Problem with SMC Pentax-A 50/2 focus

kathyk · 03-07-2007, 04:11 PM

Hello,

I wanted to try an -A lens because it seemed like it would be simpler than the -M lens I bought to try, but it seems like the focus ring just spins around and has no effect? It feels slightly engaged at a couple points, but mostly it just seems kind of loose fitting.

Could I be doing something wrong here, or does it sound like a bad lens? Thanks for any help.

-Kathy

Alvin · 03-07-2007, 04:40 PM

Welcome kathy.

I tried an A50/1.7 at a camera store a while back. You should have a little resistance on the focus ring while it turns. I have a feeling something is wrong with the lens.

Adam · 03-07-2007, 04:43 PM

Sounds like the lens is broken- does the front element move it and out as you turn the ring?

kathyk · 03-07-2007, 05:38 PM

No, turning the focus rings isn't moving any part of the lens, unfortunately it does seem to be broken. Thanks to you both for the replies, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking some basic necessity with the an -A lens before trying to return it.

Do all the A lenses have some of the metal replaced with plastic parts?

Adam · 03-07-2007, 05:49 PM

Many A's are made of plastic, but a select few (generally the expensive ones like the 50/1.2) aren't. My two A zooms are also all-metal.

Alvin · 03-07-2007, 08:45 PM

Originally posted by Mo

Many A's are made of plastic, but a select few (generally the expensive ones like the 50/1.2) aren't. My two A zooms are also all-metal.

They did use plastic in a lot of A's, but in this series, I found that Pentax never used plastic for parts that were exposed to a lot of wear and tear (their cheapest lenses aside). The lens should still feel quite solid despite this. Pentax used some pretty decent quality stuff back then. If the plastic parts broke, it was more likely due to mishandling.

03-07-2007, 04:11 PM	#1
kathyk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Michigan/USA Posts: 173	Problem with SMC Pentax-A 50/2 focus Hello, I wanted to try an -A lens because it seemed like it would be simpler than the -M lens I bought to try, but it seems like the focus ring just spins around and has no effect? It feels slightly engaged at a couple points, but mostly it just seems kind of loose fitting. Could I be doing something wrong here, or does it sound like a bad lens? Thanks for any help. -Kathy

03-07-2007, 04:43 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,124	Sounds like the lens is broken- does the front element move it and out as you turn the ring? 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, 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:

03-07-2007, 05:49 PM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,124	Many A's are made of plastic, but a select few (generally the expensive ones like the 50/1.2) aren't. My two A zooms are also all-metal. 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, 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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03-07-2007, 04:40 PM	#2
Alvin Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,530	Welcome kathy. I tried an A50/1.7 at a camera store a while back. You should have a little resistance on the focus ring while it turns. I have a feeling something is wrong with the lens.

03-07-2007, 05:38 PM	#4
kathyk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Michigan/USA Posts: 173 Original Poster	No, turning the focus rings isn't moving any part of the lens, unfortunately it does seem to be broken. Thanks to you both for the replies, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking some basic necessity with the an -A lens before trying to return it. Do all the A lenses have some of the metal replaced with plastic parts?

03-07-2007, 08:45 PM	#6
Alvin Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,530	Originally posted by Mo Many A's are made of plastic, but a select few (generally the expensive ones like the 50/1.2) aren't. My two A zooms are also all-metal. They did use plastic in a lot of A's, but in this series, I found that Pentax never used plastic for parts that were exposed to a lot of wear and tear (their cheapest lenses aside). The lens should still feel quite solid despite this. Pentax used some pretty decent quality stuff back then. If the plastic parts broke, it was more likely due to mishandling.

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