[hinman]

I bought a lens on Ebay from a Japanese store on a copy of mint Pentax DA* 55 f/1.4. The AF motor is not functioning. I intended to return to seller and later got a partial refund. The lens goes without lens hood and almost look mint in cosmetics. The orginal price was $280 and refund was $150. So my cost was $130.

Upon using it in MF, I love what I get from the color, build, and bokeh that I love in Pentax lenses. I need help to see if it is fixable. I don‘t know if it is an SDM or the focus motor problem. How hard is it to fix it yourself? Anyone with experience and the know-how in fixing it. I saw an article with great forum members detailing how to fix it. I am not handy man and I don’t trust myself in opening lens. Please offer me comments.

I am thinking of re-selling with honest listing on non-functioning on auto focus and it works beatifully in MF. My eyesight is the problem that I need auto focus and I used to enjoy MF lenses and with age getting to my astimatism, I prefer to shoot AF if I can. Would putting it out for $100 for non-autofocus lens get interest?

Attached Images

 

[hinman]

This is a test photo

[pschlute]

What camera ? Perhaps it needs the latest firmware.

[hinman]

What camera ? Perhaps it needs the latest firmware.

It was the older version for APS-C and I am using it on K3 which works perferctly on my DA* 50-135mm.

Thanks,
Hin

[davidreilly3207]

It was the older version for APS-C and I am using it on K3 which works perferctly on my DA* 50-135mm.

Thanks,
Hin

Concur you should check and make sure camera has latest firmware.

[gatorguy]

The *55 can't be converted to screwdrive. Manual focus with that lens is pretty easy, but if you don't want to deal with it and want AF you'll have to get another.

[davidreilly3207]

May be silly to ask but the photo of your lens shows the focus mode switch in manual. Have you checked switching back and forth a few times?

[gatorguy]

May be silly to ask but the photo of your lens shows the focus mode switch in manual. Have you checked switching back and forth a few times?

Very observant.

[hinman]

This is the clip in replacing SDM motor

Youtu.be

Youtu.be

---------- Post added 01-30-21 at 07:35 PM ----------

May be silly to ask but the photo of your lens shows the focus mode switch in manual. Have you checked switching back and forth a few times?

I forget to turn it back. Both modes will not have AF.

I will check on the firmware. My camera works perfectly with both 16-50, 50-135 and 60-250 all in DA* SDM. Will check, upgrade if it is not the latest and report back.

Thanks for your inputs.
Hin

[Sandy Hancock]

I have converted a DA*16-50 and DA*50-135 to screw drive, but with the DA*55 there's no option but to replace the SDM.

Not a DIY fix IMHO, but worth it for such a wonderful lens.

[caliscouser]

You can't DIY it because you can't get the parts unfortunately.

Repair at Precision (the authorized Ricoh repair shop in the USA) could run upwards towards $300, which puts you close to $430, then it is still missing the hood.
That's more than the used pricing for this lens. Might be worth it if it is pristine and optically a stellar copy, but most likely you're looking at this as a manual focus lens to keep or to resell.

I think you would get a taker for $100 as it is.

[hinman]

The *55 can't be converted to screwdrive. Manual focus with that lens is pretty easy, but if you don't want to deal with it and want AF you'll have to get another.

Thank you for your comment as I thought the SDM can be disabled to get the screw focus like the DA* 50-135.

Cheers,
Hin

---------- Post added 01-30-21 at 10:40 PM ----------

You can't DIY it because you can't get the parts unfortunately.

Repair at Precision (the authorized Ricoh repair shop in the USA) could run upwards towards $300, which puts you close to $430, then it is still missing the hood.
That's more than the used pricing for this lens. Might be worth it if it is pristine and optically a stellar copy, but most likely you're looking at this as a manual focus lens to keep or to resell.

I think you would get a taker for $100 as it is.

Thank you for your inputs. I am more then likely to re-sale with true info of non functioning AF and I hope to get back $100 or best offer. The current new one is under $500 in Adorama.

Cheers,
Hin

---------- Post added 01-30-21 at 10:40 PM ----------

You can't DIY it because you can't get the parts unfortunately.

Repair at Precision (the authorized Ricoh repair shop in the USA) could run upwards towards $300, which puts you close to $430, then it is still missing the hood.
That's more than the used pricing for this lens. Might be worth it if it is pristine and optically a stellar copy, but most likely you're looking at this as a manual focus lens to keep or to resell.

I think you would get a taker for $100 as it is.

Thank you for your inputs. I am more then likely to re-sale with true info of non functioning AF and I hope to get back $100 or best offer. The current new one is under $500 in Adorama.

Cheers,
Hin

---------- Post added 01-30-21 at 10:41 PM ----------

I have converted a DA*16-50 and DA*50-135 to screw drive, but with the DA*55 there's no option but to replace the SDM.

Not a DIY fix IMHO, but worth it for such a wonderful lens.

Thank you!!!

[Wingincamera]

Do a search on "SDM" or "SDM failures." Here is one link: SDM failure - PentaxForums.com

Basically, some have turned the camera in AF mode and leave it for a few minutes, rotate the lens back & forth a little and the SDM motor might wake up. From what I have read the SDM loses it's charge if not used for a while. I'm sure someone who has experience will comment about it.

[mikeSF]

Mine has died at least twice and came back to life using the procedure recommended here:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/300459-found-cheap-effective-way-fix-sdm-failures.html


I would try that before you pay for repairs or do surgery. Good luck.

[hinman]

Thank you so much for all help. I would take that procedure to see if I can magically bring AF to live. I love everything about this lens.