As long as Pentax/Ricoh realise that if the price/quality doesn't match then consumers will look at the third party options and I'm sure the likes of Sigma and Tamrom will be watching the markets.

However it would be lucky days to find that odd little gem in the backstreet shops like my Teleplus PZ-AF X2 converter for £20 prior to SDM drives becoming the norm of the 50MM "A" for a fiver, sometimes it's just luck. Be hopeful.

Alan

Compatibility mode to get XP could be the clue as RA is only XP compliant.
Do you have access to a pure XP machine that would prove that territory.

Now the lead, is it a third party/copy lead? I bought one that was incorrectly wired gave absolutely no response. Luckily caused no damage. If I remember correctly one of the signal(centre pair)was swapped with the 0ve power.

Found a genuine Pentax lead and all was talking to each other as it should.

Sorry to say I don't still have my notes from that escapade

Alan

Not constructed a battery pack yet but why not stock up rechargeables at least first.
I run the Hybrids and they do give quite a good term without costing the earth.

Alan

The containers were red and white, sun was up at 08.30 and I expected it to hold.
Really grey mist would be zero contrast which I've had with still water on grey horizon.
As with all long lenses once focus slips off target hunting begins, and the longer the more critical.
I've chased the kites with moderate success with the 80-320, 500 mirror I just couldn't keep up

Brian
I agree good light it is a dream although I expected faster reactions (not to something akin to the 16-45)? but so much less hassle than the mirror.

Thanks for the replies guys.

Alan

Whilst browsing around found some comments on the Pentax Forum.com website that some are finding that the latest update has improved focus sensitivity. Although it seems unclear if this is purely on the mechanical drive with the later models, however I didn't notice any reference to the SDM drive.
Certainly with my K10D and 16-45 this seems to be true, although not having it long or being used to it's normal, it seemed quicker.

Here's the twist my Sigma 150-500 in good normal light remains unchanged but in early morning/misty conditions it's lost the plot.
Manually focusing on shipping containers in the Solent it was leaving the focus point and hunting.

Anyone else having these effects?

Alan

To quote the specs
"This t Mount Manual Focus telephoto lens comes with an adapter for your Pentax DSLR Camera. We also have Mount for All major Brands"

All singing dancing MANUAL.

being positive it wont have the mirror doughnuts but how good is the glass?

Having used a Tamron mirror with a "A" mount and got few very good results and remember getting better with a Photax "tube" on a Practica LTL3 more often, or is that my memory being positive?
Alan

Just to twist off line a little
I have a Kenko teleplus 2X MC7 - same contact layout so hopefully for future upgrades maybe I'm ready?
(It cost £29 from local LCE)

returning to original post: proves again some people have more money than sense. I know this hobby/life can be an obsession but!!!

I'd love a 1.7af for the mirror 'cos it's a pig to get a perfect "still" focus with a 2x, moving - forget it!
It will be found - one day.
regards
Alan

Re the Tamrom adaptall

According to photoshop my 500 F8 mirror has been modified to a F4 both with and without a 2x converter hanging on the front of my IstD so they may just a tamron interface "thing", as to exposure +0.7 seems to pull everything in perfection - less tweeks in PS = more time with a lens.

Regards
Alan

I think I was luckier

I found one for a fiver ....... added it into the kit just in case about 18 months ago, later picked up a 500 mirror, hey presto we are fully up and running.

Same place had a couple of (shhh) canon F mounts a week ago.

Regards
Alan

Thanks Kim

Thats about all I could find.
It's a heavy lens about the same length as the pentax 28-90 but with a bigger lump of glass at the front, filter thread is 72 mm.
Focus ring rotation is short only about 60 degrees.
Getting some reasonably results whilst relearning manual basics a tweak here and there in PS

As I said above it could be just a paper weight but it seems pretty OK so far certainly a £3 (usable) ornament.
Regards
Alan