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Kunzite · 06-01-2009, 11:16 AM

I am planning on buying a SDM lens and I want the SDM focus mechanism to work. Properly.
I would pay more for reliability, precision and speed, btw. If a ring-SDM motor is required for this, then Pentax can send me a ring-SDM 60-250 f/4 lens tomorrow morning, for let's say 10% more $.

Bart · 06-01-2009, 12:03 PM

I too have a problem with the presented options.
My situation is the following:
- I have a dual SDM and screw drive lens and I want the ability to choose the focus mechanism.
- I will not buy another SDM lens until I have the ability to choose the focus mechanism. Then, the DA*300 might be on the list.
- I have a K10D so I know: no more firmware updates for this one.

Hmm

ps for the sake of your poll, I voted for option 3. Might make some impression on a company concerned with a potentially growing customer base.

Russell-Evans · 06-01-2009, 12:30 PM

Originally posted by Tom S.

I think you are overly optimistic if you think you'll get 50 people who are interested, let alone 50,000.

I can't be the only one that wants to use a TC with SDM lenses? I would imagine as more people buy the 200mm or 300mm, now that the SDM TC is off the lens road map, that they might entertain the idea as well? Especially as the old TCs that do seems to support SDM, are getting harder to find?

Why wouldn't you want to have the ability to switch?

Thank you
Russell

Peter Zack · 06-01-2009, 01:22 PM

Although I think the poll is a bit flawed, I voted for #1 because I'm on my second DA*16-50mm and the SDM sucks. The in body motor is bigger and faster. I've used the lens on my *istD (SD only) which has an older AF sensor system and it works better than the K20D particularly in low light. Don't ask me why, but the SDM hunts constantly and the SD doesn't.

I want TC ability and finally if the SDM fails (and there have been a few) I want to be able to choose the in body drive. With the K series cameras and the new K-7 there are choices and menus for everything. Why not this?

Can anyone remember a complaint here or elsewhere of the body motor crapping out? Not me.

Russell-Evans · 06-01-2009, 09:56 PM

Originally posted by Peter Zack

Although I think the poll is a bit flawed, I voted for #1 because I'm on my second DA*16-50mm and the SDM sucks.

How would you have voted before you had the issue with the first 16-50mm and there was a "don't care or don't need it" option? If you don't have an issue, why complain, right? In time, maybe there will be more votes added by the unlucky that might also would have voted "don't care, don't need it"?

Thank you
Russell

Russell-Evans · 06-01-2009, 10:20 PM

Originally posted by Bart

I too have a problem with the presented options.
My situation is the following:
- I have a dual SDM and screw drive lens and I want the ability to choose the focus mechanism.
- I will not buy another SDM lens until I have the ability to choose the focus mechanism. Then, the DA*300 might be on the list.
- I have a K10D so I know: no more firmware updates for this one.

Hmm

ps for the sake of your poll, I voted for option 3. Might make some impression on a company concerned with a potentially growing customer base.

OK, didn't see that one coming. The third option is the strongest, so I agree with your vote there.

I lucked into a new $500 50-135mm at a closing Ritz, so I find myself in a funny spot. I wasn't planning on buying any SDM lenses; too expensive, one year warranty, and posts about lenses that have broken. Just not where I want to take risks. I probably should just sell the lens.

Thank you
Russell

Russell-Evans · 06-07-2009, 01:32 PM

Is anyone going to offer a reason why having the choice is a bad thing?

Thank you
Russell

Bart · 06-08-2009, 10:00 AM

Originally posted by Russell-Evans

Is anyone going to offer a reason why having the choice is a bad thing?

Thank you
Russell

My guess would be that having the choice would be acknowledging the existence of a (possible) problem with the SDM mechanism.
I think this would feel awkward to those not affected by this problem (yet).

Russell-Evans · 06-10-2009, 10:29 PM

Originally posted by Bart

My guess would be that having the choice would be acknowledging the existence of a (possible) problem with the SDM mechanism.
I think this would feel awkward to those not affected by this problem (yet).

Human nature being what it is, sure, but can't we just justify it by saying we want to be able to use screw driven AF TCs? Pentax could even use this rational to show that it won't leave its users in a lurch, like having the SDM TC removed from the road map really is.

Thank you
Russell

heliphoto · 06-10-2009, 11:12 PM

I have the DA*16-50, and the DA*50-135, but I will probably not buy another SDM lens. Between hearing about failures, and seeing how slow SDM is, I'd just as soon avoid it. For instance, if I go after a 300mm, it'll probably be the F or FA, instead of the DA (unless support for screwdrive is implemented.)

lithos · 06-11-2009, 12:26 AM

I hope they never kill the screwdrive.

