DA* 16-50mm f2.8 - What's next?

**EsBee** · 01-30-2010, 10:20 AM

I bought this lens used which was barely a month old, from someone who got it directly from Pentax as a replacement for another broken 16-50 that he originally purchased from B&H.

When the SDM stopped working, I sent it into Pentax Service Center in AZ after chatting with a Pentax representative online. I provided copies of the original invoice (previous owner and B&H), a letter from Pentax to the previous owner stating they were replacing the original lens, and a letter from me to Pentax explaining how the SDM was not working along with my contact information.

The lens reached its destination by USPS several days ago.

Since I'd never done this before, wondering as to what happens next, and in about how long?

aleonx3 · 01-30-2010, 10:31 AM

You will most likely get another replacement copy. There is no guarantee that it will be brand new though. I got mine replaced for another replaced copy. So far, knock on wood, it is holding up. You would want to make sure it is still functioning properly before warranty expires.

**Rondec** · 01-30-2010, 02:40 PM

They will likely replace the SDM motors. Took them 2 - 3 weeks on my 16-50, but part of that time they were waiting on parts from Japan. If you call Pentax or CRIS, you should be able to get a number that helps you to monitor the progress and expected completion time.

the swede · 01-31-2010, 03:40 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

They will likely replace the SDM motors. Took them 2 - 3 weeks on my 16-50, but part of that time they were waiting on parts from Japan. If you call Pentax or CRIS, you should be able to get a number that helps you to monitor the progress and expected completion time.

With a new type of motor, or the same that failed?

I find thats the most interesting thing about failing SDM: What are they doing about it?

blu3ness · 01-31-2010, 09:51 PM

I have a 16-50 as well, although the SDM hasn't shown any signs of failing yet... hmm..

Please keep this thread updated :P

**EsBee** · 02-01-2010, 07:31 AM

Ideally I'd like Pentax to replace or fix just the SDM, as the optics on my copy are excellent and photos have turned out very sharp even wide open.

I have no clue what they'll do, if anything. So far no communication but its been only a week. I will definitely update this thread as soon as there is any news.

**EsBee** · 02-08-2010, 04:55 PM

Lo and behold, the lens showed up with a replaced motor, just like how I preferred it!

Today is exactly the 14th day since I shipped the lens out. A few shots have come out great, hopefully it will keep working silently for a while!

Interestingly though, Pentax Service Center calls its motor HSM.

Last edited by EsBee; 02-08-2010 at 06:14 PM.

**Rondec** · 02-08-2010, 08:37 PM

Originally posted by the swede

With a new type of motor, or the same that failed?

I find thats the most interesting thing about failing SDM: What are they doing about it?

I assume it is the same type of motor. No idea if there is something to keep it from failing again. Mine has been going for about four and a half months now without a problem, but who knows when and if it could start acting up again.

01-30-2010, 10:20 AM	#1
EsBee Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: National Capital Region Posts: 739	*DA 16-50mm f2.8 - What's next?** I bought this lens used which was barely a month old, from someone who got it directly from Pentax as a replacement for another broken 16-50 that he originally purchased from B&H. When the SDM stopped working, I sent it into Pentax Service Center in AZ after chatting with a Pentax representative online. I provided copies of the original invoice (previous owner and B&H), a letter from Pentax to the previous owner stating they were replacing the original lens, and a letter from me to Pentax explaining how the SDM was not working along with my contact information. The lens reached its destination by USPS several days ago. Since I'd never done this before, wondering as to what happens next, and in about how long?

02-08-2010, 04:55 PM	#7
EsBee Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: National Capital Region Posts: 739 Original Poster	*DA 16-50mm f2.8 repaired and returned.** Lo and behold, the lens showed up with a replaced motor, just like how I preferred it! Today is exactly the 14th day since I shipped the lens out. A few shots have come out great, hopefully it will keep working silently for a while! Interestingly though, Pentax Service Center calls its motor HSM. Last edited by EsBee; 02-08-2010 at 06:14 PM.

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01-30-2010, 10:31 AM	#2
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	You will most likely get another replacement copy. There is no guarantee that it will be brand new though. I got mine replaced for another replaced copy. So far, knock on wood, it is holding up. You would want to make sure it is still functioning properly before warranty expires.

01-30-2010, 02:40 PM	#3
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,662	They will likely replace the SDM motors. Took them 2 - 3 weeks on my 16-50, but part of that time they were waiting on parts from Japan. If you call Pentax or CRIS, you should be able to get a number that helps you to monitor the progress and expected completion time.

01-31-2010, 03:40 AM	#4
the swede Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,310	Originally posted by Rondec They will likely replace the SDM motors. Took them 2 - 3 weeks on my 16-50, but part of that time they were waiting on parts from Japan. If you call Pentax or CRIS, you should be able to get a number that helps you to monitor the progress and expected completion time. With a new type of motor, or the same that failed? I find thats the most interesting thing about failing SDM: What are they doing about it?

01-31-2010, 09:51 PM	#5
blu3ness Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 117	I have a 16-50 as well, although the SDM hasn't shown any signs of failing yet... hmm.. Please keep this thread updated :P

02-01-2010, 07:31 AM	#6
EsBee Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: National Capital Region Posts: 739 Original Poster	Ideally I'd like Pentax to replace or fix just the SDM, as the optics on my copy are excellent and photos have turned out very sharp even wide open. I have no clue what they'll do, if anything. So far no communication but its been only a week. I will definitely update this thread as soon as there is any news.

02-08-2010, 08:37 PM	#8
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,662	Originally posted by the swede With a new type of motor, or the same that failed? I find thats the most interesting thing about failing SDM: What are they doing about it? I assume it is the same type of motor. No idea if there is something to keep it from failing again. Mine has been going for about four and a half months now without a problem, but who knows when and if it could start acting up again.