Pentax 150-450 fell apart. Advise

**aslyfox** · 05-10-2022, 09:28 AM

Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

Yes, this happened to me on Safari in 2017. Cost about $1,000 for the repair and it had to be sent to Japan for the fix. Mine just completely separated in half at smallest tube when fully extended. . . .It was ugly by the way as I started with one lens and ended up with two halves and a bunch of wires dangling between them...

for me, I had grabbed the camera with the 150-450 attached to take a photo,

I noticed the part containing the lenses was " tilted " and then cleanly came apart in my hands

and there was a bent metal rod as well that fell out

no wires though

Last edited by aslyfox; 05-10-2022 at 10:17 AM.

**K2 to K50** · 05-10-2022, 06:05 PM

Originally posted by gatorguy

This is serving to emphasize for me the wisdom of retracting the 150-450 before putting the camera and lens to rest on my shoulder. I hadn't previously noted that advice and should have. Thanks to every.

I would emphasise: RETRACT and LOCK the lens; and when zooming in or out - gently, gently does it!!!!

**aslyfox** · 05-10-2022, 06:08 PM

Originally posted by K2 to K50

I would emphasise: RETRACT and LOCK the lens; and when zooming in or out - gently, gently does it!!!!

Knocking on wood once in a while might be advisable as well

gatorguy · 05-10-2022, 06:39 PM

Originally posted by K2 to K50

I would emphasise: RETRACT and LOCK the lens; and when zooming in or out - gently, gently does it!!!!

I'm fortunate that my copy doesn't suffer zoom creep. At all. Yes, if it did I appreciate the advice too.

**aslyfox** · 05-11-2022, 06:15 AM

Originally posted by stemked

Sent it off. Keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks Allen.

If you don't mind please let us know how it turns out

**cdd29** · 05-11-2022, 08:58 AM

Mine hasn't fell apart like this (yet anyway) but I did have to send it off to Precision a year ago. Something with the AF broke (sounds like a stripped gear). I put it in it's case and next time I got it out, GRRRRRRRRR as it tried to focus. $600, two months and a round trip to Japan and it's working again.

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05-10-2022, 09:28 AM	#16
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by blackcloudbrew Yes, this happened to me on Safari in 2017. Cost about $1,000 for the repair and it had to be sent to Japan for the fix. Mine just completely separated in half at smallest tube when fully extended. . . .It was ugly by the way as I started with one lens and ended up with two halves and a bunch of wires dangling between them... for me, I had grabbed the camera with the 150-450 attached to take a photo, I noticed the part containing the lenses was " tilted " and then cleanly came apart in my hands and there was a bent metal rod as well that fell out no wires though Last edited by aslyfox; 05-10-2022 at 10:17 AM.

05-10-2022, 06:05 PM	#17
K2 to K50 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Ipswich QLD Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,793	Originally posted by gatorguy This is serving to emphasize for me the wisdom of retracting the 150-450 before putting the camera and lens to rest on my shoulder. I hadn't previously noted that advice and should have. Thanks to every. I would emphasise: RETRACT and LOCK the lens; and when zooming in or out - gently, gently does it!!!!

05-10-2022, 06:08 PM	#18
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by K2 to K50 I would emphasise: RETRACT and LOCK the lens; and when zooming in or out - gently, gently does it!!!! Knocking on wood once in a while might be advisable as well

05-10-2022, 06:39 PM	#19
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092	Originally posted by K2 to K50 I would emphasise: RETRACT and LOCK the lens; and when zooming in or out - gently, gently does it!!!! I'm fortunate that my copy doesn't suffer zoom creep. At all. Yes, if it did I appreciate the advice too.

05-11-2022, 06:15 AM	#20
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by stemked Sent it off. Keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks Allen. If you don't mind please let us know how it turns out

05-11-2022, 08:58 AM	#21
cdd29 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 961	Mine hasn't fell apart like this (yet anyway) but I did have to send it off to Precision a year ago. Something with the AF broke (sounds like a stripped gear). I put it in it's case and next time I got it out, GRRRRRRRRR as it tried to focus. $600, two months and a round trip to Japan and it's working again.