16-85 troubles

Thagomizer · 10-09-2019, 10:29 AM - **1 Like**

Well, my 16-85 off to the shop for repair. I'd been having some overexposure issues. Turns out the aperture return spring (if that's what it's called) is disconnected or shot; the aperture lever moves freely and with no resistance when it's off the camera, so I've probably been doing a lot of unintended wide-open shooting without realizing it! AF was starting to be intermittently hesitant and indecisive, too. It's still under warranty, so that's good. I hope it comes back soon, as it's my workhorse. Until then, I'll be giving my other lenses a turn or two.

Has anyone else seen or heard of these issues with this lens? Just curious.

jddwoods · 10-09-2019, 11:04 AM - **1 Like**

I bought my 16-85 used in like new condition 2 years ago. I have not had any problems with my copy. It is my workhorse lens. From everything I have seen posted about this lens yours may be an isolated issue. I hope you get your repair done quickly and completely so you can get back to using it.

**othar** · 10-09-2019, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by Thagomizer

It's still under warranty, so that's good.

At least a little luck under the cricumstances.
On the bright side a little variety in your chosen lens, even a forced one, might open up new paths for your photography.

Thagomizer · 10-09-2019, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by othar

On the bright side a little variety in your chosen lens, even a forced one, might open up new paths for your photography.

Quite true! I'll take my silver linings where I can find them!

Last edited by Thagomizer; 10-09-2019 at 11:48 AM. Reason: speeling!

jgnfld · 10-09-2019, 12:16 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by othar

At least a little luck under the cricumstances.
On the bright side a little variety in your chosen lens, even a forced one, might open up new paths for your photography.

As Brian said: Always look on the bright side of life!

Thagomizer · 10-09-2019, 01:49 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by jgnfld

As Brian said: Always look on the bright side of life!

Well, I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition....

Paul the Sunman · 10-09-2019, 02:01 PM

I had an internal screw come loose in the 16-85 a couple of years ago. It got into the zooming mechanism and partially jammed it. It was already out of warranty, but the Australian Pentax agents CRK fixed it free of charge anyway. No problems since.

**Archimedes the Dog** · 10-09-2019, 02:03 PM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

I had an internal screw come loose in the 16-85 a couple of years ago. It got into the zooming mechanism and partially jammed it. It was already out of warranty, but the Australian Pentax agents CRK fixed it free of charge anyway. No problems since.

That's excellent customer service, glad to hear it.

**othar** · 10-09-2019, 02:29 PM

Originally posted by Thagomizer

Well, I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition....

The romans are to blame in Brians case.

But rewatching Mel Brooks "History of the World" might be fun too.

C_Jones · 10-09-2019, 06:13 PM

I have a Pentax 16-85 and have never had any difficulty with it. It is an excellent lens (image quality/performance/build/style). I currently have it on my Pentax K-3 II.

**clickclick** · 10-09-2019, 06:44 PM

I have one that locked up in the zoom range around the 40mm mark. It was fixed under warranty, but took a trip to Pentax in Japan to do the work (handled by Precision without issue).

**aslyfox** · 10-10-2019, 06:51 AM

I have the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR

I like it alot

and have had zero problems with it

jgnfld · 10-10-2019, 06:59 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

I have the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR

I like it alot

and have had zero problems with it

ditto

SoonerCaniac · 10-10-2019, 08:06 AM

Thank you for starting this thread Thagomizer. I absolutely adore my 16-85mm. It is a fantastic lens that I got on rebate at B&H and personally I think it is a tremendous value, underappreciated even at full retail. I appreciate it even more now that the Fuji 16-80mm is being delivered and Fuji fans are underwhelmed. Admittedly, I have contemplated switching to Fuji but the 16-85 has reaffirmed my loyalty to Pentax.

Nevertheless, I too just had some strange behavior with my 16-85mm aperture. I was at the end of a long day of hiking with the family and was getting some final shots of the kiddos when apparently the blades somehow got stuck wide open because I was blowing out my images even if the camera said I was stopped all the way down. I did switch to my 8-16mm for a few earlier shots, but it wasn't an unusually dusty day and I've never had any problems before.

When I got home I put on a couple of different lenses for test shots and the aperture settings worked as intended. I reattached the 16-85 and had the same problems. So, I cleaned the contacts on the camera and the 16-85 and voila, the lens starting working again. I just completed another long day outdoors with the kids and didn't have any problems using the 16-85 exclusively.

My concern is that I've never had to clean the contacts on any of my lenses to fix erratic behavior. My issues with the 16-85 are the first I've ever experienced. My warranty expires in two months so I am wondering if I should send it in for inspection. I was going to call Ricoh USA and see if I can get some advice, because I am a bit concerned that my problem goes beyond dirty contacts (especially since I am pretty particular about keeping my equipment clean anyway). Admittedly, my K-3 is getting on in age and has been with me for five years so perhaps it could be a camera issue, but evidence suggests the lens.

If anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate your time. Thank you in advance Thagomizer for letting me piggyback off of your thread.

Cheers!

**mikesbike** · 10-10-2019, 10:03 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by SoonerCaniac

Thank you for starting this thread Thagomizer. I absolutely adore my 16-85mm. It is a fantastic lens that I got on rebate at B&H and personally I think it is a tremendous value, underappreciated even at full retail. I appreciate it even more now that the Fuji 16-80mm is being delivered and Fuji fans are underwhelmed. Admittedly, I have contemplated switching to Fuji but the 16-85 has reaffirmed my loyalty to Pentax.

Nevertheless, I too just had some strange behavior with my 16-85mm aperture. I was at the end of a long day of hiking with the family and was getting some final shots of the kiddos when apparently the blades somehow got stuck wide open because I was blowing out my images even if the camera said I was stopped all the way down. I did switch to my 8-16mm for a few earlier shots, but it wasn't an unusually dusty day and I've never had any problems before.

When I got home I put on a couple of different lenses for test shots and the aperture settings worked as intended. I reattached the 16-85 and had the same problems. So, I cleaned the contacts on the camera and the 16-85 and voila, the lens starting working again. I just completed another long day outdoors with the kids and didn't have any problems using the 16-85 exclusively.

My concern is that I've never had to clean the contacts on any of my lenses to fix erratic behavior. My issues with the 16-85 are the first I've ever experienced. My warranty expires in two months so I am wondering if I should send it in for inspection. I was going to call Ricoh USA and see if I can get some advice, because I am a bit concerned that my problem goes beyond dirty contacts (especially since I am pretty particular about keeping my equipment clean anyway). Admittedly, my K-3 is getting on in age and has been with me for five years so perhaps it could be a camera issue, but evidence suggests the lens.

If anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate your time. Thank you in advance Thagomizer for letting me piggyback off of your thread.

Cheers!

Especially if you cleaned the lens contacts but no visible dirt came off onto the cloth. I would definitely recommend the inspection in any case. It would not hurt, and also a record made that a problem had presented itself at this time before the warranty expiration.

10-09-2019, 10:29 AM - 1 Like	#1
Thagomizer Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: London Ontario Posts: 2,068	16-85 troubles Well, my 16-85 off to the shop for repair. I'd been having some overexposure issues. Turns out the aperture return spring (if that's what it's called) is disconnected or shot; the aperture lever moves freely and with no resistance when it's off the camera, so I've probably been doing a lot of unintended wide-open shooting without realizing it! AF was starting to be intermittently hesitant and indecisive, too. It's still under warranty, so that's good. I hope it comes back soon, as it's my workhorse. Until then, I'll be giving my other lenses a turn or two. Has anyone else seen or heard of these issues with this lens? Just curious.

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10-09-2019, 11:04 AM - 1 Like	#2
jddwoods Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Newark, Delaware Posts: 1,035	I bought my 16-85 used in like new condition 2 years ago. I have not had any problems with my copy. It is my workhorse lens. From everything I have seen posted about this lens yours may be an isolated issue. I hope you get your repair done quickly and completely so you can get back to using it.

10-09-2019, 11:05 AM	#3
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by Thagomizer It's still under warranty, so that's good. At least a little luck under the cricumstances. On the bright side a little variety in your chosen lens, even a forced one, might open up new paths for your photography.

10-09-2019, 11:48 AM	#4
Thagomizer Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: London Ontario Posts: 2,068 Original Poster	Originally posted by othar On the bright side a little variety in your chosen lens, even a forced one, might open up new paths for your photography. Quite true! I'll take my silver linings where I can find them! Last edited by Thagomizer; 10-09-2019 at 11:48 AM. Reason: speeling!

10-09-2019, 12:16 PM - 2 Likes	#5
jgnfld Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	Originally posted by othar At least a little luck under the cricumstances. On the bright side a little variety in your chosen lens, even a forced one, might open up new paths for your photography. As Brian said: Always look on the bright side of life!

10-09-2019, 01:49 PM - 3 Likes	#6
Thagomizer Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: London Ontario Posts: 2,068 Original Poster	Originally posted by jgnfld As Brian said: Always look on the bright side of life! Well, I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition....

10-09-2019, 02:01 PM	#7
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,847	I had an internal screw come loose in the 16-85 a couple of years ago. It got into the zooming mechanism and partially jammed it. It was already out of warranty, but the Australian Pentax agents CRK fixed it free of charge anyway. No problems since.

10-09-2019, 02:03 PM	#8
Archimedes the Dog Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,146	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman I had an internal screw come loose in the 16-85 a couple of years ago. It got into the zooming mechanism and partially jammed it. It was already out of warranty, but the Australian Pentax agents CRK fixed it free of charge anyway. No problems since. That's excellent customer service, glad to hear it.

