Optio 40 problem

[donmckeown]

Camera turned on, took a picture, and turned off. Subsequently camera turns on momentarily (2 seconds) and then turns itself off. Battery is fully charged and properly installed. Battery voltage, measured with a good voltmeter, is 4 volts. What have we done wrong? Is camera defective? Thanks for any help.

[barondla]

When camera turns on does lens extend properly? See a lot of P&S that get damaged lens assembly (by dropping, bumping, etc.). Almost sounds like camera knows lens is extended correctly and it is shutting off to "save" the motor. Hope not, thats an expensive fix if not in warranty. Won't be in warranty if abuse.
thanks
barondla

[donmckeown]

barondla: Thanks for your response. Lens does not extend. Makes a chattering noise as if it has stripped its gears or something. We didn't abuse it. It's brand new out of the box!

[barondla]

Afraid lens was "stuck". Just hope someone didn't have camera before you and returned it. With company selling as new. 95% of the time I see a lens in this shape its abuse. Dropping a camera only an inch or two can do it. Have seen 1 or 2 P&S (not necessarily Pentax) that had something go wrong inside without "help". Pentax will be the final decider. They bend over backwards to be fair. If this doesn't work out some credit cards cover such a thing.
Good luck.
barondla

[donmckeown]

Update: Lens deploys properly if give the camera a vigorous shake. Do I dare wipe a little oil on the lens barrel?

[barondla]

NEVER, EVER OIL A CAMERA!!! Don't care what that stupid WD40 ad showed years ago. The camera needs to be sent back to Pentax. Something has gone wrong internally. They will either repair or replace it. A shame but sometimes things go wrong. Do not try to fix it yourself!
thanks
barondla