Pentax K2000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Pentax K2000 Digital SLR Camera. The Pentax K2000 is designed for ease of use, offering high-quality digital SLR photography with a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, a 2.7-inch LCD panel, and Pentax Shake Reduction technology.

Figure 1: Pentax K2000 Digital SLR Camera with the included 18-55mm lens and AF200FG flash unit.

Setup

1. Unpacking the Camera

Carefully unpack all components from the box. Ensure the following items are present:

• K2000 camera body
• DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens
• AF200FG auto flash
• USB cable I-USB17
• Video cable I-VC28
• Strap O-ST53
• Hotshoe cover
• Eyecup
• Body mount cover
• Finder cap
• Software CD-ROM
• AA Lithium batteries (4)
• Lens hood PH-RBA 52mm
• Lens cap O-LC52 52mm
• Rear lens cap
• Case for AF-200FG

2. Battery Installation

The Pentax K2000 uses four AA-size lithium batteries. Open the battery compartment, insert the batteries according to the polarity indicators, and close the compartment securely.

3. Memory Card Installation

The camera is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards. Open the memory card slot cover, insert the card with the label facing the correct direction until it clicks into place, and close the cover.

4. Lens Attachment

Align the red dot on the DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens with the red dot on the camera body's lens mount. Gently push the lens into the mount and turn it clockwise until it locks into place. Remove the body mount cover and rear lens cap before attachment.

5. Flash Attachment (AF200FG)

Slide the AF200FG auto flash onto the camera's hotshoe until it clicks. Ensure the hotshoe cover is removed first. Refer to the flash unit's separate manual for detailed operation.

Operating the Camera

1. Power On and Basic Controls

Turn the camera on using the power switch. Most buttons and dials are positioned on the camera's grip side for one-handed operation. Familiarize yourself with the shutter button, mode dial, and control buttons.

2. Using the Help Button

The dedicated Help button displays camera functions and explanations on the 2.7-inch LCD screen. This feature serves as a built-in user manual, assisting with unfamiliar digital SLR camera functions.

3. Shooting Modes

The K2000 offers various shooting modes:

• Auto Picture Mode: Automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait) and adjusts camera settings for optimal results.
• Creative Scene Modes: Ten additional scene modes are available for specific photographic situations.
• Manual Exposure Control: Options include Automatic, Bulb, ISO priority, Manual, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, and Shutter+Aperture priority.

4. Focusing

The camera features a high-precision 5-point AF system (SAFOX VIII with five cross-type sensors). This system automatically selects the optimum focus sensor. You can also enable only the centermost focus sensor using the Center Focusing option. Autofocus performance is improved in low lighting conditions.

5. Exposure Control and Image Enhancement

• Auto Sensitivity Control: Automatically sets ISO between 100 and 3200 based on subject brightness and lens focal length, allowing for faster shutter speeds in low light.
• Enhanced Dynamic Range: Extends the dynamic range to prevent highlight clipping.
• Shadow Adjustment Mode: Brings out detail in the darkest parts of the image.
• Custom Image Function: Offers six processing presets for image processing flexibility.

6. Continuous Shooting

The K2000 supports high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 3.5 frames per second (in JPEG format) to capture fast-moving subjects.

7. Viewfinder and LCD Monitor

• Viewfinder: Provides a large, bright image with approximately 96% field of view and 0.85X magnification, utilizing a penta-mirror prism and Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen.
• LCD Monitor: A 2.7-inch color LCD with approximately 230,000 dots of resolution. It offers a wide-view design (160 degrees vertically and horizontally) and digital zooming up to 16x for playback image confirmation.
• Status Screen: Displays camera settings on the LCD monitor for quick confirmation.

8. Digital Filters

Apply creative and artistic touches to recorded images using 14 built-in digital filters, including Toy Camera and Retro filters.

Maintenance

1. Dust Detection and Removal System

The K2000 features a comprehensive Dust Removal (DR) system:

• SP (Super Protect) Coating: A fluorine compound coating on the CCD image sensor's low pass filter surface prevents dust from sticking.
• Shake Reduction (SR) Mechanism: Shifts the image sensor at high speed to shake off stubborn dust particles.
• Adhesive Sheet: Dust shaken off the sensor falls onto an adhesive sheet, preventing it from returning.
• Dust Alert Function: Allows detection of dust placement on the sensor before cleaning operations.

2. General Cleaning

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the camera body and lens exterior. For lens elements, use a specialized lens cleaning solution and cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues and solutions for the Pentax K2000 camera.

• Blurry Images: Ensure Shake Reduction (SR) is active. Check shutter speed and ISO settings, especially in low light. Use a tripod if necessary.
• Dust on Sensor: Utilize the built-in Dust Removal system. If persistent, use the Dust Alert function to locate and address dust.
• Poor Low Light Performance: The camera's Auto Sensitivity Control (up to ISO 3200) and Shake Reduction are designed to mitigate this. Ensure these features are enabled.
• Battery Life: The camera is energy-efficient, recording approximately 1,650 images with four AA-size lithium batteries. Ensure fresh, high-quality batteries are used.
• Autofocus Issues: Ensure sufficient light for the 5-point AF system. Clean lens contacts if focus is inconsistent.

For more complex issues, consult the Pentax support website or a qualified service technician.

Specifications

Support and Software

Your Pentax K2000 camera includes a Software CD-ROM with Pentax PHOTO Laboratory 3 RAW data processing software and Pentax PHOTO Browser 3 browser software. These tools assist with managing and processing your images.

For further assistance, firmware updates, or service information, please visit the official Pentax support website.