FA31 Lost Infinity Focus

MadMathMind · 08-18-2016, 04:31 PM

My FA31 fell from my bag right on the hood. It is now loose and the lens has lost the ability to focus at infinity unless I finagle with the hood and pop it into the right spot. I need to get it fixed. Are there options other than Precision? This isn't warranty. I'm willing to spend a bit more for good, quick service.

stevebrot · 08-18-2016, 04:38 PM

Originally posted by MadMathMind

My FA31 fell from my bag right on the hood. It is now loose and the lens has lost the ability to focus at infinity unless I finagle with the hood and pop it into the right spot. I need to get it fixed. Are there options other than Precision? This isn't warranty. I'm willing to spend a bit more for good, quick service.

Ouch

Advance Photo in Portland might be able to do this. If you call them, be sure they are clear that you are not interested in having them send it on to Precision if the repair is beyond them.* Eric Hendrickson may also be able. See the list on the sticky for this forum:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/189-repairs-warranty-service/316284-penta...e-listing.html

Steve

* A common practice in the camera repair world.

a5m · 08-18-2016, 04:57 PM

Originally posted by MadMathMind

My FA31 fell from my bag right on the hood. It is now loose and the lens has lost the ability to focus at infinity unless I finagle with the hood and pop it into the right spot. I need to get it fixed. Are there options other than Precision? This isn't warranty. I'm willing to spend a bit more for good, quick service.

If I were you I would send it only to Brian (dcshooter). He treats lenses as if they were his own, and does a very thorough job with constant updates along the way. If one way of fixing it doesn't work, he'll try another, and another until he's tried them all.

Sorry to hear about the lens though but I hope you get it back to normal soon.

MadMathMind · 08-18-2016, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by a5m

If I were you I would send it only to Brian (dcshooter). He treats lenses as if they were his own, and does a very thorough job with constant updates along the way. If one way of fixing it doesn't work, he'll try another, and another until he's tried them all.

Thanks, I sent him a message. I hope he'll take the job.

Quote:

Sorry to hear about the lens though but I hope you get it back to normal soon.

It happens. Fortunately, the lens isn't shattered. It also fell at the very end of my trip; it was missed a bit but I had FA*24 to fill in, although it's not quite as good. I debated heading over to Yodobashi Camera to buy another one for the rest of the trip but the 24 got me what I needed. (Since I shoot at f/10+ with wide angles anyway.)

Originally posted by stevebrot

Ouch

Advance Photo in Portland might be able to do this. If you call them, be sure they are clear that you are not interested in having them send it on to Precision if the repair is beyond them.* Eric Hendrickson may also be able. See the list on the sticky for this forum:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/189-repairs-warranty-service/316284-penta...e-listing.html

Thanks! If Brian doesn't take the job, now I have lots of people to turn to. This was what I was looking for.

mikeSF · 08-18-2016, 05:20 PM

You know about Eric Hendrickson in Knoxville, TN?
That is his kind of repair and very affordable.

a5m · 08-18-2016, 05:37 PM

Originally posted by MadMathMind

Thanks, I sent him a message. I hope he'll take the job.

Not a problem. From my experience with the two lens repair guys referred to on this forum, I had more confidence in Brian and was more pleased with his work. I felt like I was getting more than my money's worth. He's a busy guy because he gets a lot of work but I don't see why he wouldn't take the job. He seems to have a real passion for this stuff so I'm sure he'll be up for the challenge.

Originally posted by MadMathMind

It happens. Fortunately, the lens isn't shattered. It also fell at the very end of my trip; it was missed a bit but I had FA*24 to fill in, although it's not quite as good. I debated heading over to Yodobashi Camera to buy another one for the rest of the trip but the 24 got me what I needed. (Since I shoot at f/10+ with wide angles anyway.)

That's good to know that the damage wasn't too severe and that you still had another lens to get the job done. I'm a bit surprised, and relieved, to here the FA* 24 isn't as good. I had thought about getting it but now I think my FA31 is all I need.

All the best and hope to hear some good news soon.

MadMathMind · 08-18-2016, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by a5m

I'm a bit surprised, and relieved, to here the FA* 24 isn't as good. I had thought about getting it but now I think my FA31 is all I need.

I should write a review of it but the FA*24 is really an f/8+ lens, at least how I see it. I haven't used it a ton (and dropping the FA31 did give me a chance to use it more) but it definitely needs more sharpening. I pretty much use it at f/10, f/11, f/13. The results are pretty good. It needs a bit more spiffing in post but it's a solid performer, just not like FA31.

Adam · 08-18-2016, 06:02 PM

Eric should be able to fix it for you, he's about to fix my FA 43mm on which the screwdrive AF and MF broke.

a5m · 08-18-2016, 06:51 PM

Originally posted by MadMathMind

I should write a review of it but the FA*24 is really an f/8+ lens, at least how I see it. I haven't used it a ton (and dropping the FA31 did give me a chance to use it more) but it definitely needs more sharpening. I pretty much use it at f/10, f/11, f/13. The results are pretty good. It needs a bit more spiffing in post but it's a solid performer, just not like FA31.

Hmm that's interesting. Yes you should definitely write a review on it. If it needs to be stopped down that much it pretty much defeats its own purpose. You'd probably be better off getting the lighter and WR DA 20-40 Limited.

MadMathMind · 08-18-2016, 07:25 PM

Originally posted by a5m

You'd probably be better off getting the lighter and WR DA 20-40 Limited.

No good on K-1.

a5m · 08-18-2016, 08:33 PM

Originally posted by MadMathMind

No good on K-1.

Crop Mode

. No but your right I didn't realize this was on a K-1. There's nothing else really comparable to the FA*24mm.

