Focusing problems with my DA 200mm

**TerryL** · 04-25-2019, 02:16 PM

Hello folks,
I am using this lens on my KP. I'm using back button focus, and am experiencing times when the lens doesn't focus. Most of the time, it works just fine, but there are times when it doesn't focus at all, no matter how hard I push the focus button. Today, I tried turning the camera off, then on again, and it started working again. It just doesn't seem to be reliable. I bought the lens from the Market Place, and it is in like new condition. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Thank you very much.
Terry

**derekkite** · 04-25-2019, 02:21 PM

When that happens is the viewfinder showing f--?

In any case clean the contacts on the lens and the camera body.

**pschlute** · 04-25-2019, 02:26 PM

That era of lens does have a reputation for not having the most reliable AF motors (it was new tech at the time)

Having said that i had three lenses of that type of AF motor and none of them ever failed. My 16-50 did however require "waking up". So my advice is don't leave it sitting in your camera bag for months on end, and when you go to use it start by manually turning the focus ring to both extremes and make the camera AF work to focus to the other extreme. Then the AF should be fine.

**nosliwmit** · 04-25-2019, 02:51 PM

My DA*300 is currently on the fritz with similar symptoms. I brought it to the local authorized repair center and they advised the motor needs replacement. I collected the lens so I could use it during my vacation but it'll go back to them for repair as soon as I get home. I'm missing lots of shots but still getting enough to justify bringing it. It's hard to nail manual focus...

**TerryL** · 04-25-2019, 03:28 PM

Originally posted by pschlute

That era of lens does have a reputation for not having the most reliable AF motors (it was new tech at the time)

Having said that i had three lenses of that type of AF motor and none of them ever failed. My 16-50 did however require "waking up". So my advice is don't leave it sitting in your camera bag for months on end, and when you go to use it start by manually turning the focus ring to both extremes and make the camera AF work to focus to the other extreme. Then the AF should be fine.

Thank you, Peter. I'll do that. I hope that works. It's a beautiful lens, and I really like it.

---------- Post added 04-25-19 at 03:30 PM ----------

Originally posted by nosliwmit

My DA*300 is currently on the fritz with similar symptoms. I brought it to the local authorized repair center and they advised the motor needs replacement. I collected the lens so I could use it during my vacation but it'll go back to them for repair as soon as I get home. I'm missing lots of shots but still getting enough to justify bringing it. It's hard to nail manual focus...

That's a shame. I had no idea that these two DA lenses had that issue.

---------- Post added 04-25-19 at 03:35 PM ----------

Originally posted by derekkite

When that happens is the viewfinder showing f--?

In any case clean the contacts on the lens and the camera body.

I'll check that, tomorrow. I'll definitely clean the contacts. The camera is new, and the lens looks new, so I wouldn't have thought to clean the contacts. Thank you.

---------- Post added 04-25-19 at 03:51 PM ----------

Originally posted by pschlute

That era of lens does have a reputation for not having the most reliable AF motors (it was new tech at the time)

Having said that i had three lenses of that type of AF motor and none of them ever failed. My 16-50 did however require "waking up". So my advice is don't leave it sitting in your camera bag for months on end, and when you go to use it start by manually turning the focus ring to both extremes and make the camera AF work to focus to the other extreme. Then the AF should be fine.

Peter,
What problem does letting it sit in it's pouch and in my bag cause? Does this sound like my motor is going bad?

**pschlute** · 04-25-2019, 04:01 PM

Originally posted by TerryL

What problem does letting it sit in it's pouch and in my bag cause? Does this sound like my motor is going bad?

Just use it regularly

**TerryL** · 04-25-2019, 05:16 PM

Originally posted by pschlute

Just use it regularly

Ok, Peter. What a pain. It's not a focal length that I use often.

**Perfessor5646** · 04-25-2019, 05:35 PM

I have a DA55* that sometimes needs to be awakened when I first mount it. The AF doesn’t work unless I remove it and remount it. Due to an over abundance of lenses that cover that short telephoto duty on my APSC cameras I do not use it regularly. I have grown quite fond of my DA*300 and take it out often so no problems so far.

