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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-25-2015, 10:51 AM
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So My lens was shipped out on Thursday by Canada Post and I'm just awaiting it's arrival. Now I'm just trying to get the tracking number from Sun (apparently they typo'd it on the work order and are looking for the original packing slip copy).
During the phone conversation I was informed that they do not put a signature requirement on packages!!! So my $900 lens will arriving with no form of verification of the recipient! I guess I was spoiled when Pentax Canada was around. I'm excited about all the new directions Ricoh is going with new Pentax products but I'm left feeling that they consider the entire service department side of things as an afterthought and necessary evil. :( I will just be happy to have my lens back and have an end to this chapter.
---------- Post added 05-25-2015 at 11:21 AM ----------
Update: Received an email back (rather quickly) with my tracking number and low and behold the delivery instructions do in fact indicate a signature is required. I am pleasantly relieved. I'm going to chalk it up as a oversight. Now time to move on and capture some images!
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-18-2015, 10:40 PM
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And... I was informed just this past week that they now have the parts and should be shipping mine out anytime. I didn't get a chance to call during the week so will call them tomorrow for an update.
Crossing my fingers!
---------- Post added 05-18-2015 at 10:43 PM ----------
Funny you should mention David Schurer. I'm impressed you actually got to speak to him but not surprised that you haven't heard from him since. He's the fellow who refused to call me when Sun Camera asked him to.
:P
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-29-2015, 10:30 AM
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Interesting points you raise. My 16-50 is still there sitting collecting dust. Sun Camera did make a couple errors originally but I'd still be in the same boat With no parts for my lens... The frustrating part is that nobody from Ricoh/Pentax will talk to me direct. Sun Camera asked the the fellow filling in for Stephen Ho to call me with an update and he supposedly refused to do it! He told them he had no interest in speaking directly to a customer! I'm floored!
All I hear now is that they are "looking into finding parts for my lens". Initially I can deal with that but it no longer flies with me after hearing the same thing for 4 months now.
All I can say is that it's letter writing time again!
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-07-2015, 12:20 PM
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I'd like to re-iterate that there are numerous people on this thread and most likely oodles more that have had excellent service from Sun Camera. Having read those remarks gives me hope that this is pretty much a one-off situation.
When I worked for Pentax Canada, we had our horror stories too. Luckily there weren't many at all but I have to chuckle about the fact that I've become "that guy" who keeps phoning them every week because of back-ordered parts. LOL Told myself long ago I'd never be "that guy" but then... i wasn't on this side before. In fact this is the first issue I've ever had with any Pentax Authorized repair.
I'd just like to be able to use my 16-50 again. :P
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-01-2015, 08:40 PM
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Well.. I'm the bloke that started that "other" Sun Camera thread just under a year ago and I'm still without my 16-50mm. Thought I would add my ordeal in a more abbreviated version to this discussion. I'll forego the details about my DA* 50-150mm SDM as it was returned to me within a couple months fixed properly. My 16-50 was sent in for a notable impact to the front of the lens.
June 21st, (ish) 2014 - Ricoh Canada received my 2 SDM Lenses and immediately forwarded them to Sun Camera as part of the first batch of repairs under this newly authorized repair centre.
July 2nd 2014 - I received my (GULP) estimate to replace 2 lens groups & other parts so I authorized the repairs.
Late July 2014 - Informed that one of the lens groups was backordered.
Mid September 2014 - Finally received my lens. Appeared to be working on my initial tests however didn't have the chance to immediately take it out and really run it through it's paces.
Late November 2014 - Started noticing the all-too familiar squeaky & sluggish auto-focus of the SDM motor issue (an issue this lens was already repaired for back in 2009)! :(
Early December 2014 - Sent lens back to Sun Camera. Within a week of receipt it was confirmed that they failed to replace a 3rd part (the front lens group assembly) during the first repair and advised it would be repaired under the 90 day repair warranty. However, at the same time, I was informed that this part was... wait for it... BACKORDERED! :(
Late December 2014 - Advised said part was enroute from Japan and would arrive the first week in January.
2nd week in January 2015 - Advised there was an error. The technician had ordered the wrong part from Japan!!! They only ordered a partial assembly whereas my lens required the entire assembly. >:(
March 23rd 2015 - No change... still waiting for said part from Japan. At this time they are apparently looking at "other" avenues of acquiring the parts. I am currently waiting to hear back from the Ricoh Repair Manager.
