Pentax KS2 kit lens (18-50) focus and shooting issues towards 50mm

PhiH · 05-07-2018, 08:37 AM

Hello,

I have had a Pentax KS2 for a little less than a year. It's my first DSLR, and I'm rather satisfied with it.

But suddenly (about 2 weeks ago), the kit lens started not working properly, but only at certain focal lengths:

18-20 : OK
20-40 : autofocus not working in view finder (hunts without result), but ok in live view and manual focus.
- In the viewfinder, the focus indicator in the overlay that is on when the subject is in focus blinks rapidly yet not regularly.
40-50 : acts as if the lens was retracted (not possible to shoot nor focus)

I was about to send it for repairs, but they asked to get the camera too, and I am supposed to shoot pictures at some event this week, so I was not thrilled with the idea.
I then cleaned the contacts, as it seemed to be an issue with the communication between the camera and the lens, and everything was working fine again !
Then, today (after a week and a half), the same issue arose, and it worked correctly only one time, at random, when I took the lens out and put it back in.

The other lenses I have are an old K-mount 50mm lens, which works fine (and focus indicator is properly lit up when subject is in focus), and a Sigma 70-300 (screwdrive AF) which is working fine albeit it uses less contact pins.

I'll probably send for repairs after I'm done with my event, but if I could use my 18-50 lens for shooting, that would be a lot more easier, and therefore if anyone has an idea on how to solve the issue, I'd be glad to hear about it !

If you need more information, please let me know !

**mikesbike** · 05-07-2018, 02:58 PM

I have the same lens/camera combo as my smallest zoom lens/camera kit. So far, AF has been great- no issues. But it has not had extensive use. I have used other lenses more often on the K-S2. I am wondering, if you have other lenses is the AF is fine with them?

The repair facility wanting to test your camera/lens together is not a bad idea, but it does sound like a lens issue to me, so far.

PhiH · 05-08-2018, 01:15 AM

The only other AF lens I have is the Sigma 70-300 DG APO, which is using screwdrive AF if i'm not mistaken, but therefore it is a different focus mechanism than the Pentax 18-50, isn't it ?
And unfortunately, none of my friends are using Pentax, so I cannot test the lens on another body...

And yes, I agree that it seems like a lens issue !

**mikesbike** · 05-09-2018, 09:15 PM

Yes the focus mechanism is different with screw-driven lenses. Since you cleaned the lens contacts and it worked for a while, this seems to indicate the lens contacts might be defective in some way, or less likely, the camera's lens contacts for this type of lens.

PhiH · 05-13-2018, 10:16 AM

Well, that is the conclusion I reached, and my event is over, so I will soon send it for repairs !
Thanks for your time anyway !

05-07-2018, 08:37 AM	#1
PhiH New Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3	Pentax KS2 kit lens (18-50) focus and shooting issues towards 50mm Hello, I have had a Pentax KS2 for a little less than a year. It's my first DSLR, and I'm rather satisfied with it. But suddenly (about 2 weeks ago), the kit lens started not working properly, but only at certain focal lengths: 18-20 : OK 20-40 : autofocus not working in view finder (hunts without result), but ok in live view and manual focus. In the viewfinder, the focus indicator in the overlay that is on when the subject is in focus blinks rapidly yet not regularly. 40-50 : acts as if the lens was retracted (not possible to shoot nor focus) I was about to send it for repairs, but they asked to get the camera too, and I am supposed to shoot pictures at some event this week, so I was not thrilled with the idea. I then cleaned the contacts, as it seemed to be an issue with the communication between the camera and the lens, and everything was working fine again ! Then, today (after a week and a half), the same issue arose, and it worked correctly only one time, at random, when I took the lens out and put it back in. The other lenses I have are an old K-mount 50mm lens, which works fine (and focus indicator is properly lit up when subject is in focus), and a Sigma 70-300 (screwdrive AF) which is working fine albeit it uses less contact pins. I'll probably send for repairs after I'm done with my event, but if I could use my 18-50 lens for shooting, that would be a lot more easier, and therefore if anyone has an idea on how to solve the issue, I'd be glad to hear about it ! If you need more information, please let me know !

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05-07-2018, 02:58 PM	#2
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,566	I have the same lens/camera combo as my smallest zoom lens/camera kit. So far, AF has been great- no issues. But it has not had extensive use. I have used other lenses more often on the K-S2. I am wondering, if you have other lenses is the AF is fine with them? The repair facility wanting to test your camera/lens together is not a bad idea, but it does sound like a lens issue to me, so far.

05-08-2018, 01:15 AM	#3
PhiH New Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3 Original Poster	The only other AF lens I have is the Sigma 70-300 DG APO, which is using screwdrive AF if i'm not mistaken, but therefore it is a different focus mechanism than the Pentax 18-50, isn't it ? And unfortunately, none of my friends are using Pentax, so I cannot test the lens on another body... And yes, I agree that it seems like a lens issue !

05-09-2018, 09:15 PM	#4
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,566	Yes the focus mechanism is different with screw-driven lenses. Since you cleaned the lens contacts and it worked for a while, this seems to indicate the lens contacts might be defective in some way, or less likely, the camera's lens contacts for this type of lens.

05-13-2018, 10:16 AM	#5
PhiH New Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Well, that is the conclusion I reached, and my event is over, so I will soon send it for repairs ! Thanks for your time anyway !