Is this a costly repair? DAL 55-300

Scottie137 · 08-07-2014, 10:31 AM

So this happened while the camera and lens were still attached, in the camera bag, in the overhead bin of a plane. Someone must have really tried to cram their luggage in next to my stuff. Good lesson about going ahead and taking the lens off the camera before putting it away, but my question is, with the price of the DAL 55-300 being relatively inexpensive, especially with the WR version out now, should I bother trying to get this fixed?

stevebrot · 08-07-2014, 10:43 AM

Originally posted by Scottie137

with the price of the DAL 55-300 being relatively inexpensive, especially with the WR version out now, should I bother trying to get this fixed?

An insurance claim might by a good solution as well.

Steve

nomadkng · 08-07-2014, 10:48 AM

most homeowner's insurance policies have $500 deductibles, so I don't think that's an option.

you're probably right, $150-ish for a whole new lens might actually be cheaper.

I'd also seriously recommend looking into a different camera bag that will offer a lot more protection in overhead bins!

**TER-OR** · 08-07-2014, 11:00 AM

My DA55-300 (not L) got damaged a second time (dogs, deer, bad juju) and I didn't bother fixing it a second time (first was a fall). The first repair cost around $200, fixed the zoom mechanism and focus mechanism - CRIS did great, the lens was better than before sending). I wound up buying a new WR version from B&H for $380. I won't take the camera solo with the three dogs during fawning season again.

Yours doesn't look worth fixing to me, not with the price of used lenses since the WR version was released.

link81 · 08-07-2014, 11:05 AM

it looks like it just needs a new mount.

the fix should be fairly easy.

**jatrax** · 08-07-2014, 11:14 AM

Contact the airline and file a damage claim?

Homeowners would also cover it but depends on your deductible, probably under it I would think. Unless they have a travel claim section which might bypass the deductible.

You could also check with your credit card company to see if they provide any coverage, either on the lens itself if paid by credit card or some form of travel coverage.

As to a repair, I doubt it would be expensive, certainly less than a new HD version. Be advised that Pentax repair is currently in motion as they are moving to a new shop and not accepting repairs at the new shop until later this month.

Scottie137 · 08-07-2014, 11:26 AM

Thanks for the comments all! I have several bags and the Tamrac I used I have been very happy with, but I just need to remember not to leave longish lenses attached to the camera when I am getting on a plane. I think my best bet might be to just save up for the WR version at this piont, I do have insurance, but only for the body, not the lens. Again, maybe another lessons learned...

stevebrot · 08-07-2014, 12:13 PM

Originally posted by nomadkng

I'd also seriously recommend looking into a different camera bag

Or simply skip the overhead bins for the camera gear!

Steve

stillshot2 · 08-07-2014, 01:17 PM

Buy the cheapest auto-focus Pentax lens you can find that has a metal mount, swap mounts, done.

08-07-2014, 10:31 AM	#1
Scottie137 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Atlanta, Ga Photos: Albums Posts: 186	Is this a costly repair? DAL 55-300 So this happened while the camera and lens were still attached, in the camera bag, in the overhead bin of a plane. Someone must have really tried to cram their luggage in next to my stuff. Good lesson about going ahead and taking the lens off the camera before putting it away, but my question is, with the price of the DAL 55-300 being relatively inexpensive, especially with the WR version out now, should I bother trying to get this fixed?

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08-07-2014, 10:43 AM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Scottie137 with the price of the DAL 55-300 being relatively inexpensive, especially with the WR version out now, should I bother trying to get this fixed? An insurance claim might by a good solution as well. Steve

08-07-2014, 10:48 AM	#3
nomadkng Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448	most homeowner's insurance policies have $500 deductibles, so I don't think that's an option. you're probably right, $150-ish for a whole new lens might actually be cheaper. I'd also seriously recommend looking into a different camera bag that will offer a lot more protection in overhead bins!

08-07-2014, 11:00 AM	#4
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	My DA55-300 (not L) got damaged a second time (dogs, deer, bad juju) and I didn't bother fixing it a second time (first was a fall). The first repair cost around $200, fixed the zoom mechanism and focus mechanism - CRIS did great, the lens was better than before sending). I wound up buying a new WR version from B&H for $380. I won't take the camera solo with the three dogs during fawning season again. Yours doesn't look worth fixing to me, not with the price of used lenses since the WR version was released.

08-07-2014, 11:05 AM	#5
link81 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 12822 Photos: Albums Posts: 459	it looks like it just needs a new mount. the fix should be fairly easy.

08-07-2014, 11:14 AM	#6
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Contact the airline and file a damage claim? Homeowners would also cover it but depends on your deductible, probably under it I would think. Unless they have a travel claim section which might bypass the deductible. You could also check with your credit card company to see if they provide any coverage, either on the lens itself if paid by credit card or some form of travel coverage. As to a repair, I doubt it would be expensive, certainly less than a new HD version. Be advised that Pentax repair is currently in motion as they are moving to a new shop and not accepting repairs at the new shop until later this month.

08-07-2014, 11:26 AM	#7
Scottie137 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Atlanta, Ga Photos: Albums Posts: 186 Original Poster	Thanks for the comments all! I have several bags and the Tamrac I used I have been very happy with, but I just need to remember not to leave longish lenses attached to the camera when I am getting on a plane. I think my best bet might be to just save up for the WR version at this piont, I do have insurance, but only for the body, not the lens. Again, maybe another lessons learned...

08-07-2014, 12:13 PM	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by nomadkng I'd also seriously recommend looking into a different camera bag Or simply skip the overhead bins for the camera gear! Steve

08-07-2014, 01:17 PM	#9
stillshot2 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,070	Buy the cheapest auto-focus Pentax lens you can find that has a metal mount, swap mounts, done.