Note - Sun also advised me that the ordering process from Japan entails all parts shipped to Ricoh in the U.S. who then forward them on to Sun Camera here in Canada. I worked for Pentax Canada for 2 years here in Vancouver right up until that office was closed in 2003 and back then parts came directly from Japan.
I hope I'm the exception and I'm certainly glad to hear that others are having better experiences than I am.
---------- Post added 04-01-2015 at 08:47 PM ----------
Gareth, what parts are they waiting for?
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-15-2014, 04:41 PM
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I have to say through all of this, that at no time have I received bad service from Sun. The unfortunate situation of my lenses is that they got caught up in the transition. They were literally among the first items to be sent to Sun and just took longer to deal with due to the whole switch over process. As unfortunate as it is that I've had to send back the 16-50mm, they've been very accommodating and helpful!
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Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
12-13-2014, 04:56 PM
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"REPLY" :P Good luck everyone!
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-10-2014, 10:55 PM
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UPDATE! So I realize I had forgotten to post that I finally got the 16-50 back after several weeks of waiting for parts (which is not uncommon). However, now that I have it back it is now exhibiting signs of the infamous SDM af motor failure! SO! Back it goes. Apparently as part of the repair they did replace the motor with the current upgraded version but I guess maybe it's was a dud? Anyhow... Sun were very cooperative on the phone and said they'd look at it right away.
In addition to the af motor, I noticed something I hadn't seen before with this lens. I realize that shooting wide open isn't going to produce razor sharp images compared to several stops down but I am used to a certain level of quality having owned it for about 8 years. After I got the lens back I started noticing almost a "soft-focus" effect on any highlights at 2.8. Unfortunately I had to ship it off in order to stay within the 90 day repair warranty for the motor but I was wondering if anyone else have noticed this with their copy?
Will update again when it comes back.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
08-13-2014, 05:54 PM
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Update: Got one SDM lens back and all looks good as new! Only issue was that they forgot to check "requires signature" on the shipping forms and UPS then simply left my 50-135mm on my door step even though we were home! :mad: Sun Camera was updated accordingly and are making sure it doesn't happen again. Mine was shipped UPS despite the fact that Sun says they normally ship Canada Post Expedite with signature required. Not sure why.
Now just waiting for my 16-50 SDM. It was impact damage and they're waiting for a lens group which is, of course, backorderd. Have now been without it since early June. :(
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
07-08-2014, 11:34 AM
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cdn_tbird;2867433]Not your post. The claim that they have two Pentax technicians on staff vs. the fact that Sun Camera told me that a Pentax technician would be going in to examine my camera because their own on-staff techs were "stumped". As I ended my post, I have my fingers crossed that this is just a few bumps in the road as I've been a fan of Pentax gear for as long as I can remember
Just got off the phone with Sun Camera Service. Supposedly they are still waiting for the Pentax tech to go by, and now don't know when that will be.[COLOR="Silver"]
Ah ok, that makes sense. It certainly was an interesting batch of conversations I had that week. Funny enough, the statement that two of their technicians would be working at Sun was the one consistent piece of information from the four different people I spoke to at the time. However, given the strange comment about the Pentax Tech. having to stop by to look at your camera, all is not what was originally stated. I also got the impression that the announcement was quite sudden and unexpected for the staff and that things were very much up in the air for several days after. Perhaps their techs only at Sun for a short period of time to train Sun's techs? That's what they did in Vancouver when they shut that office down 11 years ago.
I'm going to call Sun today to see where my lenses are in the whole process and see if I get can get more clarification on the whole technician situation. We'll see what they say.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
07-02-2014, 10:48 PM
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Sorry... are you saying my post is BS or are you referring to your experience? :confused:
I was told that by whomever I spoke to at the Ricoh Canada Sales Dept. after I couldn't get a straight answer from Sun Camera. The (now) former Ricoh Service Manager also stated that 2 of their technicians were now working out of Sun. I got the distinct impression that nobody was sure what to tell the public at the time. My lenses landed there on the very first day they started forwarding repairs to Sun so it was really just bad timing for me.
I'm happy to say they are now in an approved repair status so I'm just waiting for notification that they are finished and being shipped back to me.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
06-06-2014, 09:03 AM
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Well, Not in terms of the actual technicians but jury's still out on the customer service people.
