Precision Camera - Ricoh/Pentax Done Me Good.

**DW58** · 02-27-2018, 11:14 AM - **9 Likes**

My HD DA 21mm LTD would not focus at infinity. Was under warranty. Called Ricoh/Pentax and was told to send it to Precision Camera. After the five days it took to get to Connecticut from Oregon I received an email from Precision informing me that the repair required special parts and tooling so they would be shipping the lens overseas to the Ricoh/Pentax factory. Turn around time 3-5 weeks. They apologized for any inconvenience. Four weeks later had a voice mail from Precision saying the lens was on its way home and gave me a UPS tracking number. Due to weather have not tested it extensively but the lens seems to be tack sharp. My cost. $11.06 for mailing/insurance from my local USPS. All in all a stress free experience. My thanks to Precision Camera, Ricoh/Pentax, and PF for providing the information I needed to get the ball rolling.

Dave.

**BigMackCam** · 02-27-2018, 11:45 AM - **1 Like**

Excellent news, Dave. Most people only post their bad experiences, so it's always nice to hear the success stories too. Helps keep a sense of balance

Adam · 02-27-2018, 12:18 PM

Seems like lately there has been an uptick in positive feedback regarding Precision. Always great to hear

**hyyz** · 02-27-2018, 12:50 PM - **1 Like**

So, Precision Camera as an authorized Pentax repair facility DID NOT do the repair, right? I think most of the bad experiences had to do with them actually messing up the repairs themselves. So, in this case I don't see much to praise them about, except they serving as the agent to send lenses/cameras to factory. If they strictly serve as this role, I would be OK.

Roadboat24 · 02-27-2018, 01:03 PM - **1 Like**

I've had Precision Camera repair a K50 aperture block couple months ago. Quick turn around and works great so far. No regrets.

**hyyz** · 02-27-2018, 01:09 PM

I could be wrong but it is strange to me that a relatively simple screw-drive lens needed a trip to Japan for infinity focus adjustment...

**WPRESTO** · 02-27-2018, 02:01 PM

Curious they sent the 21mm to Ricoh/Pentax. When the AF on my 60~250mm they sent that overseas as well. Are they becoming just a g0-between? Is Ricoh/Pentax withholding some parts or charging so much that it's impractical for Precision to keep them on hand? Are there lens repairs that require factory-only devices to execute properly?

**pentaxus** · 02-27-2018, 02:10 PM

If the problem was a parts problem, and it could have been, sending it to Japan might have been a good idea. They might not have test equipment that works well with a 21mm since the test equipment optics are different. When I had the appropriate equipment, I had to use a different lens to test really wide lenses. Anyway, Japan has all the parts. Having all the parts isn't isn't just a "Pentax" problem. A friend has a camera repair business and has had to wait over six months for parts for current L series lenses. A relatively quick Japan turn around seems like a good scenario.

**Bob 256** · 02-27-2018, 02:25 PM - **1 Like**

Some optical test equipment is unique to the lens that needs testing and sometimes the only one who has that equipment/"tooling" is the manufacture (because of cost, etc. - not that it isn't made available). That could be the case here and it's more likely that an expert familiar with that particular lens would work on it so it's win-win other than the extra time it takes for the turnaround.

**DW58** · 02-27-2018, 02:31 PM - **1 Like**

Doesn't bother me at all that they sent the lens to the factory. They could have sent it to Billy Bobs Muffler Repair for all I care. The results are what matter to me not the process. I'm fairly certain the people at Precision Camera know more about lenses than I do. Could be there was more going on with this lens than I thought. If they felt the need to send it overseas I'll take their word for it. Could be they're so backed up they figured I'd get my lens back quicker if they shipped it half way around the world and back rather than sitting on a shelf in Connecticut waiting for them to get to it. Whatever the reason, I'm a satisfied customer and would not hesitate to use them again. Here's the explanation of repairs I received with the lens.

Auto Focus Adjustment.
A complete repair and return all functions to factory specs.
Auto focus test, check, recalibration and realignment.
Complete cleaning (internal-external) and optical system.
General test, check, clean and repair all functions and systems.
Factory repair.

However it happened I'm a lot happier with the 21mm lens I have now than the one I sent to Precision.

**stevebrot** · 02-27-2018, 05:19 PM

Originally posted by hyyz

I could be wrong but it is strange to me that a relatively simple screw-drive lens needed a trip to Japan for infinity focus adjustment...

