Originally posted by NYNOIR Hi, It seems my Q has started the bad habit of losing the date after a battery change and needs to be reset. I looked at the old postings on this problem and got all sorts of theories. I really don't want to send it in to have an inner battery replaced (too expensive). I have left it sitting for long periods of time, because I use the QS-1 more often. So, I'm restarting this thread in case somebody has new information on solving this problem or do I have to keep resetting the camera? Has this happened with other Pentax cameras?
Any comments or solutions would be greatly appreciated.
George
Hi George, my name is Rick and I may be able to help you out with this. We'll see.
I own a Q and a Q7, both purchased near the beginning of their respective life cycles. Generally, they have performed as expected, except about six or eight months ago they both started losing their time and date settings during a battery change. I remembered the relevant posts on this forum and also at DPReview. I was a bit surprised to find no real progress in solving this problem. So, after reading the posts one more time, I took another stab at it and came up with a simple fix for this problem.
Of course you should be using quality, healthy batteries, but that is not the root of the problem. It appears an internal connection is likely to be the culprit but I don't know for sure. Here's what I did (Under the assumption your camera is working properly otherwise...).
Note: Use great care. The camera is a bit delicate and small. I accept no responsibility for damage.
• Install a fresh battery in your Q, just the way you always do.
• Open the battery door but let the battery remain in the camera, captured by the nylon retainer at the outside edge of the battery compartment.
• If you now press a little on the back of the battery, you'll note the battery is spring loaded and will still move inward against the contacts about another 1 - 2 mm.
At this point we want to "pump" the battery. That is, press and release pressure on the back of the installed battery just a bit vigorously about 8-10 times. Again, this is done with the battery still held in the camera by the battery clip.
Since using this technique I have never had an issue with Date and Time settings loss on either of my cameras during a battery change.
One thing though, my experience is mine only, so far. It will be interesting to see if you and others can repeat it, especially on a consistent basis.
Rick