Darn! 16-50mm Dies during Harper's BAZAAR Shoot

SpecialK · 02-04-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

If we analyzed only repairs related to SDM failure, the repair rate would be well below our average, indicating there is not an issue with this system.

Maybe the repair rate is very high on non-SDM lenses, making the SDM issue "below" average?

Quote:

Three and four repairs on the same lens is well below the normal return rate?

They are not looking at individual statistics. They are dividing sales by repairs.

Quote:

I sold all my SDM lenses and got Sigma's to replace those and never have had a problem.

Knock on wood. I also wanted to avoid SDM worries at the time I got the Sigma 150-500, which ironically, is "within the range of serial numbers" that might have a known HSM problem. So far, so good. And I don't think about possible failures. But it has a longer warranty, too (3 yrs).

Class A · 02-04-2011, 06:27 PM

Originally posted by SpecialK

... I got the Sigma 150-500, which ironically, is "within the range of serial numbers" that might have a known HSM problem.

I did a google search on "known HSM problem" and your post here is the only one turning up.

I also searched for "Sigma 150-500" & "HSM problem" and again your post here comes on top. There are a few more, irrelevant (mostly auto-generated) ones.

I tried before to see whether there have been issues with HSM and (using Google) have never been able to find anything.

It's a different story with "SDM".

Jodokast96 · 02-04-2011, 06:50 PM

Originally posted by Class A

I did a google search on "known HSM problem" and your post here is the only one turning up.

Auto focusing issue affects limited number of Sigma telezoom lenses - SIGMA CORPORATION

pop4 · 02-05-2011, 05:42 AM

Originally posted by Fl_Gulfer

You need to ask about after warrenty repairs then tell him he is full of chit. I sold all my SDM lenses and got Sigma's to replace those and never have had a problem.

I read about the SDM issues on here and all over the net, avoided SDM altogether and went straight to HSM and haven't looked back either. I now have 4 Sigma HSM lenses. It's a shame for Pentax really.

Peter Zack · 02-05-2011, 06:41 AM

The point they are missing is the bad PR this causes. I've read more than one person on other forums that switched from brand X to Canikon and mentioned that the SDM issue caused them to dismiss Pentax as a choice. They need to fix it for us and for future customers.

But then as the reply above demonstrates, here's their thinking on the subject:

benjikan · 02-05-2011, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by Peter Zack

The point they are missing is the bad PR this causes. I've read more than one person on other forums that switched from brand X to Canikon and mentioned that the SDM issue caused them to dismiss Pentax as a choice. They need to fix it for us and for future customers.

But then as the reply above demonstrates, here's their thinking on the subject:

Hear, Hear!

Class A · 02-05-2011, 11:10 PM

Originally posted by Jodokast96

Auto focusing issue affects limited number of Sigma telezoom lenses - SIGMA CORPORATION

Thanks for the pointer. Seems like Sigma is very proactive here about a manufacturing problem (as opposed to a design problem) as I haven't found any user complaints.

How I wish we had a statement from Pentax stating that they had identified a set of serial numbers for SDM lenses where an error could potentially occur and that they invite users to send in their lenses for inspection.

But we always have the one year warranty on SDM lenses, don't we?

Rnovo · 02-11-2011, 04:32 PM

Lot's of threads on this 16-50 mm! Too bad since it covers 90% of the stuff I do.
I just had mine - the AF - fail again just 6months out of warranty. Dropped at the local Pentax repair man, got the quote, and wrote a letter to Pentax Canada. I was happy to receive an answer giving me a 50% discount on the total cost.
Now, I say this is a descent way to show good will since it is the first time I ever had a major problem with a Pentax product.
Hope they tweek they lens.

ve2vfd · 02-11-2011, 07:20 PM

Rnovo ... Thats the reason why when I bought mine last week, I made sure I had the Pentax Canada 2yrs warranty + a 7 year Mack warranty that came with it.

Worse case scenario I can sell it after 2yrs and it still has 5 years left on its warranty which is transferable.

Pat

SteveM · 02-11-2011, 10:25 PM

Originally posted by ve2vfd

Rnovo ... Thats the reason why when I bought mine last week, I made sure I had the Pentax Canada 2yrs warranty + a 7 year Mack warranty that came with it.

