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cindaaalynnn · 03-27-2012, 10:27 AM

I've had the DA 16-50 F2.8 lens for just a little more than a year now and in my opinion has been working completely fine with my K-5 up until two weeks ago. Out of now where, the camera or lens (as I'm not quite sure which) refuses to focus even if I have it set on AF on both the camera and lens. I have to switch the lens to MF as well as the on camera to M as it doesn't work on AF-C or AF-S setting. The shutter won't release unless it manually focused. The strange thing is, when I put the 16-60mm on my K10D to see if it's my K-5 or the lens that is acting funny, it works perfectly. Here's the kicker, tried out my 50mm and my 25-75mm onto the K-5 and those are focusing on the camera.

Is this a SDM problem with my lens? Or is my K5 acting up (which I had for less than a year) If so, any advice on what I should do to get this fix as the 16-50 + K5 was my walk around kit (even with the heavy weight :[)

Much appreciated in advance for all your help! I love this forum.

sterretje · 03-27-2012, 10:57 AM

The K10D with some older firmware versions still uses screw drive; not sure which version was the first to support SDM; you can research that and compare with the version that you have on the K10D.

If other lenses on the K5 work fine, my guess will be that it's a SDM problem. If there's a shop around that sells Pentax, you can try it out there. Else you can send both 16-50 and K5 in to the local repair facility so they can eliminate.

aleonx3 · 03-27-2012, 11:00 AM

based on what is described, it is very likely to be SDM issue since the k-5 will not support screw drive on lens with SDM but the k10D will depending on the firmware (older release will support).

foxhead · 03-27-2012, 11:14 AM

Make sure that your battery is fully charged and try it again. Also try focusing manually and then try auto focus again.

ohce · 03-28-2012, 12:57 AM

+1. My 50-135 had similar issue on my K200D. But with fully charged batteries (4xAA),it works like a charm.

Originally posted by foxhead

Make sure that your battery is fully charged and try it again. Also try focusing manually and then try auto focus again.

johnyeros · 03-29-2012, 12:39 PM

You're refering to the SDM problem :\...

I was quoted 300 for fixing it on my 50-135..

Do this.. just work slowly in clean space with bright light.

DIY SDM repair v1.0

rfortson · 03-30-2012, 06:24 AM

Yep, sounds like SDM problem. I just sucked it up and paid $290 to have mine repaired (plus another $290 for my 50-135).

krebsy75 · 03-30-2012, 08:21 AM

$300... O u c h!!!!

03-27-2012, 10:27 AM	#1
cindaaalynnn Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 78	16-50 on my K5 I've had the DA 16-50 F2.8 lens for just a little more than a year now and in my opinion has been working completely fine with my K-5 up until two weeks ago. Out of now where, the camera or lens (as I'm not quite sure which) refuses to focus even if I have it set on AF on both the camera and lens. I have to switch the lens to MF as well as the on camera to M as it doesn't work on AF-C or AF-S setting. The shutter won't release unless it manually focused. The strange thing is, when I put the 16-60mm on my K10D to see if it's my K-5 or the lens that is acting funny, it works perfectly. Here's the kicker, tried out my 50mm and my 25-75mm onto the K-5 and those are focusing on the camera. Is this a SDM problem with my lens? Or is my K5 acting up (which I had for less than a year) If so, any advice on what I should do to get this fix as the 16-50 + K5 was my walk around kit (even with the heavy weight :[) Much appreciated in advance for all your help! I love this forum.

03-27-2012, 10:57 AM	#2
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	The K10D with some older firmware versions still uses screw drive; not sure which version was the first to support SDM; you can research that and compare with the version that you have on the K10D. If other lenses on the K5 work fine, my guess will be that it's a SDM problem. If there's a shop around that sells Pentax, you can try it out there. Else you can send both 16-50 and K5 in to the local repair facility so they can eliminate.

03-27-2012, 11:00 AM	#3
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	based on what is described, it is very likely to be SDM issue since the k-5 will not support screw drive on lens with SDM but the k10D will depending on the firmware (older release will support).

03-27-2012, 11:14 AM	#4
foxhead Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 55	Make sure that your battery is fully charged and try it again. Also try focusing manually and then try auto focus again.

03-28-2012, 12:57 AM	#5
ohce Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 477	+1. My 50-135 had similar issue on my K200D. But with fully charged batteries (4xAA),it works like a charm. Originally posted by foxhead Make sure that your battery is fully charged and try it again. Also try focusing manually and then try auto focus again.

03-29-2012, 12:39 PM	#6
johnyeros Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 199	You're refering to the SDM problem :\... I was quoted 300 for fixing it on my 50-135.. Do this.. just work slowly in clean space with bright light. DIY SDM repair v1.0

03-30-2012, 06:24 AM	#7
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	Yep, sounds like SDM problem. I just sucked it up and paid $290 to have mine repaired (plus another $290 for my 50-135).

03-30-2012, 08:21 AM	#8
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804	$300... O u c h!!!!

16-50 on my K5

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