istD problems with cards

**nitehntr** · 01-20-2022, 01:50 PM

i have an old ist D that uses compact flash and it has decided to stop recognizing the cards. the card has always worked before so I tried another one and the same thing. any ideas what has happened ? it seems to function otherwise. any ideas would be appreciated.

stevebrot · 01-20-2022, 02:20 PM

Card slot connector/pin problem?

Steve

**nitehntr** · 01-20-2022, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Card slot connector/pin problem?

Steve

is there a cure or is the camera done for ? it was my first digital obviously and I kind of like to use it occasionly

kypfer · 01-20-2022, 03:12 PM - **2 Likes**

My first check would be to peer into the card receptacle using a torch and magnifier looking for bent pins.
I've no experience with Compact Flash in cameras (yet, *istD in transit!) but I've used them in various business equipment and it would seem it's not impossible to misalign the card sufficiently to bend a pin if in a bit of a rush.
This is unfortunately probably terminal

Is there any chance of testing your cards in another device? It is just possible you have two faulty cards … alternatively and/or also, have you tried re-formatting the cards?
Good luck

stevebrot · 01-20-2022, 03:23 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by nitehntr

is there a cure or is the camera done for ? it was my first digital obviously and I kind of like to use it occasionly

I don't have a *ist D at hand, but do know that the pins for CF connectors may be fragile and prone to getting bent.* Take a look into the slot and see if any of the pins are bent over.

Steve

* May happen if the card's contacts are contaminated with grunge or if the card is inserted wrong-side-up; unlikely since the cards are keyed, but not impossible.

stevebrot · 01-20-2022, 03:26 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by kypfer

yet, *istD in transit!

You too, eh? Mine (purchased on PF marketplace) is due for delivery on Monday.

Steve

**roberrl** · 01-21-2022, 02:37 AM

This post reminds me of two things.
First, I should get my *istD out more often, older and simpler but still very capable.
Secondly, boy am I glad Pentax switched to SD cards. I too have much experience with these sort of
connectors on IT equipment and they are easily damaged with bent pins or blocked sockets.
Of course SD cards have their problems but I haven't had any mechanical issues over many years now.

Not a Number · 01-21-2022, 06:34 AM

I just looked up what a CF card socket looks like. Same design of pins that are commonly used on computer motherboard cable connectors. Indeed very easy to bend. Not always easy to straighten out and they sometimes break.

kypfer · 01-21-2022, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

You too, eh? Mine (purchased on PF marketplace) is due for delivery on Monday.

Steve

Mine was due last Monday … still waiting

Was advertised on eBay as "flashing 'Low Battery' even with new batteries" … hoping it just needs a set of eneloops

UPDATE : Camera arrived - eneloops fitted, firmware updated, all good

01-20-2022, 01:50 PM	#1
nitehntr Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rivesville West Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 238	istD problems with cards i have an old ist D that uses compact flash and it has decided to stop recognizing the cards. the card has always worked before so I tried another one and the same thing. any ideas what has happened ? it seems to function otherwise. any ideas would be appreciated.

01-20-2022, 03:23 PM - 1 Like	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by nitehntr is there a cure or is the camera done for ? it was my first digital obviously and I kind of like to use it occasionly I don't have a ist D at hand, but do know that the pins for CF connectors may be fragile and prone to getting bent. Take a look into the slot and see if any of the pins are bent over. Steve * May happen if the card's contacts are contaminated with grunge or if the card is inserted wrong-side-up; unlikely since the cards are keyed, but not impossible. Last edited by stevebrot; 01-20-2022 at 03:32 PM. Reason: Completeness/clarity

01-21-2022, 08:24 AM	#9
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,600	Originally posted by stevebrot You too, eh? Mine (purchased on PF marketplace) is due for delivery on Monday. Steve Mine was due last Monday … still waiting Was advertised on eBay as "flashing 'Low Battery' even with new batteries" … hoping it just needs a set of eneloops UPDATE : Camera arrived - eneloops fitted, firmware updated, all good Last edited by kypfer; 01-22-2022 at 05:12 AM. Reason: update

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01-20-2022, 02:20 PM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Card slot connector/pin problem? Steve

01-20-2022, 02:24 PM	#3
nitehntr Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rivesville West Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 238 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot Card slot connector/pin problem? Steve is there a cure or is the camera done for ? it was my first digital obviously and I kind of like to use it occasionly

01-20-2022, 03:12 PM - 2 Likes	#4
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,600	My first check would be to peer into the card receptacle using a torch and magnifier looking for bent pins. I've no experience with Compact Flash in cameras (yet, *istD in transit!) but I've used them in various business equipment and it would seem it's not impossible to misalign the card sufficiently to bend a pin if in a bit of a rush. This is unfortunately probably terminal Is there any chance of testing your cards in another device? It is just possible you have two faulty cards … alternatively and/or also, have you tried re-formatting the cards? Good luck

01-20-2022, 03:26 PM - 2 Likes	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by kypfer yet, *istD in transit! You too, eh? Mine (purchased on PF marketplace) is due for delivery on Monday. Steve

01-21-2022, 02:37 AM	#7
roberrl Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Oxford, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 346	This post reminds me of two things. First, I should get my *istD out more often, older and simpler but still very capable. Secondly, boy am I glad Pentax switched to SD cards. I too have much experience with these sort of connectors on IT equipment and they are easily damaged with bent pins or blocked sockets. Of course SD cards have their problems but I haven't had any mechanical issues over many years now.

01-21-2022, 06:34 AM	#8
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	I just looked up what a CF card socket looks like. Same design of pins that are commonly used on computer motherboard cable connectors. Indeed very easy to bend. Not always easy to straighten out and they sometimes break.