Delays for repair at Precision Camera

CoreyC · 01-01-2020, 07:18 AM

So you all have me a bit concerned now. Photography is my sole source of income at the moment and my K-1 and 70-200 both need calibration to address a back focusing issue. I called Precision yesterday and was told 3-5 day turn around time unless they need parts, with a base fee of $353 being charged for each. Anyone want to venture a guess if that's what it will really be? If it's going to be weeks/months I need to rethink some things.

**aslyfox** · 01-01-2020, 07:26 AM

Originally posted by CoreyC

So you all have me a bit concerned now. Photography is my sole source of income at the moment and my K-1 and 70-200 both need calibration to address a back focusing issue. I called Precision yesterday and was told 3-5 day turn around time unless they need parts, with a base fee of $353 being charged for each. Anyone want to venture a guess if that's what it will really be? If it's going to be weeks/months I need to rethink some things.

first the bad news

Precision may be the only place to have that done

good news, since you live in the US you could investigate spending money for renting equipment if the delay is too long

Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com

and perhaps these articles might help out if you want to try DYI

Quote:

Guide: DSLR Lens Resolution Testing at Home
Using freeware programs and charts
By beholder3 in Articles and Tips on Sep 21, 2017

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/photo-articles/guide-camera-lens-resol...#ixzz69mz3F4qA

Quote:

Front- and Back-Focus
An overview and fix-it-yourself article
By PF Staff in Articles and Tips on Dec 5, 2011

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/photo-articles/front-and-back-focus.html#ixzz69n0DVWVU

CoreyC · 01-01-2020, 07:43 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

first the bad news

Precision may be the only place to have that done

good news, since you live in the US you could investigate spending money for renting equipment if the delay is too long

I was actually wondering if the Ace Photo in Ashburn, VA (I'm down the road in Richmond) that you mentioned earlier might be able to do something in house. The body is out of warranty; I'll have to check on the lens but I think it is too

**aslyfox** · 01-01-2020, 07:48 AM

Originally posted by CoreyC

I was actually wondering if the Ace Photo in Ashburn, VA (I'm down the road in Richmond) that you mentioned earlier might be able to do something in house. The body is out of warranty; I'll have to check on the lens but I think it is too

phone calls are cheap

Quote:

US
KEH.com (GA, Most current and vintage gear)
Eric Hendrickson (Vintage cameras, Current and vintage lenses)
Precision Camera (Authorized to perform warranty service, NC)
Advance Camera (Most current and vintage gear, Portland, OR)
General Camera Repair (LA, CA)
Garry's Camera Repair (IL, select film SLRs)
International Camera Repair (LA, CA)
Halcyon Cameras | Vintage Camera Restoration (Vintage film cameras, San Diego, CA)
Camera Repair Japan (Services Sigma lenses and more, Atlanta, GA)
Allied Camera (MN, manual film cameras)
Bill Rogers Camera (LV, NV, film-era cameras and lenses)
Phototronic (Topeka, KS, film and digital camera repair)
Lezot's Camera Center (VT, film SLRs / medium format)

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/189-repairs-warranty-service/316284-pent...#ixzz69n55fxNI

[ follow links to get to active links in that thread, I can only speak for Photoronic in Topeka, he did a great job for me ]

good luck

KiloHotelphoto · 01-01-2020, 08:42 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by CoreyC

So you all have me a bit concerned now. Photography is my sole source of income at the moment and my K-1 and 70-200 both need calibration to address a back focusing issue. I called Precision yesterday and was told 3-5 day turn around time unless they need parts, with a base fee of $353 being charged for each. Anyone want to venture a guess if that's what it will really be? If it's going to be weeks/months I need to rethink some things.

You’ll be ok if you have three copies of all your gear, that way you will still have a backup if you send something in to the black hole of Pentax service.

**aslyfox** · 01-01-2020, 08:45 AM

Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto

You’ll be ok if you have three copies of all your gear, that way you will still have a backup if you send something in to the black hole of Pentax service.

actually if I was going to be a professional

I would have backup equipment or plan on renting if necessary

part of cost of business

KiloHotelphoto · 01-01-2020, 09:59 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by aslyfox

actually if I was going to be a professional

I would have backup equipment or plan on renting if necessary

part of cost of business

As a professional I would have a system that provides professional services. Two day turnaround on service or loaners provided along with all the other benefits they provide.

Backups a must but with Pentax you need backups for your backups

TerryL · 01-11-2020, 05:50 AM

Once a camera reaches Precision, how long does it take before I can find it using my web number to check the statu?

**aslyfox** · 01-11-2020, 05:52 AM

Originally posted by TerryL

Once a camera reaches Precision, how long does it take before I can find it using my web number to check the statu?

