usual i lurk on the forums unless I have something to contribute.
WORKAROUND ***Well I discovered my own workaround that did work, on the body at the bottom left, flip to the MF mode switch, from AF mode and then turn on the camera. The camera then turns on. Experienced non turn on with GP Recyko AA batteries. ***
today i decided to sign up because I wanted to write about my experience and let others know this is a REAL PROBLEM with the camera. Pentax should acknowledge and address this as soon as possible.
Holiday season is here and people are going to spend their money. Q4 is when consumer electronics companies make the most money. Pentax don't hurt your sales with this issue.
This is my first Pentax camera. I'm not a newcomer to photography. I'm not a fanboy of any type. I buy what will be the most suitable equipment for what I intend to do for a reasonable cost. My expectation is the body will have all modern desirable features, small compact body, outstanding image quality, excellent performance, last me for 1.5years.
I know the Pentax brand. I've been watching the development of Pentax in the digital realm. This particular model, K-X is impressive for the price. Amazing value in today's market.
I bought the camera 2nd week it was released. I used the included Energizer Lithiums then went though using Sanyo 2700mah NiMH batteries all on Auto mode successfully and with great life. Over 1000 shots with mixed live view with the Energizer Lithiums about half of that with Sanyo 2700 NimH.
I use my Sanyo 2700niMH in another application, so I looked around the house found some Rayovac IC3s, 2000mAH and 2300 mAH sets and the camera didn't turn on??!
I was like what the heck... started searching online and realized others are in the same boat having the same problem of the camera refusing to TURN ON!
Now those aren't the best conditioned batteries a few years old, I used the Rayovac IC3 15 charger for those.
The highlight point of AA batteries were "convenience" and when people here are talking about discharging, charging, procedure this doesn't sound like convenience!!
Two days ago I bought new 4 AA GP Recyko batteries, combining alkaline advantages in a rechargable battery.
GP ReCyko
Suppose to come 85% charged. Put them in the Pentax K-X, waited a seconds, you can see the IR light turn on the grip, flipped to the on setting, the camera DID NOT turn ON.
I read somewhere on the forums to remove the lens for a manual lens trick?
Well I discovered my own workaround that did work, on the body, flip to the MF mode switch, from AF mode and then turn on the camera. The camera then turned on.
I charged the GP Recyko batteries overnight and will do some testing today, if it doesn't last at least at a reasonable amount of time guessing about 300 shots with 3 sec review on them then I may, buy some Sanyo Eneloops.
I really hope Pentax can get to the bottom of this. Root cause the problem, then address in a timely manner.
I agree this can be hardware, and or firmware. I work as a hardware engineer for a living.