K100D Super Card Locked problem (tested with several brands, switch unlocked)

daop · 06-05-2011, 08:13 AM

Hi everyone,

I have a problem keeping me from using my k100D Super.

Not so long ago, my 3 year old K100D Super started giving me the "card locked" message. One moment I was taking pictures, the next one this message showed up.
It did not fall, there was no impact of any kind.
Simply stopped working.
I checked the card, the switch was on the 'unlocked' position. I checked other cards (SanDisk, Kingston) and none worked (these work on other devices). I was obliged to put the camera back in my bag.

Days later, after trying a lot of blowing in the slot and everything, I managed to use it again for 2 pictures since it unlocked while it was on! Turned it off, turned it back on, it wasn't working anymore. Never worked since.

Removed the batteries so it would reset the firmware or whatever, didn't work.
Tryed SD cards with some tape around, didn't work.
Blew a lot, didn't work.

There is a thread with a similar problem for a K10D ( https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/77529-k10d-card-locked-2.html ), but with no solution nor conclusion.

Is there anything I can do to fix it?

gp1806 · 06-05-2011, 11:17 AM

The card lock feature is a switch in the camera. Sounds like something in the card lock has failed. Could be mechanical, maybe something jammed the switch. Could be electrical, maybe the switch failed internally, either open or short. You could take the camera apart, and see if you can fix it, or send it in to Pentax for repair, or sell it as a broken camera.
I don't know if PK Tether will work with the card locked or not. You could down load it and see, it's a free down load. If PK Tether does work with a locked card, that would tell you if the rest of the camera was working OK.

06-05-2011, 08:13 AM	#1
daop New Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3	K100D Super Card Locked problem (tested with several brands, switch unlocked) Hi everyone, I have a problem keeping me from using my k100D Super. Not so long ago, my 3 year old K100D Super started giving me the "card locked" message. One moment I was taking pictures, the next one this message showed up. It did not fall, there was no impact of any kind. Simply stopped working. I checked the card, the switch was on the 'unlocked' position. I checked other cards (SanDisk, Kingston) and none worked (these work on other devices). I was obliged to put the camera back in my bag. Days later, after trying a lot of blowing in the slot and everything, I managed to use it again for 2 pictures since it unlocked while it was on! Turned it off, turned it back on, it wasn't working anymore. Never worked since. Removed the batteries so it would reset the firmware or whatever, didn't work. Tryed SD cards with some tape around, didn't work. Blew a lot, didn't work. There is a thread with a similar problem for a K10D ( https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/77529-k10d-card-locked-2.html ), but with no solution nor conclusion. Is there anything I can do to fix it?

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06-05-2011, 11:17 AM	#2
gp1806 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs Photos: Albums Posts: 848	The card lock feature is a switch in the camera. Sounds like something in the card lock has failed. Could be mechanical, maybe something jammed the switch. Could be electrical, maybe the switch failed internally, either open or short. You could take the camera apart, and see if you can fix it, or send it in to Pentax for repair, or sell it as a broken camera. I don't know if PK Tether will work with the card locked or not. You could down load it and see, it's a free down load. If PK Tether does work with a locked card, that would tell you if the rest of the camera was working OK.