Trouble with KP and HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

talgarik · 07-06-2017, 01:10 PM

Hello,
last week I have got a brand new HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE for my KP.
I have attached it to my camera, I have unblocked the lens, turned it on the camera and nothing: it doesn't focus, nor AF, nor manually.
I have sent it back to the seller - let me put it clear: a highly reliable seller, one of the best - today they have got it back, they have tested it and the lens works.
Any idea what could be the problem?
Is it unavoidable to send my KP to service?
Is it normal that when I attached the lens to the KP it did not focus manually?
Thanks to everyone coming up with a useful suggestion.
I am between a rock and a hard place: if I send the camera to service I guess I will be without my KP until September, if I don't send it I have to renounce to the PLM zoom and buy a screw-drive telephoto lens.

stevebrot · 07-06-2017, 01:55 PM

Originally posted by talgarik

Is it unavoidable to send my KP to service?

How long have you owned the camera? If less than 60-90 days, your dealer may be your best resource for a full replacement. Have you discussed this issue with Ricoh support?

Originally posted by talgarik

Is it normal that when I attached the lens to the KP it did not focus manually?

Your lens is "focus-by-wire" for both AF and manual focus. It does not surprise me that neither are working if the AF is dead. It pains me to ask, but is the lens extended? As a retractable lens, it will not work unless it is extended. Aside from AF not working, is the lens operational on the camera (aperture visible in viewfinder and LCD display...no error messages displayed)?

Steve

talgarik · 07-06-2017, 02:00 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

How long have you owned the camera? If less than 60-90 days, your dealer may be your best resource for a full replacement. Have you discussed this issue with Ricoh support?

Your lens is "focus-by-wire" for both AF and manual focus. It does not surprise me that neither are working. It pains me to ask, but is the lens extended? As a retractable lens, it will not work unless it is extended.

Steve

My camera has two weeks, tomorrow I will contact the dealer.
A replacement would be the ideal solution of course.
Alas I have extended the lens...

stevebrot · 07-06-2017, 02:02 PM

Originally posted by talgarik

My camera has two weeks, tomorrow I will contact the dealer.
A replacement would be the ideal solution of course.
Alas I have extended the lens...

Does the lens work on your K-3?

Steve

Adam · 07-06-2017, 02:10 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by talgarik

Hello,
last week I have got a brand new HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE for my KP.
I have attached it to my camera, I have unblocked the lens, turned it on the camera and nothing: it doesn't focus, nor AF, nor manually.
I have sent it back to the seller - let me put it clear: a highly reliable seller, one of the best - today they have got it back, they have tested it and the lens works.
Any idea what could be the problem?
Is it unavoidable to send my KP to service?
Is it normal that when I attached the lens to the KP it did not focus manually?
Thanks to everyone coming up with a useful suggestion.
I am between a rock and a hard place: if I send the camera to service I guess I will be without my KP until September, if I don't send it I have to renounce to the PLM zoom and buy a screw-drive telephoto lens.

If the lens can't focus at all, either it isn't fully extended (most likely cause), the extension contacts are broken (ruled out), or your camera's power contacts are either defective or pushed in.

Are other DC/SDM lenses able to AF on your camera?

When testing with your K-3, make sure you update the firmware.

talgarik · 07-06-2017, 02:12 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Does the lens work on your K-3?

Steve

I need to update my profile, I don't own a K3 anymore

Any idea what the issue could be?
I am waiting for the delivery of the 60-250mm and my nightmare is that it will not work, in that case replacement or camera service would be unavoidable.
Buying two telephoto zooms to find yourself without a camera

stevebrot · 07-06-2017, 02:30 PM

Originally posted by Adam

your camera's power contacts are either defective or pushed in.

My thoughts as well, though hard to confirm without another lens that uses them.

Originally posted by talgarik

Any idea what the issue could be?

What lenses have you used on your KP? Does it work with any other lenses?

Steve

talgarik · 07-06-2017, 02:34 PM

15mm, 20-40mm limited and 100mm WR work flawlessly.

As for the contacts, after reading Adam's message I have looked at them and one of the contacts seems to be pushed in, for certain it is not in line with all the others.

stevebrot · 07-06-2017, 02:48 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by talgarik

As for the contacts, after reading Adam's message I have looked at them and one of the contacts seems to be pushed in, for certain it is not in line with all the others.

