Originally posted by jotarou1
Pentax DA* 16-50 repair? Worth it?
Originally posted by jotarou1
Precision has a flat fee of $212.50 which is reasonable, but they won't clarify what they will fix. If I send it in for repair, I was contemplating getting SDM replaced while it was there.
Has anybody recently used Precision for a 16-50 repair, including a SDM replacement? Any estimates on cost or can you recommend some place that will replace the SDM motors and fix the focus issue? This lens is from 2009.
Hmmm..... I hope the answer to the first question is "yes", since I have my DA*16-50 at Precision Camera now. The quote seems to be a standard quote for that lens repair. Here is a brief timeline of my DA* 16-50 issues:
February, 2017 - zoom froze at about 16 mm focal length while on a vacation
April 17 - sent lens to Precision Camera
April 20 - May 20 - Precision Camera progress tracker shows lens was received April 20 and went into repair April 20
May 20 - I sent Precision Camera a note asking for a progress update, since it had been a month and no additional progress was shown on the progress tracker
May 23 - Precision Camera replied that the lens was shipped to the factory for repair. They said this usually takes 3-5 weeks, so please just give it a little more time. They did not say which factory.
May 24 - Precision Camera progress tracker changed to "In Service Delay" and to please allow for more time
June 1 - Precision Camera calls and asks for my authorization to spend the $288 that is required for repair. They did not say what the lens problem was or the nature of the repair.
Today - Precision Camera progress tracker shows the same "In Service Delay" note. No other indication of repair progress has been provided, or an estimate of completion
Prior to the lens issues, the lens SDM worked great and I was very happy with the images. I bought the lens from another forum member here.
I'm not sure if Precision Camera would work on a non-SDM lens, but if they could, I would leave the lens as non SDM. I have heard so many good things about disabling the SDM. That seems like they way to go, provided that you can tolerate a bit more focusing noise. Precision Camera seems to be very slow, especially on lenses. There are some reports here on PF that state they are pretty good at repairing cameras, but not so good at lenses. They sure are taking their time with my lens now. I am about to give up, but what can I realistically do? I do not know who else repairs lenses. Based on my experience here, I would be tempted to try to use another repair company. The Pentax web site has us contact Precision Camera for any service or repairs. Notice that in my case, Precision Camera is just a handling agent between me and the factory.
I know this probably does not help you much to resolve your questions, but maybe this perspective helps a bit. Good luck, and please let us know how it turns out.