Annoyed: 43 Ltd focus ring stuck

**Fontan** · 05-29-2020, 10:46 PM

Hello guys

I got this 43 Ltd that’s out of warranty that has a stuck focus ring. It only turns from like 0.8 to 1.2 m.

I am just wondering if it’s worthwhile to send it in for a repair? Would the cost of repair exceeds the cost of a new one?

Very annoyed because it’s not like I dropped it or anything ....

I have been pretty lucky in that I haven’t had any of my Pentax gear that went ape like this.

Anyhow, thank you in advance.

**BarneyL** · 05-29-2020, 10:50 PM

I have similar problem. My local repairman said, that one of the gears inside broke. It shouldn't be difficult or costly to repair, but he couldn't do it due to lack of necessary parts.

Unfortunately,so far I couldn't reach authorized service because of covid stuff. I will try next week.

**Fontan** · 05-29-2020, 10:55 PM

I see.

Thank you for that.

Is yours a 43 Ltd as well?

**BarneyL** · 05-29-2020, 10:56 PM

Yep. Made in Japan, so rather old specimen.

**Fontan** · 05-29-2020, 11:00 PM

Yeah mine is a made in Japan as well. Maybe we should send ours together for a group discount.

pid · 05-29-2020, 11:08 PM

maybe it is just one of the little screews inside getting loose and now blocking the focus ring. Had that years ago with my FA31Ltd. Was no big deal to fix.

**Fontan** · 05-29-2020, 11:14 PM

It started out with the barrel feeling “clicky” and then proceeded to jam. I kinda agree with you but I am afraid once taken apart I won’t be able to put it back together. I once took apart FA 50 and didn’t go so well.

---------- Post added 05-30-20 at 03:14 PM ----------

It started out with the barrel feeling “clicky” and then proceeded to jam. I kinda agree with you but I am afraid once taken apart I won’t be able to put it back together. I once took apart FA 50 and didn’t go so well.

**monochrome** · 05-29-2020, 11:32 PM

^^ Eric Hendrickson fixed mine for me a couple years ago..VEry early serial MIJ lens so I felt it was worth the money.

**Fontan** · 05-29-2020, 11:59 PM

Is he a forum member?

Sandy Hancock · 05-30-2020, 02:12 AM

You might be surprised how complicated lenses are. There is a multitude of small parts, many of which can work loose over time, and this is an old lens.

Get it repaired. The FA 43/1.9 Limited is a jewel worth keeping.

impossibro · 05-30-2020, 07:02 AM

I had the exact same issue with the same lens.

Had a local camera repair store look at it and the issue was a cracked spur gear in the AF mechanism. Unfortunately we couldn't source an official replacement part because there's almost no way to get service parts here in NZ. In the end I had to measure the gear and order a generic brass spur gear (that luckily matched in specs) to replace the broken one.

**monochrome** · 05-30-2020, 07:34 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Fontan

Is he a forum member?

Eric Hendrickson is the USA Forum Members’ (generally) preferred film camera and film era lens techniciam. Some International members have sent Eric rare, old cameras such as AP’s and Asahiflexes. I had him repair one of my FA43/1.9 Limiteds with a similar issue.

He started his career as a Honeywell Pentax repair tech, then continuing under Asahi. For about 15 years he managed their operation, then he started his own company to do the same. He retired about 15 years ago and continues to repair pre-digital 35mm Pentax cameras and lenses. He’s CLA’ed or repaired hundreds of cameras and lenses for Forum Members.

Here’s his website Home-Pentaxs He gives no obligation estimates and returns your item for free if you decline his propossal.

**Fontan** · 05-30-2020, 08:05 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

You might be surprised how complicated lenses are. There is a multitude of small parts, many of which can work loose over time, and this is an old lens.

Get it repaired. The FA 43/1.9 Limited is a jewel worth keeping.

No question it is well worth keeping for sure. Love this lens. In fact if too costly I am willing to buy another copy. But sounds like i can get it fixed up reasonably cheap.

