Why PENTAX sucks? Repair service

Not a Number · 10-09-2015, 08:32 AM

Originally posted by Newtophotos

Does KEH service camera bodies in addition to Pentax lens?

They do service bodies but you'll have to contact them to make sure. Their flat-rate is higher than Precision's but they are likely to do a better job all around in communication, work and turn-around time.

You could try Advance Camera in Oregon even though they are further away. It's been confirmed they are still an authorized service center.

bobore · 10-10-2015, 12:55 AM

Good to know about Advance Camera still being in the fold.

I live in Oregon, and used to visit them frequently back in the film days to shop for both new & used Pentax gear.

At the time, they were very pro-Pentax, and the staff was a pleasure to work with.

mee · 10-10-2015, 01:45 AM

Originally posted by Newtophotos

I called United Camera and Binocular Repair as I live in Chicagoland. They said they don't service Pentax anymore due to difficulty in obtaining parts. Argh. Does KEH service camera bodies in addition to Pentax lens?

I am pretty sure you're going to find that response with everyone but Precision themselves in the US... Once Ricoh closed the parts store, I think it really funneled all the work to Precision.

I don't know how KEH does it, but maybe they have an assortment of stock before Ricoh closed the store? I doubt Ricoh just lets them play because they want them to..

amoringello · 10-15-2015, 06:53 AM - **1 Like**

So, it is time this story comes to its end. Luckily to a fairly happy end.
I received my brand new DA* 50-135mm lens from Ricoh.

It was a longer and more frustrating process than it should have been.
But at least this time Ricoh stood behind their product and did the right thing.

jeffryscott · 10-19-2015, 08:10 PM

Originally posted by amoringello

So, it is time this story comes to its end. Luckily to a fairly happy end.
I received my brand new DA* 50-135mm lens from Ricoh.

It was a longer and more frustrating process than it should have been.
But at least this time Ricoh stood behind their product and did the right thing.

Congrats, hope the new lens helps you create many good memories.

stevebrot · 10-19-2015, 09:36 PM

Originally posted by virusn3t

Yes but the problem remains, almost nobody know about the Service centers (who and where to find them) everybody recalls them from the time before Hoya, or are redirected from a member of the forum cause they repair something like KEH, advanced, etc

People out of warranty want a closer place to repair or get service to our camera.

I found out about Advance from their Yellow Pages ad.

Steve

**hyyz** · 10-19-2015, 10:00 PM

Originally posted by amoringello

So, it is time this story comes to its end. Luckily to a fairly happy end.
I received my brand new DA* 50-135mm lens from Ricoh.

It was a longer and more frustrating process than it should have been.
But at least this time Ricoh stood behind their product and did the right thing.

This is the very reason why I recommended contacting Ricoh/Pentax (see first page). My experience too. Congrats to a happy ending!

**forest_bear59** · 10-20-2015, 01:50 AM

There seems to be a problem with the reliability of service-centers in a few countries. Here in Germany I happen to know of some cases, that took several tries to be finished in the desired way. Some other could not be finished to the customer's satisfaction. AF issues with K3 and internal cleaning of a 16-50mm lens f.ex.. To make things worse, here are no official alternatives you can choose from ...
If Pentax/Ricoh will attract (more semi-)professionals, they will have to invest some more money and effort to bring up a service, that deserves it's name!

Squirrel · 10-24-2015, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by amoringello

So, it is time this story comes to its end. Luckily to a fairly happy end.
I received my brand new DA* 50-135mm lens from Ricoh.

Same lens, similar problem for me. Precision has had my lens on 4 different occasions over the past 11 months and has not been able to fix the problem. One time, they even sent back the lens to me saying there was no issue with it. I find myself frustrated enough that I have been researching other systems lately. I emailed Joe voicing my frustration and hoping he can resolve the issue one way or another. Pentax has been a great system for me, so I hate to abandon it. I miss this lens though and don't really have a fast enough alternative in this range.

