[twitch]

Those DIY instructions seem to have a great success rate, shows how often the SDM failures have nothing to do with burnt out motors rather it's a mechanical jam in the AF system.

[wizofoz]

Those DIY instructions seem to have a great success rate, shows how often the SDM failures have nothing to do with burnt out motors rather it's a mechanical jam in the AF system.

This appears to be correct. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-technical-troubleshooting/145340-...d-locally.html

It's a relatively easy fix for those with dextrous fingers. That doesn't excuse the poor initial design though.

[Pentaxor]

This appears to be correct. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-technical-troubleshooting/145340-...d-locally.html

It's a relatively easy fix for those with dextrous fingers. That doesn't excuse the poor initial design though.

true. what's the use of the notion "customer satisfaction guaranteed" ?

[Pentaxor]

This appears to be correct. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-technical-troubleshooting/145340-...d-locally.html

It's a relatively easy fix for those with dextrous fingers. That doesn't excuse the poor initial design though.

true. otherwise what's the use of the notion "customer satisfaction guaranteed" ? it's laughable to think that Pentax customer support would tell and instruct their customers on how to troubleshoot their own lens for the premium they paid for the product.

[PentaxPoke]

Well folks as I am in my vacations and need my lens I just went ahead and used the DIY repair method as described in https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/130429-diy-sup...or-repair.html. I am quite handy with that kind of stuff so it was a breeze.

The lens came back to life and I'll be happy if I can get a few weeks out of it, then I'll send it in to Pentax for a new SDM motor when it seizes again...

I hate to admit it, but the quality of the DA*16-50 optics is the reason I am willing to put up with the crappy quality of the SDM system (not sure I'll be as cavalier about it when my DA*60-250 seizes though!!!!) But still... come on Pentax, seizing after merely 5 months???

Pat

Sorry about your frustrations Pat. I understand. I have to disagree on one point though: I do not believe the 16-50 optics are particularly good. 50-135 optics are good (but SDM and slow focus speed make it frustrating to use) but the 16-50 is soft compared to the competition (even if you get one that is not decentered.) I had the tamron 17-50 and the 16-50 at the same time, and posted many comparisons here. The 16-50 was inferior in sharpness. Other reviews such as photozone have shown this as well. The 16-50 is WAY overpriced for the mechanical as well as optical quality that you get.