I have only had one lens repaired by them

the only way I found to get any update at all is to work through their phone system and get to a real person. by being polite and patient, I was able to get updates

**clickclick** · 01-11-2020, 02:12 PM

I feel like I've had lenses show up in 1-2 business days, but I wouldn't hesitate to call either.

CoreyC · 01-23-2020, 01:33 PM

I sent my 70-200 in to Precision to get it recalibrated - soft focus along the entire focal range. Shipped it on January 6th, received by them January 9th (able to look it up later that day). I just called them for an update since the website doesn't show they've looked at it yet, and turns out they shipped it off to Pentax in Japan back on the 13th. Prior to sending it in I was told to expect a two-week turn-around, apparently it's a 5-6 week turn-around to send something to Japan and get it back to Precision and then likely another few days for them to get it back to me. So all told, I'm looking late February/early March before I get the lens back in my hands.

KiloHotelphoto · 01-23-2020, 02:07 PM

You would like to think they are under promising and they over deliver with a faster turnaround with a five to six week quote but the track record they have it will be longer.

CoreyC · 04-26-2020, 11:38 AM - **1 Like**

Just wanted to update the thread to say that the D FA* 2.8 70-200 that I shipped in to Precision for recalibration on January 6th finally made it back into my hands on April 25th. Short version is that Precision shipped it to the factory where they replaced "Optical Parts" and "Lens Barrel". Since the Lens Barrel was replaced, the lens does have a different (and newer) serial number on it.

KiloHotelphoto · 04-26-2020, 12:39 PM

Four months to basically just give you a new lens, they should've done that a lot sooner, horrible service.

Not a Number · 04-26-2020, 05:16 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto

Four months to basically just give you a new lens, they should've done that a lot sooner, horrible service.

Considering the lens was shipped to Japan and shipments to/and from Japan have been all but shut down due to the pandemic.I wouldn't blame Precision for poor service.

For example I ordered some parts from China just a day or two before the pandemic was declared. Shipment was by USPS which normally picks up the shipment the next business day. USPS took 20 business days to pick up the parcels from the vendor. Is that horrible service on the vendors fault? Given the situation is it horrible service by USPS? I think not given circumstance as the are.

01-01-2020, 07:26 AM	#47
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by CoreyC So you all have me a bit concerned now. Photography is my sole source of income at the moment and my K-1 and 70-200 both need calibration to address a back focusing issue. I called Precision yesterday and was told 3-5 day turn around time unless they need parts, with a base fee of $353 being charged for each. Anyone want to venture a guess if that's what it will really be? If it's going to be weeks/months I need to rethink some things. first the bad news Precision may be the only place to have that done good news, since you live in the US you could investigate spending money for renting equipment if the delay is too long Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com and perhaps these articles might help out if you want to try DYI Quote: Guide: DSLR Lens Resolution Testing at Home Using freeware programs and charts By beholder3 in Articles and Tips on Sep 21, 2017 Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/photo-articles/guide-camera-lens-resol...#ixzz69mz3F4qA Quote: Front- and Back-Focus An overview and fix-it-yourself article By PF Staff in Articles and Tips on Dec 5, 2011 Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/photo-articles/front-and-back-focus.html#ixzz69n0DVWVU Last edited by aslyfox; 01-01-2020 at 07:34 AM.

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01-01-2020, 07:18 AM	#46
CoreyC New Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Richmond, VA Photos: Gallery Posts: 21	So you all have me a bit concerned now. Photography is my sole source of income at the moment and my K-1 and 70-200 both need calibration to address a back focusing issue. I called Precision yesterday and was told 3-5 day turn around time unless they need parts, with a base fee of $353 being charged for each. Anyone want to venture a guess if that's what it will really be? If it's going to be weeks/months I need to rethink some things.

01-01-2020, 07:43 AM	#48
CoreyC New Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Richmond, VA Photos: Gallery Posts: 21	Originally posted by aslyfox first the bad news Precision may be the only place to have that done good news, since you live in the US you could investigate spending money for renting equipment if the delay is too long I was actually wondering if the Ace Photo in Ashburn, VA (I'm down the road in Richmond) that you mentioned earlier might be able to do something in house. The body is out of warranty; I'll have to check on the lens but I think it is too

