An end to SDM failure?

Mr Hyde · 10-04-2012, 10:47 PM

For anyone considering buying a DA*16-50mm....

My lens is now in for repair for the fourth time in 3 years. First time for a zoom ring issue and the past three times for SDM failure. The first two SDM failures were covered under warranty. This most recent time is not. Due to my "History" with the lens, Pentax is giving me 50% off the repair costs :/

The worst part is I asked if the newly designed parts would be used to fix my lens and I was told that they would use "New" parts of the old design. I dont know if Derek at Pentax knows what he's talking about but that's what he told me. My experience is that the repair lasts about 10 to 12 months before it fails again. I'm not a happy camper

**Fontan** · 10-04-2012, 11:15 PM

Originally posted by Mr Hyde

For anyone considering buying a DA*16-50mm....

My lens is now in for repair for the fourth time in 3 years. First time for a zoom ring issue and the past three times for SDM failure. The first two SDM failures were covered under warranty. This most recent time is not. Due to my "History" with the lens, Pentax is giving me 50% off the repair costs :/

The worst part is I asked if the newly designed parts would be used to fix my lens and I was told that they would use "New" parts of the old design. I dont know if Derek at Pentax knows what he's talking about but that's what he told me. My experience is that the repair lasts about 10 to 12 months before it fails again. I'm not a happy camper

Sorry for your trouble.

This is just extremely lame. You got stuck with a lemon to begin with, and it should have been replaced, not attempted and repeated repairs, at zero cost to you.

Any attorneys on this forum?

There needs to be a class action law suits against this dumb ass company.

bossa · 10-04-2012, 11:29 PM

Originally posted by Mr Hyde

For anyone considering buying a DA*16-50mm....

My lens is now in for repair for the fourth time in 3 years. First time for a zoom ring issue and the past three times for SDM failure. The first two SDM failures were covered under warranty. This most recent time is not. Due to my "History" with the lens, Pentax is giving me 50% off the repair costs :/

The worst part is I asked if the newly designed parts would be used to fix my lens and I was told that they would use "New" parts of the old design. I dont know if Derek at Pentax knows what he's talking about but that's what he told me. My experience is that the repair lasts about 10 to 12 months before it fails again. I'm not a happy camper

In OZ you could, after all this time, return that and demand your money back. If something does not work as expected after (I think it's 5 years here but don't quote me) you can just take it back for a refund.

Scary stuff..

Mr Hyde · 10-05-2012, 09:38 AM

Originally posted by Fontan

Sorry for your trouble.

This is just extremely lame. You got stuck with a lemon to begin with, and it should have been replaced, not attempted and repeated repairs, at zero cost to you.

Any attorneys on this forum?

There needs to be a class action law suits against this dumb ass company.

Originally posted by bossa

In OZ you could, after all this time, return that and demand your money back. If something does not work as expected after (I think it's 5 years here but don't quote me) you can just take it back for a refund.

Scary stuff..

Thanks for the support. I really should have mentioned that, at first, they told me I had to pay fully for the repair but only after several phone calls with me pleading my case did they even offer to pay half the repair cost. I love my Pentax gear but I have to say Pentax Customer Service here in the USA is very very disappointing.

Medium FormatPro · 10-09-2012, 07:06 AM

Originally posted by Fontan

This is just extremely lame. You got stuck with a lemon to begin with, and it should have been replaced, not attempted and repeated repairs, at zero cost to you

Not unusual for the Pentax 16-50, not unusual at all. A good portion of any photographer who has ever used it (byond casually) would also agree in clearly stating - the 16-50 one of the worst lens' the company has ever made.

This person did not get stuck with a lemon. to imply that it is a lemon would be to also imply that it would be unusual to receive such a bad copy. What's unusual is to have a copy of this lens that could actually survive more than two years.

Mr Hyde · 10-31-2012, 12:12 PM

Originally posted by Mr Hyde

For anyone considering buying a DA*16-50mm....

