FA* 200/4 Macro with removed aperture lever shield. What should I ask for?

ZEPsikopat · 09-15-2011, 05:33 AM

What about asking Pentax for a repair quote and ask the seller for the same refund ?
You will be guaranteed to have a working lens.

hoanpham · 09-15-2011, 05:44 AM

Sorry for my lack of knowledge.
Are these 200 macro lenses superior image quality, or because it is rare and people are willing to pay more?
Please help me to understand.

**Pål Jensen** · 09-15-2011, 05:48 AM

Originally posted by hoanpham

Sorry for my lack of knowledge.
Are these 200 macro lenses superior image quality, or because it is rare and people are willing to pay more?
Please help me to understand.

Both
The lens is utterly fantastic.

**Pål Jensen** · 09-15-2011, 05:49 AM

Originally posted by ZEPsikopat

What about asking Pentax for a repair quote and ask the seller for the same refund ?
You will be guaranteed to have a working lens.

Yeah. I'm absolutely sure that Pentax can provide spare parts for this lens. It is probably dirt cheap.
Seven years ago I got a brand new rear element for a Pentax A* 135/1.8; they (Pentax Japan) had spare parts in stock.....

**Clinton** · 09-15-2011, 06:23 AM

The problem with Pentax US repairs these days is they wont give you any manner of quote or even if they can do anything about it over the phone. You send it to CRIS and that is that. Then you find out if they cant do the repairs that you still have to pay return shipping. This leaves me asking 3rd parties like Eric who says spare parts for this lens cannot be obtained anymore.

I'm going to try Forsters Camera (who is here in Salt Lake, and is on Pentax JP's website of official repair facilities) next.

The last one of these I saw for sale sold for $3711 on 6/3/2010, and that is the only copy of the FA* 200 Macro that I've seen chance hands since then.

**Pål Jensen** · 09-15-2011, 12:47 PM

I think I paid less than $1000 for brand new the day it was released...

**Marc Langille** · 09-15-2011, 01:18 PM

Hi Clint,

Would you like me to check my sources? I am traveling and may be able to send a message tonight - no guarantees on a prompt response of course. Should be able to confirm parts availability and/or if an alternative is available.

I am so glad I bought my demo unit from Pentax Canada several years ago. It's a stunning lens optically and very nice handling, even handheld.

Cheers,
Marc

**Clinton** · 09-15-2011, 02:49 PM

That'd be great. Thanks Marc!

Originally posted by Marc Langille

Would you like me to check my sources?

Blue · 09-15-2011, 02:53 PM

Originally posted by hoanpham

Sorry for my lack of knowledge.
Are these 200 macro lenses superior image quality, or because it is rare and people are willing to pay more?
Please help me to understand.

It is a 1:1 macro lens. Both the A* 200 and FA* 200 are the best macro lenses in the 180-200 focal length ever made. That is why you see an example of a Canonian paying serious dollars for this lens and modifying it to work on a full frame body.

Blue · 09-15-2011, 02:55 PM

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

I think I paid less than $1000 for brand new the day it was released...

This is one of the worst 1:1 macro lenses in the 180-200mm range ever made. Being a nice guy and all, I am willing to fly over there and refund your money.

**Aristophanes** · 09-15-2011, 03:34 PM

Forget Pentax USA. Try to see if a shop in Japan can do this. Get quotes and ask for a partial refund.

If you used eBay/PayPal, you have protection and conciliation available. In this case you may have the legal right through contract for a partial remediation as opposed to outright return. Document. Document. Document. Get a photo sample from someone here of a proper copy.

**Marc Langille** · 09-15-2011, 04:14 PM

To clarify on my previous post: I communicate with someone having direct access to Pentax Japan. I will also check warehouse part availability within North America - never hurts to ask, just in case

Clint, if you need anything else, let me know. I'll be happy to do what I can.

Regards
Marc

atlnq9 · 09-15-2011, 04:22 PM

Originally posted by Clinton

I'm going to try Forsters Camera (who is here in Salt Lake, and is on Pentax JP's website of official repair facilities) next

They did a good job on some of my equipment a while back; but, really what it comes down to is parts availability. There are a couple custom plastics manufactures here in town, could always check and see if they could make one...

If you keep it do ya want to sell the Sigma 180 macro? I am about to give up on the Sigma 150 macro being made for Pentax.

pz1fan · 09-15-2011, 05:44 PM

Originally posted by Clinton

The problem with Pentax US repairs these days is they wont give you any manner of quote or even if they can do anything about it over the phone. You send it to CRIS and that is that. Then you find out if they cant do the repairs that you still have to pay return shipping. This leaves me asking 3rd parties like Eric who says spare parts for this lens cannot be obtained anymore.

They need to change this policy. They need to give free estimates before shipping things in.

Adam · 09-15-2011, 06:04 PM

Pentax can probably repair this. Get a quote and ask for that much.

