[jcdoss]

I have a Pentax-A 200f4 Macro ED with oily aperture blades.
When I bought it used two years ago, it showed up with oily blades that the seller claimed to not notice prior to sale.
I agreed to send to Eric for repair and cleaning, which he did after a little bit of bellyaching.
When the lens returned, it was in great shape and worked fine until, one day a month ago, I picked up the lens and the blades were oily again.
I tried to send to Eric again, but he bellyached some more and said no because the lens was too complicated.
OK, so I sent to Precision.
The lens just came back with a note "Unit returning unrepaired. Parts needed for repair unit are no longer available."
Who do you all recommend when Eric and Precision fails?

[pepperberry farm]

I've used Advance Camera in Portland for numerous repairs and CLA's on lenses...

they've always come through for me....

[luftfluss]

You could try Adavance Camera: Camera Repair and Cleaning | Advance Camera Repair

I submitted the "Free Online Repair Quote" form yesterday, haven't heard back yet. Advance has a good reputation, though.

Funnily enough, I contacted Eric a couple days ago and he turned me down, too.

Jeez, I hope you can get your lens fixed. It's a legend.

Edit: I see @pepperberry_farm and I posted simultaneously

[jcdoss]

I submitted the "Free Online Repair Quote" form

I just did the same. Thanks for the recommendation Pepper and Luftfluss. Wish I knew your real names... LOL!

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Last edited by jcdoss; 09-30-2020 at 11:35 AM.

[pepperberry farm]

I'm Dave...

[luftfluss]

And I'm Chris...

[othar]

"Unit returning unrepaired. Parts needed for repair unit are no longer available."

Have I missed something in your post? Why would they need any parts for your lens? They just should have cleaned it.

[MikeMcE]

Have I missed something in your post? Why would they need any parts for your lens? They just should have cleaned it.

SOP when parts are unavailable many times routine disassembly can cause parts breakage, so it then cannot be reassembled. If it’s got that in its history, techs will pass on it.
Yes a CLA is all it likely needs, but heat soak usually causes that, so a helicoid CLA might create issues. Usually the shop will explain why they don’t want work


Hang up and DRIVE!

[jcdoss]

Usually the shop will explain why they don’t want work

I was thinking the same as Patrick since no explanation was given on the note Precision included with the untouched lens. I was also wondering what parts could they possibly have needed if the lens just needs a thorough cleaning? Thanks for the sensible answer, Mike.

[luftfluss]

Just received this email from Advance Camera:

Chris,

Thank you for reaching out to us. We can help with your Tamron lens.
These are very sharp optics. With out seeing your lens,a ruff estimate
to clean , re lubricate and calibrate your is 98.00 to 125.00 We
warranty all our repairs for 1 year.

When we receive your unit a tech will check it out and we will call
with a firm estimate.

I look forward to working with you, Dave

(The lens in question is a Tamron Adaptall-2 400/4)

[luftfluss]

Update:

I shipped my Tamron 400/4 to Advance Camera on 10/2; it arrived on 10/8. Over the next 2+ weeks I sent them 3 emails and did not receive a reply. Finally, I received a phone call on 10/27 that they had the lens and checked it out. Cost for repair is $145, of which $80 had to be paid upfront.

[luftfluss]

Another update:

After several more weeks of me leaving VM's for the folks at Advance Camera, yesterday I was informed that they hope to have my lens completed by the end of the year, as they work through their "backlog".

[luftfluss]

SOP when parts are unavailable many times routine disassembly can cause parts breakage, so it then cannot be reassembled. If it’s got that in its history, techs will pass on it.
Yes a CLA is all it likely needs, but heat soak usually causes that, so a helicoid CLA might create issues. Usually the shop will explain why they don’t want work


Hang up and DRIVE!

Somehow I missed your post last time I visited this thread, but thank you for this informative explanation.

[MikeMcE]

Hope it comes soon !


Hang up and DRIVE!

[luftfluss]

Nearly 4 months later, my Tamron 400/4 has returned from Advance Camera.

Total cost was about $240, ~$95 of which was shipping. The lens seems OK, will have to test tomorrow.

@jcdoss what did you wind up doing with your A* 200/4 Macro?