K-x battery issue

[Chris14B]

Hi I'm new to dslr photography and purchased a secondhand K-x which I'm loving

The only problem is when I don't use the camera for a few days the batteries are dead when I go back to it. It's happened with alkaline, supermarket brand rechargeables and now with Eneloops...can anyone suggest the cause or solution please as it's a pain to keep remembering to take a battery out when I'm done.

Chris

[Edmack]

Sounds like the Quiescent Current is high, any competent dealer should be able to check this. Ed.

[Chris14B]

Ed, even after Googling the term I'm not sure what Quiescent Current is. Is it that the camera uses too much power when operating or that it continues to use power when turned off?

Sorry to ask but in general I find knowing what a problem may be means there's less chance of being had by the repairer.

Chris

[Edmack]

It's the power consumed when it is switched off. Minute, but there. I would think that yours is much higher than the norm. Ed.

[Chris14B]

Thank you, I'll contact my local camera shop about getting it checked.

Chris

[Edmack]

Post the outcome please. Ed.

[Chris14B]

Will do Ed but it may take a few days due to work commitments.

[Mr Bump]

Hi Chris,

Apart from following Edmack's advice you could try the following:

Carefully check the battery terminals in your Kx for any signs of corrosion or dirt that could cause current to track between battery terminals. This is not uncommon in cameras using AA batteries, particularly if they have been left unused for some time.

Problems with Kx batteries are not uncommon. Take a look at this thread for example: http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/g...-problems.html

This may sound strange but make sure you have the up-to-date firmware version V1.03 installed in your camera as that will address any inaccuracy in the battery level indicator.

Bump

[Chris14B]

Thanks Bump, I had read some stuff about battery issues when this first happened but most problems seemed to be about the indicator showing red when the batteries were still almost full rather than the batteries actually going flat.

I'll read the thread you posted the link for and have a good look at the battery terminals in case they are corroded underneath.

I updated the firmware to 1.03 last week so will leave the batteries in today to see if that has had any effect.

Thanks again

Chris

[Mr Bump]

Since yesterday I've had a better look at a Kx battery compartment. It seems that you are not very likely to have a problem with the battery terminals on the hinged lid unless they are severely corroded causing electrical resistance. However, the terminals at the bottom of the well (with camera upside-down) are metal plates with very little separation. Any corrosion or gunge (from leaking batteries during previous ownership) could possibly cause a short between plates that would fairly quickly drain the batteries. If the terminals area is clean I think you have no option other than to follow Edmack's advice and get it checked out by a camera technician.

Good luck

Bump