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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

[UncleVanya]

Just wrapped up converting a DA* 300 for a customer. My friend came by and we split some pizza and I gave him the $80 from this conversion - he was very happy. Thank you - you know who you are, your lens is on the way.

[UncleVanya]

Well June appears to have been a slow month. I donated $80 to my friend from conversions. Thank you - I appreciate the opportunity to add to what I could give him.

In July I will continue the same deal.

[UncleVanya]

Due to recent forum trends (a lack of civil discourse) by a few I am taking a short break. If you need me post, I will try to check PM's from time to time but I am going to refrain from reading and posting on the forums for a bit.

[vievetrick]

This service still available? Tempted to try alone but maybe worth the $ to send your way ��

[UncleVanya]

This service still available? Tempted to try alone but maybe worth the $ to send your way ��

I do offer the service still. And if you ask in the noon sales threads we can talk about the process of converting yourself. I'm happy to give advice. I don't want to shower others by pushing this thread up in there market if we are discussing a conversion.

However if you want details on my service, I charge $40 and you pay shipping both ways. I will refund the free if it doesn't work but that's never happened except where s lens would not focus manually before it was sent to me.

[UncleVanya]

Still converting!

[UncleVanya]

Still doing conversions!

[UncleVanya]

My backlog is clearing. I have just finished converting a DA* 300, two DA* 16-50's and a DA* 50-135... busy night.

Invoices sent!

[Smolk]

Wonderful service to offer, great example of community spirit.

[UncleVanya]

Wonderful service to offer, great example of community spirit.

That’s kind of you. I definitely started this as a service. It’s not something you get rich doing lol. I have seen the demand dwindle as new full frame lenses have displaced these and time has allowed many to be converted.

[tlp]

What do I need to do to take part in your service offered ?

[UncleVanya]

What do I need to do to take part in your service offered ?

I've sent you a PM.

[cdurfor]

A word of thanks to Uncle Vanya.

Not only did he successfully convert my DA300mm from a failed SDM to a working screwdriver motor, but also when the return package was lost in the mail (drat Christmas time), he showed the appropriate level of concern by both filing for a lost package and keeping me updated on the process. So a true winning experience from door to door. cdurfor

[blackcloudbrew]

I will also add a very positive testimonial here for UncleVanya. He did an excellent job with my sleepy DA*50-135 and DA*16-50. They focus so fast it's scary now. I will also say that UncleVanya is a good communicator on this and is very fair.

[UncleVanya]

Thanks folks. Happy to convert lenses mainly because it makes shelf queens and kings into hard working lenses.