My lens is now in for repair for the fourth time in 3 years. First time for a zoom ring issue and the past three times for SDM failure. The first two SDM failures were covered under warranty. This most recent time is not. Due to my "History" with the lens, Pentax is giving me 50% off the repair costs :/

The worst part is I asked if the newly designed parts would be used to fix my lens and I was told that they would use "New" parts of the old design. I dont know if Derek at Pentax knows what he's talking about but that's what he told me. My experience is that the repair lasts about 10 to 12 months before it fails again. I'm not a happy camper

Well, I just got my lens back today but I didn't get "My" lens back. The paperwork from CRIS indicated that Pentax opted to replace the lens but I still was required to pay for the "repair". I'm just updating this to be fair to all. I'm happy that the defective lens was replaced but shouldn't the fact that they replaced it be an admission that it was defective in the first place? And if that's so why did I have to pay to have a defective lens replaced?

**Fontan** · 10-31-2012, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by Mr Hyde

Well, I just got my lens back today but I didn't get "My" lens back. The paperwork from CRIS indicated that Pentax opted to replace the lens but I still was required to pay for the "repair". I'm just updating this to be fair to all. I'm happy that the defective lens was replaced but shouldn't the fact that they replaced it be an admission that it was defective in the first place? And if that's so why did I have to pay to have a defective lens replaced?

Again, extremely lame. Sorry for your trouble. A complete non sense of astronomical proportion. This is like getting arrested for DUI after drinking a glass of water. Pentax again has taken it to yet another stratosphere.

On the other hand, I am somewhat surprised that they did not demand that you give up your kidney though.

normhead · 10-31-2012, 02:18 PM

Quote:

I'm happy that the defective lens was replaced.

I'd hate to hear from you when you're not happy.

sb in ak · 10-31-2012, 02:19 PM

Sorry for your troubles. Four repairs in that time period for normal use is beyond unacceptable. I am continually tempted by the 16-50 and 50-135 and then I hear posts like this. Pentax needs to get its act together and right the wrongs with this lens. Fix the issue and do a recall. Having bought into Pentax in the last six months, the SDM issues are one of the biggest cons to the brand IMO.

I really want to buy this pair of lenses for the WR for my outdoor work, but I keep getting scared away.

normhead · 10-31-2012, 03:28 PM

Quote:

I really want to buy this pair of lenses for the WR for my outdoor work, but I keep getting scared away.

Get a DA 18-135 WR, save yourself a pile of cash, and dust entering your camera body during lens changes.

sb in ak · 10-31-2012, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by normhead

Get a DA 18-135 WR, save yourself a pile of cash, and dust entering your camera body during lens changes.

I've been temped a number of times...the IQ of the others (especially the 50-135) keeps calling me back, but the reality is that the 18-135 is probably just fine.

**7samurai** · 10-31-2012, 10:14 PM - **1 Like**

This is also the reason i'm looking at another system (not Pentax)

thibs · 11-01-2012, 03:14 AM

Such a pity,.. that 50_135 is such a gem (knocking on wood)

Medium FormatPro · 11-01-2012, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by 7samurai

This is also the reason i'm looking at another system (not Pentax)

No an isolated statement on that one.

Even considering Pentax's market share - I consider the 16-50 as one of the worst interchangeable lens' made recently for any camera company. It's also sad that Pentax won't officially live up to their mistake and take care of things so that in the long term it will look better for business

**Pål Jensen** · 11-01-2012, 12:06 PM

...it is about to be replaced....

