[Kunzite]

From what I see it's not "exactly like the Kenko/Tamron"; but only similar. Which is most likely a coincidence.

[monochrome]

The problem with previous TC with SDM contacts is that the AF is rendered inconsistent.
This unit looks exactly like the Kenko/Tamron units so I hope they have done something to it to improve AF reliability otherwise it will be useless.
I look forward to tests and reviews before I buy.
Pentax surprised me with the engineering in the K-Q adapter so I remain hopeful.

I see the locking pin on the Kenko (next to the release lever) but not the screw drive post.

[Rondec]

From what I see it's not "exactly like the Kenko/Tamron"; but only similar. Which is most likely a coincidence.

I agree. A 1.4x TC is going to be a particular size. As for the Kenko, it is only happenstance that it actually worked at all with SDM, since SDM didn't exist when it was created. Power zoom contacts are the same, but focusing is quite a bit different.

I would expect focusing to be better with this than with the kenko, although we'll find out in the end.

Edit: I guess I should say that I would expect a firmware update along with the TC to make sure the two play nicely together. Certainly the TC will communicate its presence to the body and there will be some sort of adjustment made, both from an SR standpoint and a focus standpoint.

[thibs]

Edit: I guess I should say that I would expect a firmware update along with the TC to make sure the two play nicely together. Certainly the TC will communicate its presence to the body and there will be some sort of adjustment made, both from an SR standpoint and a focus standpoint.

I agree and that means older bodies will be f... hum... left over

[Rondec]

I agree and that means older bodies will be f... hum... left over

I would expect the update to go back a little ways. Five years at least. I doubt many folks shooting a *ist D would be looking at this TC anyway -- it would cost more than their camera is worth.

[monochrome]

I would expect the update to go back a little ways. Five years at least. I doubt many folks shooting a *ist D would be looking at this TC anyway -- it would cost more than their camera is worth.

I wonder if the K10D can support it with FW 1.03 (SDM support)?

[Rondec]

I wonder if the K10D can support it with FW 1.03 (SDM support)?

I don't know. It would seem like if you are desperate to use this TC, it would make sense to use it with a higher pixel camera anyway. K5s are going for, what, 400 dollars?

I do know that Pentax released a firmware update to the *ist D in 2009 that allowed for SDHC larger capacity memory cards, so it wouldn't surprise me if they did go back to the K10.

[thibs]

I would expect the update to go back a little ways. Five years at least. I doubt many folks shooting a *ist D would be looking at this TC anyway -- it would cost more than their camera is worth.

No more no less than the flash update firmware recently.
So, no love for old bodies.

[monochrome]

I don't know. It would seem like if you are desperate to use this TC, it would make sense to use it with a higher pixel camera anyway. K5s are going for, what, 400 dollars?

I do know that Pentax released a firmware update to the *ist D in 2009 that allowed for SDHC larger capacity memory cards, so it wouldn't surprise me if they did go back to the K10.

My question was more a curiosity. I certainly have more than enough new gear that I never use for anything.

For what I bet this TC costs there might be more than a few people who want to use it with an older but working body, though.

[ogl]

I wonder if the K10D can support it with FW 1.03 (SDM support)?

My K200D works good with DA20-40 DC. But the resolution is not as good as at K-5IIs.

[jpzk]

My K200D works good with DA20-40 DC. But the resolution is not as good as at K-5IIs.

??
What is that have to do with the TC being discussed?

JP

[crewl1]

From what I see it's not "exactly like the Kenko/Tamron"; but only similar. Which is most likely a coincidence.

I am basing my comment in the fact that the release lever looks very much like those old TCs.
Im thinking possibly a rebranded Kenko/Tamron design is being used. See
http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa356/tom1803/eBay_2013_02/20130213_Kenk...Q_overall1.jpg


The K-Q adapter uses a flat plate style release lever which looks like no other adapter's release lever. See
http://rcdn.photographyreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/pentax-Q-adapt_side.jpg

[Fogel70]

I am basing my comment in the fact that the release lever looks very much like those old TCs.
Im thinking possibly a rebranded Kenko/Tamron design is being used. See
http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa356/tom1803/eBay_2013_02/20130213_Kenk...Q_overall1.jpg

Pentax have used this design on release lever on their K-mount TCs, so I don't think it says very much of the origin of the design.
F 1.7X AF

[crewl1]

Pentax have used this design on release lever on their K-mount TCs, so I don't think it says very much of the origin of the design.
F 1.7X AF

Good point. I also notice the Kenko has the registration dot on the side where Pentax puts it on the mount face.

[Kunzite]

Indeed, this kind of release lever was used by Pentax in the past; and there are many differences between the 1.4x RC image and the Kenko/Tamron. Outer barrel, components inside the barrel... I'm not sure, but the optical elements could have a different size, too.
They're similar, but not identical.