Help! How to access debug mode on Pentax K-5 on a Mac OS X (sdm lens to screwdrive)

NW_Legacy · 11-08-2018, 03:29 PM

I only have a Mac and recently bought the DA* 50-135mm f2.8 (af doesnt work on arrival). I want to convert it to screwdrive but could not enable debug mode without the help of software "pktether" which I found out that it only works on windows pc. Anybody got other ways to work around it or any leads for a solution?

Adam · 11-08-2018, 03:49 PM

Originally posted by NW_Legacy

I only have a Mac and recently bought the DA* 50-135mm f2.8 (af doesnt work on arrival). I want to convert it to screwdrive but could not enable debug mode without the help of software "pktether" which I found out that it only works on windows pc. Anybody got other ways to work around it or any leads for a solution?

You should be able to use a Windows VM (i.e. through virtualbox) running on the Mac, though it might be easier just to have someone else do it for you using a Windows computer.

**clackers** · 11-08-2018, 04:03 PM

Originally posted by NW_Legacy

I only have a Mac and recently bought the DA* 50-135mm f2.8 (af doesnt work on arrival). I want to convert it to screwdrive but could not enable debug mode without the help of software "pktether" which I found out that it only works on windows pc. Anybody got other ways to work around it or any leads for a solution?

Someone else has to get involved, NW_Legacy, because of what you've got. Somebody you know with a PC. Or somebody with an older body (my K-x works fine, don't need any software). Or someone like expert forum member Uncle Vanya who you can send just the lens to and will do the whole thing for a token fee.

**RobA_Oz** · 11-08-2018, 04:12 PM

The other option that might suit, if the problem with the SDM is the usual one of a “sticking” motor, is to undertake a mechanical repair, which would require a small amount of dismantling. There are at least two threads in these fora that show how to go about it, and it isn’t that hard if you’ve an aptitude for it. I did this on my DA*16-50 on a number of occasions, until yielding to the inevitable and converting it to in-body AF (using a Windows PC at work, rather than one of my Macs at home).

However, my DA*50-135 only occasionally “sticks” and some deft manual work (without dismantling) backwards and forwards on the focus ring usually “unsticks” it. The 50-135, from reports here, seems to be less prone to needing drastic measures being required than the 16-50, so I’d be hopeful in your case that one or other of the manual/mechanical methods might be a better solution for you.

Not a Number · 11-08-2018, 04:32 PM

Debug mode can be entered by putting the proper text files on the SD card. Files can be created in a text editor or if you search around, downloaded.

See these:
Pentax k-5 Debug mode - PentaxForums.com
Resurrecting Pentax firmware hacking - Page 3 - PentaxForums.com

**clickclick** · 11-08-2018, 05:03 PM

A quick easy way you can try to "exercise" things is to use a jewelers screwdriver to turn the screw drive coupling (looks like a wide slotted screw) on the base of the lens mount.

11-08-2018, 03:29 PM	#1
NW_Legacy New Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 9	Help! How to access debug mode on Pentax K-5 on a Mac OS X (sdm lens to screwdrive) I only have a Mac and recently bought the DA* 50-135mm f2.8 (af doesnt work on arrival). I want to convert it to screwdrive but could not enable debug mode without the help of software "pktether" which I found out that it only works on windows pc. Anybody got other ways to work around it or any leads for a solution?

11-08-2018, 03:49 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 47,923	Originally posted by NW_Legacy I only have a Mac and recently bought the DA* 50-135mm f2.8 (af doesnt work on arrival). I want to convert it to screwdrive but could not enable debug mode without the help of software "pktether" which I found out that it only works on windows pc. Anybody got other ways to work around it or any leads for a solution? You should be able to use a Windows VM (i.e. through virtualbox) running on the Mac, though it might be easier just to have someone else do it for you using a Windows computer. 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, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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11-08-2018, 04:03 PM	#3
clackers Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 11,935	Originally posted by NW_Legacy I only have a Mac and recently bought the DA* 50-135mm f2.8 (af doesnt work on arrival). I want to convert it to screwdrive but could not enable debug mode without the help of software "pktether" which I found out that it only works on windows pc. Anybody got other ways to work around it or any leads for a solution? Someone else has to get involved, NW_Legacy, because of what you've got. Somebody you know with a PC. Or somebody with an older body (my K-x works fine, don't need any software). Or someone like expert forum member Uncle Vanya who you can send just the lens to and will do the whole thing for a token fee.

11-08-2018, 04:12 PM	#4
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,171	The other option that might suit, if the problem with the SDM is the usual one of a “sticking” motor, is to undertake a mechanical repair, which would require a small amount of dismantling. There are at least two threads in these fora that show how to go about it, and it isn’t that hard if you’ve an aptitude for it. I did this on my DA16-50 on a number of occasions, until yielding to the inevitable and converting it to in-body AF (using a Windows PC at work, rather than one of my Macs at home). However, my DA50-135 only occasionally “sticks” and some deft manual work (without dismantling) backwards and forwards on the focus ring usually “unsticks” it. The 50-135, from reports here, seems to be less prone to needing drastic measures being required than the 16-50, so I’d be hopeful in your case that one or other of the manual/mechanical methods might be a better solution for you.

11-08-2018, 04:32 PM	#5
Not a Number Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 5,639	Debug mode can be entered by putting the proper text files on the SD card. Files can be created in a text editor or if you search around, downloaded. See these: Pentax k-5 Debug mode - PentaxForums.com Resurrecting Pentax firmware hacking - Page 3 - PentaxForums.com

11-08-2018, 05:03 PM	#6
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 1,604	A quick easy way you can try to "exercise" things is to use a jewelers screwdriver to turn the screw drive coupling (looks like a wide slotted screw) on the base of the lens mount.