Contax ST query

[Ian_A]

I bought a s/h Contax ST the other day, and have worked out all the functions except one: setting the data back. I can set the current date and time on it OK, but when I fire the shutter, it reverts to 1st Jan 1994. Either there is one last keypress I'm missing out, or the back is faulty.

The date/timestamp facility isn't particularly important to me, but I could do with determining if it's at fault as I can get it repaired under guarantee.

As I don't have a manual, is there anyone familiar with this model who can tell me how the back should be set?

[Benchista]

I've got an RX with a datback - it doesn't reset itself. You chose the mode with the "mode" button, press "select" to update, press "set" to get the required date/time, then press "mode" again to finish. I suspect the battery might be gone - the RX uses a CR2025 to power the dateback.

[Ian_A]

Thanks for that - I came to the conclusion it may be the battery powering the databack that was at fault whilst ostensibly listening to a long monologue from my drinking partner Stan in the pub earlier this evening - his monologues are akin to Vogon poetry ...

I'll replace the battery tomorrow and see what happens. The display looks 'strong' though.

[Ian_A]

I've installed a new battery, and it's holding the date/time. I guess the old one had enough energy for the LCD display, but lost the plot when lighting the LED's to imprint the film.

<Sigh> - no faults, so no free service while being repaired under guarantee now!

[TimF]

no free service while being repaired under guarantee now!

Tee Hee! Some places can get a bit p***ed off if you do that one too much. Perhaps they should inspect bought-in goods closer before handing over the money.

[Ian_A]

They don't have a problem with genuine faults. I'm sure it's all factored into the price.

The ST came with a 12 month guarantee, I'm sure it was only 6 months on the last s/h camera body I bought there.

[TimF]

Oh yes, they'll do the jobs that need doing. I've bought several items s/h recently, and regrettably, all needed some attention. Obviously, this begins to eat into the profit margins on such items. The upshot was I was told I should check the items more carefully before buying them, which seemed rather inverted to me. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[Ian_A]

The upshot was I was told I should check the items more carefully before buying them, which seemed rather inverted to me. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

They obviously hadn't followed this line of reasoning to its logical conclusion since the goods are going to come back whoever buys them if they are faulty. Maybe you need to change your dealer!

[Benchista]

Oh yes, they'll do the jobs that need doing. I've bought several items s/h recently, and regrettably, all needed some attention. Obviously, this begins to eat into the profit margins on such items. The upshot was I was told I should check the items more carefully before buying them, which seemed rather inverted to me. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Sounds a very sound rule - now why don't they practice what they preach?