Glad it has been sorted out for you! Hopefully I will have a happy ending as well.

pavpen · 10-27-2015, 05:03 PM

Another angle to look on this is that the potential cost of repair should be included in price of product. Perhaps why Pentax is the best bung for the buck.
Cheers.

**UncleVanya** · 10-27-2015, 05:06 PM

Originally posted by pavpen

Another angle to look on this is that the potential cost of repair should be included in price of product. Perhaps why Pentax is the best bung for the buck.
Cheers.

We hear the same horror stories with all brands. Sigma is an exception.

mee · 10-27-2015, 05:30 PM

Scope this.. My K3 Failure/Repair/Re-Repair Saga: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review incredible and disappointing are understatements to how Precision handled this!

jeffryscott · 10-27-2015, 05:52 PM

My 60-250 has been at Precision since Oct 8, was briefly delayed for parts, then popped up again as being in repair. Precisions web tracking appears great, no complaints. However, it seems a shame it takes this long for a repair, and if Ricoh/Pentax wants to be taken seriously, it really needs more, and better, repair options.

While I look forward to the return of this lovely lens, based on the number of repeat repairs required, I'm fearful the repair will be inadequate and it will need to go back to Precision.

I'm no longer a working pro, but if I were, this level of repair service would be unacceptable.

rawr · 10-27-2015, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by mee

Scope this.. incredible and disappointing are understatements to how Precision handled this!

A real horror story. Not only the delays and back-and-forth, but re-cycling used parts that have been salvaged from damaged bodies ....

It's just asking for additional problems.

Pentax USA really need to get their act together on service and support.

mee · 10-27-2015, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by rawr

A real horror story. Not only the delays and back-and-forth, but re-cycling used parts that have been salvaged from damaged bodies ....

It's just asking for additional problems.

Pentax USA really need to get their act together on service and support.

Agreed. I started pricing Nikon replacement just for grins and giggles.. It would cost me roughly 1200 I think to switch. I think I will see what next year holds for Pentax in the USA.

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10-09-2015, 08:32 AM	#106
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,525	Originally posted by Newtophotos Does KEH service camera bodies in addition to Pentax lens? They do service bodies but you'll have to contact them to make sure. Their flat-rate is higher than Precision's but they are likely to do a better job all around in communication, work and turn-around time. You could try Advance Camera in Oregon even though they are further away. It's been confirmed they are still an authorized service center.

10-10-2015, 12:55 AM	#107
bobore Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Oregon Coast Posts: 162	Good to know about Advance Camera still being in the fold. I live in Oregon, and used to visit them frequently back in the film days to shop for both new & used Pentax gear. At the time, they were very pro-Pentax, and the staff was a pleasure to work with.

10-10-2015, 01:45 AM	#108
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by Newtophotos I called United Camera and Binocular Repair as I live in Chicagoland. They said they don't service Pentax anymore due to difficulty in obtaining parts. Argh. Does KEH service camera bodies in addition to Pentax lens? I am pretty sure you're going to find that response with everyone but Precision themselves in the US... Once Ricoh closed the parts store, I think it really funneled all the work to Precision. I don't know how KEH does it, but maybe they have an assortment of stock before Ricoh closed the store? I doubt Ricoh just lets them play because they want them to..

10-15-2015, 06:53 AM - 1 Like	#109
amoringello Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,562 Original Poster	So, it is time this story comes to its end. Luckily to a fairly happy end. I received my brand new DA* 50-135mm lens from Ricoh. It was a longer and more frustrating process than it should have been. But at least this time Ricoh stood behind their product and did the right thing.

10-19-2015, 08:10 PM	#110
jeffryscott Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 253	Originally posted by amoringello So, it is time this story comes to its end. Luckily to a fairly happy end. I received my brand new DA* 50-135mm lens from Ricoh. It was a longer and more frustrating process than it should have been. But at least this time Ricoh stood behind their product and did the right thing. Congrats, hope the new lens helps you create many good memories.

