metering	EV 1 - 21.5 (at Standard Output Sensitivity 200 with 50mm F1.4 lens)	EV 1 - 21.5 (at Standard Output Sensitivity 200 with 50mm f/1.4 lens)
Sensitivity	ISO Auto, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200	Equivalent to ISO 200 to ISO 1600 (3200 available as Custom Function)	200/400/ 800/1600/3200	Auto, Manual (200/400/ 800/1600/3200)
Exposure Control Method	Program AE, Auto Picture Mode, Picture Mode, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb	Auto exposure with Hyper Program, Programmed AE, Shutter- Priority AE, Aperture -Priority AE, Metered Manual, bulb	Auto Picture mode, Picture mode, Program AE, Shutter- Priority AE, Aperture- Priority AE, Metered Manual, Bulb Picture modes ;Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait, Standard Flash-Off	Auto Picture mode, Picture mode, Program AE, Shutter- Priority AE, Aperture- Priority AE, Metered Manual, Bulb
Exposure Compensation	+/-2 EV (1/2 or 1/3 steps)	±3.0EV (in 0.5EV steps)	+/-2 EV (1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps)	±2 EV (1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps)
Auto Exposure Lock	Pushbutton type with approx. 20 sec. timer	Pushbutton type with approx. 20-second timer, extendable with shutter button half-pressed	Yes	Pushbutton type with approx. 20 sec. timer
Depth of Field Preview	Via main switch	Electronic preview. Available in all modes	Via main switch
Auto Bracketing	3 frames +/-1.5EV (1/2 steps) or +/-1EV (1/3 steps)		3 frames within range of +/-0.5EV, +/-1.0EV, +/-1.5EV (0.5EV steps) or +/-0.3EV, +/-0.7EV, +/-1.0EV (0.3EV steps)	3 frames within range of ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.5EV (0.5EV steps) or ±0.3EV, ±0.7EV, ±1.0EV (0.3EV steps)
Shutter	Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter	Electronically controlled vertical-run focal-plane shutter with electronic release.	Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter	Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
Shutter Speed	1/4000 - 30 seconds and Bulb	Auto shutter speeds: 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec. Manual shutter speeds: 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec. (0.5EV steps) and bulb. Shutter lock at power-off position	1/4000 - 30 seconds and Bulb	1/4000 - 30 sec. and bulb
Mirror lock		Mirror lock-up mechanism available. Mid-operation cancellation possible.
Self Timer		Electronically controlled type with 12- or 2-second delay.	Electonically controlled type with two-second or 12-second delay	Electonically controlled type with two-second or 12-second delay. Cancellation possible.
Remote control		Infrared wireless remote control with optional remote controller. Effective range: 5m (16.6 ft.) from front side of camera. Instant release or 3- second- delay release switchable.	Yes	Yes 0 seconds, 3 seconds
White balance control	TTL Auto, Pre-set, Custom white balance	Auto: TTL control using image sensor.
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light, Flash, Manual	Daylight, Cloudiness, Shade, Tungsten light and Fluorescent light (W, N, D) Manual: 3 settings	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light (W, D, N), Manual setting	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light (W, D, N), Flash, Manual setting
Flash	Built-in series-control retractable P-TTL pop-up flash	Built In Flash Rtf	Built-in series-control retractable P-TTL pop-up flash	Built-in retractable P-TTL auto pop-up flash
Flash modes	Auto, Flash-off, Flash-on, Auto + Red-eye reduction, Flash-on + Red-eye reduction	Flash-off, flash-on and red-eye reduction functions available. High-speed synchronization, wireless remote-control synchronization and P-TTL synchronization functions available with dedicated flash unit.		Auto, Flash-On, Flash-Off, Red-eye reduction
Flash Guide Number	15.6 (at ISO 200/m)	15.6 (at ISO200/m)	15.6 (at ISO200/m)	15.6 (Standard Output Sensitivity 200/m)
Angle of View Coverage	28mm (equivalent to 35mm)	18mm	28mm (equivalent to 35mm)	28mm (equivalent to 35mm)
Flash Exposure Compensation	+1 to -2 (1/2 steps)
Flash Synchronization	With RTF and via hot shoe	Via hot shoe (with X-contact for dedicated flash unit). Dedicated accessory flash units available.	with RTF or PENTAX dedicated flash unit at recharge completion	With RTF and via hot shoes with RTF or PENTAX dedicated flash unit at recharge completion
