[netuser]

Hi

Seems this is the right place

I would like to know if this specific teleconverter
(https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/sold-items/56201-sale-sold-tamron-2x-mc7-af-tc.html) is supposed to work with the DA*300/4. (or other 2x teleconverter)

I mean, (not with SDM but) with screw.

I'm asking because this teleconverter with tamron 70-200 2.8 works perfectly (screw drive of course) but with my DA*300 (arrived today) only works on MF no SDM and no screw drive.

Any ideas ?

Thanks in advance

[netuser]

Bump

Anyone with a clue ?

[axl]

are there SDM/power zoom contacts on that TC?

[netuser]

are there SDM/power zoom contacts on that TC?

I have also 1.4x from tamron that works perfectly with SDM and this 2x converter has even more contacts than the 1.4x.

Will post some images in a couple of hours (on work now).

Thanks

Edit: But even if he doesn't have SDM contacts it's supposed to work with screw right ? or not ?

Edit 2: I will post images but if I recall well there are seven white contacts "outside" and two yellow ones inside.

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Last edited by netuser; 07-21-2009 at 02:44 AM.

[netuser]

are there SDM/power zoom contacts on that TC?

Images are here

(quick snaps)

[axl]

Now, I'm no expert and I never had SDM lens, so take my opinion with reservation.
Assumption 1: DA*300 (like 200, 16-50 & 50-135) have both screw and SDM powered focus
Assumption 2: screw is disengaged from focusing as soon as the lens detects SDM couplig with whatever
Your TC clearly has the power zoom contacts, which Pentax engineers reused for SDM. It's those 2 brass coloured pins on inner circle at 3o'clock position (pic1)and 10o'clock (pic2).
now assumption 3: these contacts are either damaged or not capable of transmitting the correct information between the body and the lens, but since they are there and coupling with lenses contacts assumption 2 is valid.

that means lens thinks it's ought to be using SDM since it found contacts and disengages screw = no AF.
there was a thread about modifying these older TCs to screwdriwen via taking those pins out. Other than that u can try to "blind" them so lens wouldn't contact with them and use screw. But that's just pure theory on my side and I'll leave it to some more experienced members to advise any solution.
But as far as reason for no AF goes, I'm pretty confident I'm right. If I'm not, anybody feel free to correct me....

BR
Peter

[axl]

ps: maybe silly question but is the lenses SDM working at all without TC?

[netuser]

I think your assumptions are very good

The lens is going to be used with 1.4x teleconverter. The 2x converter is just a plus since I'm quite happy with the images I took with it and the lens for testing purposes.
So, if I manage to have also a 2x SDM it will rock big time (for instance for surf images), if not I will also be very happy with screw drive focus. No Auto focus at all is what does not make me happy.

Later today I will try to blind them from the lens and I will come back with an answer .

[netuser]

ps: maybe silly question but is the lenses SDM working at all without TC?

The lens is working perfectly. It also work with the other teleconverter, the tamron 1.4x with SDM.

It just doesn't work with this one 2x but with your hints I will try to blind later after work and test it

Thanks again Peter

P.S. - Due to the SDM problems I read all over the forum I bought this lens with an extra fee for insurance, meaning, any problem with the lens on the first 365 days and I can send it back and get a full refund.

[netuser]

.........................
there was a thread about modifying these older TCs to screwdriwen via taking those pins out. ...............
BR
Peter

I remmember, just can't find it anymore.

[netuser]

Well, it's tested.

I blinded with tape both side of the "sdm" contacts on the teleconverter. Still no SDM and no screw.

(Remmember the teleconverter works fine with tamron 70-200 2.8)

[netuser]

121 views and only Peter advising

[Denis]

If it is the Px-AF version it should work with SDM/HSM otherwise the contacts are not active.

[axl]

121 views and only Peter advising

If you'd have named the thread: Preproduction pentax 2x SDM TC test you'd have many more views/replies
anyway, if it's not working even with the sdm contacts blinded then I give up.
did u blind them on both ends of the TC?
but that's just shot in the dark.

BR
Peter

[Miserere]

Well, it's tested.

I blinded with tape both side of the "sdm" contacts on the teleconverter. Still no SDM and no screw.

(Remmember the teleconverter works fine with tamron 70-200 2.8)

You should just need to cover one of the sides, but hey, no problem to overengineer it Although I'm wondering if it's something more than "electrical contact" that makes the camera body think it needs to use SDM. Maybe there is a pressure switch too, I don't know, but there shouldn't because the same TC works with your Tamron lens and the TC's contacts are still in contact with the body in this case.

Bear in mind that even if you do get AF working, it might not actually work because the resulting f/8 aperture might not be bright enough for the AF sensor to lock focus. In this case what would happen is that the lens motor would whir back and forth but never achieve focus. But you'll never know unless you get the AF working.

How did you mask the contacts? I assume you used think electrical tape.