How To: Convert SDM to ScrewDrive + Video

Bonobo · 10-25-2016, 10:02 AM

Trying to do this on a K3, firmware v 1.21, and I am stuck on step 4. Any idea why it might not transfer the original Lenseep file to my SD?

**bjdavey** · 10-26-2016, 10:09 AM

Originally posted by Bonobo

Trying to do this on a K3, firmware v 1.21, and I am stuck on step 4. Any idea why it might not transfer the original Lenseep file to my SD?

Quick search showed that others have also had this problem trying to use a K3 - see here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/328557-n...crewdrive.html From my experience, I know that a K5IIs definitely works. Seems that other prior models also do, so maybe it's from K3 forwards that issues arise.

Bonobo · 10-27-2016, 06:53 AM

Damn. I'd known that was the case in the past but I thought this workaround was newer and potentially a cure as a result of some diligent code work or a new firmware edition. I wouldn't put anything past the users we've got on here.

Thankfully none of my lenses are dead (yet), I just wanted to see how they performed w/out SDM.

gatorguy · 11-11-2016, 01:21 PM

Curious whether anyone has ever successfully converted the DA* 55 to screwdrive? I used it this past weekend for a few portraits and don't typically use autofocus for those anyway. But was downstairs and decide to take a quick shot of something in the kitchen and used (or tried to use) autofocus. No go, no response. It might have been just a blip and I'll be looking at it again this weekend. but curious if the SDM has actually failed if screwdrive is an option.

playerone · 12-01-2016, 04:45 AM

@gatorguy Pentax DA*55 can't be converted from SDM to screwdrive. It doesn't have screwdrive motor.

gatorguy · 12-02-2016, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by playerone

@gatorguy Pentax DA*55 can't be converted from SDM to screwdrive. It doesn't have screwdrive motor.

Thanks @Playerone. Guess it's manual then, tho I'll take a close look at the pins to see if I see anything obvious.

gzub · 12-06-2016, 02:44 PM

Do you think it can work when my sdm is already dead and stucked in the lens. I own 17-70. Like this lens but auto focus always was a problem. I paid for new motor drive but it need replacement again and won't put more money into it.

Blacknight659 · 12-09-2016, 05:41 AM

Originally posted by gzub

Do you think it can work when my sdm is already dead and stucked in the lens. I own 17-70. Like this lens but auto focus always was a problem. I paid for new motor drive but it need replacement again and won't put more money into it.

I don't know if it will work on the 17-70. I had my SDM jam on my 50-135 before I converted. I attached the lens to my film AF body and the screw drive was activated and freeded up the jam. Maybe you could try to spin the focus screw on the lens mount if the lens has one.

IDK if the lens can be converted to screw drive. I wish all the best to you. I hope they replace this lens with a DC motor version.

gzub · 12-09-2016, 05:45 AM

I will give it a try . Don't really have a choice and nothing too loose.

TeaTree · 12-11-2016, 11:35 AM

My 50-135 needed to be woken up every time I used it. As the SDM drive had already been for repair twice at Siemens Canada (before they closed their repair shop...) I tried this conversion: Did it with my old K5, worked fine, lens works now also fine on my K3II -> thanks for the detailed video and step-by-step description!

Blacknight659 · 12-11-2016, 11:58 AM

Originally posted by TeaTree

My 50-135 needed to be woken up every time I used it. As the SDM drive had already been for repair twice at Siemens Canada (before they closed their repair shop...) I tried this conversion: Did it with my old K5, worked fine, lens works now also fine on my K3II -> thanks for the detailed video and step-by-step description!

Not a problem, I am glad I could help. I feel Ricoh should speak to this issue. Too many of us have this problem. I am happy there is an answer for those willing to hack their lens. Too bad the 60-250 and 55 can't be converted.

**fwwidall** · 01-08-2017, 07:35 AM

A big "thank you" from me for this great posting. My six year old DA*200's SDM failed this weekend, and I was easily able to convert it to screw drive with these instructions using my K5. The SDM had failed once before about a year after I purchased the lens and it was repaired under warranty at that time. Hopefully I can now get at least another six years of great images form this lens. Thanks again, Fred.

DavidDwight · 01-08-2017, 08:19 AM

To anyone who has done this conversion: I've recently noticed some anomalies with two lenses I did this to and not sure if it is coincidental or cause. I have not gone back and changed it lens firmware back to the original file (which I saved) to see if the anomalies disappear (which would confirm it for me - thought I would ask before going to the effort). The anomalies? 1) camera not saving the fine focus adjustment calibration. I the the lens off, put another on and then switch back and it goes back to "none set" as if it doesn't recognize the lens. 2) the EXIF lens information is gone - going back a long way in my library it was clearly there but recently it is gone (but there for other lenses).