????

Perhaps the problem was not the infinity focus adjustment?

Given this was a warranty repair and that Ricoh North America is not going to pay them for other than work they actually do, there is little incentive to send it to Japan unless they truly could not do the work.

Steve

jddwoods · 02-27-2018, 05:25 PM

I had a similar experience. My HD DA 40 Limited focus ring froze up and would not turn without using brute force. The regular warranty expired but I had an extended warranty from Adorama. The lens was sent to precision and I received a communication that it needed to be sent to the Pentax factory for the repair. It took about 4 weeks and the invoice (no charge) stated the focus ring was replaced. A year later, the lens works fine and the repair was completed with no scrapes, scratched screws or marks on the lens. Sometimes they do need to send it out for something beyond Precision's facility but I am happy the repair was done right.

Not a Number · 02-27-2018, 07:11 PM

What's the big deal about Precision sending lenses to the factory for repair? C.R.I.S. used to send equipment back to the factory for repair too, nobody made a fuss about it when they were the main repair service center.

C.R.I.S. didn't have a stellar reputation either. I remember how a few posters were jubilant when it was announced Precision would be the primary service center.

Precision has apparently improved greatly over the past 18-24 months.

mee · 02-27-2018, 09:27 PM

Originally posted by hyyz

I could be wrong but it is strange to me that a relatively simple screw-drive lens needed a trip to Japan for infinity focus adjustment...

It was a couple years ago now.. but Precision couldn't fix infinity focus on my 16-50.. three times.. including the final trip where I sent in my camera body too...

After they got my K-5 II they realized it was the lens.. and replaced the whole lens with a brand new copy (which focused to infinity). It was a nice outcome but yeah.. they couldn't get it.

That was before they started shipping lenses to Japan. I'd have been OK if they had just shipped the lens to Japan and repaired.. it was nice beyond not focusing to infinity. I just don't think they have the tools and/or knowledge in house to perform those repairs.

Yeah it doesn't say much about Precision as a repair company. But it does say at least Ricoh is mitigating the issues with Precision and not just telling customers to suck it up.

02-27-2018, 11:14 AM - 9 Likes	#1
DW58 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Rural Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,959	Precision Camera - Ricoh/Pentax Done Me Good. My HD DA 21mm LTD would not focus at infinity. Was under warranty. Called Ricoh/Pentax and was told to send it to Precision Camera. After the five days it took to get to Connecticut from Oregon I received an email from Precision informing me that the repair required special parts and tooling so they would be shipping the lens overseas to the Ricoh/Pentax factory. Turn around time 3-5 weeks. They apologized for any inconvenience. Four weeks later had a voice mail from Precision saying the lens was on its way home and gave me a UPS tracking number. Due to weather have not tested it extensively but the lens seems to be tack sharp. My cost. $11.06 for mailing/insurance from my local USPS. All in all a stress free experience. My thanks to Precision Camera, Ricoh/Pentax, and PF for providing the information I needed to get the ball rolling. Dave.

02-27-2018, 12:18 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,432	Seems like lately there has been an uptick in positive feedback regarding Precision. Always great to hear 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, 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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02-27-2018, 11:45 AM - 1 Like	#2
BigMackCam Digitiser of Films Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 19,874	Excellent news, Dave. Most people only post their bad experiences, so it's always nice to hear the success stories too. Helps keep a sense of balance

02-27-2018, 12:50 PM - 1 Like	#4
hyyz Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 471	So, Precision Camera as an authorized Pentax repair facility DID NOT do the repair, right? I think most of the bad experiences had to do with them actually messing up the repairs themselves. So, in this case I don't see much to praise them about, except they serving as the agent to send lenses/cameras to factory. If they strictly serve as this role, I would be OK.

02-27-2018, 01:03 PM - 1 Like	#5
Roadboat24 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 454	I've had Precision Camera repair a K50 aperture block couple months ago. Quick turn around and works great so far. No regrets.

02-27-2018, 01:09 PM	#6
hyyz Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 471	I could be wrong but it is strange to me that a relatively simple screw-drive lens needed a trip to Japan for infinity focus adjustment...

