Precision Camera out-of-warranty repair woes—replacement after four attempts

stevebrot · 02-11-2016, 09:31 PM

Originally posted by amoringello

FYI, now you're just sounding ignorant or at least argumentative for the sake of arguing.

No more ignorant that the rest of us, just grumpy...

Steve

stevebrot · 02-11-2016, 09:43 PM

Originally posted by mee

Advance still has yet to get back with me, in writing (email), that they can get parts for my lens (I told them a DA* 50-135mm -- clearly still made and parts available).

I spoke with Advance today and asked them specifically about parts for the DA* lenses. What I was told is that they have full access to Ricoh USA's parts inventory. I suspect that whether they can get the parts for your lens depends on the nature of the failure/damage. Some things are simply never stocked as service parts. I.e. it is not possible to build up a lens from scratch. This is true across brands and is not limited to camera stuff.

Steve

stevebrot · 02-11-2016, 09:46 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

I spoke with Advance today

Speaking of Advance Camera, I posted a new thread today intended as a clearing house for Pentax repair resources. With any luck, it will not degenerate into another rant arena.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/313800-options-pentax-repair.html

Steve

bwDraco · 02-17-2016, 04:21 PM

Replacement lens has arrived in full retail packaging. Passes optical testing at both 60mm and 250mm (but needed some AF adjustment for optimal sharpness).

**Tonytee** · 02-17-2016, 11:50 PM

Originally posted by bwDraco

Replacement lens has arrived in full retail packaging. Passes optical testing at both 60mm and 250mm (but needed some AF adjustment for optimal sharpness).

Congratulations, good to hear some good news.

Tony

PParent418 · 02-22-2016, 05:40 AM

Originally posted by normhead

The best thing about Sun Camera who do warranty repairs in Canada, is that they hired two of the Pentax trained technicians when they took the contract. So at least you know there are a couple of technicians with a long Pentax history.

Yes Sun Camera are very good, the problem si Ricoh service, this is not good for the brand. What do we have to do, to wake them up!

stevebrot · 02-22-2016, 10:09 AM

Originally posted by PParent418

Yes Sun Camera are very good, the problem si Ricoh service

It is my understanding that they are one and the same.

Steve

PParent418 · 02-22-2016, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

It is my understanding that they are one and the same.

Steve

Yes, at first I contacted ''info@us.ricoh-imaging.com'' in the US, that's were it didn't go to well. ... It's the store Camera Canada that suggested me ''Sun Camera'' in Canada. I noticed that they are now on Ricoh-Imaging americas service page. I don't know if they were there at the time. The authorized repair does the difference. Thank Steve.

**Tonytee** · 03-04-2016, 11:19 PM

Originally posted by bxf

I've heard of this type of business practice with products other than cameras, and not in the US. Is this actually legal? Can a manufacturer force a consumer to use specific repair shops when the work is not under warranty? This would mean that the designated shops (i.e. the ones to which the manufacturer will supply parts) can charge whatever they want.

I find this hard to believe that this is legal.

I see your point. Yes, unfortunately it is legal. All the OEM has to say is that, "these parts were more expensive to produce now than in the past and in order for us to turn a profit, we have to have these increases". Sadly, they hold all the wild cards. Not much a customer can do other than switch brands.

Tony

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02-11-2016, 09:31 PM	#31
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by amoringello FYI, now you're just sounding ignorant or at least argumentative for the sake of arguing. No more ignorant that the rest of us, just grumpy... Steve

02-11-2016, 09:43 PM	#32
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by mee Advance still has yet to get back with me, in writing (email), that they can get parts for my lens (I told them a DA* 50-135mm -- clearly still made and parts available). I spoke with Advance today and asked them specifically about parts for the DA* lenses. What I was told is that they have full access to Ricoh USA's parts inventory. I suspect that whether they can get the parts for your lens depends on the nature of the failure/damage. Some things are simply never stocked as service parts. I.e. it is not possible to build up a lens from scratch. This is true across brands and is not limited to camera stuff. Steve

02-11-2016, 09:46 PM	#33
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by stevebrot I spoke with Advance today Speaking of Advance Camera, I posted a new thread today intended as a clearing house for Pentax repair resources. With any luck, it will not degenerate into another rant arena. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/313800-options-pentax-repair.html Steve

02-17-2016, 04:21 PM	#34
bwDraco Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Photos: Albums Posts: 1,071 Original Poster	Replacement lens has arrived in full retail packaging. Passes optical testing at both 60mm and 250mm (but needed some AF adjustment for optimal sharpness).

02-17-2016, 11:50 PM	#35
Tonytee Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 21,461	Originally posted by bwDraco Replacement lens has arrived in full retail packaging. Passes optical testing at both 60mm and 250mm (but needed some AF adjustment for optimal sharpness). Congratulations, good to hear some good news. Tony

02-22-2016, 05:40 AM	#36
PParent418 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Quebec Photos: Albums Posts: 34	Originally posted by normhead The best thing about Sun Camera who do warranty repairs in Canada, is that they hired two of the Pentax trained technicians when they took the contract. So at least you know there are a couple of technicians with a long Pentax history. Yes Sun Camera are very good, the problem si Ricoh service, this is not good for the brand. What do we have to do, to wake them up!

02-22-2016, 10:09 AM	#37
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by PParent418 Yes Sun Camera are very good, the problem si Ricoh service It is my understanding that they are one and the same. Steve

02-22-2016, 11:37 AM	#38
PParent418 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Quebec Photos: Albums Posts: 34	Originally posted by stevebrot It is my understanding that they are one and the same. Steve Yes, at first I contacted ''info@us.ricoh-imaging.com'' in the US, that's were it didn't go to well. ... It's the store Camera Canada that suggested me ''Sun Camera'' in Canada. I noticed that they are now on Ricoh-Imaging americas service page. I don't know if they were there at the time. The authorized repair does the difference. Thank Steve.

03-04-2016, 11:19 PM	#39
Tonytee Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 21,461	Originally posted by bxf I've heard of this type of business practice with products other than cameras, and not in the US. Is this actually legal? Can a manufacturer force a consumer to use specific repair shops when the work is not under warranty? This would mean that the designated shops (i.e. the ones to which the manufacturer will supply parts) can charge whatever they want. I find this hard to believe that this is legal. I see your point. Yes, unfortunately it is legal. All the OEM has to say is that, "these parts were more expensive to produce now than in the past and in order for us to turn a profit, we have to have these increases". Sadly, they hold all the wild cards. Not much a customer can do other than switch brands. Tony