File Format Problem--K10D

[OneL]

I've had my K10D for about 18 months. Practically from the beginning I've had it set to shoot RAW+JPEG (PEF if it matters). About a week ago, after loading some new shots into my computer, I discovered the images were JPEG only. I checked the camera, and the format was JPEG only. I reset the file format to RAW+JPEG, turned the camera off, turned it back on, and the setting had held. Tried the same thing again a few mintues later and discovered the preference was reset to JPEG only. That pattern continues. RAW+JPEG holds for perhaps a minute or two, but resets after that.

I've contacted Pentax and the service folks want me to send the camera in for evaluation. I would like to avoid that unless it's truly necessary.

Anyone else have this problem or any insight? Should I be concerned that this is a precursor to additional problems?

I have reprogrammed the RAW button for continuos RAW+JPEG shooting, so I have that work around so long as I remember to use the RAW button each time. Also, I have not updated the firmware (which I noted in my e-mail to Pentax).

Help, anyone? Many thanks, in advance.

Philip

 

[SEToien]

• I have a K10D, but have never experienced what you describe - so this is just my thoughts without knowing what is really causing the problem:
• Take out the battery, wait 5 sec., then put it back again (you probaly have tried this).
• Try shooting RAW only, see if the camera keeps the setting then. (BTW, I myself shot jpg+raw for a while, but found it easier to handle the process of PP using Lightroom on PEF-files and exporting only the interesting images to jpg.)
• Try upgrading firmware to 1.3.

Hope some of this can be of help, and that you find a way to solve the problem.
--
Best regards,
Svein Erik

Photo homepage: http://www.setoien.com
My PPG images: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/sveinerikt%C3%B8ien

 

[OneL]

Svein:

Thanks for your suggestions. I pulled the battery yesterday for charging. But, I had not tried changing the setting to RAW only to see if it held. I may try the firmware upgrade, too, though I thought the Pentax folks would have suggested that if it was a possible fix.

Philip

 

[Bich]

pushing the RAW button does not give a permanent setting: after 1 or 2 minutes it comes back to jpg. The RAW setting from the menu remains until you chamge it.
--
Jacques Bijtebier

 

[MikeChip]

Hi Philip,

Just a thought, check the RAW button and make sure it works i.e. goes in and out, there should be a tactile little click and that it is not stuck in. Switches can and do fail.

Mike

 

[OneL]

There may be a bit of confusion. I am using the physical RAW button--set to RAW +JPG Continuous in the menu--as a substitute for having the camera always shoot RAW+JPEG as the menu's file-format preference.

That button work around seems to work fine though, again, I have to remember to use the button each time the camera is turned on. However, I have not tested whether the camera overrides the RAW button after a period of time.

All I know is that it seems to have a mind of its own when it comes to selecting RAW+JPEG in the camera's menu. It holds the preference for a short time, but it then resets to JPEG only. I haven't yet tested whether RAW-only is a menu option that works and holds.

Thanks to all who have responded.

Philip

 

[OneL]

Setting the file-format menu option to RAW only made no difference. The camera still reverted to JPEG only.

I may have learned one thing, though. That is, the preferred setting (RAW or RAW+JPEG) may hold so long as the camera is left on. It my change, then, as soon as it is powered off and on. That's how it seemed to work when I tried the RAW-only experiment.

Philip

 

[thatemailname]

Setting the file-format menu option to RAW only made no difference.
The camera still reverted to JPEG only.

I may have learned one thing, though. That is, the preferred setting
(RAW or RAW+JPEG) may hold so long as the camera is left on. It my
change, then, as soon as it is powered off and on. That's how it
seemed to work when I tried the RAW-only experiment.

Philip

You said earlier that you took "the" battery out for charging, which I take to mean you have only the one battery. And I think you also said you've had the camera for 18 months. Does that mean you've had the one battery for 18 months as well? If so, it's possible that the battery may be reaching the end of its life and not holding a full charge. I've seen other posts here where the K10 does some funky stuff when the battery is weak - just a thought.

 

[Eric C in OK]

Have you tried doing a full reset on the camera, available through the tools menu? It will completely reset all of your custom settings, but it may keep you from having to send the thing into Pentax repair dept.

Good luck.

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ehcloninger/

 

[jamesm007]

I've seen other posts here where the K10 does some funky stuff when the > battery is weak - just a thought

I have been told by the Kodak engineers that this is the number one cause of problems for people and cameras "low voltage". The techs always use an AC adapter to eliminate the battery as any cause of problems. I would clean the contacts with contact cleaner and try another battery, if its not under warranty, there is a good chance of saving yourself a lot of money. Take it to a local camera shop that carries Pentax if possible and try one of theirs if they will help you out.
--
jamesm007,
http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z77/jamesm700/
WSSA member 266PX

 

[OneL]

1. Although I referred to removing and charging only one battery, I in fact have a grip and its extra battery, and I charged both recently. For what it's worth, the battery from the camera recharged very quickly (which suggests to me that it's holding a charge), while the battery from the grip--which is the one that is drawn on first--took much longer to recharge as it should.

2. I don't have the optional A/C Adapter, but I will have both of the batteries tested and will replace either or both as needed. I also may take the camera to the local Ritz (if it's still open!). As far as I know it's the only shop in this area that carries (or carried) Pentax gear.

3. If that doesn't work, I'll also try the recommended menu reset.

Finally, thanks again to all of you who have taken the trouble to respond with your suggestions. It is truly appreciated.

Philip

 

[duncsuss]

Is there a menu setting to choose which menu settings are reset to default when you power off and on again? (I don't have my camera with me to check)

--
Duncan

 

[Zaldidun]

2. I don't have the optional A/C Adapter,

Personally, I don't buy any battery-operated device of any kind without a power adapter. Not only do I find it invaluable for meaningful troubleshooting, but there are certain tasks I would not dare with just batteries, no matter how fresh. For instance, I would never feel comfortable cleaning the sensor filter while my camera was being powered just by batteries. Having the power fail while the shutter is open and you have a brush or swab in there would be a major disaster as the shutter closes and the mirror folds back on the cleaning tool.

Just my two cents.

PS—I distrust batteries enough that I still carry my 35mm film rangefinder Leica every day, everywhere I go, along with two *istD bodies.