FA 100-300 sanity check please

Nass · 06-01-2013, 04:01 PM

Hello,

I never use it so when mounting an SMC Pentax-FA 100-300mm F4.7-5.8 on K5 or K7, I was expecting to be able to use aperture setting in-body, but all I see is the dreaded "F--" when set on -a. Am I being a plank - is my expectation wrong, or is this a common fault and what can I do about it? Cam works as expected for all other lenses.

Thanks!

Julie · 06-01-2013, 04:06 PM

You want to make sure that the contacts on the lens and camera are clean, that the lens is set at "A" on the ring, and that your camera is set to allow the use of aperture rings (you should find this option in the menus- on my K-01 is it found by pressing the "Menu" button and going to the tab "C 3").

**jatrax** · 06-01-2013, 04:18 PM

Originally posted by Nass

is my expectation wrong

No, your expectation is correct. FA lenses should work with aperture setting in the body. As noted above double check that you are in 'A' mode on the lens. Take it off 'A' mode and rotate the aperture through the range then put it back in 'A' and try again. Also try buffing the contacts with a micro-fiber cloth. Also look at the contacts on the lens, they should all be present and sticking up the same amount.

I don't think you need "allow aperture ring" turned on unless you are using it in a non-'A' position. But it does not hurt anything to set it on anyway.

Nass · 06-02-2013, 01:57 AM

hm, ok, thanks.

ForceShade · 06-23-2013, 12:21 PM

I have the same exact lens connected to a K5-IIs camera - For me it worked first time. Even though I had already set the "allow aperture ring" to ON.

I turned it off now and tested it, it works for me with it off as well (though moving it off of "A" into the manual setting doesnt work with the "allow aperture ring" off). Hope that helps you.

06-01-2013, 04:01 PM	#1
Nass Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The British Isles Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,402	FA 100-300 sanity check please Hello, I never use it so when mounting an SMC Pentax-FA 100-300mm F4.7-5.8 on K5 or K7, I was expecting to be able to use aperture setting in-body, but all I see is the dreaded "F--" when set on -a. Am I being a plank - is my expectation wrong, or is this a common fault and what can I do about it? Cam works as expected for all other lenses. Thanks!

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06-01-2013, 04:06 PM	#2
Julie Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,069	You want to make sure that the contacts on the lens and camera are clean, that the lens is set at "A" on the ring, and that your camera is set to allow the use of aperture rings (you should find this option in the menus- on my K-01 is it found by pressing the "Menu" button and going to the tab "C 3").

06-01-2013, 04:18 PM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Nass is my expectation wrong No, your expectation is correct. FA lenses should work with aperture setting in the body. As noted above double check that you are in 'A' mode on the lens. Take it off 'A' mode and rotate the aperture through the range then put it back in 'A' and try again. Also try buffing the contacts with a micro-fiber cloth. Also look at the contacts on the lens, they should all be present and sticking up the same amount. I don't think you need "allow aperture ring" turned on unless you are using it in a non-'A' position. But it does not hurt anything to set it on anyway.

06-02-2013, 01:57 AM	#4
Nass Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The British Isles Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,402 Original Poster	hm, ok, thanks.

06-23-2013, 12:21 PM	#5
ForceShade New Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	I have the same exact lens connected to a K5-IIs camera - For me it worked first time. Even though I had already set the "allow aperture ring" to ON. I turned it off now and tested it, it works for me with it off as well (though moving it off of "A" into the manual setting doesnt work with the "allow aperture ring" off). Hope that helps you.