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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
12-11-2009, 11:32 AM
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I build custom acoustic guitars and have grown to the point I need more studio quality pictures of the instruments. I have gotten by in the past by shooting outdoors or in big open rooms. But I'd like to move more towards black or dark back drops with just the guitar illuminated.
I presume continuous lighting is the easist way to achieve this, but how many watts do I need if I am running a couple of lights and umbrellas? If there is a better approach without spending huge dollars, I'm open to that as well. I'll be shooting with a K20D.
Thanks,
Ken
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-08-2009, 11:01 AM
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Well my emails and calls to Pentax finally resulted in a call from Pentax. I was assured that the failure rate on SDM lenses is actually quite low and over the past several months very few SDM lenses have been sent in for repair. I was told that the cause of the failure isn't directly known, could have been a bad batch of motors or who knows. The individual didn't want to speculate. However, Pentax agreed to waive the repair charges and asked CRIS to expedite the repairs but to do a very thorough job of repairing and testing prior to returning the lenses. I didn't really get a good answer to my question as to how well the repair will hold up. Pentax felt the lenses should work well into the future, but I was told to keep Pentax apprised of any future issues I may have with the lenses following the repair.
I am still very disappointed that the two lenses failed (and no I didn't drag them through water or sand. The tele zoom had seen only limited use). I'm also annoyed that I have been trying to get the body and lenses working since July. But I am very pleased Pentax is standing behind the lenses. I hope the repaired lenses hold up to years of service!
I'll try to keep the future posts more upbeat!
Thanks everyone.
Ken
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-08-2009, 08:37 AM
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Russell -- Great suggestion. I am pretty certain my credit card offers double warranty :) Still concerned about how long the repair will last.
wtlwdwgn -- I did send Ned a polite message that expresses my disappointment in the quality of these lenses. I think he needs to know there are people like me and you that have had both lenses fail.
Ken
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-07-2009, 06:54 AM
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Posted a query on another thread regarding the longevity of replacement AF motors for Pentax's SDM lenses. The only responses I have received are sympathy replies, which I appreciate. But I am trying to get feedback from folks who have had these motors replaced and whether they sense the replacement motors will last longer. So I am reposting with a more narrow topic.
I have two I need replaced and am debating whether to do it. Perhaps I can call CRIS and talk to someone there in the know as Pentax won't tell me anything.
Thanks,
Ken
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-06-2009, 10:50 AM
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Yeah, I got them both in June 2008. The issue started popping up in July of this year when I first sent the camera back to Pentax. They had it for almost two months then. I got it back around September/October and eventually sent it back with the lenses early November. I have hardly had use of the thing for the past five months. I am now using it with a 20 year old Takumar zoom lens that autofocuses without a hitch. Go figure. My SDM lenses are still with CRIS.
Ken
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-06-2009, 10:07 AM
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Unfortunately, it is the lenses. I originally sent the body into the Pentax, thinking the issue had to be the body as both lenses stopped working. When I got the body back, the lenses still did not work, so I sent the body and both lenses to Pentax. Pentax checked the body again and sent it back. It then forwarded the lenses to CRIS for repair. CRIS called me two weeks ago with the repair estimate, and I have had several discussions with Pentax, who flat out told me it would do nothing as the warranty had expired.
I have sent emails to Pentax that have gone unanswered, so I am apparently on my own. I just have no confidence in these motors as both lenses failed. If I knew the repair would last me a dozen years, I'd do it. But I have this fear that they would fail again in a few months.
Rather sad as the tele lens had been used very little. No reason for a motor to go out in either given the light to moderate use.
So no one has any insight as to whether a repair would permanently fix this issue?
Thanks again,
Ken
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-05-2009, 08:20 PM
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I own a K20D along with DA 16-50 and DA 50-135 lenses. Shortly after my warranty ended, the autofocus motor in each lens crapped out. I have tried in vain to get Pentax to help me with the $130 repair per lens, but it refuses to do anything as the warranty has expired. Its arrogance is surprising.
I have owned Pentax equipment for over 20 years and have never had issues with quality. Now to have the motors fail on both lenses at the same time had me believing the issue must be broader than some freak failure limited to my camera bag. In searching the internet and this forum this evening, Pentax does appear to have a problem with these lenses.
I am quite annoyed Pentax refuses to address the issue. But, I didn't come here necessarily to complain. I am debating on whether I should repair the lenses. I don't want to drop $260 to get them repaired only to have the motors fail again as soon as the repair warranty is up. I'd rather just use the manual focus. For any of you that have had your lenses repaired, how are they holding up? Is Pentax using different motors for the repairs? Anyone have any success getting Pentax to man up?
I am very disappointed to have paid so much for these lenses only to have these issues. My perception of Pentax has been permanantly tainted. I would have been okay if the problem had been isolated to one lens, but both?!
Ken
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