Autofocus issue

**Mr. Ed** · 06-12-2015, 06:33 PM

I am looking for a little sympathy. I pulled out my 200* the other day to find out auto-focus was no longer an option. I have hardly used the lens as I have a 300*, 60-250*, 50-135*, 16-50*, 55* and some other stuff. I probably would have another * if there was one available. Only wanted the best Pentax had to offer. Really disappointed. Lens looks as good now as when I purchased, probably 3 years ago. I have been with Pentax for quiet some time and I just wonder if other camera brands experience similar difficulties. Seems this auto-focus problem has been around for a while.

Adam · 06-12-2015, 07:23 PM

I've heard that SDM lenses tend to break down more after prolonged periods of not being used. I'd recommend investing in the newer DC lenses for better reliability.

Ron_Man · 06-12-2015, 07:31 PM

You also have the option to convert SDM to screw drive AF to at least still use the lens... Search away

**Mr. Ed** · 06-12-2015, 07:52 PM

Originally posted by Ron_Man

You also have the option to convert SDM to screw drive AF to at least still use the lens... Search away

I think I'll just focus manually.

transam879 · 06-12-2015, 08:05 PM

I purchased a DA* 200 lens that the AF (SDM) reportedly did not work. Once I received it, the AF in fact did not work initially. I played around with it a bit, focusing back and forth while holding the AF button on the camera, and the AF came back to life and has been working ever since without any other issues. I'm guessing that it stopped working while it had been sitting around for a long period of time and needed to be woken up?? Just wanted to offer up a suggestion to try if you haven't already. I don't believe that there is a screw-drive conversion for this lens (like the *16-50 and *50-135) as I would convert it to screwdrive in a heartbeat if I could.

**Mr. Ed** · 06-12-2015, 08:20 PM

Originally posted by transam879

I purchased a DA* 200 lens that the AF (SDM) reportedly did not work. Once I received it, the AF in fact did not work initially. I played around with it a bit, focusing back and forth while holding the AF button on the camera, and the AF came back to life and has been working ever since without any other issues. I'm guessing that it stopped working while it had been sitting around for a long period of time and needed to be woken up?? Just wanted to offer up a suggestion to try if you haven't already. I don't believe that there is a screw-drive conversion for this lens (like the *16-50 and *50-135) as I would convert it to screwdrive in a heartbeat if I could.

Thanks for the suggestion and I will certainly attempt that. I know that has worked sometimes with my 16-50. Do you know the cost associated with converting to screw-drive? Is this done by Pentax?

transam879 · 06-12-2015, 09:51 PM

Originally posted by Mr. Ed

Thanks for the suggestion and I will certainly attempt that. I know that has worked sometimes with my 16-50. Do you know the cost associated with converting to screw-drive? Is this done by Pentax?

To my knowledge, only the 16-50 and 50-135 can be converted and instructions can be found via the forums (https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/208353-how-...m-f-2-8-a.html) or on the Internet. It is not difficult to do yourself but it can only be done with certain bodies. I don't think that Pentax will convert them, but I'm not sure. I haven't found instructions that allow me to convert the 200.

**Kerrowdown** · 06-13-2015, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by Mr. Ed

I pulled out my 200* the other day to find out auto-focus was no longer an option

That's the same as my “Gorgeous Lady” (SMC Pentax-A* 200mm F2.8) now.

It can still be used to make great images in it's manual state, but I appreciate this is not what you want to hear.

**Mr. Ed** · 06-13-2015, 12:37 PM

Originally posted by Mr. Ed

Thanks for the suggestion and I will certainly attempt that. I know that has worked sometimes with my 16-50. Do you know the cost associated with converting to screw-drive? Is this done by Pentax?

Just pulled it out and went through the process of manually focusing and switched back to AF and it came alive. Not sure I would have attempted again if not for your suggestion. Thanks so much. Maybe others can have the same good fortune.

---------- Post added 06-13-15 at 02:40 PM ----------

Originally posted by transam879

I purchased a DA* 200 lens that the AF (SDM) reportedly did not work. Once I received it, the AF in fact did not work initially. I played around with it a bit, focusing back and forth while holding the AF button on the camera, and the AF came back to life and has been working ever since without any other issues. I'm guessing that it stopped working while it had been sitting around for a long period of time and needed to be woken up?? Just wanted to offer up a suggestion to try if you haven't already. I don't believe that there is a screw-drive conversion for this lens (like the *16-50 and *50-135) as I would convert it to screwdrive in a heartbeat if I could.

Just attempted and it came to life. Thanks for the suggestion. Hope it works for others as well.

stevebrot · 06-14-2015, 11:55 AM

Woo! Hoo! I always like stories with happy endings!

