[trainpipeman]

Hello, all.

My primary lens, a DA 16-50mm, was sent to Precision Camera for repair consideration. It was returned with a statement indicating that it was not economically feasible to repair it.

In January, we were in the far north of Sweden, attempting to take pictures of the auroras, with temps well below freezing. Fast forward to several weeks ago, and I went to use this lens, and the zoom ring had dislodged from the rest of the barrel, effectively jamming it. Precision Camera stated that there was "impact" damage. To the best of my recollection, I did not even bump the camera against anything. How this happened is a mystery.

I would hate to trash this lens, and start anew. Are there other repair places that anyone would recommend? Perhaps someone can salvage it for parts?

Thanks!

Tom

[moray-eel-bite]

Sorry about the lens. If you're willing to part with the hood and caps I'd be willing to purchase those. Might help a little towards a replacement.

[VoiceOfReason]

Check KEH for repair service.

[GlassJunkie]

Precision does my lens repairs and calibrations. They have done 3 16-50 repairs for me... 1- Warranty replacement of the orig SDM with a 2nd gen replacement... Got 3 years of pro pounding out of it.... Most importantly they calibrated it. Made a Leica Sumilux look bad....

2- I jammed the zoom ring.... My fault after beating it around the Arctic and Florida marshes. Replaced entire front element, calibrated. Still made a Sumichron look crappy...

3 Last month, 2nd gen motor ok, but controller board died. Replaced Motor with 4Gen and new board. Lens is amazing. Worth the 200$ usd and 3.5 weeks away. Lens is better than new.... Pristine.

In short.... Any real pro plans, has backups, understands "running costs" vs. IQ. No brainer decision for our staff..... Repairs vs. calibrations is a wash. Cost is cost... Output puts CaNikon to shame. Simple....

[trainpipeman]

Sorry about the lens. If you're willing to part with the hood and caps I'd be willing to purchase those. Might help a little towards a replacement.

Thanks for the interest in caps and hood, but I am not quite at parting it out, yet.

[trainpipeman]

Precision does my lens repairs and calibrations. They have done 3 16-50 repairs for me... 1- Warranty replacement of the orig SDM with a 2nd gen replacement... Got 3 years of pro pounding out of it.... Most importantly they calibrated it. Made a Leica Sumilux look bad....

2- I jammed the zoom ring.... My fault after beating it around the Arctic and Florida marshes. Replaced entire front element, calibrated. Still made a Sumichron look crappy...

3 Last month, 2nd gen motor ok, but controller board died. Replaced Motor with 4Gen and new board. Lens is amazing. Worth the 200$ usd and 3.5 weeks away. Lens is better than new.... Pristine.

In short.... Any real pro plans, has backups, understands "running costs" vs. IQ. No brainer decision for our staff..... Repairs vs. calibrations is a wash. Cost is cost... Output puts CaNikon to shame. Simple....

Thank you!

[trainpipeman]

Precision does my lens repairs and calibrations. They have done 3 16-50 repairs for me... 1- Warranty replacement of the orig SDM with a 2nd gen replacement... Got 3 years of pro pounding out of it.... Most importantly they calibrated it. Made a Leica Sumilux look bad....

2- I jammed the zoom ring.... My fault after beating it around the Arctic and Florida marshes. Replaced entire front element, calibrated. Still made a Sumichron look crappy...

3 Last month, 2nd gen motor ok, but controller board died. Replaced Motor with 4Gen and new board. Lens is amazing. Worth the 200$ usd and 3.5 weeks away. Lens is better than new.... Pristine.

In short.... Any real pro plans, has backups, understands "running costs" vs. IQ. No brainer decision for our staff..... Repairs vs. calibrations is a wash. Cost is cost... Output puts CaNikon to shame. Simple....

I have owned this lens since 2009, and up until now, it has been great! No motor/controller issues whatsoever! I am pleased with its speed, range, and sharpness.

It puzzles me how the zoom ring had jammed, exposing a slight bit the innards. Perhaps the freeze/warm cycles in Sweden had something to do with it.

Going on your experience with Precision Camera, I am going to call them to ask what the price would be to repair. I am left with the feeling that someone at P.C. did not even disassemble the lens.

Thanks for your thoughts!

---------- Post added 03-19-16 at 11:51 AM ----------

Check KEH for repair service.

Thank you. I will keep KEH in mind!

[mee]

Hello, all.

My primary lens, a DA 16-50mm, was sent to Precision Camera for repair consideration. It was returned with a statement indicating that it was not economically feasible to repair it.

In January, we were in the far north of Sweden, attempting to take pictures of the auroras, with temps well below freezing. Fast forward to several weeks ago, and I went to use this lens, and the zoom ring had dislodged from the rest of the barrel, effectively jamming it. Precision Camera stated that there was "impact" damage. To the best of my recollection, I did not even bump the camera against anything. How this happened is a mystery.

I would hate to trash this lens, and start anew. Are there other repair places that anyone would recommend? Perhaps someone can salvage it for parts?

Thanks!

I find it very odd they just returned your lens with that excuse. Surely if the customer wants to pay for repairs, why would they not at least offer the opportunity? I know $306.50 is the base estimate so they are saying it cost at least that much. But even if it costs 700 to repair why not say 'it will cost 700 dollars to repair do you want to go through with this?' and let the customer give the yes/NO.

That said.. it seems like 'impact damage' is the camera repair facilities version of 'idiopathic' illness. We don't know what happened but something sure did!

I believe there are a few screws under the rubber, I don't know what they do but maybe they keep the rings in place. In any case, I'd second the recommendation to give KEH a call or email and see what they have to say. I wouldn't take it apart unless you REALLY know what you're doing or you might make matters worse.

[trainpipeman]

I find it very odd they just returned your lens with that excuse. Surely if the customer wants to pay for repairs, why would they not at least offer the opportunity? I know $306.50 is the base estimate so they are saying it cost at least that much. But even if it costs 700 to repair why not say 'it will cost 700 dollars to repair do you want to go through with this?' and let the customer give the yes/NO.

That said.. it seems like 'impact damage' is the camera repair facilities version of 'idiopathic' illness. We don't know what happened but something sure did!

I believe there are a few screws under the rubber, I don't know what they do but maybe they keep the rings in place. In any case, I'd second the recommendation to give KEH a call or email and see what they have to say. I wouldn't take it apart unless you REALLY know what you're doing or you might make matters worse.

Thank you, mee.

Yes, an estimate would have been nice, as that would have helped me decide whether to pursue repair, or not. At this point, I am left with doubt, and need to investigate further.

My concern with using someone other than Precision Camera is parts availability. Does anyone know whether Pentax makes their parts available to KEH and others?

[mee]

To confirm, it would probably be best to contact them:

https://www.keh.com/shop/repair
https://www.keh.com/shop/contact-us

[trainpipeman]

To confirm, it would probably be best to contact them:

https://www.keh.com/shop/repair
https://www.keh.com/shop/contact-us

Thanks, mee.

I have been in contact with KEH, and keeping that option open.