Worse case scenario I can sell it after 2yrs and it still has 5 years left on its warranty which is transferable.

Pat

I was looking at that too....anyone know what Mack is like to deal with?

benjikan · 02-13-2011, 02:11 PM

Sending both lenses to Pentax tomorrow. Both DA*'s

Cambo · 02-20-2011, 05:34 PM

Originally posted by benjikan

Sending both lenses to Pentax tomorrow. Both DA*'s

what's happening with this? I WAS going to sell a bunch of my FA* and get a weathersealed DA* system, but now I'm not so sure...

Cheers,
Cameron

Peter Zack · 02-20-2011, 05:54 PM

Cambo, If you are selling for just the WS, then DON'T. I realize that there are no FA*16-50mm's but if your lenses offer the focal lengths you want, I would never trade a FA* to a DA*.

Unless you shoot in pouring rain a lot, there's no need to have WS IMO. It's a nice feature but one that we hype a bit more than we really need on a regular basis.

**interested_observer** · 02-20-2011, 06:01 PM

For landscapes all I really need is f4, so I have been able to avoid the SDM issues. There is a lot to be said about the old tried and true screwdrive.....

chima chinda · 10-07-2016, 01:48 AM

Originally posted by benjikan

I can't believe this. I brought my 16-50 for my Harper's BAZAAR shoot which was just repaired. Start up camera...DA*16-50 lens is DEAD!!!!

Called Pentax...No response!!!!

Merde!!!!!!!

Hi Benjikan,

Do you think it's worth getting the DA* 55mm f1.4. I already own a Pentax 24-70 f2.8 but I'm considering getting the 55mm because of the wider aperture.

On my mind also is the SMC Pentax-FA* 85mm F1.4 [IF] (if I can find any).

Not sure which to get. Any thoughts please. Thanks

02-05-2011, 06:41 AM	#170
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	The point they are missing is the bad PR this causes. I've read more than one person on other forums that switched from brand X to Canikon and mentioned that the SDM issue caused them to dismiss Pentax as a choice. They need to fix it for us and for future customers. But then as the reply above demonstrates, here's their thinking on the subject: Attached Images

02-20-2011, 05:34 PM	#177
Cambo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,016	So... Originally posted by benjikan Sending both lenses to Pentax tomorrow. Both DA's what's happening with this? I WAS going to sell a bunch of my FA and get a weathersealed DA* system, but now I'm not so sure... Cheers, Cameron

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
More Pentax for Harper's BAZAAR Magazine	benjikan	Photographic Technique	24	05-11-2011 11:17 PM
Harper's BAZAAR High Fashion "Haute Couture"	benjikan	Photographic Industry and Professionals	2	01-30-2011 11:18 AM
Pentax in Harper's BAZAAR Again	benjikan	Pentax News and Rumors	12	12-19-2010 09:47 AM
Pentax in Harper's BAZAAR Behind the Scenes Video & Images	benjikan	Pentax News and Rumors	9	09-27-2010 04:35 AM
Harper's BAZAAR Making of Video Final	benjikan	Photographic Industry and Professionals	1	06-27-2010 01:38 PM

02-04-2011, 04:09 PM	#166
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Quote: If we analyzed only repairs related to SDM failure, the repair rate would be well below our average, indicating there is not an issue with this system. Maybe the repair rate is very high on non-SDM lenses, making the SDM issue "below" average? Quote: Three and four repairs on the same lens is well below the normal return rate? They are not looking at individual statistics. They are dividing sales by repairs. Quote: I sold all my SDM lenses and got Sigma's to replace those and never have had a problem. Knock on wood. I also wanted to avoid SDM worries at the time I got the Sigma 150-500, which ironically, is "within the range of serial numbers" that might have a known HSM problem. So far, so good. And I don't think about possible failures. But it has a longer warranty, too (3 yrs).

02-04-2011, 06:27 PM	#167
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by SpecialK ... I got the Sigma 150-500, which ironically, is "within the range of serial numbers" that might have a known HSM problem. I did a google search on "known HSM problem" and your post here is the only one turning up. I also searched for "Sigma 150-500" & "HSM problem" and again your post here comes on top. There are a few more, irrelevant (mostly auto-generated) ones. I tried before to see whether there have been issues with HSM and (using Google) have never been able to find anything. It's a different story with "SDM".