Synchronization Speed	1/180sec	1/150sec	1/180sec	1/180sec.
Shooting Specifications
Picture Modes	Auto Picture, Standard, Portrait, Night-scene Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Flash Off,		Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait, Standard Flash-Off	Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait, Standard Flash-Off
Digital Filter	Playback: Black & White, Sepia, Soft (3 levels), Slim, Wide
Drive Modes	Single-shot, Continuous (2.8fps), Self-timer (12sec, 2sec), Auto bracketing, Remote Control (0sec, 3sec)	Single-frame advance, continuous advance (2.6 fps) up to 6 frames (at noise reduction off) 3 frames (proper /over /under) within range of ±3.0EV (0.5EV steps) or ±2.0EV (0.3EV steps). Simultaneous use with exposure compensation possible		Single-frame advance, continuous advance, self-timer, auto bracket and remote control
Time
Time modes	dd/mm/yy, mm/dd/yy, yy/mm/dd
World Time	Displays the time in 72 cities (28 time zones)		68 cities (28 time zones)
Image Storage
Storage Media	SD memory card removable	CompactFlashTM cards (Type I and Type II) and MicroDriveTM	SD memory card	SD memory card
Still	JPEG (Exif 2.21) RAW, DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) PRINT Image Matching III	JPEG Exif 2.2: YCbCr (4:2:2). TIFF: TIFF-RGB (4:4:4). RAW: RAW data of CCD. DCF DPOF	JPEG (Exif 2.21), RAW, DCF (Design rule of Camera File system), DPOF (Digital Print Order Form), PRINT Image Matching III	RAW, JPEG (Exif 2.21), DCF (Design rule of Camera File system), DPOF (Digital Print Order Form), PRINT Image Matching III
Quality Levels		Compressed: JPEG-baseline with compressibility rates of ***(1/3), **(1/6) and *(1/12).	Compressed: JPEG - Baseline (***: Best , **: Better, *: Good) Non- compressed: RAW	Compressed: JPEG - Baseline (*** Best , ** Better, * Good) Non-compressed: RAW
Color Space		sRGB, Adobe RGB		sRGB Adobe RGB
LCD/ Viewfinder
Optical Viewfinder	Pentamirror with Natural- Bright-Matte II focusing screen	Eye-level-type fixed pentaprism viewfinder with Natural- Bright-Matte focusing screen.		Pentaprism Focusing screen: Natural- Bright-Matte
Viewfinder Coverage	96%	95%	95%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.85x (with 50mm f1.4 lens, -1-1)	0.95X (with 50mm F1.4 lens at infinity, -1m-1)	0.95X (with 50m F1.4 lens, -1m-1)	0.95X (with 50mm F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m-1)
Diopter Adjustment	-2.5m-1 to +1.5m	-1.0m-1 to +2.0m-1	-2.5 - +1.5m-1	-2.5 - +1.5m-1
LCD Monitor	2.5 inch, TFT color LCD (Low Reflection) –with Histogram display	1.8 inch low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with backlight	2.0 inch, low-temperature polysilicon TFT colour LCD monitor	2.5 inch, low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD monitor Brightness adjustable
LCD Coverage -	100%
LCD Resolution -	Approx. 210,000 pixels		Approx. 210,000 pixels	Approx. 210,000 pixels
Viewfinder Indication		Out of image area: Built-in flash status, AF sensor pattern, in-focus, shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation factor, bar graph. Within image area: AF frame with superimposed AF sensor point, spot AF frame	(1) AF frame; (2) Spot AF frame; (3) Focus point indication(high lighted in red) Viewfinder LCD Indication(1) Flash information; (2) Picture mode (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait); (3) In-focus; (4) Shutter speed; (5) Aperture value; (6) Exposure compensation factor; (7) Manual white balance; (8) Manual focus; (9) ISO sensitivity warning; (10) Auto exposure lock signal	AF frame, Spot AF frame; Flash information; Picture mode (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait); Focus point indication (higlighted in red); Shutter speed; Aperture value; Exposure compensation factor; Manual white balance; Manual focus; Sensitivity warning; Auto exposure lock signal; Exposure frame number
External LCD		Quality level, Tv dial, Av dial, shutter speed, aperture value