**UncleVanya** · 04-25-2019, 08:33 PM

The wake up the motor or it quits is purely based on speculation - there's no way to run an experiment and test it.

Also that DA* 200 can be converted to screw drive easily. There are tgreads about it (on mobile hard to search right now) also I offer a service where I convert the lens for those who would rather not mess with it.

I'm happy to advise with what I know should you want to convert it. Or I can convert it for you.

**TerryL** · 04-26-2019, 06:47 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The wake up the motor or it quits is purely based on speculation - there's no way to run an experiment and test it.

Also that DA* 200 can be converted to screw drive easily. There are tgreads about it (on mobile hard to search right now) also I offer a service where I convert the lens for those who would rather not mess with it.

I'm happy to advise with what I know should you want to convert it. Or I can convert it for you.

How much does that cost? Will you need just the lens, or the camera, too?

---------- Post added 04-26-19 at 06:48 AM ----------

Originally posted by Perfessor5646

I have a DA55* that sometimes needs to be awakened when I first mount it. The AF doesn’t work unless I remove it and remount it. Due to an over abundance of lenses that cover that short telephoto duty on my APSC cameras I do not use it regularly. I have grown quite fond of my DA*300 and take it out often so no problems so far.

What exactly do you mean by wake up? Thank you.

**Perfessor5646** · 04-26-2019, 07:55 AM

Originally posted by TerryL

How much does that cost? Will you need just the lens, or the camera, too?

---------- Post added 04-26-19 at 06:48 AM ----------

What exactly do you mean by wake up? Thank you.

When I first mount it on the camera autofocus does not work. When I remove it and remount on the same or other body it starts working and keeps working. I’ve not taken the time to test other scenarios since I don’t use it a lot and when I do I’m usually headed out the door for something. This weekend I’ll probably do a DA* day with both the 55 and 300.

**TerryL** · 04-26-2019, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by pschlute

That era of lens does have a reputation for not having the most reliable AF motors (it was new tech at the time)

Having said that i had three lenses of that type of AF motor and none of them ever failed. My 16-50 did however require "waking up". So my advice is don't leave it sitting in your camera bag for months on end, and when you go to use it start by manually turning the focus ring to both extremes and make the camera AF work to focus to the other extreme. Then the AF should be fine.

Peter.
I tried the method you suggested, and do it each time before using it, and it hasn't failed since. The focusing is fast and silent, just as it should be. For today at least, it has been 100% reliable. Thank you very much.

---------- Post added 04-26-19 at 10:07 AM ----------

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The wake up the motor or it quits is purely based on speculation - there's no way to run an experiment and test it.

Also that DA* 200 can be converted to screw drive easily. There are tgreads about it (on mobile hard to search right now) also I offer a service where I convert the lens for those who would rather not mess with it.

I'm happy to advise with what I know should you want to convert it. Or I can convert it for you.

I followed Peter's advice, and it's working every time. If it completely gives out, I plan to contact you to fix. Thank you very much.

**pschlute** · 04-26-2019, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by TerryL

I tried the method you suggested, and do it each time before using it, and it hasn't failed since

Yes, the lens just needs to know it is loved and playing a role in your life

**UncleVanya** · 04-26-2019, 12:03 PM

Originally posted by TerryL

I followed Peter's advice, and it's working every time. If it completely gives out, I plan to contact you to fix. Thank you very much.

Excellent! Glad to hear it. My service is $30 plus you pay shipping both ways (and insurance etc.) or you can do it with an older body yourself. Only the lens is shipped to me and the conversion works from then on - on any Pentax body (so far, including the K-1). Here's a link to the marketplace thread:

SDM to Screwdrive Conversions - PentaxForums.com

I'm also happy to provide some assistance if you try to convert it yourself. This is a labor of love - I'm not in it to make money. I think these lenses are just amazing and hate to think any are lying around that could be saved.