01-01-2020, 07:48 AM	#49
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by CoreyC I was actually wondering if the Ace Photo in Ashburn, VA (I'm down the road in Richmond) that you mentioned earlier might be able to do something in house. The body is out of warranty; I'll have to check on the lens but I think it is too phone calls are cheap Quote: US KEH.com (GA, Most current and vintage gear) Eric Hendrickson (Vintage cameras, Current and vintage lenses) Precision Camera (Authorized to perform warranty service, NC) Advance Camera (Most current and vintage gear, Portland, OR) General Camera Repair (LA, CA) Garry's Camera Repair (IL, select film SLRs) International Camera Repair (LA, CA) Halcyon Cameras \| Vintage Camera Restoration (Vintage film cameras, San Diego, CA) Camera Repair Japan (Services Sigma lenses and more, Atlanta, GA) Allied Camera (MN, manual film cameras) Bill Rogers Camera (LV, NV, film-era cameras and lenses) Phototronic (Topeka, KS, film and digital camera repair) Lezot's Camera Center (VT, film SLRs / medium format) Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/189-repairs-warranty-service/316284-pent...#ixzz69n55fxNI [ follow links to get to active links in that thread, I can only speak for Photoronic in Topeka, he did a great job for me ] good luck

01-01-2020, 08:42 AM - 1 Like	#50
KiloHotelphoto Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Glen Mills, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,030	Originally posted by CoreyC So you all have me a bit concerned now. Photography is my sole source of income at the moment and my K-1 and 70-200 both need calibration to address a back focusing issue. I called Precision yesterday and was told 3-5 day turn around time unless they need parts, with a base fee of $353 being charged for each. Anyone want to venture a guess if that's what it will really be? If it's going to be weeks/months I need to rethink some things. You’ll be ok if you have three copies of all your gear, that way you will still have a backup if you send something in to the black hole of Pentax service.

01-01-2020, 08:45 AM	#51
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto You’ll be ok if you have three copies of all your gear, that way you will still have a backup if you send something in to the black hole of Pentax service. actually if I was going to be a professional I would have backup equipment or plan on renting if necessary part of cost of business

01-01-2020, 09:59 AM - 1 Like	#52
KiloHotelphoto Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Glen Mills, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,030	Originally posted by aslyfox actually if I was going to be a professional I would have backup equipment or plan on renting if necessary part of cost of business As a professional I would have a system that provides professional services. Two day turnaround on service or loaners provided along with all the other benefits they provide. Backups a must but with Pentax you need backups for your backups

01-11-2020, 05:50 AM	#53
TerryL Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 850	Once a camera reaches Precision, how long does it take before I can find it using my web number to check the statu?

01-11-2020, 05:52 AM	#54
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by TerryL Once a camera reaches Precision, how long does it take before I can find it using my web number to check the statu? I have only had one lens repaired by them the only way I found to get any update at all is to work through their phone system and get to a real person. by being polite and patient, I was able to get updates

01-11-2020, 02:12 PM	#55
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	I feel like I've had lenses show up in 1-2 business days, but I wouldn't hesitate to call either.

01-23-2020, 01:33 PM	#56
CoreyC New Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Richmond, VA Photos: Gallery Posts: 21	I sent my 70-200 in to Precision to get it recalibrated - soft focus along the entire focal range. Shipped it on January 6th, received by them January 9th (able to look it up later that day). I just called them for an update since the website doesn't show they've looked at it yet, and turns out they shipped it off to Pentax in Japan back on the 13th. Prior to sending it in I was told to expect a two-week turn-around, apparently it's a 5-6 week turn-around to send something to Japan and get it back to Precision and then likely another few days for them to get it back to me. So all told, I'm looking late February/early March before I get the lens back in my hands.

01-23-2020, 02:07 PM	#57
KiloHotelphoto Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Glen Mills, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,030	You would like to think they are under promising and they over deliver with a faster turnaround with a five to six week quote but the track record they have it will be longer.

04-26-2020, 11:38 AM - 1 Like	#58
CoreyC New Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Richmond, VA Photos: Gallery Posts: 21	Just wanted to update the thread to say that the D FA* 2.8 70-200 that I shipped in to Precision for recalibration on January 6th finally made it back into my hands on April 25th. Short version is that Precision shipped it to the factory where they replaced "Optical Parts" and "Lens Barrel". Since the Lens Barrel was replaced, the lens does have a different (and newer) serial number on it.

04-26-2020, 12:39 PM	#59
KiloHotelphoto Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Glen Mills, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,030	Four months to basically just give you a new lens, they should've done that a lot sooner, horrible service.

04-26-2020, 05:16 PM - 2 Likes	#60
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto Four months to basically just give you a new lens, they should've done that a lot sooner, horrible service. Considering the lens was shipped to Japan and shipments to/and from Japan have been all but shut down due to the pandemic.I wouldn't blame Precision for poor service. For example I ordered some parts from China just a day or two before the pandemic was declared. Shipment was by USPS which normally picks up the shipment the next business day. USPS took 20 business days to pick up the parcels from the vendor. Is that horrible service on the vendors fault? Given the situation is it horrible service by USPS? I think not given circumstance as the are.