Panel Indication		Exposure compensation, exposure frame number, battery exhaustion warning, RTF recharge, flash status, RTF function, red-eye reduction flash, wireless flash mode, high-speed synchronization, remote control, self-timer, film advance mode (single-frame /consecutive), multiple exposure, auto bracketing, auto white balance control, preset white balance control, manual white balance control. Illumination activated by preview lever	(1) Shutter speed; (2) Aperture value; (3) Flash Information (Auto, Flash-On, Flash-Off, Red-eye reduction); (4) Single frame advance/ Continuouse advance; (5) Self-timer; (6) Remote control; (7) Metering Information; (8) Focus point indicator; (9) Auto bracketing; (10) Preset/ Manual white balance information; (11) Battery information; (12) Exposure compensation factor;(13) Exposure frame number	Shutter speed; Aperture value; Flash Information (Auto, Flash-On, Flash-Off, Red-eye reduction); Single frame advance/ Continuouse advance; Self-timer; Remote control; Metering Information; Focus point indicator; Auto bracketing; White balance information; Battery information; Exposure compensation factor; Exposure frame number
Playback specifications
Playback Modes File	Single, Index - Nine image	Single frame, zoom in/out, nine-image,
Magnification 12x
LCD Function	Image rotation, Slide show, digital filter	Slide show, image rotation, shooting data indication (including date and histogram), quick view (instant display of image after shooting)		Image rotation, Slide show, digital filter Playback File: Single, Index (Nine image) Magnification: 12x
Erase and Image Protect Modes	Single, All	Single - frame- deletion, all- frame deletion, card format, protect		Single, All
PictBridge
	One image printing		One image printing
	All image printing		All image printing
	DPOF auto print		DPOF auto print
Language
	English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Swedish, Dutch		English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Korean, Chinese (Traditional/ Simplified), Japanese
Interfaces
Type	USB 2.0 high speed	USB 1.1	USB 2.0 high speed	USB 2.0 high speed
Video Output	Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats	NTSC/PAL switchable	Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats	Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats
Power Supply
Power Source	Four AA (Lithium, Alkaline, and rechargeable NiMH) batteries, or Two CR-V3 lithium batteries	4 AA-sized batteries (lithium, alkaline, nickel-hydrogen or nickel) or 2 CR-V3 batteries.	Four AA (Lithium, Alkaline, and rechargeable NiMH) batteries, or Two CR-V3 lithium batteries	Four AA (lithium, alkaline, or rechargeable Ni-MH) batteries, two CR-V3 lithium batteries.
Battery life		CR-V3: Approx. 1000 frames at normal temp. (68°F/20°C) and no flash used. Lithium batteries: Approx. 900 frames at normal temp. (68°F/20°C) and no flash used. Ni-MH batteries: Approx. 450 frames at normal temp. (68°F/20°C) and no flash used. Alkaline batteries: Approx. 110 frames at normal temp. (68°F/20°C) and no flash used.
AC adapter	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional
Physical Specifications
Operating Temperatures	32deg to 104deg Fahrenheit (0deg to 40deg Celsius)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 Inches (125 x 92.5 x 66mm)	5.1 x 3.7 x 2.4 inches (129.0mm x 94.5mm x 60mm) (WxHxD)	125(W) x 92.5(H) x 66(D)mm	4.9(W) x 3.6(H) x 2.6(D)inches 125(W) x 92.5(H) x 67(D)mm
Weight	16.6 oz. (470g) without battery and SD memory card 19.4 oz. (550g) loaded and ready	19.4 oz. (550g) for body only (without batteries and memory card)	605g (21.3oz.) loaded and ready 505g (17.8 oz.) without battery and SD memory card	20.5oz.(580g) loaded and ready with two CR-V3 lithium batteries and SD memory card 21.3oz.(605g) loaded and ready with four AA batteries and SD memory card 17.8 oz.(505g) without battery and SD memory card.
Computer System
Mac Requirements	OS: Mac OS 9.0 or later, standard equipped USB port	OS: Mac OS 8.6 or later (QuickTime 4.0 or later to view movies), CPU: Power PC 266MHz or higher, Memory: 8MB or more, Hard disk space: 6MB or more, Standard equipped USB port	OS: Mac OS 9.0 or later, standard equipped USB port	OS: Mac OS 9.0 or later, standard equipped USB port
PC Requirements	OS:Windows Me, 2000, XP Home edition / Professional, standard equipped USB port	OS: Windows 98,98 second edition, 2000, Me, XP Home edition / Professional, CPU: Pentium or later recommended, Memory:64MB or more, Hard disk space: 15MB or more, Standard equipped USB port	OS:Windows Me, 2000, XP Home edition / Professional, standard equipped USB port	OS: Windows Me, 2000, XP Home edition / Professional, standard equipped USB port

