SDMs DO Require Preventive Maintenance!

Owing to the prolonged infamous failure of the SDMs in various Pentax AF lens models, I only bought my first SDM lens, the DA*55 F1.4, back to 2015, which is a SDM-only lens in KAF3 mount (on screw-drive). After that, I bought also another SDM only lens the DA17-70 and then later a DA*60-250 F4 hybrid-SDM/screw-driven lens (which supports also in 2022.

Here is my proven experiences with those SDM lenses and my tip to prevent them from malfunction before it would be too late, as follows:

I observe that all those lenses did require regular use of the motors. If they were left un-use for a period of time, the AF motors would first become difficult to move. In that case, first of all they were moving rather slowly and with some clicks of odd sound coming out when moving, rather not smoothly. So, more exercise with the lenses could improve thing. After they had (been) moved smoothly, then it would work flawlessly for a couple of months again. This first happened with my DA*55 of which the first SDM  problem appeared after about one year of purchase of the lens. (I bought that lens from the Biccamera in Japan brand new.)

Same thing happened with my DA*60-250 but the symptom exhibited, which was even worse. This lens was bought from the Amazon.jp brand new and was manufactured in 2021 as shown in the document in box, which was supposed to be of the rumoured "newly designed" SDM, but which IMHO has actually been non-existent. Eventually, I needed to bring out my old screw-driven AF Pentax DSLR to turn and smooth out the operation of the SDM, which is rather hilarious indeed. After that, the SDM turnsed flawlessly, i.e. quick and smooth, but only after my prevent maintenance work carried out for about ten minute, and turnings of both the SDM and the screw-drive mechanics were required.

Another observation of mine is that the SDMs would slow down in cold weather when the temperature was cold. Hence, despite the "cold-proof" specification and feature of those AW SDM lenses, those lenses equipped with SDMs are in fact vulnerable to cold weather and to work properly under low temperatures unless they do enough "exercises" from day to day.

So, if you have those evil Pentax SDM lenses, do remember to mark your calendar and carry out periodical PMs before they are to die, which will be too late to save by then. My humble advice and true experience shared.

The K-3 III is Delayed and Here Comes the Re-packaged 3 FA Limiteds in HD

We all knew that the K-3 III was delayed without a new release or market launch date announced. :-(

Hence, Ricoh is "kind" enough to let us have something else "new", right before the CP+. ;-P

Here we go:

(Source: Japanese Nokishita Twitter via Cameota. In short, the new features of the re-packaged FA Limited lenses are HD plus SP coatings, round aperture and blades and guaranteed -10 deg.C temperature operation, there is no Weather Resistance, nonetheless. Anyway, my old FA Limiteds have never had any problem working in cold and snowing conditions under -10 to -20 deg.C in the past, so did my other film FA lenses, but getting the lenses wet might cause real problems. As for the aperture ring and aluminium casted lens bodies, these are indeed good old features but nothing new.

Update (Feb 25): The HD FA Limited Special Site is now online (in Japanese only). Online pre-ordering from the Ricoh web store is also made available. The offered prices are not cheap, though.

Pentax Aperture Block Problem Class Action Lawsuit

https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/electronics/pentax-camera-class-action-alleges-aperture-defect/

"A camera owner has filed a class action lawsuit against Ricoh USA Inc. over claims that the company’s line of Pentax camera products are defective in a way that causes them to produce useless, almost completely dark photographs."

1st Dead AF Report of the DFA*50/1.4

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4354286#forum-post-62128519

Selected KP Videos

K-1 Mode Dial Failure

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/323158-k1-mode-dial-failure.html

Seems to be a common fault as reported.

Official K-1 Promotional Video (11 Clips)

AF201FG Flash

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1117720-REG/pentax_af_201fg_flash.html

K-s2 and HD DA 18-50 Specs

http://photorumors.com/2015/02/09/pentax-k-s2-camera-hd-pentax-da-18-50mm-f4-5-6-dc-wr-re-lens-specifications/

Not bad.