02-27-2018, 02:01 PM	#7
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 57,867	Curious they sent the 21mm to Ricoh/Pentax. When the AF on my 60~250mm they sent that overseas as well. Are they becoming just a g0-between? Is Ricoh/Pentax withholding some parts or charging so much that it's impractical for Precision to keep them on hand? Are there lens repairs that require factory-only devices to execute properly?

02-27-2018, 02:10 PM	#8
pentaxus Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 1,279	If the problem was a parts problem, and it could have been, sending it to Japan might have been a good idea. They might not have test equipment that works well with a 21mm since the test equipment optics are different. When I had the appropriate equipment, I had to use a different lens to test really wide lenses. Anyway, Japan has all the parts. Having all the parts isn't isn't just a "Pentax" problem. A friend has a camera repair business and has had to wait over six months for parts for current L series lenses. A relatively quick Japan turn around seems like a good scenario.

02-27-2018, 02:25 PM - 1 Like	#9
Bob 256 Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,260	Some optical test equipment is unique to the lens that needs testing and sometimes the only one who has that equipment/"tooling" is the manufacture (because of cost, etc. - not that it isn't made available). That could be the case here and it's more likely that an expert familiar with that particular lens would work on it so it's win-win other than the extra time it takes for the turnaround.

02-27-2018, 02:31 PM - 1 Like	#10
DW58 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Rural Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,959 Original Poster	Doesn't bother me at all that they sent the lens to the factory. They could have sent it to Billy Bobs Muffler Repair for all I care. The results are what matter to me not the process. I'm fairly certain the people at Precision Camera know more about lenses than I do. Could be there was more going on with this lens than I thought. If they felt the need to send it overseas I'll take their word for it. Could be they're so backed up they figured I'd get my lens back quicker if they shipped it half way around the world and back rather than sitting on a shelf in Connecticut waiting for them to get to it. Whatever the reason, I'm a satisfied customer and would not hesitate to use them again. Here's the explanation of repairs I received with the lens. Auto Focus Adjustment. A complete repair and return all functions to factory specs. Auto focus test, check, recalibration and realignment. Complete cleaning (internal-external) and optical system. General test, check, clean and repair all functions and systems. Factory repair. However it happened I'm a lot happier with the 21mm lens I have now than the one I sent to Precision.

02-27-2018, 05:19 PM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by hyyz I could be wrong but it is strange to me that a relatively simple screw-drive lens needed a trip to Japan for infinity focus adjustment... ???? Perhaps the problem was not the infinity focus adjustment? Given this was a warranty repair and that Ricoh North America is not going to pay them for other than work they actually do, there is little incentive to send it to Japan unless they truly could not do the work. Steve

02-27-2018, 05:25 PM	#12
jddwoods Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Newark, Delaware Posts: 1,034	I had a similar experience. My HD DA 40 Limited focus ring froze up and would not turn without using brute force. The regular warranty expired but I had an extended warranty from Adorama. The lens was sent to precision and I received a communication that it needed to be sent to the Pentax factory for the repair. It took about 4 weeks and the invoice (no charge) stated the focus ring was replaced. A year later, the lens works fine and the repair was completed with no scrapes, scratched screws or marks on the lens. Sometimes they do need to send it out for something beyond Precision's facility but I am happy the repair was done right.

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02-27-2018, 07:11 PM	#13
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,340	What's the big deal about Precision sending lenses to the factory for repair? C.R.I.S. used to send equipment back to the factory for repair too, nobody made a fuss about it when they were the main repair service center. C.R.I.S. didn't have a stellar reputation either. I remember how a few posters were jubilant when it was announced Precision would be the primary service center. Precision has apparently improved greatly over the past 18-24 months.

02-27-2018, 09:27 PM	#14
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by hyyz I could be wrong but it is strange to me that a relatively simple screw-drive lens needed a trip to Japan for infinity focus adjustment... It was a couple years ago now.. but Precision couldn't fix infinity focus on my 16-50.. three times.. including the final trip where I sent in my camera body too... After they got my K-5 II they realized it was the lens.. and replaced the whole lens with a brand new copy (which focused to infinity). It was a nice outcome but yeah.. they couldn't get it. That was before they started shipping lenses to Japan. I'd have been OK if they had just shipped the lens to Japan and repaired.. it was nice beyond not focusing to infinity. I just don't think they have the tools and/or knowledge in house to perform those repairs. Yeah it doesn't say much about Precision as a repair company. But it does say at least Ricoh is mitigating the issues with Precision and not just telling customers to suck it up.