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Jim Radcliffe · 11-08-2012, 10:05 AM

Well, it finally happened, my DA* 16-50mm died on me yesterday. The AF completely stopped working. I would get a focus confirmation but what I saw through the viewfinder was totally blurred. It would not AF on anything. The AF has been spotty in the past but now it is just totally useless.

I have heard many complaints about the AF on this lens but thought I had a good copy... evidently not. And of course it dies one week before an event at which I would need it.

Calling Pentax in AZ today to see what I need to do and if it is covered under warranty.

Adam · 11-08-2012, 10:10 AM

Should be covered- and the good news is that once they fix it, it should be fixed for good.

Pentax Engineer on SDM Failure and Pentax DC - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com

**wtlwdwgn** · 11-08-2012, 10:17 AM

I had that happen twice and the second time it was a month out of warranty. I emailed Ned Bunnell, explained the situation and they replaced it. The replacement is 3 years old and going strong! Just my ¢¢.

civiletti · 11-08-2012, 10:25 AM

Didn't you know that lens is disposable?

oxidized · 11-08-2012, 10:26 AM

I am really sorry to hear that. Thats one thing I've always been afraid of with my 50-135. I've never done this, but it could be something to think about if you have 1 week deadline.

http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2011/01/repair-stuck-sdm-yourself.html#IDComment123311181

RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: Improved DIY SDM Repair Method!

Here is a link of someone using that method to repair his 16-50mm lens.

http://bangmedia.no/pentax/sdmfix/

Also, depending on how you purchased the lens and if it was new, some credit cards (like American Express i know does) offer an extended warranty for another year after the one of the manufacturer expires. I've never had to use that, but it could be something to look into.

Good luck!

Docrwm · 11-08-2012, 10:28 AM

Sorry to hear that your lens quit on you. CRIS turned some things around for me in around 2 weeks but folks seemed shocked as we have had much longer waits reported. Is there a chance you can borrow or rent one for your event?

elliott · 11-08-2012, 10:35 AM

I'm curious to know how you're getting the focus confirmation if the lens is not focusing, that seems very odd to me. Did you actually take a shot while the green hexagon was showing?

Last edited by elliott; 11-08-2012 at 10:41 AM.

cali92rs · 11-08-2012, 10:51 AM

Originally posted by Adam

Should be covered- and the good news is that once they fix it, it should be fixed for good.

Pentax Engineer on SDM Failure and Pentax DC - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com

Is that really true? From what I have read the new ones are good but the old ones going back for repair are fitted with the same old sketchy parts.

Jim Radcliffe · 11-08-2012, 11:27 AM

Originally posted by Adam

Should be covered- and the good news is that once they fix it, it should be fixed for good.

Pentax Engineer on SDM Failure and Pentax DC - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com

The repair center indicated that since I bought the lens on June 27, 2011 that it is out of warranty and would not be covered.under warranty.
Since I paid for it with a credit card I do have a one year extension on the lens through my credit card company and have already asked for a claim form from them.

Jim Radcliffe · 11-08-2012, 11:32 AM

Originally posted by cali92rs

Is that really true? From what I have read the new ones are good but the old ones going back for repair are fitted with the same old sketchy parts.

I spoke with a Pentax rep and he was not aware of ANY change in the motors being used, upgraded, new or otherwise. He could only tell me to send it in for repair... well DUH! Yes, I spent $899 on that lens, I will have it repaired but I am not sure I will keep it unless I receive some assurance from Arizona that the repair is with a new motor system rather than the one originally installed.

It is amazes me that of the three people I spoke with no one will admit to a high failure rate on the 16-50mm AF system or that new or improved components will be used for any repairs on that system.

Anyway, the lens is boxed up and ready to be shipped to the repair center in Arizona. The ballpark figure they gave me for repair was "around $200".

**Ex Finn.** · 11-08-2012, 06:20 PM

You are sending the lens to C.R.I.S.?. If so, they are just a hired contractor that Pentax USA has taking care of repairs.
As far as I know, It is not like having direct MFG / importer contact.

Too bad about your lens BTW., it can crank out some good images when functional.