04-25-2019, 02:16 PM	#1
TerryL Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 847	Focusing problems with my DA 200mm Hello folks, I am using this lens on my KP. I'm using back button focus, and am experiencing times when the lens doesn't focus. Most of the time, it works just fine, but there are times when it doesn't focus at all, no matter how hard I push the focus button. Today, I tried turning the camera off, then on again, and it started working again. It just doesn't seem to be reliable. I bought the lens from the Market Place, and it is in like new condition. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Thank you very much. Terry

04-25-2019, 05:35 PM	#8
Perfessor5646 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Louisville, KY Photos: Albums Posts: 451	*DA55 does something similar** I have a DA55* that sometimes needs to be awakened when I first mount it. The AF doesn’t work unless I remove it and remount it. Due to an over abundance of lenses that cover that short telephoto duty on my APSC cameras I do not use it regularly. I have grown quite fond of my DA*300 and take it out often so no problems so far.

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04-25-2019, 02:21 PM	#2
derekkite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,764	When that happens is the viewfinder showing f--? In any case clean the contacts on the lens and the camera body.

04-25-2019, 02:26 PM	#3
pschlute Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,610	That era of lens does have a reputation for not having the most reliable AF motors (it was new tech at the time) Having said that i had three lenses of that type of AF motor and none of them ever failed. My 16-50 did however require "waking up". So my advice is don't leave it sitting in your camera bag for months on end, and when you go to use it start by manually turning the focus ring to both extremes and make the camera AF work to focus to the other extreme. Then the AF should be fine.

04-25-2019, 02:51 PM	#4
nosliwmit Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hong Kong Photos: Gallery Posts: 698	My DA*300 is currently on the fritz with similar symptoms. I brought it to the local authorized repair center and they advised the motor needs replacement. I collected the lens so I could use it during my vacation but it'll go back to them for repair as soon as I get home. I'm missing lots of shots but still getting enough to justify bringing it. It's hard to nail manual focus...

04-25-2019, 03:28 PM	#5
TerryL Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 847 Original Poster	Originally posted by pschlute That era of lens does have a reputation for not having the most reliable AF motors (it was new tech at the time) Having said that i had three lenses of that type of AF motor and none of them ever failed. My 16-50 did however require "waking up". So my advice is don't leave it sitting in your camera bag for months on end, and when you go to use it start by manually turning the focus ring to both extremes and make the camera AF work to focus to the other extreme. Then the AF should be fine. Thank you, Peter. I'll do that. I hope that works. It's a beautiful lens, and I really like it. ---------- Post added 04-25-19 at 03:30 PM ---------- Originally posted by nosliwmit My DA*300 is currently on the fritz with similar symptoms. I brought it to the local authorized repair center and they advised the motor needs replacement. I collected the lens so I could use it during my vacation but it'll go back to them for repair as soon as I get home. I'm missing lots of shots but still getting enough to justify bringing it. It's hard to nail manual focus... That's a shame. I had no idea that these two DA lenses had that issue. ---------- Post added 04-25-19 at 03:35 PM ---------- Originally posted by derekkite When that happens is the viewfinder showing f--? In any case clean the contacts on the lens and the camera body. I'll check that, tomorrow. I'll definitely clean the contacts. The camera is new, and the lens looks new, so I wouldn't have thought to clean the contacts. Thank you. ---------- Post added 04-25-19 at 03:51 PM ---------- Originally posted by pschlute That era of lens does have a reputation for not having the most reliable AF motors (it was new tech at the time) Having said that i had three lenses of that type of AF motor and none of them ever failed. My 16-50 did however require "waking up". So my advice is don't leave it sitting in your camera bag for months on end, and when you go to use it start by manually turning the focus ring to both extremes and make the camera AF work to focus to the other extreme. Then the AF should be fine. Peter, What problem does letting it sit in it's pouch and in my bag cause? Does this sound like my motor is going bad?

04-25-2019, 04:01 PM	#6
pschlute Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,610	Originally posted by TerryL What problem does letting it sit in it's pouch and in my bag cause? Does this sound like my motor is going bad? Just use it regularly

04-25-2019, 05:16 PM	#7
TerryL Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 847 Original Poster	Originally posted by pschlute Just use it regularly Ok, Peter. What a pain. It's not a focal length that I use often.

