FA77MM focusing-ring stuck, can not focus.

dawaylong · 09-15-2014, 12:19 PM

Recently, I noticed my FA77mm has a focusing problem.
For some reason, the focusing ring seems to be tracked in some position (the telescope end).
When the cameras (both K01/K5) were set to "autofocus", then I half-pressed the shooting button, I could only hear the noise of the motor, but the viewfinder didn't change.
When I set the cameras to "manual focusing", I still couldn't rotate the focusing ring.
The stuck-focusing-ring problem existed when the lens was removed from the cameras.
This FA77 is a Vietnam assembled version.
Anyone encounter this kind of focusing problem before?
Any suggestion? Thanks a lot!

---------- Post added 09-15-14 at 03:23 PM ----------

My cameras are fine with other lenses, such as FA31MM or 16-45/F4.0

stevebrot · 09-15-2014, 03:32 PM

It appears that you have done all the right steps to isolate the problem. The focus mechanism on your lens is mechanically jammed or broken. I am unaware of any known tendency of the FA 77/1.8 to this sort of problem nor can I remember any report on this site of anything similar. I would not want to speculate regarding potential causes. It is enough to say that they span the full gamut of manufacturing defect, abuse, and normal wear. I would suggest a professional repair.

Steve

dawaylong · 09-16-2014, 12:11 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

It appears that you have done all the right steps to isolate the problem. The focus mechanism on your lens is mechanically jammed or broken. I am unaware of any known tendency of the FA 77/1.8 to this sort of problem nor can I remember any report on this site of anything similar. I would not want to speculate regarding potential causes. It is enough to say that they span the full gamut of manufacturing defect, abuse, and normal wear. I would suggest a professional repair.

Steve

Thanks a lot, Steve.
I checked the price list in Precision Camera.
The price varies from $78.50 to $228.50, plus the part fee.
I'm not sure how serious the focusing ring problem is, whether It's possible to fix it personally.
Personally, I have a handy-hand, but I never fix a lens before.
If it's not that serious and could be fixed in a somehow not too complicated way, then I want to try it myself.
Otherwise a professional repair is needed.
That's why I'm seeking advices.

stevebrot · 09-16-2014, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by dawaylong

Personally, I have a handy-hand, but I never fix a lens before.

It requires special tools. I can recommend Micro Tools as a source for the JIS screwdrivers and specialized spanners and lubricants.

Micro-Tools, Camera & Watch Repair Tools - Home

If parts are required, they may be difficult to get. Ricoh no longer sells parts to individuals. You might want to contact Eric Hendrickson, an independent Pentax-trained repair technician in Tennessee. He is competent and is fair in his pricing and is an honest professional.

Eric Hendrickson: pentaxs.com

Steve

**Deimos** · 09-16-2014, 08:46 PM

I had the same problem with my 77 MIJ. The focus ring started to feel a bit gritty then not long after got stuck, then it could be moved a bit but seemed to no longer correspond to correct focus. I sent it to Eric, he wants $85 to repair the ring, clean the optics, refocus the lens and ship it back to Canada.

dawaylong · 09-17-2014, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

It requires special tools. I can recommend Micro Tools as a source for the JIS screwdrivers and specialized spanners and lubricants.

Micro-Tools, Camera & Watch Repair Tools - Home

If parts are required, they may be difficult to get. Ricoh no longer sells parts to individuals. You might want to contact Eric Hendrickson, an independent Pentax-trained repair technician in Tennessee. He is competent and is fair in his pricing and is an honest professional.

Eric Hendrickson: pentaxs.com

Steve

Thanks a lot for the info.
Actually I have watch tool set.
But I will contact him, because I don't know how serious the problem is.

---------- Post added 09-17-14 at 11:42 AM ----------

Originally posted by Deimos

I had the same problem with my 77 MIJ. The focus ring started to feel a bit gritty then not long after got stuck, then it could be moved a bit but seemed to no longer correspond to correct focus. I sent it to Eric, he wants $85 to repair the ring, clean the optics, refocus the lens and ship it back to Canada.

This information is really helpful!
Thanks, Deimos!

Do you still have his contact?
I would like to contact him!

Best,
Dan

mikeSF · 09-17-2014, 09:43 AM

that sounds like the behavior mine was showing moments before the whole front of the lens fell off on the ground due to three loose screws. I recommend getting it in for repair.

stevebrot · 09-17-2014, 05:55 PM

Originally posted by dawaylong

Actually I have watch tool set.

Beware the cross-head screws are JIS and require a compatible screwdriver.

Steve

---------- Post added 09-17-14 at 05:56 PM ----------

Originally posted by dawaylong

But I will contact him

Originally posted by dawaylong

Do you still have his contact?
I would like to contact him!

Same Eric that I gave you the link to.

Steve

**Deimos** · 09-17-2014, 08:38 PM

Originally posted by dawaylong

Thanks a lot for the info.
This information is really helpful!
Thanks, Deimos!

Do you still have his contact?
I would like to contact him!

Best,
Dan

You can contact him here: Home

dawaylong · 09-18-2014, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Beware the cross-head screws are JIS and require a compatible screwdriver.

Steve

---------- Post added 09-17-14 at 05:56 PM ----------

Same Eric that I gave you the link to.

Steve

Gotcha, thanks a lot.

