- 1). Clean the camera according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is the first, best step to getting the camera to operate correctly. It may seem obvious, but lint, dust and grime can accumulate in the nooks and crannies of the camera body and the lens. Cleaning this can make the camera function better and can give you an idea where the problem is.
- 2). Detach and reattach the lens. Often, whether on a manual SLR, an auto-focus version or the digital version, if the lens is not locked correctly, problems can develop including an inability to focus or, for digital cameras, prevention of exposure. For example, if you can't release the shutter on a digital Pentax SLR such as the istDS and then the LCD window is blank. The solution often is that the aperture ring is not set to the "A" or automatic position.
- 3). Check the flip-up mirror for malfunction if you are not getting correctly exposed photos. Take the lens off and watch the mirror as you trip the shutter. Do this at different speeds. If the mirror appears sluggish or does not flip up or return properly, it could be a spring problem or an electronics problem. If you are using a film SLR, have the back open while you do this.
- 4). Lock the mirror or choose the "B" shutter setting and look at the shutter curtain as it is being released for a film camera. In older Pentax cameras such as the MX or ME, the shutter curtain can get sluggish and not reset itself quickly or completely. This can be fixed with a little WD40, but since the shutter is the most sensitive thing in the camera, if you see a shutter problem, take the camera to a photo repair service.
- 5). Check to make certain the CCD (charge-coupled device) sensor on digital Pentax cameras are clean. The biggest problem for Pentax is dust and dirt on the sensor. The CCD is very sensitive, so if you clean it, be very delicate. There are sensor-cleaning kits, but if you are very careful, you can do it with lint-free paper or a Q-tip.
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