04-25-2019, 08:33 PM	#9
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,456	The wake up the motor or it quits is purely based on speculation - there's no way to run an experiment and test it. Also that DA* 200 can be converted to screw drive easily. There are tgreads about it (on mobile hard to search right now) also I offer a service where I convert the lens for those who would rather not mess with it. I'm happy to advise with what I know should you want to convert it. Or I can convert it for you.

04-26-2019, 06:47 AM	#10
TerryL Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 847 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya The wake up the motor or it quits is purely based on speculation - there's no way to run an experiment and test it. Also that DA* 200 can be converted to screw drive easily. There are tgreads about it (on mobile hard to search right now) also I offer a service where I convert the lens for those who would rather not mess with it. I'm happy to advise with what I know should you want to convert it. Or I can convert it for you. How much does that cost? Will you need just the lens, or the camera, too? ---------- Post added 04-26-19 at 06:48 AM ---------- Originally posted by Perfessor5646 I have a DA55* that sometimes needs to be awakened when I first mount it. The AF doesn’t work unless I remove it and remount it. Due to an over abundance of lenses that cover that short telephoto duty on my APSC cameras I do not use it regularly. I have grown quite fond of my DA*300 and take it out often so no problems so far. What exactly do you mean by wake up? Thank you.

04-26-2019, 07:55 AM	#11
Perfessor5646 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Louisville, KY Photos: Albums Posts: 451	Originally posted by TerryL How much does that cost? Will you need just the lens, or the camera, too? ---------- Post added 04-26-19 at 06:48 AM ---------- What exactly do you mean by wake up? Thank you. When I first mount it on the camera autofocus does not work. When I remove it and remount on the same or other body it starts working and keeps working. I’ve not taken the time to test other scenarios since I don’t use it a lot and when I do I’m usually headed out the door for something. This weekend I’ll probably do a DA* day with both the 55 and 300.

04-26-2019, 09:21 AM	#12
TerryL Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 847 Original Poster	Originally posted by pschlute That era of lens does have a reputation for not having the most reliable AF motors (it was new tech at the time) Having said that i had three lenses of that type of AF motor and none of them ever failed. My 16-50 did however require "waking up". So my advice is don't leave it sitting in your camera bag for months on end, and when you go to use it start by manually turning the focus ring to both extremes and make the camera AF work to focus to the other extreme. Then the AF should be fine. Peter. I tried the method you suggested, and do it each time before using it, and it hasn't failed since. The focusing is fast and silent, just as it should be. For today at least, it has been 100% reliable. Thank you very much. ---------- Post added 04-26-19 at 10:07 AM ---------- Originally posted by UncleVanya The wake up the motor or it quits is purely based on speculation - there's no way to run an experiment and test it. Also that DA* 200 can be converted to screw drive easily. There are tgreads about it (on mobile hard to search right now) also I offer a service where I convert the lens for those who would rather not mess with it. I'm happy to advise with what I know should you want to convert it. Or I can convert it for you. I followed Peter's advice, and it's working every time. If it completely gives out, I plan to contact you to fix. Thank you very much.

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04-26-2019, 11:54 AM	#13
pschlute Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,610	Originally posted by TerryL I tried the method you suggested, and do it each time before using it, and it hasn't failed since Yes, the lens just needs to know it is loved and playing a role in your life

04-26-2019, 12:03 PM	#14
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,456	Originally posted by TerryL I followed Peter's advice, and it's working every time. If it completely gives out, I plan to contact you to fix. Thank you very much. Excellent! Glad to hear it. My service is $30 plus you pay shipping both ways (and insurance etc.) or you can do it with an older body yourself. Only the lens is shipped to me and the conversion works from then on - on any Pentax body (so far, including the K-1). Here's a link to the marketplace thread: SDM to Screwdrive Conversions - PentaxForums.com I'm also happy to provide some assistance if you try to convert it yourself. This is a labor of love - I'm not in it to make money. I think these lenses are just amazing and hate to think any are lying around that could be saved.