Well.. I'm the bloke that started that "other" Sun Camera thread just under a year ago and I'm still without my 16-50mm. Thought I would add my ordeal in a more abbreviated version to this discussion. I'll forego the details about my DA* 50-150mm SDM as it was returned to me within a couple months fixed properly. My 16-50 was sent in for a notable impact to the front of the lens.
June 21st, (ish) 2014 - Ricoh Canada received my 2 SDM Lenses and immediately forwarded them to Sun Camera as part of the first batch of repairs under this newly authorized repair centre.
July 2nd 2014 - I received my (GULP) estimate to replace 2 lens groups & other parts so I authorized the repairs.
Late July 2014 - Informed that one of the lens groups was backordered.
Mid September 2014 - Finally received my lens. Appeared to be working on my initial tests however didn't have the chance to immediately take it out and really run it through it's paces.
Late November 2014 - Started noticing the all-too familiar squeaky & sluggish auto-focus of the SDM motor issue (an issue this lens was already repaired for back in 2009)!
Early December 2014 - Sent lens back to Sun Camera. Within a week of receipt it was confirmed that they failed to replace a 3rd part (the front lens group assembly) during the first repair and advised it would be repaired under the 90 day repair warranty. However, at the same time, I was informed that this part was... wait for it... BACKORDERED!
Late December 2014 - Advised said part was enroute from Japan and would arrive the first week in January.
2nd week in January 2015 - Advised there was an error. The technician had ordered the wrong part from Japan!!! They only ordered a partial assembly whereas my lens required the entire assembly. >
March 23rd 2015 - No change... still waiting for said part from Japan. At this time they are apparently looking at "other" avenues of acquiring the parts. I am currently waiting to hear back from the Ricoh Repair Manager.
Note - Sun also advised me that the ordering process from Japan entails all parts shipped to Ricoh in the U.S. who then forward them on to Sun Camera here in Canada. I worked for Pentax Canada for 2 years here in Vancouver right up until that office was closed in 2003 and back then parts came directly from Japan.
I hope I'm the exception and I'm certainly glad to hear that others are having better experiences than I am.
---------- Post added 04-01-2015 at 08:47 PM ----------
Originally posted by Gareth.Ig Feb 8 2014 - 16-50 provided to Phototec in St. John's for repair
Spring / Summer 2014 can't get parts for lens
Nov 24, 2014 lens shipped to Sun Camera by Phototec. Quote for repair (same parts)
Feb 22, 2015 - still waiting for parts.
Gareth, what parts are they waiting for?
Last edited by ShadowMan; 04-01-2015 at 08:48 PM.