---------- Post added 05-31-20 at 12:08 AM ----------

Originally posted by impossibro

I had the exact same issue with the same lens.

Beginning to look like this is not an isolated issue with this lens . . .

---------- Post added 05-31-20 at 12:09 AM ----------

Originally posted by monochrome

Eric Hendrickson is the USA Forum Members’ (generally) preferred film camera and film era lens techniciam. Some International members have sent Eric rare, old cameras such as AP’s and Asahiflexes. I had him repair one of my FA42/1.9 Limiteds with a similar issue.

He started his career as a Honeywell Pentax repair tech, then continuing under Asahi. For about 15 years he managed their operation, then he started his own company to do the same. He retired about 15 years ago and continues to repair pre-digital 35mm Pentax cameras and lenses. He’s CLA’ed or repaired hundreds of cameras and lenses for Forum Members.

Here’s his website Home-Pentaxs He gives no obligation estimates and returns your item for free if you decline his propossal.

Thank you for this valuable info!

**monochrome** · 05-30-2020, 11:02 AM

Originally posted by Fontan

Beginning to look like this is not an isolated issue with this lens . . .

Honestly, reports of issues with Limited lenses are quite unusual considering their age - the early 43’s in paricular. They're all essentially hand-assembled, with care. Occasionally a component breaks or a screw comes loose. That’s about it, and the reported fix is pretty easy. What you (and I) don’t know is how the prior owners treated our lenses. Mine is 0000831, so one of the very earliest made.

Originally posted by Fontan

Thank you for this valuable info!

I believe Eric can fix your lens.

**Fontan** · 05-30-2020, 08:40 PM - **1 Like**

Well I packed it in the box and shipped off to Eric, thanks to you!

Yeah you are right - I bought it used, and as you say I have no idea of what its past life was like. Came in a box and everything but who knows. I hate to say it but my 77 feels “clicky” too. Well - now know who to send it too.

05-29-2020, 10:46 PM	#1
Fontan Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5th floor Posts: 1,561	Annoyed: 43 Ltd focus ring stuck Hello guys I got this 43 Ltd that’s out of warranty that has a stuck focus ring. It only turns from like 0.8 to 1.2 m. I am just wondering if it’s worthwhile to send it in for a repair? Would the cost of repair exceeds the cost of a new one? Very annoyed because it’s not like I dropped it or anything .... I have been pretty lucky in that I haven’t had any of my Pentax gear that went ape like this. Anyhow, thank you in advance.

05-30-2020, 07:34 AM - 1 Like	#12
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Fontan Is he a forum member? Eric Hendrickson is the USA Forum Members’ (generally) preferred film camera and film era lens techniciam. Some International members have sent Eric rare, old cameras such as AP’s and Asahiflexes. I had him repair one of my FA43/1.9 Limiteds with a similar issue. He started his career as a Honeywell Pentax repair tech, then continuing under Asahi. For about 15 years he managed their operation, then he started his own company to do the same. He retired about 15 years ago and continues to repair pre-digital 35mm Pentax cameras and lenses. He’s CLA’ed or repaired hundreds of cameras and lenses for Forum Members. Here’s his website Home-Pentaxs He gives no obligation estimates and returns your item for free if you decline his propossal. Last edited by monochrome; 05-30-2020 at 01:07 PM.

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05-29-2020, 10:50 PM	#2
BarneyL Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 840	I have similar problem. My local repairman said, that one of the gears inside broke. It shouldn't be difficult or costly to repair, but he couldn't do it due to lack of necessary parts. Unfortunately,so far I couldn't reach authorized service because of covid stuff. I will try next week.

05-29-2020, 10:55 PM	#3
Fontan Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5th floor Posts: 1,561 Original Poster	I see. Thank you for that. Is yours a 43 Ltd as well?

05-29-2020, 10:56 PM	#4
BarneyL Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 840	Yep. Made in Japan, so rather old specimen.

05-29-2020, 11:00 PM	#5
Fontan Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5th floor Posts: 1,561 Original Poster	Yeah mine is a made in Japan as well. Maybe we should send ours together for a group discount.