When I asked what the exact arrangement was, I was given 3 different answers by 3 different people. One stated Sun Camera had been contracted to do all Ricoh/Pentax's repair work, Another stated that wasn't the case and that they were just renting space from Sun Camera for their service department. The the 3rd person literally stated he wasn't permitted to release that information to the public!?!? Ay Carumba! Although I get the impression the first scenario is the most likely.
They're quoting up to 2 weeks just to get an estimate at this time. I had to raise a little hell.about the fact that I was still told 2 days for an estimate immediately prior to the move. I also included a letter regarding a particular issue that I wanted to bring to the attention of the current Service Manager regarding one of my lenses. From what I understand of the situation, nobody of any consequence has even looked my letter. It's been a gong show all around that could have been prevented if they had informed staff & customers alike that this change was pending. I would have waited before sending in my 2 SDM zooms.
The kicker though is that they are supposedly the only repair center in Canada with all the software to reprogram Bodies and lenses.
My suggestion is if anyone is planning on sending something their way to maybe wait a bit until they get things all sorted out. It sounds like they're still figuring out the exact logistics.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
06-06-2014, 01:39 AM
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So... I had the misfortune of finding out after the fact that Ricoh Canada have closed their in-house Service Department for good and are now using a third party repair shop. I received the following letter from the Ricoh Canada Service Manager after I inquired as to the current situation of their department.
Dear “Darren”,
Ricoh Imaging Canada is committed to offering outstanding service to our customers.
This letter is to inform you that Ricoh Imaging Canada is in the process of changing our service & repair location in Mississauga.
Starting June 1st 2014, our service will be handled through our partner Sun Camera Service.
Sun Camera Service
2150 Steeles Avenue West, Unit #5
Vaughan, Ontario
L4K 2Y7
Sun Camera has a long history of excellent service and quality repair with a focus on customer satisfaction. Please note that your open Work Order “Work Order Number” will be transferred to Sun Camera. You will be contacted separately by Sun Camera in regards to your product shortly. You may receive a new Work Order number from Sun Camera at that time.
Please bear with us during this time of transition as there may be some delays from the move. If you have any questions or concerns regarding to your product, you may contact Ricoh Imaging Canada at the following phone number or e-mail.
service@ricoh-imaging.ca
Phone: 800-461-6203
Sincerely,
Ricoh Imaging Canada Inc.
I had actually called Ricoh Canada Service at the beginning of may and the customer service staff were unaware at the time (corporate decision apparently) that within 2 weeks time, they would close up shop and forward all equipment and repairs (and 2 of their technicians) to this Sun Camera Service. All dialogue regarding our gear is now through them.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-06-2014, 12:54 AM
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My 50-135mm is currently in with Ricoh Canada in Ontario for the exact same SDM problem and the estimate is sitting at $344.00 for parts, labour, return shipping & tax.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
07-01-2009, 09:32 AM
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Anyone else find it rather suspicious that the extra specs (above and beyond the K-7) of this rumoured Samsung are exactly, and I mean exactly what people had been wishing the K-7 had???
Personally, I'm very happy with the K-7's specs and hope to invest in a couple bodies and grips sometime in the next year or so.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-28-2009, 04:17 PM
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LOL... yep, I hear ya! The crooked horizon's a big one for me too, and the dust spots and the not-quite-in-focus shots etc! My other pet peeve (i'm sure repeated here many times already) is the "multiple similar shot" entries in the hopes that one out of the series will get accepted! (My appologies if this offends anyone here) :OP
I said earlier that I'm a "hard" voter. I feel it's our responsibility to maintain the supherb quality of the gallery. I would also expect others to be critical when voting on mine. If my images don't get in...well then so be it. That's my inspiration to go out and come back with even better images!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
05-28-2009, 12:25 PM
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Funny... I had this huge response written here about the comments of one particularily disappointed person over his comments on the K-7. I know should be more worried about my own photography than this "one" person's comments!
These particular comments seem to come from someone simply venting their frustration that the K-7 has been designed with the majority of Pentax shooters in mind instead of the the 5-10% (or less) who's style of photography simply doesn't benefit from all the techno-features and improvements. In fact, the upcoming 645D may be the answer to our disappointed friend's situation. It'll give him the higher res (in fact better than) a full frame DSLR and should suit his style.
