SDM Failure
Posted 07/01/2018 - 17:01
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I had my suspicions this problem had never been addressed.
Sorry to hear you've got the SDM failure problem. I sent mine to Johnsons Photopia Ltd, the official UK Pentax service centre. 2-3 years ago it cost me about £180.00
Sorry to hear you've got the SDM failure problem. I sent mine to Johnsons Photopia Ltd, the official UK Pentax service centre. 2-3 years ago it cost me about £180.00
Posted 07/01/2018 - 17:25
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Don't forget Pentax User Plus members get 20% discount on servicing from JPS. Well worth the modest cost.
Best regards, John
Posted 07/01/2018 - 17:29
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Alternatively, you will be able to convert it to screwdrive so you can still use it. The AF with screwdrive is just as fast if not faster, and not all that loud.
All the gear with no idea
Posted 07/01/2018 - 17:33
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HarisF1 wrote:
Alternatively, you will be able to convert it to screwdrive so you can still use it. The AF with screwdrive is just as fast if not faster, and not all that loud.
Alternatively, you will be able to convert it to screwdrive so you can still use it. The AF with screwdrive is just as fast if not faster, and not all that loud.
Is this easy to do? If so, how do I do it?
Phil
K-5iiS; K-r; ME Super; ME; DA* 16-50 f2.8; DA 18-135 WR; DA 55-300 WR; HD DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited; FA 50mm f1.4; A50mm f1.7; DAL 18-55mm; M40mm f2.8; + assorted non-Pentax lenses
My Flikr Page link
My Flikr Page link
Posted 07/01/2018 - 18:01
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swarf wrote:
Is this easy to do? If so, how do I do it?
Phil
HarisF1 wrote:
Alternatively, you will be able to convert it to screwdrive so you can still use it. The AF with screwdrive is just as fast if not faster, and not all that loud.
Alternatively, you will be able to convert it to screwdrive so you can still use it. The AF with screwdrive is just as fast if not faster, and not all that loud.
Is this easy to do? If so, how do I do it?
Phil
A bit of Sunday night light reading my help!!
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Regards
Tom
K-1ii,K-3iii's.
SMC PENTAX-DA FISH-EYE 1:3.5-4.5 10-17mm ED [IF],
SMC PENTAX-DA 1:4 15mm ED AL Limited, SMC PENTAX-DA 1:3.2 21mm AL Limited,
SMC PENTAX-F 1:2.8 28mm, HD Pentax-D FA* 1:1.4 50mm SDM AW,
SMC PENTAX-DA 1:2.4 70mm Limited, SMC PENTAX-D FA MACRO 1:2.8 100mm WR,
SMC PENTAX-DA* 1:4 300mm ED [IF] SDM,
SMC PENTAX-FA* 1:4 600mm IF & ED,
HD PENTAX -DA 1.4x AW AF REAR CONVERTER,
PENTAX AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash.
https://pentaxphotogallery.com/artist-gallery/?artist_id=20168301
Tom
K-1ii,K-3iii's.
SMC PENTAX-DA FISH-EYE 1:3.5-4.5 10-17mm ED [IF],
SMC PENTAX-DA 1:4 15mm ED AL Limited, SMC PENTAX-DA 1:3.2 21mm AL Limited,
SMC PENTAX-F 1:2.8 28mm, HD Pentax-D FA* 1:1.4 50mm SDM AW,
SMC PENTAX-DA 1:2.4 70mm Limited, SMC PENTAX-D FA MACRO 1:2.8 100mm WR,
SMC PENTAX-DA* 1:4 300mm ED [IF] SDM,
SMC PENTAX-FA* 1:4 600mm IF & ED,
HD PENTAX -DA 1.4x AW AF REAR CONVERTER,
PENTAX AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash.
https://pentaxphotogallery.com/artist-gallery/?artist_id=20168301
Posted 07/01/2018 - 19:45
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I recommend Asahi Photo in Brentford (speak to Pramath), they do it at a fraction of the cost of JPSS.
