What does a Screwdrive Converted Pentax DA* 50-135mm F2.8 lens sound like?

JeffAHayes wrote:

OnTheWeb wrote:

Some people asked 'how loud' is a screwdrive converted Pentax DA* 50-135mm F2.8 lens. So I made a Youtube video comparing the the converted Pentax DA* to a Vivitar 100mm F3.5 macro (The plastic fantastic). It was captured with decent quality microphones so hopefully this gives you some idea what to expect after you convert your lens to screwdrive once your SDM fails, which is inevitable.

Pentax DA* 50-135mm F2.8 Screwdrive Sound Comparison (youtube video)

OK, so I haven't yet had SDM failure on my two DA* lenses. I don't know if it's "inevitable" or not but when and if that day comes, what's involved in converting it to screw drive? How expensive is that, vs. having the SDM repaired? Since neither is under warranty after a year, it shouldn't affect the warranty, but how does it affect the quality and/or speed of AF? Obviously it's a bit noiser, as the SDM is pretty silent. But if SDM does turn out to be something that fails, and fails again, I'd like to know what my options are.

Jeff

Hi Jeff

conversion costs nothing you need the correct camera (one of the older generation) and simlply change the lens Firmware.

using something like a k5,k7,kx etc the procedure is

1 switch camera in to debug with something like pk-tether (not required for k20)

2 use file on SD card to fully enable debug menu

3 enter debug menu export lens firmware

4 using note pad alter required field (see link)

5 import new altered Fw

6 enjoy or not depending on your noise tolerance and lens usage

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/208353-how-deactivate-sdm-allow-screw-drive-autofocus-da-16-50mm-f-2-8-a.html