Personally I own a K10D. I bought it knowing that it was a great body but not a perfect one (close but not perfect). The K10D was responsible for renewing my love of photography after a 6 year hiatus.
Now that I'm getting back into it photography on a even more serious level, I've determined that the K-7 melds very well into my style and needs. There are numerous features & improvements that will perfectly compliment how I shoot! Therefore, I've decided the K-7 will be an investment in the near future (2 in fact, both w/ D-BG4s).
Before I made that decision, however, I did wait for the official specs rather than just assume a new Pentax would be a great camera. I even used to work for Pentax in Vancouver but that never stopped be from being realistic. And yes, I've even been disappointed by Pentax releases in the past!
Sigh... well there it is... got it out of my system, now I can return my attention to improving my photographic vision and techniques!
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-28-2009, 11:23 AM
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So I've been voting an aweful lot since this thread was started. I've come to notiece a few things and even have a bit of a dilema I'd like some feedback on.
Personally, I have familiarized myself with the Submission Criteria (the rules!) when submitting photos. However, I have noticed numerous submitted photos that do not follow the criteria in one fashion or another.
Example, there seems to be one photographer who submits several amazing photographs that are definitely worthy of the Gallery, however they all have large borders incorporated into the images! It specifically states in the Criteria that images are not to have borders or copywrite stamps in the actual image itself!
What would you do? You are looking at a truely amazing image but it doesn't quite follow the criteria? Any thoughts?
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
05-23-2009, 11:31 AM
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Hello all, my appologies if this is old news. I'm quite surprised to see that the K-7 will be the first to allow Nickel-Metal Hydride "AA"s as an alternative when using the D-BG4 battery grip!
I realize they may not have the sheer capacity if one of the proprietrry Lithium Ions, but it makes for an excellent backup plan should one get caught unprepared with fully charged batteries!
Anyone know if you can use the grip, NiMHs and no battery in the camera? I imagine so since you can do that with the K10/20Ds.
Re: battery menu:
• Select battery
Auto Select
Body First
Grip First
• AA battery type
Auto detect
Nickel-metal hydride
Alkaline
Lithium
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-23-2009, 09:30 AM
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I thought so... I've even stayed at that campsite.
As for the quality issue... it's been a while since I've voted (life getting in the way) so upon seeing this thread I decided to start again.
I noticed the improved quality almost imediately and then today it's gone back down! :OP I guess it's hit & miss.
Darren
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-22-2009, 10:27 AM
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Don't feel bad Mel... have YET to get one in there at all! LOL However, I have hope for the four I currently have up for review. Time will tell (excruciating as that is!)
:O)
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-22-2009, 03:23 AM
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Hey Jimbo, I see you're Maple Ridge... I'm Aldergrove! Was that taken at Harrison Mills? Looks familiar...
BTW, to answer your question, Yes I believe it has. Hopefully, voters have realized that this isn't just some random photo posting website. This is a showcase of some of the most amazing photographs you will ever see taken by Pentax users!
I'm a very hard judge when comes to voting. My theory on judging is simply, "can I see this image being published in one of the acclaimed Pentax Photo Annuals? If ""yes" then that image gets my vote! Simple as that! And I would expect my own photos to be judged in a similar manner even if it means it takes a while to get an image accepted!
My two bits... :O)
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
02-01-2008, 11:48 PM
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Thanks! Now to find the time to post & respond to all the interesting threads... no wonder some hardly get a chance to actually go out & shoot! LOL!
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
02-01-2008, 03:47 AM
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Hello all,
I've been thinking about joining for some time and was finally compelled to today!
I've been using pentax since 1986 starting with a great old Spotmatic and SMC 50mm 1.4 that I still have. Since then I've owned the folowing Pentax bodies:
Spotmatic, P30n, Super Program, LX, K2 DMD, K1000, PZ-1, Z-1p, MZ-S & finally K10D (current)
I also used to work in the photo-retail industry for a higher-end camera chain in the Vancouver area and then spent 2 years at Pentax's Vancouver Service Dept. until it was closed down in 2003. I was an active participant in the original PDML starting way back in 1996 but had taken a hiatus over the last several years.
Now I'm Back! BTW I love this site! So far it's been the most informative I've seen in a long time!
Anyway, enough about me!
Darren S.
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