"Upside down" lens

canyontraveler · 04-03-2009, 11:34 AM

This question is embarrassing to ask(maybe I should have put it in the beginners section) but need an answer, so please be kind. First DSLR I bought was the K100D w/kit lens. A few months ago I purchased the K20D body only with the intention of using the lens from the K100D until I could afford to purchase another lens. Both the K100 and it's lens have been sent a couple of times to Pentax for repair. I didnt notice until I took the lens off the K100 and put it on the K20 that the wording around the front of the lens(SMC PENTAX-DA 1:3.5-5.6 18-55mm AL) is at the bottom of the lens(thus being "upside down" to read) and the 52mm is at the top and upside down. This lens was not like this when I bought the K100(it now fits like this on both camera's) so I have to assume that on one of these repairs this happened and I didnt notice it

. Does this affect the pictures taken in any way(doesnt look like it but if I missed this in the first place....).

I admit that the K20D is Way beyond me at this point and have not been as happy with the pictures as much as the K100 only because I dont know what I'm doing half the time, so I have Much to learn. Thanks.

*séamuis* · 04-03-2009, 11:44 AM

that lettering is on a 'beauty' or 'trim' ring (a flat plastic ring) that is simply screwed into the front of the lens. you should check to make sure its not loose. being upside down gives me the idea that it wasn't screwed in properly (and thus came loose) or simply just wasn't screwed all the way down when repaired. it will not effect the lens' or the cameras ability to take photos in any way. im intrigued, what were the problems you needed to send your equipment in multiple time to have fixed? I have never had to send anything to Pentax.

Sean Nelson · 04-03-2009, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by canyontraveler

...the wording around the front of the lens(SMC PENTAX-DA 1:3.5-5.6 18-55mm AL) is at the bottom of the lens(thus being "upside down" to read) and the 52mm is at the top and upside down. ... Does this affect the pictures taken in any way.

Nope, no effect at all. It's no worse than parking your car and discovering that the lettering on your tires is upside down.

canyontraveler · 04-03-2009, 12:17 PM

Thanks for clearing that up, was hoping for that answer

. As far as why I had the camera sent in for repair... should be no surprise when you hear the answer after what I just asked. In trying to get some very troublesome dust off the camera's insides I scratched part of it and sent it in for a fix. I must say that I was impressed with Pentax in that even though this was my fault they fixed it for nothing(a one time deal on that, am now EXTRA careful, lol). (When they sent the camera back however they sent me one with a different serial number so did have to deal with that, but still they were quite up front about fixing the problem, so I still give them cudos.) The focusing ring on the lens was loose the other time I sent it in(hence the original question). So nothing that was a huge deal. They did a great job cleaning it up really good too. None of this cost me a thing either. I live in the mountains of sw NM so I have to deal with lots of dirt/dust issues.

*séamuis* · 04-03-2009, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by canyontraveler

Thanks for clearing that up, was hoping for that answer . As far as why I had the camera sent in for repair... should be no surprise when you hear the answer after what I just asked. In trying to get some very troublesome dust off the camera's insides I scratched part of it and sent it in for a fix. I must say that I was impressed with Pentax in that even though this was my fault they fixed it for nothing(a one time deal on that, am now EXTRA careful, lol). (When they sent the camera back however they sent me one with a different serial number so did have to deal with that, but still they were quite up front about fixing the problem, so I still give them cudos.) The focusing ring on the lens was loose the other time I sent it in(hence the original question). So nothing that was a huge deal. They did a great job cleaning it up really good too. None of this cost me a thing either. I live in the mountains of sw NM so I have to deal with lots of dirt/dust issues.

if this is the case then I would recommend 1: not taking off the lens outside (if it can be helped) 2: get a quality UV filter to keep in front of the lens element to protect it from the dust and dirt. I normally advise against such a filter because its mostly pointless, but a dusty and windy environment is a very good reason to have one. I would suggest a Hoya HMC UV(0) don't spend the money on a more expensive SHMC, its pointless. its easier and less risky to clean a filter than it is a lens. I also suggest getting a quality cleaner designed for multicoated optics. you wont have to use it on the lens itself very often or at all if you always use the filter. but I always suggest using Formula MC. its designed for muliticoated optics used by NASA as well if im not mistaken. and some quality optical cleaning tissue. although I have never used this site, others have withoout problems and you can get a filter, tissues and formula MC all here. Camera Filters The Filter Connection 2filter.com for Hoya HD filters, Hoya Pro 1, Tiffen HT, Marumi Camera Filters, B+W filters and Canon Ink. I would also suggest a blower like a giottos 'rocket' blower to get rid of surface dust and debris.

*m8o* · 04-03-2009, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by Sean Nelson

Nope, no effect at all. It's no worse than parking your car and discovering that the lettering on your tires is upside down.

That's a very funny analogy.

sebberry · 04-05-2009, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by Sean Nelson

Nope, no effect at all. It's no worse than parking your car and discovering that the lettering on your tires is upside down.

I hate it when that happens. Even more so when I go to move the car to fix it and the letters on the BACK tire are upside down.

*monochrome* · 04-05-2009, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by sebberry

I hate it when that happens. Even more so when I go to move the car to fix it and the letters on the BACK tire are upside down.

While Pentax Service is usually very good, NTB sux. Every time I take my car in for an oil change and tire rotation I have to remind them to line up the letters front and back again.

richard64 · 04-06-2009, 05:12 AM

Originally Posted by sebberry

I hate it when that happens. Even more so when I go to move the car to fix it and the letters on the BACK tire are upside down.

That is what the car jack is for: you can jack up the car just enough to turn the wheel until the lettering is in the right position. In 20 minutes you can do this to every wheel and get it looking good. And if you are careful about not going round corners (so the constant velocity joints don't move the wheels uneavely), or do any wheel-spin you'll find the alignment will remain until the next time you park the car.

Richard

Sean Nelson · 04-06-2009, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by richard64

...if you are careful about not going round corners (so the constant velocity joints don't move the wheels uneavely), or do any wheel-spin you'll find the alignment will remain until the next time you park the car.

...as long as all the tires are exactly evenly worn and are at exactly the same tire pressure...

sebberry · 04-06-2009, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by richard64

That is what the car jack is for: you can jack up the car just enough to turn the wheel until the lettering is in the right position. In 20 minutes you can do this to every wheel and get it looking good.Richard

Try doing that with an all-wheel drive car.. it's like playing with a Rubicks cube!!

Lazaruscomeout · 04-07-2009, 05:36 PM

This might solve the problem.