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Another SDM Failure--NOT!	GeneV	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	08-15-2012 04:50 PM
What is a SDM failure like?	slackercruster	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	04-25-2012 01:18 PM
Beginnings of SDM failure?	krypticide	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	11	08-01-2011 11:35 AM
Is this Pentax way of admitting SDM was a failure?	mfdesalas	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	49	12-28-2010 11:34 PM
SDM failure, camrea or lens?	Thomas	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	10-10-2010 07:32 AM

10-04-2012, 10:47 PM	#76
Mr Hyde Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 760	For anyone considering buying a DA*16-50mm.... My lens is now in for repair for the fourth time in 3 years. First time for a zoom ring issue and the past three times for SDM failure. The first two SDM failures were covered under warranty. This most recent time is not. Due to my "History" with the lens, Pentax is giving me 50% off the repair costs :/ The worst part is I asked if the newly designed parts would be used to fix my lens and I was told that they would use "New" parts of the old design. I dont know if Derek at Pentax knows what he's talking about but that's what he told me. My experience is that the repair lasts about 10 to 12 months before it fails again. I'm not a happy camper

10-04-2012, 11:15 PM	#77
Fontan Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5th floor Posts: 1,610	Originally posted by Mr Hyde For anyone considering buying a DA*16-50mm.... My lens is now in for repair for the fourth time in 3 years. First time for a zoom ring issue and the past three times for SDM failure. The first two SDM failures were covered under warranty. This most recent time is not. Due to my "History" with the lens, Pentax is giving me 50% off the repair costs :/ The worst part is I asked if the newly designed parts would be used to fix my lens and I was told that they would use "New" parts of the old design. I dont know if Derek at Pentax knows what he's talking about but that's what he told me. My experience is that the repair lasts about 10 to 12 months before it fails again. I'm not a happy camper Sorry for your trouble. This is just extremely lame. You got stuck with a lemon to begin with, and it should have been replaced, not attempted and repeated repairs, at zero cost to you. Any attorneys on this forum? There needs to be a class action law suits against this dumb ass company.

10-04-2012, 11:29 PM	#78
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Originally posted by Mr Hyde For anyone considering buying a DA*16-50mm.... My lens is now in for repair for the fourth time in 3 years. First time for a zoom ring issue and the past three times for SDM failure. The first two SDM failures were covered under warranty. This most recent time is not. Due to my "History" with the lens, Pentax is giving me 50% off the repair costs :/ The worst part is I asked if the newly designed parts would be used to fix my lens and I was told that they would use "New" parts of the old design. I dont know if Derek at Pentax knows what he's talking about but that's what he told me. My experience is that the repair lasts about 10 to 12 months before it fails again. I'm not a happy camper In OZ you could, after all this time, return that and demand your money back. If something does not work as expected after (I think it's 5 years here but don't quote me) you can just take it back for a refund. Scary stuff..

10-05-2012, 09:38 AM	#79
Mr Hyde Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 760	Originally posted by Fontan Sorry for your trouble. This is just extremely lame. You got stuck with a lemon to begin with, and it should have been replaced, not attempted and repeated repairs, at zero cost to you. Any attorneys on this forum? There needs to be a class action law suits against this dumb ass company. Originally posted by bossa In OZ you could, after all this time, return that and demand your money back. If something does not work as expected after (I think it's 5 years here but don't quote me) you can just take it back for a refund. Scary stuff.. Thanks for the support. I really should have mentioned that, at first, they told me I had to pay fully for the repair but only after several phone calls with me pleading my case did they even offer to pay half the repair cost. I love my Pentax gear but I have to say Pentax Customer Service here in the USA is very very disappointing.

10-09-2012, 07:06 AM	#80
Medium FormatPro Banned Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charleston & Pittsburgh Photos: Albums Posts: 1,668	Originally posted by Fontan This is just extremely lame. You got stuck with a lemon to begin with, and it should have been replaced, not attempted and repeated repairs, at zero cost to you Not unusual for the Pentax 16-50, not unusual at all. A good portion of any photographer who has ever used it (byond casually) would also agree in clearly stating - the 16-50 one of the worst lens' the company has ever made. This person did not get stuck with a lemon. to imply that it is a lemon would be to also imply that it would be unusual to receive such a bad copy. What's unusual is to have a copy of this lens that could actually survive more than two years.