Be sure you are looking at the power contacts. Those are not on the mount face, but are actually at the bottom margin of the mirror box and at a corresponding position on the lens. In the diagram below, they are labeled "power zoom power contacts"

Image lifted from Dimitrov's K-Mount page: Features and Operation of the Kaf2 Mount

Steve

talgarik · 07-06-2017, 02:56 PM

Thank you very much Steve.
So the power contacts look fine, they are not pushed in, the remaining option is that they are defective, correct?
I cannot solve the problem but it is good to know what is going on, thank you so much!

stevebrot · 07-06-2017, 03:05 PM

Originally posted by talgarik

Thank you very much Steve.
So the power contacts look fine, they are not pushed in, the remaining option is that they are defective, correct?
I cannot solve the problem but it is good to know what is going on, thank you so much!

If your DA 20-40/2.8-4 Limited works, the power on the body is fine.

Steve

Adam · 07-06-2017, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

If your DA 20-40/2.8-4 Limited works, the power on the body is fine.

Steve

Yup. Have you tried extending the 55-300mm all the way to 300mm and testing it there?

Remember that the AF is super fast, almost inaudible, and that MF is by wire and equally hard to hear.

talgarik · 07-06-2017, 03:20 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

If your DA 20-40/2.8-4 Limited works, the power on the body is fine.

Steve

I confirm it works.
What else could it be then?

---------- Post added 07-06-17 at 03:30 PM ----------

Originally posted by Adam

Yup. Have you tried extending the 55-300mm all the way to 300mm and testing it there?

Remember that the AF is super fast, almost inaudible, and that MF is by wire and equally hard to hear.

I have tried everything, even cleaning the contacts, but to no avail.
Even if AF is almost inaudible, an out of focus image in the viewfinder and no reaction when you try to focus it is a clear signal that it is not working, or not?

There was some kind of communication between camera and lens since the aperture could be set.

kchamber4 · 07-06-2017, 03:56 PM

Was there a firmware upgrade to the KP that allowed it to work with the newest version of the 55-300? If not, did you get the right 55-300? I thought the KP was too old to work with the new 55-300 lens.

**jpzk** · 07-06-2017, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by kchamber4

KP was too old to work with the new 55-300 lens.

I have been following this thread out of interest ... how could the KP be "too old" to work with the "new" PLM 55-300 lens?

07-06-2017, 01:10 PM	#1
talgarik Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Italy Posts: 72	Trouble with KP and HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Hello, last week I have got a brand new HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE for my KP. I have attached it to my camera, I have unblocked the lens, turned it on the camera and nothing: it doesn't focus, nor AF, nor manually. I have sent it back to the seller - let me put it clear: a highly reliable seller, one of the best - today they have got it back, they have tested it and the lens works. Any idea what could be the problem? Is it unavoidable to send my KP to service? Is it normal that when I attached the lens to the KP it did not focus manually? Thanks to everyone coming up with a useful suggestion. I am between a rock and a hard place: if I send the camera to service I guess I will be without my KP until September, if I don't send it I have to renounce to the PLM zoom and buy a screw-drive telephoto lens.

07-06-2017, 01:55 PM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by talgarik Is it unavoidable to send my KP to service? How long have you owned the camera? If less than 60-90 days, your dealer may be your best resource for a full replacement. Have you discussed this issue with Ricoh support? Originally posted by talgarik Is it normal that when I attached the lens to the KP it did not focus manually? Your lens is "focus-by-wire" for both AF and manual focus. It does not surprise me that neither are working if the AF is dead. It pains me to ask, but is the lens extended? As a retractable lens, it will not work unless it is extended. Aside from AF not working, is the lens operational on the camera (aperture visible in viewfinder and LCD display...no error messages displayed)? Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 07-06-2017 at 02:01 PM.

07-06-2017, 02:10 PM - 1 Like	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by talgarik Hello, last week I have got a brand new HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE for my KP. I have attached it to my camera, I have unblocked the lens, turned it on the camera and nothing: it doesn't focus, nor AF, nor manually. I have sent it back to the seller - let me put it clear: a highly reliable seller, one of the best - today they have got it back, they have tested it and the lens works. Any idea what could be the problem? Is it unavoidable to send my KP to service? Is it normal that when I attached the lens to the KP it did not focus manually? Thanks to everyone coming up with a useful suggestion. I am between a rock and a hard place: if I send the camera to service I guess I will be without my KP until September, if I don't send it I have to renounce to the PLM zoom and buy a screw-drive telephoto lens. If the lens can't focus at all, either it isn't fully extended (most likely cause), the extension contacts are broken (ruled out), or your camera's power contacts are either defective or pushed in. Are other DC/SDM lenses able to AF on your camera? When testing with your K-3, make sure you update the firmware. 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:

