[normhead]

Oh I get it...I was responding to the comment by snake who said the whole design was flawed, I was quoting Jen Petersen.

One could say that the AF components used in these lenses was prone to failure from the get-go due to their design. The 16-50mm and 50-135mm lenses share the same circuitry and motor, which is why they both have such a high failure rate. Other SDM lenses don't fail as much.

snake said
I don't think the components are as flawed as the entire design is and there's no fixing that.

But Jen Petersen said

The components used in the 16-50mm and 50-135mm lenses have been redesiged, and all lenses produced in 2012 or later should no longer fail.

My point was that Jen Petersen had stated the problem was fixed. I think we were making the same point.

[boriscleto]

I just emailed Pentax USA and asked them to fix my pre-2012 16-50 and 50-135 for free.

It will be interesting to hear back.

You will probably be able to hear the laughing from Denver...

[vonBaloney]

You will probably be able to hear the laughing from Denver...

I can't hear anything from the open window. I will check again during business hours...

[normhead]

Wait I think I can here something now.. it's really quiet up here, but I can't tell if it's wolves or people howling.

[Docrwm]

You will probably be able to hear the laughing from Denver...

Now, now. They have new leadership in Denver. Remember, Mr. Malcolm is well rooted in an industry agnostic business and market philosophy inclusive of research, strategy, product, branding, advertising, customer retention, talent development and P&L management.

If he's actually an expert on customer retention, as his LinkedIn profile states, then I look forward to his addressing the MAP issue along with a few other things - like poor CS, lack of parts and accessories carried by Pentax USA, etc.

[Blue]

Oh I get it...I was responding to the comment by snake who said the whole design was flawed, I was quoting Jen Petersen.


My point was that Jen Petersen had stated the problem was fixed. I think we were making the same point.

Pretty much. He said it was the design of the SDM in the 16-50 and 50-135 that was flawed.

Jen Petersen Q&A:

Q: Our survey found that the Pentax DA* 16-50mm and 50-135mm were the most prone to SDM failure. Do you know why this was?

More Pentax news at: Pentax Engineer on SDM Failure and Pentax DC - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com

A: One could say that the AF components used in these lenses was prone to failure from the get-go due to their design. The 16-50mm and 50-135mm lenses share the same circuitry and motor, which is why they both have such a high failure rate. Other SDM lenses don't fail as much.

The components used in the 16-50mm and 50-135mm lenses have been redesiged, and all lenses produced in 2012 or later should no longer fail.

Q: Why is the DC technology found in the DA 18-135mm so realiable?
A: The DC motor found in the lens is based on the motors used for screwdrive autofocus in Pentax camera bodies, although it's obviously been modified to be quieter and to fit inside the lens

[Buschmaster]

What sucks is that I don't really of a way to verify that I get a 2012 copy of the 16-50. That's definitely something I'd want to know if dropping ~$800 on a lens.

[snake]

Oh I get it...I was responding to the comment by snake who said the whole design was flawed, I was quoting Jen Petersen.






My point was that Jen Petersen had stated the problem was fixed. I think we were making the same point.

We shall see because I'm on the german pentax forums, where they've been telling people for a couple years now, leaked from Pentax DE/AT/CH that they have been installing redesigned parts, despite the fact that people with repaired lenses are still seeing multiple failures (like on their fourth failure).

Pentax themselves have been telling people for at least a couple years that there were redesigned parts, but no one was ever able to prove it and people started repeating it across other forums, like DPR.

[Alizarine]

they have been installing redesigned parts, despite the fact that people with repaired lenses are still seeing multiple failures (like on their fourth failure).

you mean even those with repaired/installed with redesigned components are encountering SDM failures?

[snake]

According to the german pentax forums, yes. People are on their third and fourth repairs and giving up:
DigitalFotoNetz.de :: Thema anzeigen - SDM beim 16-50/2.8 zum 3ten Mal defekt! Was tun?

[bkpix]

Here's what Pentax USA had to say when I asked about getting my SDM lenses repaired:

Dear Mr. Keefer,

Thank you for contacting PENTAX.

We have not received any information from PENTAX Japan informing us of a design flaw in the DA* series 16-50mm or 50-135mm SDM lenses or focus motors, or of any recall program or plans to provide free SDM motor replacement in these lenses.

If you are in need of further assistance, please respond to this email or call our technical support center at 800-877-0155.

Sincerely,
Randall S.
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION /
PHONE: 800.234.0276 /800.877.0155 / BE INTERESTING. PENTAX

[Blue]

Here's what Pentax USA had to say when I asked about getting my USM lenses repaired:

Dear Mr. Keefer,

Thank you for contacting PENTAX.

We have not received any information from PENTAX Japan informing us of a design flaw in the DA* series 16-50mm or 50-135mm SDM lenses or focus motors, or of any recall program or plans to provide free SDM motor replacement in these lenses.

If you are in need of further assistance, please respond to this email or call our technical support center at 800-877-0155.

Sincerely,
Randall S.
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION /
PHONE: 800.234.0276 /800.877.0155 / BE INTERESTING. PENTAX

Pentax Germany and Pentax USA have differing opinions.

[Rondec]

I don't really believe that changing the SDM will truly do away with SDM problems forever. I would hope it would space out the necessity of having repairs though. It just seems to me that the in lens motors even in the best of situations will only last ten or fifteen years at the most. I guess that would be a normal expected lifespan for such a product -- too bad though, considering that screw driven lenses have a much longer life span (manual focus lenses are longest of all).

[blende8]

Petersen said the same already in 2010.
There may have been changes, but when and what we do not know.

[gtl]

Why can't they just issue a firmware that lets you switch the screwdrive when needed.