So my lens fell apart today (DA 40mm 2.8)

jolinjo · 02-26-2011, 09:18 AM

I was out shooting today and when I reached back to the office I heard a "donk" and half of my lens had hit the floor.

It had behaved a little weird during the day, not focusing correctly and getting stuck while trying to find focus. Ive taken good care of the lens as with all my equipment, however I use the camera and especially this lens alot.

It was purchased roughly a year and a half ago so I'm not sure if the warranty still is valid.

What can I do? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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SpecialK · 02-26-2011, 09:45 AM

That is a bummer. You can get an estimate for repairs, but as your info indicates, the warranty has expired.

Todd Adamson · 02-26-2011, 09:53 AM

I would definitely contact a repair shop. Often repairs on lenses are cheaper than I expect them to be. If you were in the US, I'd say KEH would give you a free estimate and honest, quality work. There must be some similar place in Europe?

wlachan · 02-26-2011, 11:03 AM

Boy this got to stop. I would push for a free repair since lens seperation is not rare with some modern Pentax primes. It should NEVER happen.

JeffJS · 02-26-2011, 11:16 AM

This is actually the first one of Those I've seen this happen to (that doesn't mean very much). I've seen a few FA50s do this and at least one DA21 (here at PF).

I agree. Make them fix it.

**Douglas_of_Sweden** · 02-26-2011, 11:24 AM

Sorry to see this.

What Pentax recommend in Sweden is: Kameraservice - PENTAX Nordic

But since it is no waranty you could send it anywere where they do Pentax service.

wlachan · 02-26-2011, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by JeffJS

This is actually the first one of Those I've seen this happen to (that doesn't mean very much). I've seen a few FA50s do this and at least one DA21 (here at PF).

Happens to DA70 too. Boy if I have ever owned any of these lenses, first thing would be to reassemble everything so that it wouldn't separate on me. I would be very pixxed.

Hypocorism · 02-26-2011, 03:42 PM

Originally posted by jolinjo

I was out shooting today and when I reached back to the office I heard a "donk" and half of my lens had hit the floor.

Like man, that is like totally Limited. ZOMG!!!!!111111111111

I suggest you report it here: Drew Curtis' FARK.com

Then,
1. Buy baseball bat
2. Walk into local Pentax Service Centre with pieces of lens in one hand, bat in other
3. Request with soft spoken voice...

.R.

Wheatfield · 02-26-2011, 03:51 PM

Originally posted by wlachan

Happens to DA70 too. Boy if I have ever owned any of these lenses, first thing would be to reassemble everything so that it wouldn't separate on me. I would be very pixxed.

Alan, do you know exactly what is going wrong with these lenses?
I presume that there is some screws that need to be threadlocked.

wlachan · 02-26-2011, 04:08 PM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

Alan, do you know exactly what is going wrong with these lenses?
I presume that there is some screws that need to be threadlocked.

It could be the classic case of 3 tiny screws holding the focus ring and the lens group came loose due to poor threadlocking but I cannot tell by looking at the picture. Perhaps a memo should be put up warning all Pentax Limited users (except the FA31 which is different) that the lens should be put aside and sent to repair as soon as it shows sign of focusing difficulty or missing the infinity mark, whether it was AF or MF. A separation like this usually torn the contact brush, but hopefully the impact didn't cause misalignment.

Ole · 02-26-2011, 04:24 PM

We bought a K-7 in Denmark a while back and it came with a two year warranty - I think that's an EU law. Check your paperwork, you may have a two year warranty on the lens.

Tommot1965 · 02-26-2011, 05:47 PM

Originally posted by jolinjo

I was out shooting today and when I reached back to the office I heard a "donk" and half of my lens had hit the floor.

It had behaved a little weird during the day, not focusing correctly and getting stuck while trying to find focus. Ive taken good care of the lens as with all my equipment, however I use the camera and especially this lens alot.

It was purchased roughly a year and a half ago so I'm not sure if the warranty still is valid.

What can I do? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

not sure what the laws are in sweden..but in Aus we have a statutory warranty law, and it states that a Item should last its reasonable life span without indecent..regardless of the consumers warranty issued by the supplier of the goods.

we can apply to the small claims court to summons the supplier and have our case heard by a magistrate, no one is allowed legal representation and no costs can be awarded , if the supplier elects to have it heard before the magistrate..the magistrate will decide if the goods have failed before the expiration date.. or not....

but I doubt it would ever get there . as the supplier would know they don't have a chance in hell of winning..and settle before the case is heard...not to sure of the costs..but its under $100 au

If it were me..Id contact pentax first...if that doesn't work..if your able to..go with the above suggestion ..cause for a lens to fall into two bits is piss weak really..aint it ?

Jonathan Mac · 02-27-2011, 05:21 AM

EU law is one year, but in the UK all Pentax gear comes with a two year guarantee. I imagine Sweden will be the same & it´s still covered. Check your receipt.

_lyan_ · 02-27-2011, 09:05 AM

Whatever you buy in Europe has a LEGAL warranty that lasts 2 years. You should go to the store where you bought it and require a free repair <.<

mycarsoots · 02-28-2011, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by jolinjo

I was out shooting today and when I reached back to the office I heard a "donk" and half of my lens had hit the floor.

It had behaved a little weird during the day, not focusing correctly and getting stuck while trying to find focus. Ive taken good care of the lens as with all my equipment, however I use the camera and especially this lens alot.

It was purchased roughly a year and a half ago so I'm not sure if the warranty still is valid.

What can I do? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Did you purchase the lens new, using a credit card? The card I use when buying most anything camera related will automatically extend the original warranty by one year. I understand that this is a pretty common benefit when using certain charge cards. I'd check the terms and conditions on your card and see if this is true for you. It's worth a shot, anyway. I don't know how card benefits differ between the US and Sweden.

