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11-08-2016, 12:11 PM   #1
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Pentax DA 55-300/4.5-6.3 ED WM PLM WR RE Compatibility

Hi,
I just noticed that the description, spec, and Q/A for this lens are misleading. While the mount is Pentax-K, the lens is only compatible with bodies that support the so-called KAF4 specification. Those include K-70, K-1*, K-S2*, K-S1*, and K-3II*. Older model bodies lack firmware support to control the electromagnetic aperture diaphragm on this lens.

Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens 21277


Steve

* Requires firmware upgrade


Last edited by stevebrot; 11-08-2016 at 12:18 PM.
11-08-2016, 02:05 PM   #2
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Hello,

Thanks for the feedback, I'll will have our answer changed to reduce any confusion.

Per us.ricoh-imaging.com, the weather-resistant HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE telephoto zoom lens is designed for use with PENTAX K-mount digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras.

The new electromagnetic diaphragm control system designed for quiet sound operation during movie recording when mounted on the new PENTAX K-70 digital SLR camera body.

Ricoh/Pentax adds: This lens features a KAF4 lens mount compatible with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system. In order to use this lens, the camera’s firmware must be upgraded to the latest version (except for the PENTAX K-70). If this lens is mounted on a camera without proper firmware upgrade, its diaphragm control mechanism becomes inactive, making it impossible to obtain correct exposure.

Cameras compatible with this system: PENTAX K-70, K-1, K-3 II, K-S2 and K-S1

I called Ricoh Support and they said if the lens is used on other/older bodies, full auto exposure may not work accurately [the reps words to myself]. He added they are unaware of issues with the lens used in manual mode or aperture priority.


Chuck
11-08-2016, 02:05 PM   #3
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Hello,

Thanks for the feedback, I'll will have our answer changed to reduce any confusion.

Per us.ricoh-imaging.com, the weather-resistant HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE telephoto zoom lens is designed for use with PENTAX K-mount digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras.

The new electromagnetic diaphragm control system designed for quiet sound operation during movie recording when mounted on the new PENTAX K-70 digital SLR camera body.

Ricoh/Pentax adds: This lens features a KAF4 lens mount compatible with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system. In order to use this lens, the camera’s firmware must be upgraded to the latest version (except for the PENTAX K-70). If this lens is mounted on a camera without proper firmware upgrade, its diaphragm control mechanism becomes inactive, making it impossible to obtain correct exposure.

Cameras compatible with this system: PENTAX K-70, K-1, K-3 II, K-S2 and K-S1

I called Ricoh Support and they said if the lens is used on other/older bodies, full auto exposure may not work accurately [the reps words to myself]. He added they are unaware of issues with the lens used in manual mode or aperture priority.


Chuck
11-08-2016, 06:10 PM - 1 Like   #4
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Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Chuck-B&H Quote
If this lens is mounted on a camera without proper firmware upgrade, its diaphragm control mechanism becomes inactive, making it impossible to obtain correct exposure.

Cameras compatible with this system: PENTAX K-70, K-1, K-3 II, K-S2 and K-S1
Thanks for the quick action!

The lens lacks an external aperture actuator. With the exception of the K-70, the other bodies on the list require upgrade to the most recent firmware version in order for the body to control the aperture. I don't have a copy of the lens, but unless something special is happening, I would be very surprised if manual or aperture priority mode will work with this lens mounted to cameras such as my K-3.

With any luck, Pentax Forums will include a quick test as part of their full review to determine whether this lens is usable on older model bodies.


Steve

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