Hacking lens' memory

plis · 11-28-2011, 12:28 AM

Hi,
Has anybody tried to read the content of lens' memory? How to start with it?
Is there any existing template of the content?

I've got F50/1.7 with AF not working (the lens is not recognizable by body). It was given to me without any information about its history. I am thinking if it would be possible to at least see what might be the problem.

Regards,
P

Adam · 11-28-2011, 12:36 AM

I'm willing to bet it's a read-only chip

plis · 11-28-2011, 06:59 AM

Might be. But maybe reading and comparing to the template would give some hint. Or, if will not be readable, then I am sure it's broken...

**Digitalis** · 11-28-2011, 08:14 AM

I suggest you clean the lens and camera body contacts - if the lens is not able to autofocus it is most likely a mechanical problem that is has developed rather than a software problem. I don't think the F series lenses have the degree of chipping the FA series lenses do. At any rate lens data is mostly stored on the camera, not in the lens. The lens contacts tells the camera things like what minimum and maximum aperture values are, focus distance information, and with the FA: series MTF data.

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-28-2011, 08:42 AM

It may not have memory as such, but only a programmable logic array that has been programmed to provide speficic data back to the camera. Remember, most of the work of AF is done by the camera. The lens feeds focal length data and focusing distance data only. Both of these are things that are measured and could be provided without any lens memory.

**boriscleto** · 11-28-2011, 08:53 AM

Also remember that you are talking about a lens that was designed in the 1980s, the electronics package is minimal.

Pentax 70-210 Repair

Don From The Radio · 11-28-2011, 10:58 PM

I'd just use the lens as manual focus before I'd tear apart such a great piece of glass trying to fix it. It's a superb lens, even if you have to focus it yourself.

11-28-2011, 12:28 AM	#1
plis Guest	Hacking lens' memory Hi, Has anybody tried to read the content of lens' memory? How to start with it? Is there any existing template of the content? I've got F50/1.7 with AF not working (the lens is not recognizable by body). It was given to me without any information about its history. I am thinking if it would be possible to at least see what might be the problem. Regards, P

11-28-2011, 12:36 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	I'm willing to bet it's a read-only chip 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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11-28-2011, 06:59 AM	#3
plis Guest	Might be. But maybe reading and comparing to the template would give some hint. Or, if will not be readable, then I am sure it's broken...

11-28-2011, 08:14 AM	#4
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	I suggest you clean the lens and camera body contacts - if the lens is not able to autofocus it is most likely a mechanical problem that is has developed rather than a software problem. I don't think the F series lenses have the degree of chipping the FA series lenses do. At any rate lens data is mostly stored on the camera, not in the lens. The lens contacts tells the camera things like what minimum and maximum aperture values are, focus distance information, and with the FA: series MTF data.

11-28-2011, 08:42 AM	#5
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	It may not have memory as such, but only a programmable logic array that has been programmed to provide speficic data back to the camera. Remember, most of the work of AF is done by the camera. The lens feeds focal length data and focusing distance data only. Both of these are things that are measured and could be provided without any lens memory.

11-28-2011, 08:53 AM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Also remember that you are talking about a lens that was designed in the 1980s, the electronics package is minimal. Pentax 70-210 Repair

11-28-2011, 10:58 PM	#7
Don From The Radio Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Delaware Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 344	I'd just use the lens as manual focus before I'd tear apart such a great piece of glass trying to fix it. It's a superb lens, even if you have to focus it yourself.