10-09-2019, 02:29 PM	#9
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by Thagomizer Well, I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition.... The romans are to blame in Brians case. But rewatching Mel Brooks "History of the World" might be fun too.

10-09-2019, 06:13 PM	#10
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,086	I have a Pentax 16-85 and have never had any difficulty with it. It is an excellent lens (image quality/performance/build/style). I currently have it on my Pentax K-3 II.

10-09-2019, 06:44 PM	#11
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,904	I have one that locked up in the zoom range around the 40mm mark. It was fixed under warranty, but took a trip to Pentax in Japan to do the work (handled by Precision without issue).

10-10-2019, 06:51 AM	#12
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	I have the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR I like it alot and have had zero problems with it

10-10-2019, 06:59 AM	#13
jgnfld Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	Originally posted by aslyfox I have the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR I like it alot and have had zero problems with it ditto

10-10-2019, 08:06 AM	#14
SoonerCaniac Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Upstate South Carolina Posts: 47	Thank you for starting this thread Thagomizer. I absolutely adore my 16-85mm. It is a fantastic lens that I got on rebate at B&H and personally I think it is a tremendous value, underappreciated even at full retail. I appreciate it even more now that the Fuji 16-80mm is being delivered and Fuji fans are underwhelmed. Admittedly, I have contemplated switching to Fuji but the 16-85 has reaffirmed my loyalty to Pentax. Nevertheless, I too just had some strange behavior with my 16-85mm aperture. I was at the end of a long day of hiking with the family and was getting some final shots of the kiddos when apparently the blades somehow got stuck wide open because I was blowing out my images even if the camera said I was stopped all the way down. I did switch to my 8-16mm for a few earlier shots, but it wasn't an unusually dusty day and I've never had any problems before. When I got home I put on a couple of different lenses for test shots and the aperture settings worked as intended. I reattached the 16-85 and had the same problems. So, I cleaned the contacts on the camera and the 16-85 and voila, the lens starting working again. I just completed another long day outdoors with the kids and didn't have any problems using the 16-85 exclusively. My concern is that I've never had to clean the contacts on any of my lenses to fix erratic behavior. My issues with the 16-85 are the first I've ever experienced. My warranty expires in two months so I am wondering if I should send it in for inspection. I was going to call Ricoh USA and see if I can get some advice, because I am a bit concerned that my problem goes beyond dirty contacts (especially since I am pretty particular about keeping my equipment clean anyway). Admittedly, my K-3 is getting on in age and has been with me for five years so perhaps it could be a camera issue, but evidence suggests the lens. If anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate your time. Thank you in advance Thagomizer for letting me piggyback off of your thread. Cheers!

10-10-2019, 10:03 AM - 1 Like	#15
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,566	Originally posted by SoonerCaniac Thank you for starting this thread Thagomizer. I absolutely adore my 16-85mm. It is a fantastic lens that I got on rebate at B&H and personally I think it is a tremendous value, underappreciated even at full retail. I appreciate it even more now that the Fuji 16-80mm is being delivered and Fuji fans are underwhelmed. Admittedly, I have contemplated switching to Fuji but the 16-85 has reaffirmed my loyalty to Pentax. Nevertheless, I too just had some strange behavior with my 16-85mm aperture. I was at the end of a long day of hiking with the family and was getting some final shots of the kiddos when apparently the blades somehow got stuck wide open because I was blowing out my images even if the camera said I was stopped all the way down. I did switch to my 8-16mm for a few earlier shots, but it wasn't an unusually dusty day and I've never had any problems before. When I got home I put on a couple of different lenses for test shots and the aperture settings worked as intended. I reattached the 16-85 and had the same problems. So, I cleaned the contacts on the camera and the 16-85 and voila, the lens starting working again. I just completed another long day outdoors with the kids and didn't have any problems using the 16-85 exclusively. My concern is that I've never had to clean the contacts on any of my lenses to fix erratic behavior. My issues with the 16-85 are the first I've ever experienced. My warranty expires in two months so I am wondering if I should send it in for inspection. I was going to call Ricoh USA and see if I can get some advice, because I am a bit concerned that my problem goes beyond dirty contacts (especially since I am pretty particular about keeping my equipment clean anyway). Admittedly, my K-3 is getting on in age and has been with me for five years so perhaps it could be a camera issue, but evidence suggests the lens. If anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate your time. Thank you in advance Thagomizer for letting me piggyback off of your thread. Cheers! Especially if you cleaned the lens contacts but no visible dirt came off onto the cloth. I would definitely recommend the inspection in any case. It would not hurt, and also a record made that a problem had presented itself at this time before the warranty expiration.