[LittleRooster]

Opinions wanted as to whether current SDM motor replacement by Pentax for my DA* 50-135mm would be a good reliable option to repair my current paper weight lens.


thanks,

walt

[sergysergy]

Convert it to screw-drive, it is free!

[jatrax]

Personally I would convert it to screw-drive rather then pay for an SDM repair. SDM repair has a mixed reputation with some reporting the problem is fixed and never comes back and others stating 2 or more repairs fail again. Screw-drive is as fast, possibly faster and solidly reliable. The only down side is it does make some noise. Its not enough to bother me but it does bother some.

[selfnoise]

If the SDM performance prior to conversion was markedly better than using the camera's internal motor you might want to repair, but the fact is that it isn't. So I agree with the prior posters.

It might hurt the resale a bit but I doubt that the cost would make up the difference. Also I have a feeling Pentax may eventually retool the lens as they are doing with the 16-50 at which point the lens probably won't be worth enough used to bother anyway.

[LittleRooster]

Thanks for the replies. I will have it converted. About 10 years ago I purchased the 50-135mm and the 17-70mm. Both of the motors in these failed with almost no time on them, but several years after purchase. No conversion possible for the 17-70mm of course, but if I massage the focus ring manually for awhile I can get the motor back to working. If it then sits for a few days unused, I will have to again massage the lens. IMO Pentax should have recalled these lenses for repair or at least have offered some relief.


walt

[Kerrowdown]

Welcome to the forum, good luck with your fix.