K 30 integrated flash causes battery depleted error

perplexed · 09-18-2014, 06:32 AM

Hi All,
I've had my K 30 for about a 1.5 years now, and I went to take some family shots the other day using the integrated flash. About 10 seconds later, I get the "Battery Depleted" message and the camera switched itself off.
Using the charger and Li battery that came with the camera, I charged the battery as normal. I thought it was odd that it only took 10 mins to get to full charge. I tried again, and got the same error message followed by an auto-shutdown.
I figured the battery was stuffed, so bought a new one. FYI, I don't have the AA adapter pack, I only have the D-Li 109 batteries. I plugged in the new battery and got the same battery depleted message when I opened up the flash (8-10 seconds later to be more accurate). I tried charging the new battery, and got the same result, so figured I got a dud and ordered a new battery charger since I haven't had a great experience with chargers in the past.
New charger arrives, I put both batteries on the new charger, both came off charge within a few minutes so must have already been full.
I took a bunch of photos without using the flash, no problems. Great!
Then I open up the flash, and again, 8-10 seconds later, I get the battery depleted error.
I'm fast running out of hair to pull, and with baby #2 due in a few months, I really need my flash to work.
Has anyone experienced this issue and resolved it?
Sorry for wall of text but I wanted to make sure I gave as much info as possible.
Seriously am perplexed.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

K57XR · 09-18-2014, 10:42 AM

Maybe this thread will help, I hope: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/151-pentax-k-30-k-50/228221-battery-depleted.html

stevebrot · 09-18-2014, 12:31 PM

Originally posted by K57XR

Maybe this thread will help, I hope: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/151-pentax-k-30-k-50/228221-battery-depleted.html

That thread was specifically related to AA batteries. The problem here is with the D-Li 109 lithium battery. I cannot offer any advice to the OP, though I might ask if the battery charge stays up for a reasonable number of exposures when flash is not used. The "discharged" warning comes up when voltage drops. The battery condition and voltage are recorded in the exif.

If camera is still under warranty, I would pursue the matter directly with Ricoh/Pentax ASAP.

Steve

perplexed · 09-20-2014, 02:50 PM

I haven't managed to take enough photos to deplete a battery. The battery works as normal while taking photos without the flash, but as soon as I pop the flash up, I get the error followed by camera shutdown. I close the flash and can continue to take photo after photo after photo.

Steve, I tried access the exif info using the silkypix software but it doesn't show battery condition or voltage. Is there somewhere else I should be looking? The manual didn't help me a great deal.

Thanks

stevebrot · 09-21-2014, 12:54 PM

Originally posted by perplexed

Steve, I tried access the exif info using the silkypix software

ExifTool will give the full dump. Google ExifToolGUI for the graphical interface version.

Steve

perplexed · 12-11-2014, 12:15 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

ExifTool will give the full dump. Google ExifToolGUI for the graphical interface version.

Steve

Thanks Steve. I've tried and tried but cant get the info you mention. I've dropped the camera off to a local repairer in the hope that they can fix the problem, or at least find the source of the problem. Worst case scenario is I buy a new camera for 2015!
Thanks again for your suggestions and help.

09-18-2014, 06:32 AM	#1
perplexed New Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 4	K 30 integrated flash causes battery depleted error Hi All, I've had my K 30 for about a 1.5 years now, and I went to take some family shots the other day using the integrated flash. About 10 seconds later, I get the "Battery Depleted" message and the camera switched itself off. Using the charger and Li battery that came with the camera, I charged the battery as normal. I thought it was odd that it only took 10 mins to get to full charge. I tried again, and got the same error message followed by an auto-shutdown. I figured the battery was stuffed, so bought a new one. FYI, I don't have the AA adapter pack, I only have the D-Li 109 batteries. I plugged in the new battery and got the same battery depleted message when I opened up the flash (8-10 seconds later to be more accurate). I tried charging the new battery, and got the same result, so figured I got a dud and ordered a new battery charger since I haven't had a great experience with chargers in the past. New charger arrives, I put both batteries on the new charger, both came off charge within a few minutes so must have already been full. I took a bunch of photos without using the flash, no problems. Great! Then I open up the flash, and again, 8-10 seconds later, I get the battery depleted error. I'm fast running out of hair to pull, and with baby #2 due in a few months, I really need my flash to work. Has anyone experienced this issue and resolved it? Sorry for wall of text but I wanted to make sure I gave as much info as possible. Seriously am perplexed. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

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09-18-2014, 10:42 AM	#2
K57XR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830	Maybe this thread will help, I hope: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/151-pentax-k-30-k-50/228221-battery-depleted.html

09-18-2014, 12:31 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by K57XR Maybe this thread will help, I hope: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/151-pentax-k-30-k-50/228221-battery-depleted.html That thread was specifically related to AA batteries. The problem here is with the D-Li 109 lithium battery. I cannot offer any advice to the OP, though I might ask if the battery charge stays up for a reasonable number of exposures when flash is not used. The "discharged" warning comes up when voltage drops. The battery condition and voltage are recorded in the exif. If camera is still under warranty, I would pursue the matter directly with Ricoh/Pentax ASAP. Steve

09-20-2014, 02:50 PM	#4
perplexed New Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 4 Original Poster	I haven't managed to take enough photos to deplete a battery. The battery works as normal while taking photos without the flash, but as soon as I pop the flash up, I get the error followed by camera shutdown. I close the flash and can continue to take photo after photo after photo. Steve, I tried access the exif info using the silkypix software but it doesn't show battery condition or voltage. Is there somewhere else I should be looking? The manual didn't help me a great deal. Thanks

09-21-2014, 12:54 PM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by perplexed Steve, I tried access the exif info using the silkypix software ExifTool will give the full dump. Google ExifToolGUI for the graphical interface version. Steve

12-11-2014, 12:15 AM	#6
perplexed New Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot ExifTool will give the full dump. Google ExifToolGUI for the graphical interface version. Steve Thanks Steve. I've tried and tried but cant get the info you mention. I've dropped the camera off to a local repairer in the hope that they can fix the problem, or at least find the source of the problem. Worst case scenario is I buy a new camera for 2015! Thanks again for your suggestions and help.