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scorpioh · 10-22-2016, 08:34 PM

I am presuming the in-body screw drive is a high torque motor. Sometimes when pointing at areas of low contrast which causes the AF to hunt, the focus ring will hit hard at the ends, i.e. either min focus distance or infinity. Overtime, I believe this metal on metal impact could cause some internal wear and tear on the lens focus mechanism?

Adam · 10-22-2016, 09:16 PM

Originally posted by scorpioh

I am presuming the in-body screw drive is a high torque motor. Sometimes when pointing at areas of low contrast which causes the AF to hunt, the focus ring will hit hard at the ends, i.e. either min focus distance or infinity. Overtime, I believe this metal on metal impact could cause some internal wear and tear on the lens focus mechanism?

Yes, the screwdrive mechanism inside a lens can break after prolonged use. FA limiteds are in particular prone to failing, but that's not to say failures are frequent.

HYS · 10-23-2016, 12:11 AM

Originally posted by Adam

Yes, the screwdrive mechanism inside a lens can break after prolonged use. FA limiteds are in particular prone to failing, but that's not to say failures are frequent.

Something new for me! And very interesting.
Thank You!

scorpioh · 10-23-2016, 12:15 AM

Originally posted by Adam

Yes, the screwdrive mechanism inside a lens can break after prolonged use. FA limiteds are in particular prone to failing, but that's not to say failures are frequent.

Goodness. Incidentally, I was referring to the fa31... i am more used to hearing about sdm failures. Anyone has a screwdrive failure to share? Seems like no af lens last forever...

**i_trax** · 10-23-2016, 01:04 AM

I never heard about this problem, all my Limiteds and all other screw AF lenses are fine

Unregistered User 8 · 10-23-2016, 01:10 AM

I think that anything with moving parts will eventually break.

Enjoy 'em while you got 'em methinks !!!

**Kerrowdown** · 10-23-2016, 01:20 AM

Originally posted by scorpioh

Seems like no af lens last forever...

I knew my "Ladies" had something special about them...

**RobA_Oz** · 10-23-2016, 01:26 AM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

I knew my "Ladies" had something special about them...

I trust you're not referring to their rejection of that particular mode...

---------- Post added 23rd Oct 2016 at 07:28 PM ----------

Originally posted by pjv

I think that anything with moving parts will eventually break.

Enjoy 'em while you got 'em methinks !!!

More likely is that something will wear and become sloppy, long before it breaks, if ever.

**Kerrowdown** · 10-23-2016, 01:37 AM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

I trust you're not referring to their rejection of that particular mode...

Guess I am... no af, so they will last forever, well some are thirty ish all ready.

**savoche** · 10-23-2016, 01:37 AM

Originally posted by scorpioh

Goodness. Incidentally, I was referring to the fa31... i am more used to hearing about sdm failures. Anyone has a screwdrive failure to share? Seems like no af lens last forever...

Yes and no. The focusing ring on my 31 came loose, but nothing was broken as such. The three screws that hold the ring in place had all wiggled out of their threads. Easy to repair (but I still sent it in for service). According to forum member dcshooter (and him I trust in these matters) this is not entirely uncommon with the FA Limiteds; it looks like they didn't apply the locktight correctly at the factory.

Most people will never experience any such problems, though. I have had no problems with my 43 which, going by the serial numbers, is older than my 31.

So, failure, yes, but easy to fix.

**RobA_Oz** · 10-23-2016, 01:40 AM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

Guess I am... no af, so they will last forever, well some are thirty ish all ready.

A case of "Get thee to a nunnery, go", perhaps?

**Kerrowdown** · 10-23-2016, 01:55 AM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

A case of "Get thee to a nunnery, go", perhaps?

That sounds a bit advanced for me.

**RobA_Oz** · 10-23-2016, 03:12 AM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

That sounds a bit advanced for me.

Retrograde, really. That old-fashioned Sassenach Will Shakespeare.

scorpioh · 10-23-2016, 03:41 AM

Originally posted by savoche

Yes and no. The focusing ring on my 31 came loose, but nothing was broken as such. The three screws that hold the ring in place had all wiggled out of their threads. Easy to repair (but I still sent it in for service). According to forum member dcshooter (and him I trust in these matters) this is not entirely uncommon with the FA Limiteds; it looks like they didn't apply the locktight correctly at the factory.

Most people will never experience any such problems, though. I have had no problems with my 43 which, going by the serial numbers, is older than my 31.

So, failure, yes, but easy to fix.

Glad to hear that! I was about to ask for the possibility of a repair or that the lens would have to be written off.

Adam · 10-23-2016, 07:54 PM

Originally posted by scorpioh

Goodness. Incidentally, I was referring to the fa31... i am more used to hearing about sdm failures. Anyone has a screwdrive failure to share? Seems like no af lens last forever...

My FA 43 failed after several years of ownership, but only a handful (literally) of outings.

Eric told me it can happen with age, and that he sees quite a few FA Limiteds.