New Ricoh WG-M1

http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/digital-camera/WG-M1_orange

The monitor is way too small IMHO, it is of the same size of my ancient Optio 330, i.e., in 1.5"?! :-o

It *seems* to have built-in WiFi connectivitiy, though, as the specifications does not mention this but just in the product highlights. That is, the first camera of Ricoh Pentax that have this useful and handy function, and a Fuck-card should not be required anymore! :-D

645Z Sand+Water Test

Not Official: Pentax K-3 Mirror Flop "Fix" from Ricoh

http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/k-3-mirror-flop-fix-from-ricoh.html

"Thank you for contacting RICOH.
We have been informed that there is now a shop adjustment that can be made to help resolve/reduce the reported K-3 "mirror-flop" issue. I recommend you return your camera directly to RICOH Imaging Company at the address listed below for examination."

SDM Still Sucks!

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53455111

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53621691

Seven years lapsed since the first SDM lens was born. However, the complaints from SDM users never ended and the brand name suffers. Well, is it really so difficult to cure such a design problem? Oh really?? >:-(

K-3 Mirror Flapping User Survey (A Common and Serious Issue is Confirmed)

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/254464-k3-crazy-mirror-sickness-mirror-flapping-lockup-report-yours-here.html

As we can see, there are so many K-3 users, in a total of 71 numbers, reported the same mirror sickness problem. It is concluded that the issue is simply not isolated and it is just  serious and common enough.

Some K-3 users are really pissed off and they are much disappointed/upset/angered. Look at this recent example and detailed user report:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3652110#forum-post-53460592

K-3 Mirror Flapping and Locking Up Issues

"This is my second K3 body... first one was exchanged because of this problem."

Via: http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3638230

Again, that RICOH logo is really disgusting! >:-(

K-3 User Test Under Cold Weather at -16C

http://www.pentaxfans.net/thread-142928-1-1.html
(in Traditional Chinese, Google English Translation Here.)

It is told that the cold weather resistance of the K-3 is really good, which is yet better than that of the A7R which the user also owns, despite that the water resistance of both is good enough, as commented by that user.

So, a bulkier body could help for better cold resistance. And, an all-metal body could be inferior, also a compact body as well.

Sony A7 Water Test - Water is My Friend! :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7hvJTGW4BA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lT0iDwiPNhs

The Spotmatic Digital Concept is Adopted by Nikon! >:-(

First read again this concept as previously proposed by a Pentaxian:

http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2013/07/pentax-spotmatic-digital-concept.html

In fact, Sony has made it close with the A7/R and Nikon now has achieved that exactly with their new Df but unfortunately it is not a Pentax! >:-(



Like all the Pentax APS-C flagship, the FF Nikon Df is also weatherproof:



And, how much is that new Nikon retro-look 50/1.8G lens sold? It is about $250 for comparing the list prices at B&H (here and here). This lens does have a distance scale. For the same listed price, we can also get our DA50/1.8, which is just a pure "plastic wonder", however! :-o

My First Leaked K-3 Specs Confirmed

The secret Pentax insider source of Digicame Info striked finally, here we go:

http://digicame-info.com/2013/10/k-3-7.html
(in Japanese)

Btw, most of the latest leaked information are the same as what I first leaked back to two weeks ago. Below are what's new and in addition:

- Optical low pass filter simulation by sensor shifting, three settings: Strong, Weak and Off;
- 27-point SAFOX 11: 25 cross AF sensors, central 3 with f/2.8 AF sensitivity;
- Continuous shooting rate at 8.3 fps maximum;
- Dual SDXC/UHS-I compliance SD card slots;
- HDR saved in RAW;
- 200k actuation life-time shutter;
- Supply in Silver and Black colours;
- Flucard compatible;
- New D-BG5 - dedicated grip solely for K-3.


Read Also: 

Full Review: K-5 Wi-Fi, Q Wi-Fi and EOS 5D6! ;-)

Ricoh has Refurbished the Old 360 and 540 Flash Units

See the Press Release at DPR:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/08/27/ricoh-introduces-weather-resistant-flash-units

Weather sealing and a video LED light source are added:

"New" 540II:


"New" 360II:


"The AF360FGZ II and AF540FGZ II will be available for purchase at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide in September 2013 for the suggested retail price of $429.95 and $629.95, respectively."