[kjg48359]

I can't tell you how let down I was that my K-3 wouldn't start today at a sporting event that is the main reason I purchased the camera in the first place. At this point, it's just over a year old, I had pre-ordered it.

I "topped" off my batteries in the charger last night, including my spare.

Got to the event this morning, and I was putting on my faster glass, and getting ready to perform the custom white balance function for the indoor event. But the camera just would not turn on.

Ok I thought, did the lens not connect correctly? (even without a lens or data card, the camera should at least start up)

So I put the 18-135 back on but it was still dead with no life at all. And to think that I used the camera last evening to reformat the cards (I have a 32g and the flu card in both slots). And it worked fine.

So I then took the camera back to the only Pentax dealer in MI and we confirmed the batteries had a full charge in a display body.

What I'm curious is would there be some kind of setting or switch that in my panic I might have done before that might have done some kind of disabling?

I tried taking the data cards in, and re-inserting them. Reconnected the lenses. Swapped the batteries out numerous times. Turned both front and rear dials, and turned the exposure dial through multiple settings. Nothing seemed to work, yet less than 16 hours prior it seemed fine (and it didn't leave the house, get used, dropped or exposed to anything as it was in a bag ready to go to the event).

Now I have another event next weekend, and a couple of events that following week.

Can anyone think of something I didn't try before it gets sent out for repair next week? Also, what do pro's do, just use extra bodies? (Which I'm not at that point yet, I'd rather get some additional lenses and filters first). Can I ask for a body demo so I can shoot at next week's event?

Timing is everything!

Thanks in advance.

[jatrax]

I have experienced that sinking pit in your gut feeling that precedes the onset of panic. And thinking this has to be something I'm doing wrong, just slow down and think it through. In my case it was a flash not working while models were standing around. Finished the shoot without the flash, with expected (poor) results.

Also, what do pro's do, just use extra bodies?

My definition of a 'pro' is someone who overcomes all adversity and completes the job well, on time and looking as if it was no big deal. So, yeah an extra body, battery, lens, memory card, flash and anything else that can go wrong extra is required IMHO. Anything can break, or get stolen, or lost or whatever.

Sorry your k-3 is acting up, and I wish I had something for you but it looks like you have tried everything I would. What did the dealer say?

Did you check inside the battery compartment to see if the little contact springs are sticking out?

[Volker76]

have you taken out the batteries and just waited for a while?

[darylk]

You've probably already done so, but make sure the flip door for the memory card slots is all the way closed.
Good luck.
Daryl

[screwdriver222]

Have you checked your data cards are not full. I think I had a similar problem with a K5 and all I had to do was put a fresh card in.

[kjg48359]

Thanks everyone, and yes, I did try everything everyone has mentioned. As for the cards, after charging the first battery up fully, I actually used the camera to reformat both the cards so that they were completely ready. There was not a space issue.

I guess it will have to go back to the service center and unfortunately there is no warranty, so hopefully it will be something minor.