10-19-2015, 09:36 PM	#111
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by virusn3t Yes but the problem remains, almost nobody know about the Service centers (who and where to find them) everybody recalls them from the time before Hoya, or are redirected from a member of the forum cause they repair something like KEH, advanced, etc People out of warranty want a closer place to repair or get service to our camera. I found out about Advance from their Yellow Pages ad. Steve

10-19-2015, 10:00 PM	#112
hyyz Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 478	Originally posted by amoringello So, it is time this story comes to its end. Luckily to a fairly happy end. I received my brand new DA* 50-135mm lens from Ricoh. It was a longer and more frustrating process than it should have been. But at least this time Ricoh stood behind their product and did the right thing. This is the very reason why I recommended contacting Ricoh/Pentax (see first page). My experience too. Congrats to a happy ending!

10-20-2015, 01:50 AM	#113
forest_bear59 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Idstein (near Frankfurt - Germany) Photos: Gallery Posts: 147	There seems to be a problem with the reliability of service-centers in a few countries. Here in Germany I happen to know of some cases, that took several tries to be finished in the desired way. Some other could not be finished to the customer's satisfaction. AF issues with K3 and internal cleaning of a 16-50mm lens f.ex.. To make things worse, here are no official alternatives you can choose from ... If Pentax/Ricoh will attract (more semi-)professionals, they will have to invest some more money and effort to bring up a service, that deserves it's name!

10-24-2015, 08:30 AM	#114
Squirrel Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Seacoast NH Posts: 41	Originally posted by amoringello So, it is time this story comes to its end. Luckily to a fairly happy end. I received my brand new DA* 50-135mm lens from Ricoh. Same lens, similar problem for me. Precision has had my lens on 4 different occasions over the past 11 months and has not been able to fix the problem. One time, they even sent back the lens to me saying there was no issue with it. I find myself frustrated enough that I have been researching other systems lately. I emailed Joe voicing my frustration and hoping he can resolve the issue one way or another. Pentax has been a great system for me, so I hate to abandon it. I miss this lens though and don't really have a fast enough alternative in this range. Glad it has been sorted out for you! Hopefully I will have a happy ending as well.

10-27-2015, 05:03 PM	#115
pavpen Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: US Photos: Albums Posts: 381	Another angle to look on this is that the potential cost of repair should be included in price of product. Perhaps why Pentax is the best bung for the buck. Cheers.

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10-27-2015, 05:06 PM	#116
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,384	Originally posted by pavpen Another angle to look on this is that the potential cost of repair should be included in price of product. Perhaps why Pentax is the best bung for the buck. Cheers. We hear the same horror stories with all brands. Sigma is an exception.

10-27-2015, 05:30 PM	#117
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Scope this.. My K3 Failure/Repair/Re-Repair Saga: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review incredible and disappointing are understatements to how Precision handled this!

10-27-2015, 05:52 PM	#118
jeffryscott Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 253	My 60-250 has been at Precision since Oct 8, was briefly delayed for parts, then popped up again as being in repair. Precisions web tracking appears great, no complaints. However, it seems a shame it takes this long for a repair, and if Ricoh/Pentax wants to be taken seriously, it really needs more, and better, repair options. While I look forward to the return of this lovely lens, based on the number of repeat repairs required, I'm fearful the repair will be inadequate and it will need to go back to Precision. I'm no longer a working pro, but if I were, this level of repair service would be unacceptable.

10-27-2015, 06:00 PM	#119
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by mee Scope this.. incredible and disappointing are understatements to how Precision handled this! A real horror story. Not only the delays and back-and-forth, but re-cycling used parts that have been salvaged from damaged bodies .... It's just asking for additional problems. Pentax USA really need to get their act together on service and support.

10-27-2015, 06:06 PM	#120
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by rawr A real horror story. Not only the delays and back-and-forth, but re-cycling used parts that have been salvaged from damaged bodies .... It's just asking for additional problems. Pentax USA really need to get their act together on service and support. Agreed. I started pricing Nikon replacement just for grins and giggles.. It would cost me roughly 1200 I think to switch. I think I will see what next year holds for Pentax in the USA.