I searched three pages of listings but didn't find what I wanted to know.

photolady95 · 08-31-2017, 10:46 AM

On the Pentax FA 100-300mm Black version, there is a switch on the side of the barrel. What are these settings for? There is a button that pushes, there is a switch that moves from P A>AS. The switch slides to P but trying to slide to AS but never stays there if I release the switch and the button doesn't seem to do anything about changing either position.

And I read on this forum that an FA lens can be set as MF though there is no switch t change from AF to MF.

Also as you should know, I'm sure you all do, that this a power zoom lens.

chunkiness · 08-31-2017, 10:54 AM

Could the AS be the aperture preview?

**boriscleto** · 08-31-2017, 10:58 AM

It is to switch between different power zoom modes. It is usually missing...It only works on PZ series cameras anyway, later cameras just allowed basic power zoom.

**jatrax** · 08-31-2017, 10:59 AM

Isn't that the power zoom switch? Never owned one myself so I'm not sure but some FA lenses had a power zoom feature. Not sure if any modern cameras will make that function as I think the power zoom contacts were morphed into the SDM contacts for autofocus.

Adam · 08-31-2017, 11:02 AM

Originally posted by photolady95

On the Pentax FA 100-300mm Black version, there is a switch on the side of the barrel. What are these settings for? There is a button that pushes, there is a switch that moves from P A>AS. The switch slides to P but trying to slide to AS but never stays there if I release the switch and the button doesn't seem to do anything about changing either position.

And I read on this forum that an FA lens can be set as MF though there is no switch t change from AF to MF.

Also as you should know, I'm sure you all do, that this a power zoom lens.

Those buttons are useless on all but a few film cameras, but here's some info on what they're for:

Pentax Lens Power Zoom

photolady95 · 08-31-2017, 11:15 AM

Thanks Adam, that explanation was it in a nutshell. I sold my K10D I had left so I use it without activating the power zoom function with my other cameras.

Adam · 08-31-2017, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by photolady95

Thanks Adam, that explanation was it in a nutshell. I sold my K10D I had left so I use it without activating the power zoom function with my other cameras.

What are you shooting with now? Basic PZ works on all flagship models (K-5, K-3, K-1 etc).

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

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photolady95 · 08-31-2017, 11:43 AM

I have a K-50, K-30 x 2, and K-x. As we know none of those work with the power zoom.

**mikesbike** · 08-31-2017, 02:44 PM

One good feature of the old Pentax power zoom system was that AF is activated as you power-zoom the lens to the framing you want, so by the time you get your framing, the subject is already in focus! It makes for extra-fast AF in a zoom lens. Pentax Power-Zoom as conceived back in the mid-1990's was ahead of its time. Today, with a fast, quiet AF system, it would be functionally much better.

victormeldrew · 08-31-2017, 02:55 PM

Originally posted by photolady95

I searched three pages of listings but didn't find what I wanted to know

I'm glad you've found your answer now. For future reference, search works much better when the subject of the threads reflects the subject of the content...If the subject here was "FA 100-300 switch" or similar, then future searchers would be able to find the answer much more easily.

photolady95 · 08-31-2017, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by mikesbike

One good feature of the old Pentax power zoom system was that AF is activated as you power-zoom the lens to the framing you want, so by the time you get your framing, the subject is already in focus! It makes for extra-fast AF in a zoom lens. Pentax Power-Zoom as conceived back in the mid-1990's was ahead of its time. Today, with a fast, quiet AF system, it would be functionally much better.

Well, on my K-50 or K-30 this lens is a piece of junk. I tried using it just as a zoom lens on both of my cameras and everything I shot, was OOF. That's why I asked about the switch if it could be set to MF as then I'd be able to use CIF. I appreciate the input but I am not a beginner photographer, eh.

Originally posted by victormeldrew

I'm glad you've found your answer now. For future reference, search works much better when the subject of the threads reflects the subject of the content...If the subject here was "FA 100-300 switch" or similar, then future searchers would be able to find the answer much more easily.

Thanks for the input. I should have used the word Switch, you're right about that and since I did get my answer, that's now kind of a moot point. LOL

**boriscleto** · 08-31-2017, 03:57 PM

Originally posted by photolady95

Well, on my K-50 or K-30 this lens is a piece of junk.

The non-power zoom version has a much better reputation...

photolady95 · 08-31-2017, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

The non-power zoom version has a much better reputation...

Are you talking about the F version? Because I owned that one at one time, and sold it just before I moved from Texas.

Or this one?
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-100-300mm-F4.7-5.8-Zoom-Lens.html

**boriscleto** · 08-31-2017, 04:11 PM

Originally posted by photolady95

Or this one?
SMC Pentax-FA 100-300mm F4.7-5.8 Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

That one.

photolady95 · 08-31-2017, 04:17 PM

Thanks Ben. I bought the F version back in 2000 when I bought my ZX-5n and at that time I was informed the FA version had better optics. And that's why I bought this one I have now not knowing it was the non-zoom I needed. Well, what can I say, live and learn, eh.

Now I'll be looking for that one above. Perhaps I can sell this one to someone who can use the power zoom on their camera, one I don't own that others have told me work well with it.

