tamron minolta lens problem

[logbiter]

First post here, so go easy on me I've just inherited my first dSLR, an a100 w/ the 18-70 kit lens. So, I'm keeping an eye out for some affordable glass for it (got a 4 month old, so can't spend much on glass just now). I can't believe how much the 'beercan' lenses are going for on ebay!

on to the problem...
I just received an older Tamron minolta AF 70-210 tele-macro lens on a lowball bid from fleabay. It doesn't focus about 3/4 of the time (hunts a bit, then stops while out of focus). Though sometimes when powering the a100 on and off, it will focus properly, until I zoom out or in, then it's confused again. It only has 5 contacts on the mount side, compared to the 7 or 8 contacts the kit lens has.

Am I doing something wrong or should I send it back? Seller says he'll refund me, so that's good!

Also, would it be worthwhile to get an adapter for my MD glass to an A mount? Any ill affects I should be aware of? (aside from the fact they're not AF).
I've got a nice fast prime and a couple of decent macro lenses on my old minolta slr, gathering dust in my closet.
Thanks!

[Anbesol]

Definitely get the adapter, if you've already got the lens you might as well! I haven't used an adapter myself, but I can't imagine any problems.

The beercan is totally worth every penny, I still think that price to quality, its a total bargain. If I were you, I'd keep my eye out for the 1990's vintage minolta lens, like the beercan. Always good, sometimes a bit flarey, but top quality at a very affordable price. Those tamron's are famous for their focus problems, I would return it and get the beercan.

[logbiter]

Thanks for the advice. I'll be posting some pics up soon.:thumbsup: