Kit lens 18-55mm: autofocus sticks at around 35mm

Theob24 · 11-28-2020, 05:52 AM

Hi everyone,
The kit lens works great except when I am at around 35mm. The autofocus won't work and even if I try to focus manually, the focus ring is very difficult to turn. Do you have an idea on how to solve this?
I use the SMC Pentax DA lens on a k-5.
Thank you for your help

**othar** · 11-28-2020, 06:02 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Theob24

The autofocus won't work and even if I try to focus manually, the focus ring is very difficult to turn

I presume you switched to MF for the manual approach?

It doesn't sound good. Do you still have warranty on it? Otherwise you will probably have to buy a new lens in the long run.

I fear repair cost would surpass the price of a used lens of good condition, unless you try to fix it yourself and WR would be questionable for both approaches.

**photogem** · 11-28-2020, 10:04 AM - **1 Like**

My guess: The K5 is pretty old (but good!), so is the kit-lens.
When it is stuck, not worth to invest any repair.
Get another or better one. The K5 can drive much better lenses.
Maybe you can find this one used, it is a very nice one:
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Theob24 · 11-28-2020, 11:04 AM

Thanks for these quick answers

It is out of warranty.
I am definitely thinking of getting an extra lens (prime lens this time).

I was wondering if it is normal for the focusing system to feel jammed only at around 35mm (at 18mm or 55mm it works great: no problem)

Bertrand3000 · 11-28-2020, 01:58 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Theob24

I was wondering if it is normal for the focusing system to feel jammed only at around 35mm (at 18mm or 55mm it works great: no problem)

No, it's not normal. There is something damaged in your lens, but as others said it, it's not worth repairing. Even if with the K5, you probably got a 18-55 AL II or 18-55 WR ; both are better optically than the original 18-55 ; but you have many lens options, all better than the Kit.

Do not hesitate to post a topic in this forum : Pentax SLR Lens Discussion - PentaxForums.com and we will tell you what you need. Do not forget to mention budget!

**mikesbike** · 11-28-2020, 03:20 PM - **1 Like**

Get the DA 18-135mm DC WR- much more versatile, even good for closeups, fine image quality, and even on the old K-5, with which I am very familiar, the AF of this lens is very quick, sure, and silent. Build quality is far above the DA 18-55mm. In the SLR lens section of the forum, take a look at the "show us what it can do" thread for this lens- start with the last, most recent page first and go backwards.

For a reasonable price, you get a lot of lens that can perform many photographic tasks with quality, the range of several lenses in an amazingly compact but well-built form.

And welcome to the forum!

11-28-2020, 05:52 AM	#1
Theob24 New Member Join Date: Nov 2020 Posts: 2	Kit lens 18-55mm: autofocus sticks at around 35mm Hi everyone, The kit lens works great except when I am at around 35mm. The autofocus won't work and even if I try to focus manually, the focus ring is very difficult to turn. Do you have an idea on how to solve this? I use the SMC Pentax DA lens on a k-5. Thank you for your help

11-28-2020, 03:20 PM - 1 Like	#6
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,562	Get the DA 18-135mm DC WR- much more versatile, even good for closeups, fine image quality, and even on the old K-5, with which I am very familiar, the AF of this lens is very quick, sure, and silent. Build quality is far above the DA 18-55mm. In the SLR lens section of the forum, take a look at the "show us what it can do" thread for this lens- start with the last, most recent page first and go backwards. For a reasonable price, you get a lot of lens that can perform many photographic tasks with quality, the range of several lenses in an amazingly compact but well-built form. And welcome to the forum! Last edited by mikesbike; 11-28-2020 at 03:37 PM.

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11-28-2020, 06:02 AM - 1 Like	#2
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by Theob24 The autofocus won't work and even if I try to focus manually, the focus ring is very difficult to turn I presume you switched to MF for the manual approach? It doesn't sound good. Do you still have warranty on it? Otherwise you will probably have to buy a new lens in the long run. I fear repair cost would surpass the price of a used lens of good condition, unless you try to fix it yourself and WR would be questionable for both approaches.

11-28-2020, 10:04 AM - 1 Like	#3
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,524	My guess: The K5 is pretty old (but good!), so is the kit-lens. When it is stuck, not worth to invest any repair. Get another or better one. The K5 can drive much better lenses. Maybe you can find this one used, it is a very nice one: Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

11-28-2020, 11:04 AM	#4
Theob24 New Member Join Date: Nov 2020 Posts: 2 Original Poster	Thanks for these quick answers It is out of warranty. I am definitely thinking of getting an extra lens (prime lens this time). I was wondering if it is normal for the focusing system to feel jammed only at around 35mm (at 18mm or 55mm it works great: no problem)

11-28-2020, 01:58 PM - 1 Like	#5
Bertrand3000 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 2,009	Originally posted by Theob24 I was wondering if it is normal for the focusing system to feel jammed only at around 35mm (at 18mm or 55mm it works great: no problem) No, it's not normal. There is something damaged in your lens, but as others said it, it's not worth repairing. Even if with the K5, you probably got a 18-55 AL II or 18-55 WR ; both are better optically than the original 18-55 ; but you have many lens options, all better than the Kit. Do not hesitate to post a topic in this forum : Pentax SLR Lens Discussion - PentaxForums.com and we will tell you what you need. Do not forget to mention budget!