08-31-2017, 10:46 AM	#1
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	I searched three pages of listings but didn't find what I wanted to know. On the Pentax FA 100-300mm Black version, there is a switch on the side of the barrel. What are these settings for? There is a button that pushes, there is a switch that moves from P A>AS. The switch slides to P but trying to slide to AS but never stays there if I release the switch and the button doesn't seem to do anything about changing either position. And I read on this forum that an FA lens can be set as MF though there is no switch t change from AF to MF. Also as you should know, I'm sure you all do, that this a power zoom lens.

08-31-2017, 11:02 AM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by photolady95 On the Pentax FA 100-300mm Black version, there is a switch on the side of the barrel. What are these settings for? There is a button that pushes, there is a switch that moves from P A>AS. The switch slides to P but trying to slide to AS but never stays there if I release the switch and the button doesn't seem to do anything about changing either position. And I read on this forum that an FA lens can be set as MF though there is no switch t change from AF to MF. Also as you should know, I'm sure you all do, that this a power zoom lens. Those buttons are useless on all but a few film cameras, but here's some info on what they're for: Pentax Lens Power Zoom Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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08-31-2017, 10:54 AM	#2
chunkiness Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Central California Posts: 164	Could the AS be the aperture preview?

08-31-2017, 10:58 AM	#3
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	It is to switch between different power zoom modes. It is usually missing...It only works on PZ series cameras anyway, later cameras just allowed basic power zoom.

08-31-2017, 10:59 AM	#4
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Isn't that the power zoom switch? Never owned one myself so I'm not sure but some FA lenses had a power zoom feature. Not sure if any modern cameras will make that function as I think the power zoom contacts were morphed into the SDM contacts for autofocus.

08-31-2017, 11:15 AM	#6
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Thanks Adam, that explanation was it in a nutshell. I sold my K10D I had left so I use it without activating the power zoom function with my other cameras.

08-31-2017, 11:40 AM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by photolady95 Thanks Adam, that explanation was it in a nutshell. I sold my K10D I had left so I use it without activating the power zoom function with my other cameras. What are you shooting with now? Basic PZ works on all flagship models (K-5, K-3, K-1 etc). Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

08-31-2017, 11:43 AM	#8
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	I have a K-50, K-30 x 2, and K-x. As we know none of those work with the power zoom.

08-31-2017, 02:44 PM	#9
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	One good feature of the old Pentax power zoom system was that AF is activated as you power-zoom the lens to the framing you want, so by the time you get your framing, the subject is already in focus! It makes for extra-fast AF in a zoom lens. Pentax Power-Zoom as conceived back in the mid-1990's was ahead of its time. Today, with a fast, quiet AF system, it would be functionally much better.

08-31-2017, 02:55 PM	#10
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Originally posted by photolady95 I searched three pages of listings but didn't find what I wanted to know I'm glad you've found your answer now. For future reference, search works much better when the subject of the threads reflects the subject of the content...If the subject here was "FA 100-300 switch" or similar, then future searchers would be able to find the answer much more easily.

08-31-2017, 03:53 PM	#11
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Originally posted by mikesbike One good feature of the old Pentax power zoom system was that AF is activated as you power-zoom the lens to the framing you want, so by the time you get your framing, the subject is already in focus! It makes for extra-fast AF in a zoom lens. Pentax Power-Zoom as conceived back in the mid-1990's was ahead of its time. Today, with a fast, quiet AF system, it would be functionally much better. Well, on my K-50 or K-30 this lens is a piece of junk. I tried using it just as a zoom lens on both of my cameras and everything I shot, was OOF. That's why I asked about the switch if it could be set to MF as then I'd be able to use CIF. I appreciate the input but I am not a beginner photographer, eh. Originally posted by victormeldrew I'm glad you've found your answer now. For future reference, search works much better when the subject of the threads reflects the subject of the content...If the subject here was "FA 100-300 switch" or similar, then future searchers would be able to find the answer much more easily. Thanks for the input. I should have used the word Switch, you're right about that and since I did get my answer, that's now kind of a moot point. LOL

08-31-2017, 03:57 PM	#12
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by photolady95 Well, on my K-50 or K-30 this lens is a piece of junk. The non-power zoom version has a much better reputation...

08-31-2017, 04:02 PM	#13
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Originally posted by boriscleto The non-power zoom version has a much better reputation... Are you talking about the F version? Because I owned that one at one time, and sold it just before I moved from Texas. Or this one? https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-100-300mm-F4.7-5.8-Zoom-Lens.html

08-31-2017, 04:11 PM	#14
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by photolady95 Or this one? SMC Pentax-FA 100-300mm F4.7-5.8 Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database That one.

08-31-2017, 04:17 PM	#15
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Thanks Ben. I bought the F version back in 2000 when I bought my ZX-5n and at that time I was informed the FA version had better optics. And that's why I bought this one I have now not knowing it was the non-zoom I needed. Well, what can I say, live and learn, eh. Now I'll be looking for that one above. Perhaps I can sell this one to someone who can use the power zoom on their camera, one I don't own that others have told me work well with it.