In order for the system to pick up that you are a subscriber to the Pentax User Magazine please go to the Link Page. Here you will be asked your Pentax User Number and address.

Once given we can then link you with your subscription account and the system will register it.

This will give you access to more things on the site and the ability to renew your account through our subscription system.

In order to link the two accounts please go the link page in order to link the two accounts together. Thus making renewal a much easier process.

Error codes on Pentax zoom compact cameras
If your Pentax Zoom Compact camera shows an error code on the LCD panel it may have a fault. The table below shows the typical error code, the description of the fault and a remedy.

Error Code	Description	Remedy
'A' plus a number	Relates to an electronic fault on the main printed circuit board.	Return the camera to Pentax for repair.
'E' plus a number	Shutter related fault.	Return the camera to Pentax for repair.
'E' on its own	Transport fault, or possible that film not loaded correctly.	Reload film. If problem persists, return the camera to Pentax for repair.
'H' plus a number	Shutter related fault.	Return the camera to Pentax for repair.
'U' plus a number	Zooming fault.	Return the camera to Pentax for repair.

What to do next:
If your camera is under guarantee, take it back to the shop that you bought it from. They will either exchange the camera or send it back to Pentax for repair depending on the circumstances.

If the camera is out of warranty you should either locate an authorised repairer or return the camera to Pentax for repair.

Pentax U.K. Limited
Photographic Service Department
Pentax House
Heron Drive
Langley
Slough
Berkshire SL3 8PN
Telephone: 01753 792731

20% discount off your repair cost
Join the Pentax User club to benefit from service 20% discount. Full details on the service discount here.

Pentax User supply a whole range of original or reprinted instruction books
The manuals are supplied by OldTimer Cameras and are the original ones or reprints that were provided with the camera at time of sale.

You can find a list of all the ones available here: Pentax Instruction manuals

Avoid Fraudulent activity
When selling online you have to be aware that the potential buyer could be a fraudster. The common scam, which happens on all sites that allow private sellers to advertise, is when you receive an e-mail in broken English asking questions about the item you are selling. The examples that follow are genuine and reproduced here, word for word.

Gooday and how are you doing today,I saw your advert advertised at site while i want you to know that i have my interest in buying your item, While i want you to make it known to me if this is still available and also the final sale price including the present term and condition and it's pics... Thanks and keep waiting to read from you asap.....stay bless.

i would like to buy the goods you listed for sale.I want to know the final price for it and i want to know if it is still available for sale.The shipment of the goods to Detroit will be handled by an agent from Arrow Shipping Company(ASC) to make everything easy. A payment with cashier's check or money order will be made immediately we both agreed on this transaction. Feed me back on time so i can know the next step to take.

i will like see the pics if is available, also i will like to inform you that am having an Associate of mine in United Kingdom who is owing me the sum of £2,800 and is willing to issue out a verified cheque on my behalf in which you are to deduct the said amount and make the remaining funds send to my shipping company for their upfront mobilization fees for them to come over to pick it up.he will also be responsible for signing the purchase document. Having said this, i believe true transaction should be based on trust so if you equally share the same view with me then i should be able to trust you. if this is okay by you i need to have the following information in respect of receiving the payment, where to address the Cheque.

Very dodgy, but surprisingly trusting buyers still get caught out time and time again.

Here's why. The cheque you receive will be a forgery, but it will clear and you will think the money is yours. You will then write a cheque for the balance and either send it with the goods, if they haven't already been picked up. A cheque clearing in your bank simply means there are sufficient funds in the account where the cheque is drawn. When the owner of this account looks queries their statement the owner's bank will automatically request that your bank returns the funds and will take the money out of your account. You will have lost the balance of money you paid and the item you sold.

Take precautions
To avoid scams, recognise when it's one of the above emails and do not make any further communication.

Forward a copy of the email to the company the scammer is using to send email out with (often Yahoo)

Pentax User is not involved in any transactions and can not police the actions of our many users of the classified ads section. We do, however, issue membership numbers so you could ask that the buyer (or seller) proves that they are a member before doing a deal.

Only deal with people in your area unless you are confident that they are trustworthy The majority of scammers are from another country, so the best way to avoid scams is to sell locally and ideally in person (providing it's not example 2's "Associate").

Do not wire funds via Western Union, etc as this is likely to be a scammer.

Never post the item to a third-party abroad.

If someone offers to pay for an item, plus shipping costs and requests that you pay the shipping agent, don't.

If you accept a cheque, only let the item out of your hands when you're certain that the cheque has cleared. Contact your bank if you are unsure.

Don't disclose any personal information to strangers unless you're sure they are genuine buyers.

Never share your bank account login details..