07-06-2017, 03:13 PM	#12
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by stevebrot If your DA 20-40/2.8-4 Limited works, the power on the body is fine. Steve Yup. Have you tried extending the 55-300mm all the way to 300mm and testing it there? Remember that the AF is super fast, almost inaudible, and that MF is by wire and equally hard to hear. 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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07-06-2017, 02:00 PM	#3
talgarik Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Italy Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot How long have you owned the camera? If less than 60-90 days, your dealer may be your best resource for a full replacement. Have you discussed this issue with Ricoh support? Your lens is "focus-by-wire" for both AF and manual focus. It does not surprise me that neither are working. It pains me to ask, but is the lens extended? As a retractable lens, it will not work unless it is extended. Steve My camera has two weeks, tomorrow I will contact the dealer. A replacement would be the ideal solution of course. Alas I have extended the lens...

07-06-2017, 02:02 PM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by talgarik My camera has two weeks, tomorrow I will contact the dealer. A replacement would be the ideal solution of course. Alas I have extended the lens... Does the lens work on your K-3? Steve

07-06-2017, 02:12 PM	#6
talgarik Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Italy Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot Does the lens work on your K-3? Steve I need to update my profile, I don't own a K3 anymore Any idea what the issue could be? I am waiting for the delivery of the 60-250mm and my nightmare is that it will not work, in that case replacement or camera service would be unavoidable. Buying two telephoto zooms to find yourself without a camera

07-06-2017, 02:30 PM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Adam your camera's power contacts are either defective or pushed in. My thoughts as well, though hard to confirm without another lens that uses them. Originally posted by talgarik Any idea what the issue could be? What lenses have you used on your KP? Does it work with any other lenses? Steve

07-06-2017, 02:34 PM	#8
talgarik Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Italy Posts: 72 Original Poster	15mm, 20-40mm limited and 100mm WR work flawlessly. As for the contacts, after reading Adam's message I have looked at them and one of the contacts seems to be pushed in, for certain it is not in line with all the others.

07-06-2017, 02:48 PM - 1 Like	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by talgarik As for the contacts, after reading Adam's message I have looked at them and one of the contacts seems to be pushed in, for certain it is not in line with all the others. Be sure you are looking at the power contacts. Those are not on the mount face, but are actually at the bottom margin of the mirror box and at a corresponding position on the lens. In the diagram below, they are labeled "power zoom power contacts" Image lifted from Dimitrov's K-Mount page: Features and Operation of the Kaf2 Mount Steve

07-06-2017, 02:56 PM	#10
talgarik Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Italy Posts: 72 Original Poster	Thank you very much Steve. So the power contacts look fine, they are not pushed in, the remaining option is that they are defective, correct? I cannot solve the problem but it is good to know what is going on, thank you so much!

07-06-2017, 03:05 PM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by talgarik Thank you very much Steve. So the power contacts look fine, they are not pushed in, the remaining option is that they are defective, correct? I cannot solve the problem but it is good to know what is going on, thank you so much! If your DA 20-40/2.8-4 Limited works, the power on the body is fine. Steve

07-06-2017, 03:20 PM	#13
talgarik Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Italy Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot If your DA 20-40/2.8-4 Limited works, the power on the body is fine. Steve I confirm it works. What else could it be then? ---------- Post added 07-06-17 at 03:30 PM ---------- Originally posted by Adam Yup. Have you tried extending the 55-300mm all the way to 300mm and testing it there? Remember that the AF is super fast, almost inaudible, and that MF is by wire and equally hard to hear. I have tried everything, even cleaning the contacts, but to no avail. Even if AF is almost inaudible, an out of focus image in the viewfinder and no reaction when you try to focus it is a clear signal that it is not working, or not? There was some kind of communication between camera and lens since the aperture could be set.

07-06-2017, 03:56 PM	#14
kchamber4 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Conroe, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 154	Was there a firmware upgrade to the KP that allowed it to work with the newest version of the 55-300? If not, did you get the right 55-300? I thought the KP was too old to work with the new 55-300 lens.

07-06-2017, 05:56 PM	#15
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Originally posted by kchamber4 KP was too old to work with the new 55-300 lens. I have been following this thread out of interest ... how could the KP be "too old" to work with the "new" PLM 55-300 lens?