Our reader Rzero explained them:
Using SAL300F28G2, SAL500F40G and SEL100400GM as reference, the switches should be for
1. AF/MF
2. DMF STD/Fulltime
3. Focus Limiter
4. Focus Hold
5. Prefocus Set Button
6. Optical Steady Shot ON/OFF
7. OSS Mode 1/Mode 2
8. BEEP ON/OFF button.
Or maybe that’s what it really does :)
And here is an image of the huge front element from the 400mm lens (courtesy of Daniele Bragaglio)