View Poll Results: What should I ask for?
$700	7	41.18%
$600	3	17.65%
$500	2	11.76%
$400	2	11.76%
Return the lens. This is too serious a problem to ignore. (explain)	3	17.65%
Voters: 17. You may not vote on this poll

09-15-2011, 06:04 PM	#30
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Pentax can probably repair this. Get a quote and ask for that much. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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09-15-2011, 05:33 AM	#16
ZEPsikopat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Luxembourg Posts: 109	What about asking Pentax for a repair quote and ask the seller for the same refund ? You will be guaranteed to have a working lens.

09-15-2011, 05:44 AM	#17
hoanpham Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Strand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,366	Sorry for my lack of knowledge. Are these 200 macro lenses superior image quality, or because it is rare and people are willing to pay more? Please help me to understand.

09-15-2011, 05:48 AM	#18
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by hoanpham Sorry for my lack of knowledge. Are these 200 macro lenses superior image quality, or because it is rare and people are willing to pay more? Please help me to understand. Both The lens is utterly fantastic.

09-15-2011, 05:49 AM	#19
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by ZEPsikopat What about asking Pentax for a repair quote and ask the seller for the same refund ? You will be guaranteed to have a working lens. Yeah. I'm absolutely sure that Pentax can provide spare parts for this lens. It is probably dirt cheap. Seven years ago I got a brand new rear element for a Pentax A* 135/1.8; they (Pentax Japan) had spare parts in stock.....

09-15-2011, 06:23 AM	#20
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,910 Original Poster	The problem with Pentax US repairs these days is they wont give you any manner of quote or even if they can do anything about it over the phone. You send it to CRIS and that is that. Then you find out if they cant do the repairs that you still have to pay return shipping. This leaves me asking 3rd parties like Eric who says spare parts for this lens cannot be obtained anymore. I'm going to try Forsters Camera (who is here in Salt Lake, and is on Pentax JP's website of official repair facilities) next. The last one of these I saw for sale sold for $3711 on 6/3/2010, and that is the only copy of the FA* 200 Macro that I've seen chance hands since then.

09-15-2011, 12:47 PM	#21
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	I think I paid less than $1000 for brand new the day it was released...

09-15-2011, 01:18 PM	#22
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710	Hi Clint, Would you like me to check my sources? I am traveling and may be able to send a message tonight - no guarantees on a prompt response of course. Should be able to confirm parts availability and/or if an alternative is available. I am so glad I bought my demo unit from Pentax Canada several years ago. It's a stunning lens optically and very nice handling, even handheld. Cheers, Marc

09-15-2011, 02:49 PM	#23
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,910 Original Poster	That'd be great. Thanks Marc! Originally posted by Marc Langille Would you like me to check my sources?

09-15-2011, 02:53 PM	#24
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by hoanpham Sorry for my lack of knowledge. Are these 200 macro lenses superior image quality, or because it is rare and people are willing to pay more? Please help me to understand. It is a 1:1 macro lens. Both the A* 200 and FA* 200 are the best macro lenses in the 180-200 focal length ever made. That is why you see an example of a Canonian paying serious dollars for this lens and modifying it to work on a full frame body.

09-15-2011, 02:55 PM	#25
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Pål Jensen I think I paid less than $1000 for brand new the day it was released... This is one of the worst 1:1 macro lenses in the 180-200mm range ever made. Being a nice guy and all, I am willing to fly over there and refund your money.

09-15-2011, 03:34 PM	#26
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Forget Pentax USA. Try to see if a shop in Japan can do this. Get quotes and ask for a partial refund. If you used eBay/PayPal, you have protection and conciliation available. In this case you may have the legal right through contract for a partial remediation as opposed to outright return. Document. Document. Document. Get a photo sample from someone here of a proper copy.

09-15-2011, 04:14 PM	#27
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710	To clarify on my previous post: I communicate with someone having direct access to Pentax Japan. I will also check warehouse part availability within North America - never hurts to ask, just in case Clint, if you need anything else, let me know. I'll be happy to do what I can. Regards Marc

09-15-2011, 04:22 PM	#28
atlnq9 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Arizona Photos: Albums Posts: 330	Originally posted by Clinton I'm going to try Forsters Camera (who is here in Salt Lake, and is on Pentax JP's website of official repair facilities) next They did a good job on some of my equipment a while back; but, really what it comes down to is parts availability. There are a couple custom plastics manufactures here in town, could always check and see if they could make one... If you keep it do ya want to sell the Sigma 180 macro? I am about to give up on the Sigma 150 macro being made for Pentax.

09-15-2011, 05:44 PM	#29
pz1fan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: United States Posts: 183	Originally posted by Clinton The problem with Pentax US repairs these days is they wont give you any manner of quote or even if they can do anything about it over the phone. You send it to CRIS and that is that. Then you find out if they cant do the repairs that you still have to pay return shipping. This leaves me asking 3rd parties like Eric who says spare parts for this lens cannot be obtained anymore. They need to change this policy. They need to give free estimates before shipping things in.