11-08-2012, 10:05 AM	#1
Jim Radcliffe Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Dallas, Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 171	*1 Year old DA 16-50mm AF dies** Well, it finally happened, my DA* 16-50mm died on me yesterday. The AF completely stopped working. I would get a focus confirmation but what I saw through the viewfinder was totally blurred. It would not AF on anything. The AF has been spotty in the past but now it is just totally useless. I have heard many complaints about the AF on this lens but thought I had a good copy... evidently not. And of course it dies one week before an event at which I would need it. Calling Pentax in AZ today to see what I need to do and if it is covered under warranty.

11-08-2012, 10:10 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Should be covered- and the good news is that once they fix it, it should be fixed for good. Pentax Engineer on SDM Failure and Pentax DC - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

11-08-2012, 11:27 AM	#9
Jim Radcliffe Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Dallas, Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 171 Original Poster	Out of warranty - Not Covered Originally posted by Adam Should be covered- and the good news is that once they fix it, it should be fixed for good. Pentax Engineer on SDM Failure and Pentax DC - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com The repair center indicated that since I bought the lens on June 27, 2011 that it is out of warranty and would not be covered.under warranty. Since I paid for it with a credit card I do have a one year extension on the lens through my credit card company and have already asked for a claim form from them.

11-08-2012, 11:32 AM	#10
Jim Radcliffe Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Dallas, Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 171 Original Poster	Old motor vs new one... Originally posted by cali92rs Is that really true? From what I have read the new ones are good but the old ones going back for repair are fitted with the same old sketchy parts. I spoke with a Pentax rep and he was not aware of ANY change in the motors being used, upgraded, new or otherwise. He could only tell me to send it in for repair... well DUH! Yes, I spent $899 on that lens, I will have it repaired but I am not sure I will keep it unless I receive some assurance from Arizona that the repair is with a new motor system rather than the one originally installed. It is amazes me that of the three people I spoke with no one will admit to a high failure rate on the 16-50mm AF system or that new or improved components will be used for any repairs on that system. Anyway, the lens is boxed up and ready to be shipped to the repair center in Arizona. The ballpark figure they gave me for repair was "around $200".

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11-08-2012, 10:17 AM	#3
wtlwdwgn Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Billings, MT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,853	I had that happen twice and the second time it was a month out of warranty. I emailed Ned Bunnell, explained the situation and they replaced it. The replacement is 3 years old and going strong! Just my ¢¢.

11-08-2012, 10:25 AM	#4
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	Didn't you know that lens is disposable?

11-08-2012, 10:26 AM	#5
oxidized Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: USA - Delaware Photos: Albums Posts: 435	I am really sorry to hear that. Thats one thing I've always been afraid of with my 50-135. I've never done this, but it could be something to think about if you have 1 week deadline. http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2011/01/repair-stuck-sdm-yourself.html#IDComment123311181 RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: Improved DIY SDM Repair Method! Here is a link of someone using that method to repair his 16-50mm lens. http://bangmedia.no/pentax/sdmfix/ Also, depending on how you purchased the lens and if it was new, some credit cards (like American Express i know does) offer an extended warranty for another year after the one of the manufacturer expires. I've never had to use that, but it could be something to look into. Good luck!

11-08-2012, 10:28 AM	#6
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Sorry to hear that your lens quit on you. CRIS turned some things around for me in around 2 weeks but folks seemed shocked as we have had much longer waits reported. Is there a chance you can borrow or rent one for your event?

11-08-2012, 10:35 AM	#7
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	I'm curious to know how you're getting the focus confirmation if the lens is not focusing, that seems very odd to me. Did you actually take a shot while the green hexagon was showing? Last edited by elliott; 11-08-2012 at 10:41 AM.

11-08-2012, 10:51 AM	#8
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Originally posted by Adam Should be covered- and the good news is that once they fix it, it should be fixed for good. Pentax Engineer on SDM Failure and Pentax DC - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com Is that really true? From what I have read the new ones are good but the old ones going back for repair are fitted with the same old sketchy parts.

11-08-2012, 06:20 PM	#11
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	You are sending the lens to C.R.I.S.?. If so, they are just a hired contractor that Pentax USA has taking care of repairs. As far as I know, It is not like having direct MFG / importer contact. Too bad about your lens BTW., it can crank out some good images when functional.

1 Year old DA* 16-50mm AF dies

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