He said that replacement units are unreliable, he does test them before fitting. My 16-50 is on its third motor
He said that replacement units are unreliable, he does test them before fitting. My 16-50 is on its third motor
AKA Welshwizard/PWynneJ
Assorted Pentax/Nikon/Mamiya stuff
Assorted Pentax/Nikon/Mamiya stuff
Posted 08/01/2018 - 02:00
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The various postings relating to failed SDM components have led me to avoid them like the plague. If they are that unreliable, why do Pentax keep selling them?
Posted 08/01/2018 - 06:55
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Unfortunately, until Pentax release a revised version of the lens, the best solution is to buy a Sigma or Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 instead.
I wouldn't touch any SDM lenses with a barge pole, even though the WR would be really handy.
I wouldn't touch any SDM lenses with a barge pole, even though the WR would be really handy.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Posted 08/01/2018 - 08:41
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This stems from some early problems with a design fault in a couple of SDM lenses and it was tackled years ago by Pentax. There will always be some failures of any item, but SDM should be as fine as any other focusing system motor. WE haven't heard much about the issue for a very long time.
Best regards, John
Posted 08/01/2018 - 08:55
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johnriley wrote:
This stems from some early problems with a design fault in a couple of SDM lenses and it was tackled years ago by Pentax. There will always be some failures of any item, but SDM should be as fine as any other focusing system motor. WE haven't heard much about the issue for a very long time.
This stems from some early problems with a design fault in a couple of SDM lenses and it was tackled years ago by Pentax. There will always be some failures of any item, but SDM should be as fine as any other focusing system motor. WE haven't heard much about the issue for a very long time.
Swarf’s lens is only three years old, so unless it was old stock it sounds as if the issue hasn’t been fully sorted yet.
I am concerned because I am thinking of a DA*200mm lens.
Posted 08/01/2018 - 09:32
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The point I'm making Rob is that Swarf's lens could be the only one that's failed in the last three years, we have no idea what the percentage failure rate is.
There has been no history of problems with the 200mm f/2.8 lens.
There has been no history of problems with the 200mm f/2.8 lens.
Best regards, John
Posted 08/01/2018 - 09:36
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Thanks for the reassurance John.
Posted 08/01/2018 - 09:59
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RobL wrote:
Swarf’s lens is only three years old, so unless it was old stock it sounds as if the issue hasn’t been fully sorted yet.
I am concerned because I am thinking of a DA*200mm lens.
johnriley wrote:
This stems from some early problems with a design fault in a couple of SDM lenses and it was tackled years ago by Pentax. There will always be some failures of any item, but SDM should be as fine as any other focusing system motor. WE haven't heard much about the issue for a very long time.
This stems from some early problems with a design fault in a couple of SDM lenses and it was tackled years ago by Pentax. There will always be some failures of any item, but SDM should be as fine as any other focusing system motor. WE haven't heard much about the issue for a very long time.
Swarf’s lens is only three years old, so unless it was old stock it sounds as if the issue hasn’t been fully sorted yet.
I am concerned because I am thinking of a DA*200mm lens.
The SDM on my 16-50 failed and had to be replaced. Even with the new motor it soon became sleepy and I lost confidence in it and traded it in for a 20-40. However, my other SDM lenses - DA* 200, DA* 60-250 and DFA 24-70 - have never given any problems. I suspect the design of the 16-50 makes greater demands on the motor. The DA*200 is a great lens. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Regards, Philip
Posted 08/01/2018 - 13:47
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Got mine new about April last year
Modest amount of use but doing very nicely for me so far.
Will say if that changes mind!
Modest amount of use but doing very nicely for me so far.
Will say if that changes mind!
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850 posts
13 years
Woking
If not, where's the best place to get it repaired, and any ideas on how much it might cost?
Phil
My Flikr Page link