10-31-2012, 12:12 PM	#81
Mr Hyde Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 760	Originally posted by Mr Hyde For anyone considering buying a DA*16-50mm.... My lens is now in for repair for the fourth time in 3 years. First time for a zoom ring issue and the past three times for SDM failure. The first two SDM failures were covered under warranty. This most recent time is not. Due to my "History" with the lens, Pentax is giving me 50% off the repair costs :/ The worst part is I asked if the newly designed parts would be used to fix my lens and I was told that they would use "New" parts of the old design. I dont know if Derek at Pentax knows what he's talking about but that's what he told me. My experience is that the repair lasts about 10 to 12 months before it fails again. I'm not a happy camper Well, I just got my lens back today but I didn't get "My" lens back. The paperwork from CRIS indicated that Pentax opted to replace the lens but I still was required to pay for the "repair". I'm just updating this to be fair to all. I'm happy that the defective lens was replaced but shouldn't the fact that they replaced it be an admission that it was defective in the first place? And if that's so why did I have to pay to have a defective lens replaced?

10-31-2012, 01:30 PM	#82
Fontan Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5th floor Posts: 1,610	Originally posted by Mr Hyde Well, I just got my lens back today but I didn't get "My" lens back. The paperwork from CRIS indicated that Pentax opted to replace the lens but I still was required to pay for the "repair". I'm just updating this to be fair to all. I'm happy that the defective lens was replaced but shouldn't the fact that they replaced it be an admission that it was defective in the first place? And if that's so why did I have to pay to have a defective lens replaced? Again, extremely lame. Sorry for your trouble. A complete non sense of astronomical proportion. This is like getting arrested for DUI after drinking a glass of water. Pentax again has taken it to yet another stratosphere. On the other hand, I am somewhat surprised that they did not demand that you give up your kidney though.

10-31-2012, 02:18 PM	#83
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Quote: I'm happy that the defective lens was replaced. I'd hate to hear from you when you're not happy.

10-31-2012, 02:19 PM	#84
sb in ak Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Omaha, NE Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 612	Sorry for your troubles. Four repairs in that time period for normal use is beyond unacceptable. I am continually tempted by the 16-50 and 50-135 and then I hear posts like this. Pentax needs to get its act together and right the wrongs with this lens. Fix the issue and do a recall. Having bought into Pentax in the last six months, the SDM issues are one of the biggest cons to the brand IMO. I really want to buy this pair of lenses for the WR for my outdoor work, but I keep getting scared away.

10-31-2012, 03:28 PM	#85
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Quote: I really want to buy this pair of lenses for the WR for my outdoor work, but I keep getting scared away. Get a DA 18-135 WR, save yourself a pile of cash, and dust entering your camera body during lens changes.

10-31-2012, 04:05 PM	#86
sb in ak Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Omaha, NE Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 612	Originally posted by normhead Get a DA 18-135 WR, save yourself a pile of cash, and dust entering your camera body during lens changes. I've been temped a number of times...the IQ of the others (especially the 50-135) keeps calling me back, but the reality is that the 18-135 is probably just fine.

10-31-2012, 10:14 PM - 1 Like	#87
7samurai Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 474	This is also the reason i'm looking at another system (not Pentax)

11-01-2012, 03:14 AM	#88
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Such a pity,.. that 50_135 is such a gem (knocking on wood)

11-01-2012, 11:42 AM	#89
Medium FormatPro Banned Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charleston & Pittsburgh Photos: Albums Posts: 1,668	Originally posted by 7samurai This is also the reason i'm looking at another system (not Pentax) No an isolated statement on that one. Even considering Pentax's market share - I consider the 16-50 as one of the worst interchangeable lens' made recently for any camera company. It's also sad that Pentax won't officially live up to their mistake and take care of things so that in the long term it will look better for business

11-01-2012, 12:06 PM	#90
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	...it is about to be replaced....