So could this change change how the camera recognizes the lens? It does not seem like a logical way to design the system but ...

**fwwidall** · 01-08-2017, 08:44 AM

I just tested my newly converted DA*200 on my K3, and I can't replicate your issues.

1) The fine focus adjustment calibration is being saved correctly, as far as I can see. I set it to '+10', changed to another lens which showed up as '+7', then switched back to the DA*200 which again showed up as '+10'

2) I ran a couple of images through 'exiftool' and the EXIF data appears normal, including the LensID.

Fred.

Blacknight659 · 01-08-2017, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by fwwidall

A big "thank you" from me for this great posting. My six year old DA*200's SDM failed this weekend, and I was easily able to convert it to screw drive with these instructions using my K5. The SDM had failed once before about a year after I purchased the lens and it was repaired under warranty at that time. Hopefully I can now get at least another six years of great images form this lens. Thanks again, Fred.

You are very welcome! I am happy this has helped so many people. Thanks for letting us know!

---------- Post added 01-08-17 at 04:13 PM ----------

Originally posted by DavidDwight

To anyone who has done this conversion: I've recently noticed some anomalies with two lenses I did this to and not sure if it is coincidental or cause. I have not gone back and changed it lens firmware back to the original file (which I saved) to see if the anomalies disappear (which would confirm it for me - thought I would ask before going to the effort). The anomalies? 1) camera not saving the fine focus adjustment calibration. I the the lens off, put another on and then switch back and it goes back to "none set" as if it doesn't recognize the lens. 2) the EXIF lens information is gone - going back a long way in my library it was clearly there but recently it is gone (but there for other lenses).

So could this change change how the camera recognizes the lens? It does not seem like a logical way to design the system but ...

I can't say I have these issues. It is my understanding we are only adjusting the lens rom that acknowledges the SDM motor is ready for use. I believe when this "check" happens, our adjustments bypass the "motor is present" or the check fails and by default, screw drive is used. I hate to point to the camera for these issues, but there could be an issue there OR perhaps there is additional issues with your lens other than the SDM and Rom mod.

I hate to hear you are having these issues. Please let us know the outcome.

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10-25-2016, 10:02 AM	#16
Bonobo Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Miami Posts: 226	Trying to do this on a K3, firmware v 1.21, and I am stuck on step 4. Any idea why it might not transfer the original Lenseep file to my SD?

10-26-2016, 10:09 AM	#17
bjdavey Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Alexandria, VA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 162	Originally posted by Bonobo Trying to do this on a K3, firmware v 1.21, and I am stuck on step 4. Any idea why it might not transfer the original Lenseep file to my SD? Quick search showed that others have also had this problem trying to use a K3 - see here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/328557-n...crewdrive.html From my experience, I know that a K5IIs definitely works. Seems that other prior models also do, so maybe it's from K3 forwards that issues arise.

10-27-2016, 06:53 AM	#18
Bonobo Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Miami Posts: 226	Damn. I'd known that was the case in the past but I thought this workaround was newer and potentially a cure as a result of some diligent code work or a new firmware edition. I wouldn't put anything past the users we've got on here. Thankfully none of my lenses are dead (yet), I just wanted to see how they performed w/out SDM.

11-11-2016, 01:21 PM	#19
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,093	Curious whether anyone has ever successfully converted the DA* 55 to screwdrive? I used it this past weekend for a few portraits and don't typically use autofocus for those anyway. But was downstairs and decide to take a quick shot of something in the kitchen and used (or tried to use) autofocus. No go, no response. It might have been just a blip and I'll be looking at it again this weekend. but curious if the SDM has actually failed if screwdrive is an option.

12-01-2016, 04:45 AM	#20
playerone New Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 2	@gatorguy Pentax DA*55 can't be converted from SDM to screwdrive. It doesn't have screwdrive motor.

12-02-2016, 01:06 PM	#21
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,093	Originally posted by playerone @gatorguy Pentax DA*55 can't be converted from SDM to screwdrive. It doesn't have screwdrive motor. Thanks @Playerone. Guess it's manual then, tho I'll take a close look at the pins to see if I see anything obvious.

12-06-2016, 02:44 PM	#22
gzub Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bydgoszcz Photos: Gallery Posts: 98	Do you think it can work when my sdm is already dead and stucked in the lens. I own 17-70. Like this lens but auto focus always was a problem. I paid for new motor drive but it need replacement again and won't put more money into it.

