Originally posted by jstevewhite I don't have to call them liars. I can point at the many users that have no issue with their SDM lenses, and suggest that you don't have a statistically significant sample to start inferring corporate malfeasance on the part of Pentax. My own 50-135 works very well, a year and a half old. Wait, two years old. It's well known that people who have problems are more likely to complain than people who don't are likely to ... "anti-complain".
why consumers are weary about SDM technology by Pentax?
these are the possible reasons I can think of:
1.> SDM failure don't show during the initial period of use. it is more highly likely that when Pentax designed or tested the product, they haven't really thought that such a problem would arise after a certain period of time. therefore, it is a different area of tolerance which Pentax could had possibly didn't think would happen.
2.> Pentax warranty only covers 2 years (1 year on others). the problem occurs near or after the end of the warranty period.
3.> acknowledging a fault in the system would be devastating especially for a small end market like Pentax. less confidence in the system at the same time bad PR.
4.> a massive recall means millions lost in costs and revenues. repair and replacement is cheaper especially if the consumer pays for it.
5.> the lack of answer coming from Pentax. Pentax does not confirm nor deny the existence of SDM failure. how difficult is it to get an answer from Pentax if such thing does is just a pigment of a person's imagination.
6.> failure means back to the drawing board for Pentax. means higher costs and faster time for R&D.
7.> HSM is just better.
8.> not all Pentax users are PF forum members. so who knows what is out there not being reported could be a lot worse.
so what's the difference between the SDM and the K-5 issues. K-5 flash issue is more of firmware based. the sensor stain (immediate problem) can be solved by a new production line. no necessary changes in design that would cost more money. also, there is now way Pentax would simply ignore their flagship camera's issue at it's launch period, not to mention it affects the image.
to those who own the DA* zooms and are still reliable, we are happy for you. if there are people that don't prefer them, they would probably atleast one of the factors mentioned.