02-26-2011, 04:24 PM	#11
Ole Administrator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,409	Warranty Period We bought a K-7 in Denmark a while back and it came with a two year warranty - I think that's an EU law. Check your paperwork, you may have a two year warranty on the lens.

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02-26-2011, 09:45 AM	#2
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	That is a bummer. You can get an estimate for repairs, but as your info indicates, the warranty has expired.

02-26-2011, 09:53 AM	#3
Todd Adamson Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Iowa Posts: 722	I would definitely contact a repair shop. Often repairs on lenses are cheaper than I expect them to be. If you were in the US, I'd say KEH would give you a free estimate and honest, quality work. There must be some similar place in Europe?

02-26-2011, 11:03 AM	#4
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Boy this got to stop. I would push for a free repair since lens seperation is not rare with some modern Pentax primes. It should NEVER happen.

02-26-2011, 11:16 AM	#5
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	This is actually the first one of Those I've seen this happen to (that doesn't mean very much). I've seen a few FA50s do this and at least one DA21 (here at PF). I agree. Make them fix it.

02-26-2011, 11:24 AM	#6
Douglas_of_Sweden Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stockholm Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,374	Sorry to see this. What Pentax recommend in Sweden is: Kameraservice - PENTAX Nordic But since it is no waranty you could send it anywere where they do Pentax service.

02-26-2011, 11:42 AM	#7
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Originally posted by JeffJS This is actually the first one of Those I've seen this happen to (that doesn't mean very much). I've seen a few FA50s do this and at least one DA21 (here at PF). Happens to DA70 too. Boy if I have ever owned any of these lenses, first thing would be to reassemble everything so that it wouldn't separate on me. I would be very pixxed.

02-26-2011, 03:42 PM	#8
Hypocorism Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Melbourne .au Posts: 623	Originally posted by jolinjo I was out shooting today and when I reached back to the office I heard a "donk" and half of my lens had hit the floor. Like man, that is like totally *Limited.* ZOMG!!!!!111111111111 I suggest you report it here: Drew Curtis' FARK.com Then, 1. Buy baseball bat 2. Walk into local Pentax Service Centre with pieces of lens in one hand, bat in other 3. Request with soft spoken voice... .R.

02-26-2011, 03:51 PM	#9
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,987	Originally posted by wlachan Happens to DA70 too. Boy if I have ever owned any of these lenses, first thing would be to reassemble everything so that it wouldn't separate on me. I would be very pixxed. Alan, do you know exactly what is going wrong with these lenses? I presume that there is some screws that need to be threadlocked.

02-26-2011, 04:08 PM	#10
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Originally posted by Wheatfield Alan, do you know exactly what is going wrong with these lenses? I presume that there is some screws that need to be threadlocked. It could be the classic case of 3 tiny screws holding the focus ring and the lens group came loose due to poor threadlocking but I cannot tell by looking at the picture. Perhaps a memo should be put up warning all Pentax Limited users (except the FA31 which is different) that the lens should be put aside and sent to repair as soon as it shows sign of focusing difficulty or missing the infinity mark, whether it was AF or MF. A separation like this usually torn the contact brush, but hopefully the impact didn't cause misalignment.

02-26-2011, 05:47 PM	#12
Tommot1965 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,026	Originally posted by jolinjo I was out shooting today and when I reached back to the office I heard a "donk" and half of my lens had hit the floor. It had behaved a little weird during the day, not focusing correctly and getting stuck while trying to find focus. Ive taken good care of the lens as with all my equipment, however I use the camera and especially this lens alot. It was purchased roughly a year and a half ago so I'm not sure if the warranty still is valid. What can I do? Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks! not sure what the laws are in sweden..but in Aus we have a statutory warranty law, and it states that a Item should last its reasonable life span without indecent..regardless of the consumers warranty issued by the supplier of the goods. we can apply to the small claims court to summons the supplier and have our case heard by a magistrate, no one is allowed legal representation and no costs can be awarded , if the supplier elects to have it heard before the magistrate..the magistrate will decide if the goods have failed before the expiration date.. or not.... but I doubt it would ever get there . as the supplier would know they don't have a chance in hell of winning..and settle before the case is heard...not to sure of the costs..but its under $100 au If it were me..Id contact pentax first...if that doesn't work..if your able to..go with the above suggestion ..cause for a lens to fall into two bits is piss weak really..aint it ?

02-27-2011, 05:21 AM	#13
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,911	EU law is one year, but in the UK all Pentax gear comes with a two year guarantee. I imagine Sweden will be the same & it´s still covered. Check your receipt.

02-27-2011, 09:05 AM	#14
_lyan_ Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Bari, Italy Posts: 34	Whatever you buy in Europe has a LEGAL warranty that lasts 2 years. You should go to the store where you bought it and require a free repair <.<

02-28-2011, 10:56 AM	#15
mycarsoots Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 100	Originally posted by jolinjo I was out shooting today and when I reached back to the office I heard a "donk" and half of my lens had hit the floor. It had behaved a little weird during the day, not focusing correctly and getting stuck while trying to find focus. Ive taken good care of the lens as with all my equipment, however I use the camera and especially this lens alot. It was purchased roughly a year and a half ago so I'm not sure if the warranty still is valid. What can I do? Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks! Did you purchase the lens new, using a credit card? The card I use when buying most anything camera related will automatically extend the original warranty by one year. I understand that this is a pretty common benefit when using certain charge cards. I'd check the terms and conditions on your card and see if this is true for you. It's worth a shot, anyway. I don't know how card benefits differ between the US and Sweden.