02-04-2011, 06:50 PM	#168
Jodokast96 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Erial, NJ USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,134	Originally posted by Class A I did a google search on "known HSM problem" and your post here is the only one turning up. Auto focusing issue affects limited number of Sigma telezoom lenses - SIGMA CORPORATION

02-05-2011, 05:42 AM	#169
pop4 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: YMML Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,879	Originally posted by Fl_Gulfer You need to ask about after warrenty repairs then tell him he is full of chit. I sold all my SDM lenses and got Sigma's to replace those and never have had a problem. I read about the SDM issues on here and all over the net, avoided SDM altogether and went straight to HSM and haven't looked back either. I now have 4 Sigma HSM lenses. It's a shame for Pentax really.

02-05-2011, 02:26 PM	#171
benjikan Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,308 Original Poster	Originally posted by Peter Zack The point they are missing is the bad PR this causes. I've read more than one person on other forums that switched from brand X to Canikon and mentioned that the SDM issue caused them to dismiss Pentax as a choice. They need to fix it for us and for future customers. But then as the reply above demonstrates, here's their thinking on the subject: Hear, Hear!

02-05-2011, 11:10 PM	#172
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by Jodokast96 Auto focusing issue affects limited number of Sigma telezoom lenses - SIGMA CORPORATION Thanks for the pointer. Seems like Sigma is very proactive here about a manufacturing problem (as opposed to a design problem) as I haven't found any user complaints. How I wish we had a statement from Pentax stating that they had identified a set of serial numbers for SDM lenses where an error could potentially occur and that they invite users to send in their lenses for inspection. But we always have the one year warranty on SDM lenses, don't we?

02-11-2011, 04:32 PM	#173
Rnovo Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 415	Lot's of threads on this 16-50 mm! Too bad since it covers 90% of the stuff I do. I just had mine - the AF - fail again just 6months out of warranty. Dropped at the local Pentax repair man, got the quote, and wrote a letter to Pentax Canada. I was happy to receive an answer giving me a 50% discount on the total cost. Now, I say this is a descent way to show good will since it is the first time I ever had a major problem with a Pentax product. Hope they tweek they lens.

02-11-2011, 07:20 PM	#174
ve2vfd Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montreal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,433	Rnovo ... Thats the reason why when I bought mine last week, I made sure I had the Pentax Canada 2yrs warranty + a 7 year Mack warranty that came with it. Worse case scenario I can sell it after 2yrs and it still has 5 years left on its warranty which is transferable. Pat

02-11-2011, 10:25 PM	#175
SteveM Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Vancouver Island, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,294	Originally posted by ve2vfd Rnovo ... Thats the reason why when I bought mine last week, I made sure I had the Pentax Canada 2yrs warranty + a 7 year Mack warranty that came with it. Worse case scenario I can sell it after 2yrs and it still has 5 years left on its warranty which is transferable. Pat I was looking at that too....anyone know what Mack is like to deal with?

02-13-2011, 02:11 PM	#176
benjikan Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,308 Original Poster	Sending both lenses to Pentax tomorrow. Both DA*'s

02-20-2011, 05:54 PM	#178
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Cambo, If you are selling for just the WS, then DON'T. I realize that there are no FA16-50mm's but if your lenses offer the focal lengths you want, I would never trade a FA to a DA*. Unless you shoot in pouring rain a lot, there's no need to have WS IMO. It's a nice feature but one that we hype a bit more than we really need on a regular basis.

02-20-2011, 06:01 PM	#179
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	For landscapes all I really need is f4, so I have been able to avoid the SDM issues. There is a lot to be said about the old tried and true screwdrive.....

10-07-2016, 01:48 AM	#180
chima chinda Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Lagos Photos: Albums Posts: 60	Originally posted by benjikan I can't believe this. I brought my 16-50 for my Harper's BAZAAR shoot which was just repaired. Start up camera...DA16-50 lens is DEAD!!!! Called Pentax...No response!!!! Merde!!!!!!! Hi Benjikan, Do you think it's worth getting the DA 55mm f1.4. I already own a Pentax 24-70 f2.8 but I'm considering getting the 55mm because of the wider aperture. On my mind also is the SMC Pentax-FA* 85mm F1.4 [IF] (if I can find any). Not sure which to get. Any thoughts please. Thanks