08-18-2016, 04:31 PM	#1
MadMathMind Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,717	FA31 Lost Infinity Focus My FA31 fell from my bag right on the hood. It is now loose and the lens has lost the ability to focus at infinity unless I finagle with the hood and pop it into the right spot. I need to get it fixed. Are there options other than Precision? This isn't warranty. I'm willing to spend a bit more for good, quick service.

08-18-2016, 04:38 PM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by MadMathMind My FA31 fell from my bag right on the hood. It is now loose and the lens has lost the ability to focus at infinity unless I finagle with the hood and pop it into the right spot. I need to get it fixed. Are there options other than Precision? This isn't warranty. I'm willing to spend a bit more for good, quick service. Ouch Advance Photo in Portland might be able to do this. If you call them, be sure they are clear that you are not interested in having them send it on to Precision if the repair is beyond them.* Eric Hendrickson may also be able. See the list on the sticky for this forum: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/189-repairs-warranty-service/316284-penta...e-listing.html Steve * A common practice in the camera repair world. Last edited by stevebrot; 08-18-2016 at 04:55 PM.

08-18-2016, 06:02 PM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Eric should be able to fix it for you, he's about to fix my FA 43mm on which the screwdrive AF and MF broke. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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08-18-2016, 04:57 PM	#3
a5m Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 576	Originally posted by MadMathMind My FA31 fell from my bag right on the hood. It is now loose and the lens has lost the ability to focus at infinity unless I finagle with the hood and pop it into the right spot. I need to get it fixed. Are there options other than Precision? This isn't warranty. I'm willing to spend a bit more for good, quick service. If I were you I would send it only to Brian (dcshooter). He treats lenses as if they were his own, and does a very thorough job with constant updates along the way. If one way of fixing it doesn't work, he'll try another, and another until he's tried them all. Sorry to hear about the lens though but I hope you get it back to normal soon.

08-18-2016, 05:12 PM	#4
MadMathMind Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,717 Original Poster	Originally posted by a5m If I were you I would send it only to Brian (dcshooter). He treats lenses as if they were his own, and does a very thorough job with constant updates along the way. If one way of fixing it doesn't work, he'll try another, and another until he's tried them all. Thanks, I sent him a message. I hope he'll take the job. Quote: Sorry to hear about the lens though but I hope you get it back to normal soon. It happens. Fortunately, the lens isn't shattered. It also fell at the very end of my trip; it was missed a bit but I had FA24 to fill in, although it's not quite as good. I debated heading over to Yodobashi Camera to buy another one for the rest of the trip but the 24 got me what I needed. (Since I shoot at f/10+ with wide angles anyway.) Originally posted by stevebrot Ouch Advance Photo in Portland might be able to do this. If you call them, be sure they are clear that you are not interested in having them send it on to Precision if the repair is beyond them. Eric Hendrickson may also be able. See the list on the sticky for this forum: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/189-repairs-warranty-service/316284-penta...e-listing.html Thanks! If Brian doesn't take the job, now I have lots of people to turn to. This was what I was looking for.

08-18-2016, 05:20 PM	#5
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	You know about Eric Hendrickson in Knoxville, TN? That is his kind of repair and very affordable.

08-18-2016, 05:37 PM	#6
a5m Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 576	Originally posted by MadMathMind Thanks, I sent him a message. I hope he'll take the job. Not a problem. From my experience with the two lens repair guys referred to on this forum, I had more confidence in Brian and was more pleased with his work. I felt like I was getting more than my money's worth. He's a busy guy because he gets a lot of work but I don't see why he wouldn't take the job. He seems to have a real passion for this stuff so I'm sure he'll be up for the challenge. Originally posted by MadMathMind It happens. Fortunately, the lens isn't shattered. It also fell at the very end of my trip; it was missed a bit but I had FA24 to fill in, although it's not quite as good. I debated heading over to Yodobashi Camera to buy another one for the rest of the trip but the 24 got me what I needed. (Since I shoot at f/10+ with wide angles anyway.) That's good to know that the damage wasn't too severe and that you still had another lens to get the job done. I'm a bit surprised, and relieved, to here the FA 24 isn't as good. I had thought about getting it but now I think my FA31 is all I need. All the best and hope to hear some good news soon.

08-18-2016, 05:56 PM	#7
MadMathMind Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,717 Original Poster	Originally posted by a5m I'm a bit surprised, and relieved, to here the FA* 24 isn't as good. I had thought about getting it but now I think my FA31 is all I need. I should write a review of it but the FA*24 is really an f/8+ lens, at least how I see it. I haven't used it a ton (and dropping the FA31 did give me a chance to use it more) but it definitely needs more sharpening. I pretty much use it at f/10, f/11, f/13. The results are pretty good. It needs a bit more spiffing in post but it's a solid performer, just not like FA31.

08-18-2016, 06:51 PM	#9
a5m Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 576	Originally posted by MadMathMind I should write a review of it but the FA*24 is really an f/8+ lens, at least how I see it. I haven't used it a ton (and dropping the FA31 did give me a chance to use it more) but it definitely needs more sharpening. I pretty much use it at f/10, f/11, f/13. The results are pretty good. It needs a bit more spiffing in post but it's a solid performer, just not like FA31. Hmm that's interesting. Yes you should definitely write a review on it. If it needs to be stopped down that much it pretty much defeats its own purpose. You'd probably be better off getting the lighter and WR DA 20-40 Limited.

08-18-2016, 07:25 PM	#10
MadMathMind Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,717 Original Poster	Originally posted by a5m You'd probably be better off getting the lighter and WR DA 20-40 Limited. No good on K-1.

08-18-2016, 08:33 PM	#11
a5m Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 576	Originally posted by MadMathMind No good on K-1. Crop Mode . No but your right I didn't realize this was on a K-1. There's nothing else really comparable to the FA*24mm.