Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
  
For Sale: SDM to Screwdrive Conversions
Listed: 01-11-2016, 07:27 PM

PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
SDM to Screwdrive Conversions

Asking Price
45.00 USD

Item Location
Mint Hill, NC (United States)

Item Description
As a service to fellow Pentax Forum users and with special permission from Adam I am happy to announce that I am available to convert failed SDM lenses to Screwdrive. I am only charging $45 at this time for lenses that I know how to convert. This is merely to cover my time and effort involved in tracking and sending packages and the time required to perform the conversion. The actual conversion is not hard and I encourage those willing to do this for themselves to do so but for those who want a bit of help - I'm offering this service.

The service includes:
Test Lens prior to conversion to verify that screwdrive is functional.
Backup LENSEEP.LNS file as is.
Modify a copy of this file to have screwdrive configuration.
Load modified file into the lens and test on an SDM capable body.
Return lens postage paid by owner.

Optionally: Email backup and modified files to the owner.


I have successfully converted all of these lenses:
DA* 16-50
DA* 50-135
DA* 200
DA* 300

I am unable to convert the DA* 60-250. There are no known methods for this conversion since the method that works for the other lenses is unreliable on this lens.

An example converted 16-50:



Please NOTE Lenses shipped to me without insurance that are lost are not my responsibility. I strongly suggest using a method with tracking and insurance but that is entirely up to you. My return postage will be based on your explicit instructions and I will not be responsible for lost items. I encourage the use of tracking and insurance.

I STRONGLY recommend that you include a letter inside the package identifying your Pentax Forums ID, the email you wish to be billed at and a contact phone number as well as full address. Ideally the letter should contain your address and mine just in case the label is lost for any reason. Finally if you include your postage instructions (insurance amount, signature required) it will make it easier. You should include not only an email for contact but also the specific email for me to send a paypal invoice to for payment.

Shipping Destinations
United States (Others considered on request)

Shipping Charge
Paid by Lens Owner

Shipping Services
USPS, UPS

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
If I am unable to convert the lens I will not charge for the service. Lens owner is still responsible for return shipping.

Please send me a private message if interested in the service!


In Canada fozzfoster is offering a similar service: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/456045-sa...ns-canada.html

Last edited by UncleVanya; 12-20-2023 at 10:08 AM.
Views: 62,228
04-29-2019, 09:08 AM   #226
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
UncleVanya's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 28,167
Feedback Score: 44 (100%)
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by monochrome Quote
SDM on the 50-135 I just bought in the Marketplace has quit. Screwdrive is fine. Sending my lens and a PM.
Happy to help. Send me the tracking number when you have a minute.

05-22-2019, 06:07 AM   #227
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
UncleVanya's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 28,167
Feedback Score: 44 (100%)
Original Poster
UncleVanya’s SDM Re-education Camp (thank you @monochrome) is open for business!
05-22-2019, 06:57 AM   #228
Senior Member




Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 106
Feedback Score: 9 (100%)
My Sigma 70-200 HSM died. Sigma does not have parts. It is not autofocusing anymore. Is it possible to convert to screwdrive? Thanks.
05-22-2019, 11:09 AM   #229
New Member




Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1
Feedback Score: 0 (0%)
Dori

I have a 50-135 that is about 10 years old and in good condition because I haven't used it much. SDM went out about 5 years ago, and therefore only use it occasionally with manual focus. Just tried it on my old D*st and screw drive functions. It appears from reading your post that once it is converted it will work on all SDM cameras. I mostly use K-5iis, K-3ii, K-1. Am I understanding this correctly? Thanks, Dori

05-22-2019, 12:21 PM   #230
Pentaxian
TerryL's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 850
Feedback Score: 3 (100%)
Uncle is the best. He did my DA 200, and it's like new again! Highly, Highly recommend it.
05-23-2019, 06:42 AM   #231
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
UncleVanya's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 28,167
Feedback Score: 44 (100%)
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Dhruba Quote
My Sigma 70-200 HSM died. Sigma does not have parts. It is not autofocusing anymore. Is it possible to convert to screwdrive? Thanks.
No,I'm sorry, only a few specific lenses were made with both systems embedded. The PENTAX brand DA* 200,300,16-50, AND 50-135.

---------- Post added 05-23-19 at 09:47 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by dori Quote
I have a 50-135 that is about 10 years old and in good condition because I haven't used it much. SDM went out about 5 years ago, and therefore only use it occasionally with manual focus. Just tried it on my old D*st and screw drive functions. It appears from reading your post that once it is converted it will work on all SDM cameras. I mostly use K-5iis, K-3ii, K-1. Am I understanding this correctly? Thanks, Dori
That's right Dori, the conversion essentially brainwashes the lens into forgetting it has sdm. Then when the camera asks it lies and says it's only able to do screwdrive. On cameras that support both the sdm is the default for lenses that have sdm - even if it isn't working. Converting a lens makes it claim to be screwdrive only, so the bodies use their screwdrive.