12-09-2016, 05:41 AM	#23
Blacknight659 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731 Original Poster	Originally posted by gzub Do you think it can work when my sdm is already dead and stucked in the lens. I own 17-70. Like this lens but auto focus always was a problem. I paid for new motor drive but it need replacement again and won't put more money into it. I don't know if it will work on the 17-70. I had my SDM jam on my 50-135 before I converted. I attached the lens to my film AF body and the screw drive was activated and freeded up the jam. Maybe you could try to spin the focus screw on the lens mount if the lens has one. IDK if the lens can be converted to screw drive. I wish all the best to you. I hope they replace this lens with a DC motor version.

12-09-2016, 05:45 AM	#24
gzub Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bydgoszcz Photos: Gallery Posts: 98	I will give it a try . Don't really have a choice and nothing too loose.

12-11-2016, 11:35 AM	#25
TeaTree New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 4	My 50-135 needed to be woken up every time I used it. As the SDM drive had already been for repair twice at Siemens Canada (before they closed their repair shop...) I tried this conversion: Did it with my old K5, worked fine, lens works now also fine on my K3II -> thanks for the detailed video and step-by-step description!

12-11-2016, 11:58 AM	#26
Blacknight659 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731 Original Poster	Originally posted by TeaTree My 50-135 needed to be woken up every time I used it. As the SDM drive had already been for repair twice at Siemens Canada (before they closed their repair shop...) I tried this conversion: Did it with my old K5, worked fine, lens works now also fine on my K3II -> thanks for the detailed video and step-by-step description! Not a problem, I am glad I could help. I feel Ricoh should speak to this issue. Too many of us have this problem. I am happy there is an answer for those willing to hack their lens. Too bad the 60-250 and 55 can't be converted.

01-08-2017, 07:35 AM	#27
fwwidall Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 276	A big "thank you" from me for this great posting. My six year old DA*200's SDM failed this weekend, and I was easily able to convert it to screw drive with these instructions using my K5. The SDM had failed once before about a year after I purchased the lens and it was repaired under warranty at that time. Hopefully I can now get at least another six years of great images form this lens. Thanks again, Fred.

01-08-2017, 08:19 AM	#28
DavidDwight Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Pittsburgh Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 74	To anyone who has done this conversion: I've recently noticed some anomalies with two lenses I did this to and not sure if it is coincidental or cause. I have not gone back and changed it lens firmware back to the original file (which I saved) to see if the anomalies disappear (which would confirm it for me - thought I would ask before going to the effort). The anomalies? 1) camera not saving the fine focus adjustment calibration. I the the lens off, put another on and then switch back and it goes back to "none set" as if it doesn't recognize the lens. 2) the EXIF lens information is gone - going back a long way in my library it was clearly there but recently it is gone (but there for other lenses). So could this change change how the camera recognizes the lens? It does not seem like a logical way to design the system but ...

01-08-2017, 08:44 AM	#29
fwwidall Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 276	I just tested my newly converted DA200 on my K3, and I can't replicate your issues. 1) The fine focus adjustment calibration is being saved correctly, as far as I can see. I set it to '+10', changed to another lens which showed up as '+7', then switched back to the DA200 which again showed up as '+10' 2) I ran a couple of images through 'exiftool' and the EXIF data appears normal, including the LensID. Fred.

01-08-2017, 03:08 PM	#30
Blacknight659 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731 Original Poster	Originally posted by fwwidall A big "thank you" from me for this great posting. My six year old DA*200's SDM failed this weekend, and I was easily able to convert it to screw drive with these instructions using my K5. The SDM had failed once before about a year after I purchased the lens and it was repaired under warranty at that time. Hopefully I can now get at least another six years of great images form this lens. Thanks again, Fred. You are very welcome! I am happy this has helped so many people. Thanks for letting us know! ---------- Post added 01-08-17 at 04:13 PM ---------- Originally posted by DavidDwight To anyone who has done this conversion: I've recently noticed some anomalies with two lenses I did this to and not sure if it is coincidental or cause. I have not gone back and changed it lens firmware back to the original file (which I saved) to see if the anomalies disappear (which would confirm it for me - thought I would ask before going to the effort). The anomalies? 1) camera not saving the fine focus adjustment calibration. I the the lens off, put another on and then switch back and it goes back to "none set" as if it doesn't recognize the lens. 2) the EXIF lens information is gone - going back a long way in my library it was clearly there but recently it is gone (but there for other lenses). So could this change change how the camera recognizes the lens? It does not seem like a logical way to design the system but ... I can't say I have these issues. It is my understanding we are only adjusting the lens rom that acknowledges the SDM motor is ready for use. I believe when this "check" happens, our adjustments bypass the "motor is present" or the check fails and by default, screw drive is used. I hate to point to the camera for these issues, but there could be an issue there OR perhaps there is additional issues with your lens other than the SDM and Rom mod. I hate to hear you are having these issues. Please let us know the outcome.