10-22-2016, 08:34 PM	#1
scorpioh Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 182	Will Pentax screw drive damage a lens? I am presuming the in-body screw drive is a high torque motor. Sometimes when pointing at areas of low contrast which causes the AF to hunt, the focus ring will hit hard at the ends, i.e. either min focus distance or infinity. Overtime, I believe this metal on metal impact could cause some internal wear and tear on the lens focus mechanism?

10-22-2016, 09:16 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Originally posted by scorpioh I am presuming the in-body screw drive is a high torque motor. Sometimes when pointing at areas of low contrast which causes the AF to hunt, the focus ring will hit hard at the ends, i.e. either min focus distance or infinity. Overtime, I believe this metal on metal impact could cause some internal wear and tear on the lens focus mechanism? Yes, the screwdrive mechanism inside a lens can break after prolonged use. FA limiteds are in particular prone to failing, but that's not to say failures are frequent. 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:

10-23-2016, 07:54 PM	#15
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Originally posted by scorpioh Goodness. Incidentally, I was referring to the fa31... i am more used to hearing about sdm failures. Anyone has a screwdrive failure to share? Seems like no af lens last forever... My FA 43 failed after several years of ownership, but only a handful (literally) of outings. Eric told me it can happen with age, and that he sees quite a few FA Limiteds. 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:

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10-23-2016, 12:11 AM	#3
HYS Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 377	Originally posted by Adam Yes, the screwdrive mechanism inside a lens can break after prolonged use. FA limiteds are in particular prone to failing, but that's not to say failures are frequent. Something new for me! And very interesting. Thank You!

10-23-2016, 12:15 AM	#4
scorpioh Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 182 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam Yes, the screwdrive mechanism inside a lens can break after prolonged use. FA limiteds are in particular prone to failing, but that's not to say failures are frequent. Goodness. Incidentally, I was referring to the fa31... i am more used to hearing about sdm failures. Anyone has a screwdrive failure to share? Seems like no af lens last forever...

10-23-2016, 01:04 AM	#5
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	I never heard about this problem, all my Limiteds and all other screw AF lenses are fine

10-23-2016, 01:10 AM	#6
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	I think that anything with moving parts will eventually break. Enjoy 'em while you got 'em methinks !!!

10-23-2016, 01:20 AM	#7
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Originally posted by scorpioh Seems like no af lens last forever... I knew my "Ladies" had something special about them...

10-23-2016, 01:26 AM	#8
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	Originally posted by Kerrowdown I knew my "Ladies" had something special about them... I trust you're not referring to their rejection of that particular mode... ---------- Post added 23rd Oct 2016 at 07:28 PM ---------- Originally posted by pjv I think that anything with moving parts will eventually break. Enjoy 'em while you got 'em methinks !!! More likely is that something will wear and become sloppy, long before it breaks, if ever.

10-23-2016, 01:37 AM	#9
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Originally posted by RobA_Oz I trust you're not referring to their rejection of that particular mode... Guess I am... no af, so they will last forever, well some are thirty ish all ready.

10-23-2016, 01:37 AM	#10
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,312	Originally posted by scorpioh Goodness. Incidentally, I was referring to the fa31... i am more used to hearing about sdm failures. Anyone has a screwdrive failure to share? Seems like no af lens last forever... Yes and no. The focusing ring on my 31 came loose, but nothing was broken as such. The three screws that hold the ring in place had all wiggled out of their threads. Easy to repair (but I still sent it in for service). According to forum member dcshooter (and him I trust in these matters) this is not entirely uncommon with the FA Limiteds; it looks like they didn't apply the locktight correctly at the factory. Most people will never experience any such problems, though. I have had no problems with my 43 which, going by the serial numbers, is older than my 31. So, failure, yes, but easy to fix.

10-23-2016, 01:40 AM	#11
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	Originally posted by Kerrowdown Guess I am... no af, so they will last forever, well some are thirty ish all ready. A case of "Get thee to a nunnery, go", perhaps?

10-23-2016, 01:55 AM	#12
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Originally posted by RobA_Oz A case of "Get thee to a nunnery, go", perhaps? That sounds a bit advanced for me.

10-23-2016, 03:12 AM	#13
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	Originally posted by Kerrowdown That sounds a bit advanced for me. Retrograde, really. That old-fashioned Sassenach Will Shakespeare.

10-23-2016, 03:41 AM	#14
scorpioh Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 182 Original Poster	Originally posted by savoche Yes and no. The focusing ring on my 31 came loose, but nothing was broken as such. The three screws that hold the ring in place had all wiggled out of their threads. Easy to repair (but I still sent it in for service). According to forum member dcshooter (and him I trust in these matters) this is not entirely uncommon with the FA Limiteds; it looks like they didn't apply the locktight correctly at the factory. Most people will never experience any such problems, though. I have had no problems with my 43 which, going by the serial numbers, is older than my 31. So, failure, yes, but easy to fix. Glad to hear that! I was about to ask for the possibility of a repair or that the lens would have to be written off.

Will Pentax screw drive damage a lens?

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