[Ed Photog]

Greetings all, from Columbus.
NEED some TECH advice: Trying to insert and format, use a new SD card. Camera says "Memory Error" and refuses to format a new card in order to commence shooting.
Any ideas on how to correct this problem?
Thanks, all

[pschlute]

Greetings all, from Columbus.
NEED some TECH advice: Trying to insert and format, use a new SD card. Camera says "Memory Error" and refuses to format a new card in order to commence shooting.
Any ideas on how to correct this problem?
Thanks, all

What camera ?

What card make and size ?

[c.a.m]

Trying to insert and format, use a new SD card.

Have you encountered similar problems with the same camera?

Have you closed the memory card door/cover on the camera?

Is the SD card brand new? First-time use? Is it empty?

Please confirm the error message: Is it "Memory Error" or "Memory Card Error?"



Welcome to Pentax Forums!

- Craig

[aslyfox]

. . . Trying to insert and format, use a new SD card. Camera says "Memory Error" and refuses to format a new card in order to commence shooting.. . .

Welcome to the forums

you will find friendly members and a lot of knowledge here

what type of memory card are you trying to use ?

his " about me " section says:

Pentax Cameras
*ist DS, Pentax Film SLRs

reading this article might be of help:

Comprehensive SD Card Guide for Photographers
Become a memory card expert
By PF Staff in Articles and Tips on Jul 1, 2016

Read more at: Comprehensive SD Card Guide for Photographers - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

the *ist DS takes

Memory card type
SD (SDHC with firmware upgrade)

Read more at: Pentax *ist DS - Pentax K-mount DSLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

---

Last edited by aslyfox; 02-27-2022 at 01:32 PM.

[Adam]

A few things to check:

1. Make sure the write protection tab on the card isn't engaged.
2. If your card is 4gb or larger, make sure you've performed the firmware update. Otherwise, use a 2gb or smaller card
3. 64gb and larger cards (SDXC) are not compatible

[Ed Photog]

Thanks to all who've responded.
It does indeed say "memory card error"
IST-D, in xclnt condition (purch'd used)

Yes, I know about the safety tab, and yes things we all know about the door being shut, etc.
Was careful to buy high-grade LEXAR prof grade card with the high spec's.
(will keep reading your comments).....

[Adam]

Was careful to buy high-grade LEXAR prof grade card with the high spec's.

Could you post a link to the card you bought?

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)



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[Ed Photog]

---------- Post added 02-27-22 at 03:01 PM ----------

Thanks, Adam; yes it appears I may have purch'd too powerful a card (laughing).
This card is indeed a 64g "SDXC" lexar card. I need to buy a smaller, more generic card, it appears.

ALSO however: when I hold down the "menu" button while turning on ... nothing happens (in order to determine current firmware version)
AND-- I err'd in the specific model camera. It's an IST-DS.

[C_Jones]

I read the following quote on the internet: "The Pentax *ist D has only one memory card slot that supports SD memory cards. It is compatible with SD cards up to a maximum of 32GB in size.

Attempting to use an SD card that is 64GB or larger will cause the Pentax *ist D to display an error code. For more storage space, you'll need to buy additional SD memory cards."

Below is a shortcut to the web site that I found the quote on:

Pentax *ist D Memory Card Compatibility - Outside The Shot

[paulh]

1. Make sure the write protection tab on the card isn't engaged.2. If your card is 4gb or larger, make sure you've performed the firmware update. Otherwise, use a 2gb or smaller card3. 64gb and larger cards (SDXC) are not compatible

Adam hit the nail on the head. If you haven't done an update yet, you'll need to use a 2 gb or smaller card to perform it. After the update, you can then use the larger cards up to 32 gb.

[pschlute]

Yes, your camera is very old and the later cards are too advanced for it.

[ramseybuckeye]

Good reason to upgrade the camera!

[Adam]

---------- Post added 02-27-22 at 03:01 PM ----------

Thanks, Adam; yes it appears I may have purch'd too powerful a card (laughing).
This card is indeed a 64g "SDXC" lexar card. I need to buy a smaller, more generic card, it appears.

ALSO however: when I hold down the "menu" button while turning on ... nothing happens (in order to determine current firmware version)
AND-- I err'd in the specific model camera. It's an IST-DS.

This card will do the trick for you:
amazon.com: Transcend 2 GB SD Flash Memory Card (TS2GSDC) : Electronics?tag=pentaxforums-20&

These older cameras also produce smaller files, so 2GB should be plenty for a while.

[PDL]

I read the following quote on the internet: "The Pentax *ist Ds has only one memory card slot that supports SD memory cards. It is compatible with SD cards up to a maximum of 32GB in size.

Attempting to use an SD card that is 64GB or larger will cause the Pentax *ist Ds to display an error code. For more storage space, you'll need to buy additional SD memory cards."

Below is a shortcut to the web site that I found the quote on:

Pentax *ist D Memory Card Compatibility - Outside The Shot

Not to be too pedantic, but when informing new users you should be clear about what body you are referring too.
The *ist D uses CF cards.
The *ist Ds uses SD cards.

[Ed Photog]

I read the following quote on the internet: "The Pentax *ist D has only one memory card slot that supports SD memory cards. It is compatible with SD cards up to a maximum of 32GB in size.

Attempting to use an SD card that is 64GB or larger will cause the Pentax *ist D to display an error code. For more storage space, you'll need to buy additional SD memory cards."

Below is a shortcut to the web site that I found the quote on:

Pentax *ist D Memory Card Compatibility - Outside The Shot

Thanks, PDL. Sad thing about the manual ; it doesn't state this. So another reason I not only began with Pentax many years ago in the film days, but STAY with our proven brand into my digital stage. Yes, mine is an IST-DS.

Salute to you all.

---------- Post added 02-27-22 at 08:56 PM ----------

Thanks, PDL. Sad thing about the manual ; it doesn't state this. So another reason I not only began with Pentax many years ago in the film days, but STAY with our proven brand into my digital stage. Yes, mine is an IST-DS.

Salute to you all.

ALSO thanks to you, Adam. See? Had no info posted about which card(s) needed, and I just MAY have a cupl old 2gb cards lying around the place. Now; just to find 'em!

VERY glad to have found you all, and to be aboard here. Thanks again to ALL!!!