Why?

Because it'd take a miracle - even for Pentax - to fit SDM into, say, the DA70 and keep it the same size.

Not to mention the other advantage: cheaper lenses for the lower end.

And back up and switching would be awesome. Redundancy is a good thing. Like being able to put AA batteries into the DBG4, it's all about reliability, and continuing to function.

jfsavage · 06-11-2009, 04:14 AM

Originally posted by Russell-Evans

I thought it would be good to get some numbers for the people that want a firmware option to disable SDM focusing, hence this will be a poll.

Disabling SDM and using the screw drive focus mechanism provides two things, in the event SDM stops working you still can keep using AF via the screw drive, and second, the ability to use a screw drive TC.

Thank you
Russell

For the numbers to mean anything, you wound need an option 'I don't want to disable SDM', which would be my choice.

leadbelly · 06-11-2009, 04:22 AM

Can't we tape the SDM contacts so that it'll focus using screw-drive? I already sold my K20D and K10D (to fund the K-7

) so I can't try this myself... or will the body detect the lens and stubbornly choose only SDM despite not "detecting" the SDM contacts?

**Rondec** · 06-11-2009, 04:26 AM

I don't understand why you would pay extra for SDM and then not use it. If you just want a body driven lens, wouldn't you buy one? I guess I would just like to see them come out with a more durable, more potent version of SDM that wasn't as prone to motor burn out. The transition lenses with SDM and body driven options really are a lousy idea that probably significantly increases risk of lens failure.

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-11-2009, 04:56 AM

something to remember in all of this is that there are 2 varients of SDM (or what ever it gets called)

while it is true that some SDM lenses offer a mechanical drive down to the camera body, and hence offer two potential focusing systems, more advanced WSDM lenses DO NOT by limiting SDM technology to the first generation, which would offer both SDM and screw drive you are limiting the abilities of lens designers to some extent.

It's all up to you, but there may come a time when you want something that is only SDM compatible due to image quality.

View Poll Results: Select the option that best describes your agreement with the statement
I have a dual SDM and screw drive lens and I want the ability to choose the focus mechanism.	202	58.38%
I am planning on buying a SDM/screw drive lens and I want the ability to choose the focus mechanism.	69	19.94%
I will not buy a SDM lens until I have the ability to choose the focus mechanism.	75	21.68%
Voters: 346. You may not vote on this poll

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06-01-2009, 11:16 AM	#16
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	I am planning on buying a SDM lens and I want the SDM focus mechanism to work. Properly. I would pay more for reliability, precision and speed, btw. If a ring-SDM motor is required for this, then Pentax can send me a ring-SDM 60-250 f/4 lens tomorrow morning, for let's say 10% more $.

06-01-2009, 12:03 PM	#17
Bart Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: WW community of Pentax users Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,646	I too have a problem with the presented options. My situation is the following: - I have a dual SDM and screw drive lens and I want the ability to choose the focus mechanism. - I will not buy another SDM lens until I have the ability to choose the focus mechanism. Then, the DA300 might be on the list. - I have a K10D so I know: no more firmware updates for this one. Hmm ps for the sake of your poll, I voted for option 3. Might make some impression on a company concerned with a potentially* growing customer base.

06-01-2009, 12:30 PM	#18
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553 Original Poster	Originally posted by Tom S. I think you are overly optimistic if you think you'll get 50 people who are interested, let alone 50,000. I can't be the only one that wants to use a TC with SDM lenses? I would imagine as more people buy the 200mm or 300mm, now that the SDM TC is off the lens road map, that they might entertain the idea as well? Especially as the old TCs that do seems to support SDM, are getting harder to find? Why wouldn't you want to have the ability to switch? Thank you Russell

06-01-2009, 01:22 PM	#19
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Although I think the poll is a bit flawed, I voted for #1 because I'm on my second DA16-50mm and the SDM sucks. The in body motor is bigger and faster. I've used the lens on my istD (SD only) which has an older AF sensor system and it works better than the K20D particularly in low light. Don't ask me why, but the SDM hunts constantly and the SD doesn't. I want TC ability and finally if the SDM fails (and there have been a few) I want to be able to choose the in body drive. With the K series cameras and the new K-7 there are choices and menus for everything. Why not this? Can anyone remember a complaint here or elsewhere of the body motor crapping out? Not me.

