Originally posted by dcshooter It's likely just a slipped infinity stop or retaining screws and can be fixed rather easily.
I would NOT trust Precision. I just got and repaired a lens from another PF member who had sent it in to Precision for repair after a drop that cracked the hood bayonet. It came back from Precision with the following problems:
1) Broken hood bayonet was still broken in two pieces
2) Metal outer collar holding the hood bayonet was still bent with no attempt to straighten
3) hood bayonet was now 120 degrees out of position
4) Front grouping, which is normally held on by three set screws, was instead glued back on with a non-standard shim messily placed between it and the barrel. Set screws were missing, and the glue couldn't respond to solvent, so basically any future repair from the front (focus, zoom, etc.) if necessary would no longer be possible.
5) screws that were still in place were not tightened down fully
If the damage to your lens is what I expect it is, then I could probably fix it for you for WAY less than precision will charge you, and it likely will require no new parts. If you are interested, drop me a PM, and we can discuss the details.
That is awful of Precision.. yet another horror story!
Is it possible you can just tell me what needs to be done? I'm rather handy with a jewelers screwdriver set and my fancy tweezers
I'm attaching some full sized images of the lens today at infinity -- one shot at 16mm, one at 50mm (soft 'OOF.jpg'). Then another between min focus and infinity (sharp 'IF.jpg'). All shot at f/2.8 (the softest ap on the lens).
16mm OOF 50mm OOF 50mm IF
If you think the 50mm OOF looks in focus, please keep in mind I was aiming center point at the tall weeds in the background. The lens distance guide was resting on the infinity logo.
---------- Post added 10-30-15 at 05:39 PM ----------
btw.. I'm getting responses from various places I reached out to for help.
C.R.I.S.'s response:
Quote: No, Pentax transported all the equipment, tools and parts to their new service center. I'm sorry we can no longer service any Pentax product. All Pentax repair now go to Precision Camera Repair in Enfield, CT.
KEH's response:
Quote: I apologize for the delay in answering your inquiry, I was waiting on an answer from our technician for you. Unfortunately we would suggest that you send the lens directly to Precision Camera for servicing, as they currently perform all of Pentax's warranty work and have all of the calibration tools for the various lenses.
Ricoh/Pentax's response (I asked if they were considering a different provider in the USA and if they sell parts to individuals):
Quote: We need to get some information from you: Have you been in contact with customer service? If not, please contact them for assistance. 800-234-0276. RICOH is a Business-to-Business (B2B) company only, and does not sell to consumers (end users). At this time, there has not been any indication regarding a different service provider. PCR has a toll-free number. 800-665-6515 Thanks, Ricoh Imaging
Precision's response:
Quote: *imagine the sound of crickets chirping because they never responded back*