Focus Problem?

[Ron Kruger]

I bought a Pentax K20D kit back in June. It came with a cheap 18-55, and I added a DA* 200mm f/2.8 a month or two later.
Since I do most of my shooting in the woods, where a lot of branches and such can confuse the AF, I shoot almost all the time on MF, and have been pleased with the 200mm.
The shorter kit lens (f/4) does a surprisingly good job in strong sunlight with AF, but on MF it is clunky and unreliable.
My problem is the AF quit working about a month ago. It won't work with either lens, even the 200mm, which has internal focus, so the problem is in the camera body itself. With either lens, it will go from one end to the other, not focusing on anything.
I called Pentax, and they said I had to send it in to CO, but, despite the fact I don't trust them (they screwed me out of a rebate on some silly technicality), I really can't afford to be without this camera for very long. I've phoned them twice and emailed them three times trying to get them to work with me on this, but it's about like dealing with the phone company.
If it wasn't for the clunkiness of the shorter lens, I would just chalk this up to experience and just use MF on everything, until I can afford to go back to Nikon, or try Canon or Sony. But to do that, I'll have to get a better short lens with a reliable manual focus, because I need a short lens to shoot fishing scenes and such in the tight quarters of a boat.
My question is: Have those of you who have the better short zoom or fixed Pentax lenses had any problems using them on MF? I presume the better lenses have a smother and more accurate manual focus ring, but I don't want to spend another bundle to get a good f/2.8 or f/1.4 to find out they won't work well on MF either. But if the MF is good, I can get by just fine or MF. I'm used to it.
I didn't expect much from the cheap kit lens in the first place and figured I would replace it with a good one later, but not this soon. And I didn't expect Pentax to be such policy-wogs. It's bad PR, especially when they are dealing with someone who's job it is to take pictures AND communicate.
I still haven't decided whether I will send the camera body back to them for repair. It's still under warranty, but, because of what they did on the rebate, I'm not only afraid they will keep it for a long time, I suspect they will find some excuse (in the fine print) to bill me for whatever repairs are necessary. I can't even get them to give me a time line on turn-around, so if any of you have had to send a camera back (under warranty), I would appreciate it if you would tell me how long they kept it, and if they honored their warranty?

[Greg McCary]

I know it is a last ditch idea but have you tried a firmware upgrade? Is the camera due one? i would try that first.

[Ron Kruger]

Thanks, Greg. I don't know what a "firmware upgrade" is, or how to go about it. Pentax didn't say anything about it. Besides, my camera is only six months old, and it was only a little over four months old when this problem came up.
I tried all kinds of things, such as reverting to original (factory) setting and resetting the modes, even trying Green Mode, but nothing helped. When I explained the problem to Pentax technical support, they didn't offer any suggestions, and only said "you've got a problem. You need to send it in."

[Greg McCary]

I am not sure if it will help at all, but I would certainly try it. Sometimes upgrades can fix other problems other than the ones listed. Just like anything else I think firmware can develop a glitch. Maybe some other Pentax shooter will read this. But check the link. I had an E500 acting up once and a upgrade fixed it.
Firmware in the software in your camera that operates it.

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support...al/k20d_s.html

[zrfraser]

Thats a new one on me too. I would try the firmware, or take it to a camera repair shop close by and see what they say. They might be able fix it there.

[Ron Kruger]

We don't have a camera shop around here, or I'd try that.
But, Greg, thanks so much for the link. I think this might work, because my version is 1.00 and the update is larger. I've suspected all along that the problem is one of a software glitch. I downloaded the upgrade to my computer, but before I can upgrade my camera software, I have to get an "SD/SDHC memory card with at least 16 MB," which I presume I'll have to order over the internet. This ads some hope to a frustrating situation, and I'm truly grateful.

[Ron Kruger]

Oh, man! Mega Bites, Giga Bites--I got confused. I have bought and use 2 GB cards in my camera, which is, I believe, about 2,000 MB. I have a 2 GB card in there now, but because I save my best shots in my computer, I think I'll buy an new one to do this, just to make sure I don't errase any of my images.
But I have another question: If I upgrade from 1.00 to 1.01, will I still be able to read and utilize the images recorded with the 1.00 software?

[zrfraser]

Dump your images onto your comp. The reformat the card in the camera. Then download the file to the camera. Should be no problem with the 1.00-1.01. Let us know how it works.

[Ron Kruger]

Thanks, Fraser. I actually thought of doing that, but I'm about due a new card anyway and can pick one up at a local store tomorrow. If they have one in stock, I'll use a new one. If not, I'll take your suggestion. You guys are great.

[zrfraser]

I know if you have an Office Depot nearby they have 4gb Sandisk Ultra II's for 29.99 which is a decent price. I just picked up 2 4gb CF cards, and they work great.