Most are probably aware, but I wanted to remind everyone that a bad SDM does not make a lens worthless. Besides getting the SDM repaired, you can also convert the lens to a regular screw drive AF. Most who have experience with a converted SDM lens say that it actually focuses slightly faster than SDM, although it is noisier.
Googling it will show you guides for how to DIY, but you can also pay someone else to do it for a fairly nominal fee ($25) such as this guy: http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/311609-sale-sdm-screwdrive-conversions.html He currently offers conversions on the DA* 16-50mm DA* 50-135mm DA* 200mm Apparently the DA* 60-250mm is more problematic to convert. If you are wanting a great lens optically and don't mind the screwmount AF, this might open up a pathway to potential bargains - buying a lens discounted because the SDM is not working & just planning on doing the conversion before you use it. -- “The Earth is Art, The Photographer is only a Witness ” ― Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Earth from Above -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