06-01-2009, 09:56 PM	#20
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553 Original Poster	Originally posted by Peter Zack Although I think the poll is a bit flawed, I voted for #1 because I'm on my second DA*16-50mm and the SDM sucks. How would you have voted before you had the issue with the first 16-50mm and there was a "don't care or don't need it" option? If you don't have an issue, why complain, right? In time, maybe there will be more votes added by the unlucky that might also would have voted "don't care, don't need it"? Thank you Russell

06-01-2009, 10:20 PM	#21
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553 Original Poster	Originally posted by Bart I too have a problem with the presented options. My situation is the following: - I have a dual SDM and screw drive lens and I want the ability to choose the focus mechanism. - I will not buy another SDM lens until I have the ability to choose the focus mechanism. Then, the DA300 might be on the list. - I have a K10D so I know: no more firmware updates for this one. Hmm ps for the sake of your poll, I voted for option 3. Might make some impression on a company concerned with a potentially* growing customer base. OK, didn't see that one coming. The third option is the strongest, so I agree with your vote there. I lucked into a new $500 50-135mm at a closing Ritz, so I find myself in a funny spot. I wasn't planning on buying any SDM lenses; too expensive, one year warranty, and posts about lenses that have broken. Just not where I want to take risks. I probably should just sell the lens. Thank you Russell

06-07-2009, 01:32 PM	#22
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553 Original Poster	Is anyone going to offer a reason why having the choice is a bad thing? Thank you Russell

06-08-2009, 10:00 AM	#23
Bart Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: WW community of Pentax users Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,646	Originally posted by Russell-Evans Is anyone going to offer a reason why having the choice is a bad thing? Thank you Russell My guess would be that having the choice would be acknowledging the existence of a (possible) problem with the SDM mechanism. I think this would feel awkward to those not affected by this problem (yet).

06-10-2009, 10:29 PM	#24
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553 Original Poster	Originally posted by Bart My guess would be that having the choice would be acknowledging the existence of a (possible) problem with the SDM mechanism. I think this would feel awkward to those not affected by this problem (yet). Human nature being what it is, sure, but can't we just justify it by saying we want to be able to use screw driven AF TCs? Pentax could even use this rational to show that it won't leave its users in a lurch, like having the SDM TC removed from the road map really is. Thank you Russell

06-10-2009, 11:12 PM	#25
heliphoto Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Region 5 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,539	I have the DA16-50, and the DA50-135, but I will probably not buy another SDM lens. Between hearing about failures, and seeing how slow SDM is, I'd just as soon avoid it. For instance, if I go after a 300mm, it'll probably be the F or FA, instead of the DA (unless support for screwdrive is implemented.)

06-11-2009, 12:26 AM	#26
lithos Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Brisbane, QLD, AUS Posts: 3,261	I hope they never kill the screwdrive. Why? Because it'd take a miracle - even for Pentax - to fit SDM into, say, the DA70 and keep it the same size. Not to mention the other advantage: cheaper lenses for the lower end. And back up and switching would be awesome. Redundancy is a good thing. Like being able to put AA batteries into the DBG4, it's all about reliability, and continuing to function.

06-11-2009, 04:14 AM	#27
jfsavage Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 211	Originally posted by Russell-Evans I thought it would be good to get some numbers for the people that want a firmware option to disable SDM focusing, hence this will be a poll. Disabling SDM and using the screw drive focus mechanism provides two things, in the event SDM stops working you still can keep using AF via the screw drive, and second, the ability to use a screw drive TC. Thank you Russell For the numbers to mean anything, you wound need an option 'I don't want to disable SDM', which would be my choice.

06-11-2009, 04:22 AM	#28
leadbelly Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 597	Can't we tape the SDM contacts so that it'll focus using screw-drive? I already sold my K20D and K10D (to fund the K-7 ) so I can't try this myself... or will the body detect the lens and stubbornly choose only SDM despite not "detecting" the SDM contacts?

06-11-2009, 04:26 AM	#29
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,666	I don't understand why you would pay extra for SDM and then not use it. If you just want a body driven lens, wouldn't you buy one? I guess I would just like to see them come out with a more durable, more potent version of SDM that wasn't as prone to motor burn out. The transition lenses with SDM and body driven options really are a lousy idea that probably significantly increases risk of lens failure.

06-11-2009, 04:56 AM	#30
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	something to remember in all of this is that there are 2 varients of SDM (or what ever it gets called) while it is true that some SDM lenses offer a mechanical drive down to the camera body, and hence offer two potential focusing systems, more advanced WSDM lenses DO NOT by limiting SDM technology to the first generation, which would offer both SDM and screw drive you are limiting the abilities of lens designers to some extent. It's all up to you, but there may come a time when you want something that is only SDM compatible due to image quality.

Screw drive firmware for SDM lenses

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