Steve

06-12-2015, 06:33 PM	#1
Mr. Ed Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 563	Autofocus issue I am looking for a little sympathy. I pulled out my 200* the other day to find out auto-focus was no longer an option. I have hardly used the lens as I have a 300, 60-250, 50-135, 16-50, 55* and some other stuff. I probably would have another * if there was one available. Only wanted the best Pentax had to offer. Really disappointed. Lens looks as good now as when I purchased, probably 3 years ago. I have been with Pentax for quiet some time and I just wonder if other camera brands experience similar difficulties. Seems this auto-focus problem has been around for a while.

06-12-2015, 07:23 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	I've heard that SDM lenses tend to break down more after prolonged periods of not being used. I'd recommend investing in the newer DC lenses for better reliability. 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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06-12-2015, 07:31 PM	#3
Ron_Man Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: MD Posts: 221	You also have the option to convert SDM to screw drive AF to at least still use the lens... Search away

06-12-2015, 07:52 PM	#4
Mr. Ed Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 563 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ron_Man You also have the option to convert SDM to screw drive AF to at least still use the lens... Search away I think I'll just focus manually.

06-12-2015, 08:05 PM	#5
transam879 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 651	I purchased a DA* 200 lens that the AF (SDM) reportedly did not work. Once I received it, the AF in fact did not work initially. I played around with it a bit, focusing back and forth while holding the AF button on the camera, and the AF came back to life and has been working ever since without any other issues. I'm guessing that it stopped working while it had been sitting around for a long period of time and needed to be woken up?? Just wanted to offer up a suggestion to try if you haven't already. I don't believe that there is a screw-drive conversion for this lens (like the 16-50 and 50-135) as I would convert it to screwdrive in a heartbeat if I could.

06-12-2015, 08:20 PM	#6
Mr. Ed Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 563 Original Poster	Originally posted by transam879 I purchased a DA* 200 lens that the AF (SDM) reportedly did not work. Once I received it, the AF in fact did not work initially. I played around with it a bit, focusing back and forth while holding the AF button on the camera, and the AF came back to life and has been working ever since without any other issues. I'm guessing that it stopped working while it had been sitting around for a long period of time and needed to be woken up?? Just wanted to offer up a suggestion to try if you haven't already. I don't believe that there is a screw-drive conversion for this lens (like the 16-50 and 50-135) as I would convert it to screwdrive in a heartbeat if I could. Thanks for the suggestion and I will certainly attempt that. I know that has worked sometimes with my 16-50. Do you know the cost associated with converting to screw-drive? Is this done by Pentax?

06-12-2015, 09:51 PM	#7
transam879 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 651	Originally posted by Mr. Ed Thanks for the suggestion and I will certainly attempt that. I know that has worked sometimes with my 16-50. Do you know the cost associated with converting to screw-drive? Is this done by Pentax? To my knowledge, only the 16-50 and 50-135 can be converted and instructions can be found via the forums (https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/208353-how-...m-f-2-8-a.html) or on the Internet. It is not difficult to do yourself but it can only be done with certain bodies. I don't think that Pentax will convert them, but I'm not sure. I haven't found instructions that allow me to convert the 200.

06-13-2015, 11:20 AM	#8
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Originally posted by Mr. Ed I pulled out my 200* the other day to find out auto-focus was no longer an option That's the same as my “Gorgeous Lady” (SMC Pentax-A* 200mm F2.8) now. It can still be used to make great images in it's manual state, but I appreciate this is not what you want to hear.

06-13-2015, 12:37 PM	#9
Mr. Ed Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 563 Original Poster	Originally posted by Mr. Ed Thanks for the suggestion and I will certainly attempt that. I know that has worked sometimes with my 16-50. Do you know the cost associated with converting to screw-drive? Is this done by Pentax? Just pulled it out and went through the process of manually focusing and switched back to AF and it came alive. Not sure I would have attempted again if not for your suggestion. Thanks so much. Maybe others can have the same good fortune. ---------- Post added 06-13-15 at 02:40 PM ---------- Originally posted by transam879 I purchased a DA* 200 lens that the AF (SDM) reportedly did not work. Once I received it, the AF in fact did not work initially. I played around with it a bit, focusing back and forth while holding the AF button on the camera, and the AF came back to life and has been working ever since without any other issues. I'm guessing that it stopped working while it had been sitting around for a long period of time and needed to be woken up?? Just wanted to offer up a suggestion to try if you haven't already. I don't believe that there is a screw-drive conversion for this lens (like the 16-50 and 50-135) as I would convert it to screwdrive in a heartbeat if I could. Just attempted and it came to life. Thanks for the suggestion. Hope it works for others as well.

06-14-2015, 11:55 AM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Woo! Hoo! I always like stories with happy endings! Steve