Last edited by UncleVanya; 05-23-2019 at 06:48 AM.
05-23-2019, 12:32 PM   #232
Senior Member




Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 106
Feedback Score: 9 (100%)
QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
No,I'm sorry, only a few specific lenses were made with both systems embedded. The PENTAX brand DA* 200,300,16-50, AND 50-135.

---------- Post added 05-23-19 at 09:47 AM ----------



That's right Dori, the conversion essentially brainwashes the lens into forgetting it has sdm. Then when the camera asks it lies and says it's only able to do screwdrive. On cameras that support both the sdm is the default for lenses that have sdm - even if it isn't working. Converting a lens makes it claim to be screwdrive only, so the bodies use their screwdrive.
Thanks.

06-27-2019, 12:18 PM   #233
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
UncleVanya's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 28,167
Feedback Score: 44 (100%)
Original Poster
I'm still converting lenses... keep them coming!
09-08-2019, 08:39 AM   #234
Veteran Member
stormtech's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: In the boonies (NW Penna)
Posts: 5,744
Feedback Score: 66 (100%)
I was heartbroken this morning when my DA* 60-250 stopped focusing without any warning.

Then I remembered this thread and the awesome service and finally found it.

Then I was back to heartbroken when I read the details in the first post - that you can’t do the DA* 60-250.

I am so frustrated - guess I will have to see what KEH will charge for a repair tomorrow. I had them to a DA* 16-50 years ago before I knew about your service.

Oh well.....
09-09-2019, 09:02 PM   #235
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
UncleVanya's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 28,167
Feedback Score: 44 (100%)
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by stormtech Quote
I was heartbroken this morning when my DA* 60-250 stopped focusing without any warning.

Then I remembered this thread and the awesome service and finally found it.

Then I was back to heartbroken when I read the details in the first post - that you can’t do the DA* 60-250.

I am so frustrated - guess I will have to see what KEH will charge for a repair tomorrow. I had them to a DA* 16-50 years ago before I knew about your service.

Oh well.....
I'm so sad for you! Failures of the sdm in the 60-250 are rare but they suck since conversion isn't an option. Good luck, curious to hear what Keh charges.
09-10-2019, 02:40 AM   #236
Veteran Member
stormtech's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: In the boonies (NW Penna)
Posts: 5,744
Feedback Score: 66 (100%)
QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
I'm so sad for you! Failures of the sdm in the 60-250 are rare but they suck since conversion isn't an option. Good luck, curious to hear what Keh charges.
Thanks.

KEH charges a flat rate of $320 plus $12 return shipping as their flat rate. I had a 16-50 repaired by them years ago (failed SDM) and they did a great job with quick turn around.

I seem to be able to “wake” it by putting the camera in live view and focusing a couple times. Then it seems to be OK for the rest of the day. But I know it’s only a matter of time.....
10-12-2019, 03:53 PM   #237
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
luftfluss's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 11,594
Feedback Score: 44 (100%)
bumpski
10-21-2019, 04:22 PM   #238
New Member




Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 7
Feedback Score: 1 (100%)
I just acquired a 50-135 with broken SDM motor, will contact you via PM
10-23-2019, 04:26 PM   #239
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
UncleVanya's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 28,167
Feedback Score: 44 (100%)
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by rlee200 Quote
I just acquired a 50-135 with broken SDM motor, will contact you via PM
I think I replied, but life has been crazy. Let me know if I didn't get you the details you need.
11-05-2019, 10:07 AM   #240
New Member




Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 7
Feedback Score: 1 (100%)
Thank you UncleVanya for the great service! My 50-135 was converted to screwdrive and turned around in no time! Works accurately and super fast AF, I'm a happy camper! Highly recommend UncleVanya!!
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
buy pentax, camera, classifieds, conversion, da*, debug, drive, file, for sale, information, k-s2, lens, lenses, pentax for sale, pentax marketplace, post, screw, sdm, sell pentax, service, thread, time, uncle, user
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM converted to screwdrive transam879 Sold Items 4 04-08-2015 09:22 AM
Modifiying lens EPROM to desactivate SDM and use screwdrive :D aurele Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 3 12-21-2012 06:22 PM
SDM failure in body without default to screwdrive? kxr4trids Pentax DSLR Discussion 8 08-14-2010 06:41 AM
K20D defaulting to screwdrive focus instead of SDM shemj Pentax DSLR Discussion 15 01-26-2010 04:22 PM
SDM vs. screwdrive SylBer Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 3 10-23-2009 02:03 AM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:39 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top