05-29-2020, 11:08 PM	#6
pid Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 531	maybe it is just one of the little screews inside getting loose and now blocking the focus ring. Had that years ago with my FA31Ltd. Was no big deal to fix.

05-29-2020, 11:14 PM	#7
Fontan Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5th floor Posts: 1,561 Original Poster	It started out with the barrel feeling “clicky” and then proceeded to jam. I kinda agree with you but I am afraid once taken apart I won’t be able to put it back together. I once took apart FA 50 and didn’t go so well. ---------- Post added 05-30-20 at 03:14 PM ---------- It started out with the barrel feeling “clicky” and then proceeded to jam. I kinda agree with you but I am afraid once taken apart I won’t be able to put it back together. I once took apart FA 50 and didn’t go so well.

05-29-2020, 11:32 PM	#8
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	^^ Eric Hendrickson fixed mine for me a couple years ago..VEry early serial MIJ lens so I felt it was worth the money.

05-29-2020, 11:59 PM	#9
Fontan Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5th floor Posts: 1,561 Original Poster	Is he a forum member?

05-30-2020, 02:12 AM	#10
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,597	You might be surprised how complicated lenses are. There is a multitude of small parts, many of which can work loose over time, and this is an old lens. Get it repaired. The FA 43/1.9 Limited is a jewel worth keeping.

05-30-2020, 07:02 AM	#11
impossibro Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 66	I had the exact same issue with the same lens. Had a local camera repair store look at it and the issue was a cracked spur gear in the AF mechanism. Unfortunately we couldn't source an official replacement part because there's almost no way to get service parts here in NZ. In the end I had to measure the gear and order a generic brass spur gear (that luckily matched in specs) to replace the broken one.

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05-30-2020, 08:05 AM	#13
Fontan Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5th floor Posts: 1,561 Original Poster	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock You might be surprised how complicated lenses are. There is a multitude of small parts, many of which can work loose over time, and this is an old lens. Get it repaired. The FA 43/1.9 Limited is a jewel worth keeping. No question it is well worth keeping for sure. Love this lens. In fact if too costly I am willing to buy another copy. But sounds like i can get it fixed up reasonably cheap. ---------- Post added 05-31-20 at 12:08 AM ---------- Originally posted by impossibro I had the exact same issue with the same lens. Beginning to look like this is not an isolated issue with this lens . . . ---------- Post added 05-31-20 at 12:09 AM ---------- Originally posted by monochrome Eric Hendrickson is the USA Forum Members’ (generally) preferred film camera and film era lens techniciam. Some International members have sent Eric rare, old cameras such as AP’s and Asahiflexes. I had him repair one of my FA42/1.9 Limiteds with a similar issue. He started his career as a Honeywell Pentax repair tech, then continuing under Asahi. For about 15 years he managed their operation, then he started his own company to do the same. He retired about 15 years ago and continues to repair pre-digital 35mm Pentax cameras and lenses. He’s CLA’ed or repaired hundreds of cameras and lenses for Forum Members. Here’s his website Home-Pentaxs He gives no obligation estimates and returns your item for free if you decline his propossal. Thank you for this valuable info!

05-30-2020, 11:02 AM	#14
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Fontan Beginning to look like this is not an isolated issue with this lens . . . Honestly, reports of issues with Limited lenses are quite unusual considering their age - the early 43’s in paricular. They're all essentially hand-assembled, with care. Occasionally a component breaks or a screw comes loose. That’s about it, and the reported fix is pretty easy. What you (and I) don’t know is how the prior owners treated our lenses. Mine is 0000831, so one of the very earliest made. Originally posted by Fontan Thank you for this valuable info! I believe Eric can fix your lens.

05-30-2020, 08:40 PM - 1 Like	#15
Fontan Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5th floor Posts: 1,561 Original Poster	Well I packed it in the box and shipped off to Eric, thanks to you! Yeah you are right - I bought it used, and as you say I have no idea of what its past life was like. Came in a box and everything but who knows. I hate to say it but my 77 feels “clicky” too. Well - now know who to send it too.