---------- Post added 09-18-14 at 11:41 AM ----------

Originally posted by Deimos

You can contact him here: Home

Got it, thanks

09-15-2014, 12:19 PM	#1
dawaylong Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 33	FA77MM focusing-ring stuck, can not focus. Recently, I noticed my FA77mm has a focusing problem. For some reason, the focusing ring seems to be tracked in some position (the telescope end). When the cameras (both K01/K5) were set to "autofocus", then I half-pressed the shooting button, I could only hear the noise of the motor, but the viewfinder didn't change. When I set the cameras to "manual focusing", I still couldn't rotate the focusing ring. The stuck-focusing-ring problem existed when the lens was removed from the cameras. This FA77 is a Vietnam assembled version. Anyone encounter this kind of focusing problem before? Any suggestion? Thanks a lot! ---------- Post added 09-15-14 at 03:23 PM ---------- My cameras are fine with other lenses, such as FA31MM or 16-45/F4.0

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09-15-2014, 03:32 PM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	It appears that you have done all the right steps to isolate the problem. The focus mechanism on your lens is mechanically jammed or broken. I am unaware of any known tendency of the FA 77/1.8 to this sort of problem nor can I remember any report on this site of anything similar. I would not want to speculate regarding potential causes. It is enough to say that they span the full gamut of manufacturing defect, abuse, and normal wear. I would suggest a professional repair. Steve

09-16-2014, 12:11 PM	#3
dawaylong Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 33 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot It appears that you have done all the right steps to isolate the problem. The focus mechanism on your lens is mechanically jammed or broken. I am unaware of any known tendency of the FA 77/1.8 to this sort of problem nor can I remember any report on this site of anything similar. I would not want to speculate regarding potential causes. It is enough to say that they span the full gamut of manufacturing defect, abuse, and normal wear. I would suggest a professional repair. Steve Thanks a lot, Steve. I checked the price list in Precision Camera. The price varies from $78.50 to $228.50, plus the part fee. I'm not sure how serious the focusing ring problem is, whether It's possible to fix it personally. Personally, I have a handy-hand, but I never fix a lens before. If it's not that serious and could be fixed in a somehow not too complicated way, then I want to try it myself. Otherwise a professional repair is needed. That's why I'm seeking advices.

09-16-2014, 08:36 PM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by dawaylong Personally, I have a handy-hand, but I never fix a lens before. It requires special tools. I can recommend Micro Tools as a source for the JIS screwdrivers and specialized spanners and lubricants. Micro-Tools, Camera & Watch Repair Tools - Home If parts are required, they may be difficult to get. Ricoh no longer sells parts to individuals. You might want to contact Eric Hendrickson, an independent Pentax-trained repair technician in Tennessee. He is competent and is fair in his pricing and is an honest professional. Eric Hendrickson: pentaxs.com Steve

09-16-2014, 08:46 PM	#5
Deimos Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kingdom of Wonder Posts: 1,777	I had the same problem with my 77 MIJ. The focus ring started to feel a bit gritty then not long after got stuck, then it could be moved a bit but seemed to no longer correspond to correct focus. I sent it to Eric, he wants $85 to repair the ring, clean the optics, refocus the lens and ship it back to Canada.

09-17-2014, 08:40 AM	#6
dawaylong Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 33 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot It requires special tools. I can recommend Micro Tools as a source for the JIS screwdrivers and specialized spanners and lubricants. Micro-Tools, Camera & Watch Repair Tools - Home If parts are required, they may be difficult to get. Ricoh no longer sells parts to individuals. You might want to contact Eric Hendrickson, an independent Pentax-trained repair technician in Tennessee. He is competent and is fair in his pricing and is an honest professional. Eric Hendrickson: pentaxs.com Steve Thanks a lot for the info. Actually I have watch tool set. But I will contact him, because I don't know how serious the problem is. ---------- Post added 09-17-14 at 11:42 AM ---------- Originally posted by Deimos I had the same problem with my 77 MIJ. The focus ring started to feel a bit gritty then not long after got stuck, then it could be moved a bit but seemed to no longer correspond to correct focus. I sent it to Eric, he wants $85 to repair the ring, clean the optics, refocus the lens and ship it back to Canada. This information is really helpful! Thanks, Deimos! Do you still have his contact? I would like to contact him! Best, Dan

09-17-2014, 09:43 AM	#7
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	that sounds like the behavior mine was showing moments before the whole front of the lens fell off on the ground due to three loose screws. I recommend getting it in for repair.

09-17-2014, 05:55 PM	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by dawaylong Actually I have watch tool set. Beware the cross-head screws are JIS and require a compatible screwdriver. Steve ---------- Post added 09-17-14 at 05:56 PM ---------- Originally posted by dawaylong But I will contact him Originally posted by dawaylong Do you still have his contact? I would like to contact him! Same Eric that I gave you the link to. Steve

09-17-2014, 08:38 PM	#9
Deimos Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kingdom of Wonder Posts: 1,777	Originally posted by dawaylong Thanks a lot for the info. This information is really helpful! Thanks, Deimos! Do you still have his contact? I would like to contact him! Best, Dan You can contact him here: Home

09-18-2014, 08:40 AM	#10
dawaylong Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 33 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot Beware the cross-head screws are JIS and require a compatible screwdriver. Steve ---------- Post added 09-17-14 at 05:56 PM ---------- Same Eric that I gave you the link to. Steve Gotcha, thanks a lot. ---------- Post added 09-18-14 at 11:41 AM ---------- Originally posted by Deimos You can contact him here: Home Got it, thanks

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