Lens Repair experiences..

[Niresangwa]

Firstly, not sure where to put this, so I just chose GCC..

So one of my main lenses, my 16-50mm had problem this weekend. It wasn't bumped or any other issue, but suddenly, the zoom ring locked up.

I gave it as good a twist as I dared, and it freed up, but was still tough to turn, and quickly locked again, limiting the zoom range 50 to about 25. The focus ring is fine, the AF motor is thankfully fine.

The lens is WR and sealed, and it never gets into dusty, sandy or otherwise adverse situations. It didn't take a serious blow or drop. There is no record online for this kind of systemic problem.

When I rattle it, I can hear something is loose inside.

It's out of warranty, but it will be going back to Pentax for a look over tomorrow.

I have a back up in that range, but still ordered a replacement this morning in time for the weekend.

So my question is whether anyone can hazard a guess as to what it is, and more importantly, whether anyone has had a similar experience, and what they ended up paying for the fix..

TIA

[Izzy]

I can tell you that you are doing the right thing by sending it in. I have made the mistake of opening a lens or two. None of them ever worked again.

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by Izzy

I can tell you that you are doing the right thing by sending it in. I have made the mistake of opening a lens or two. None of them ever worked again.

Yeah, those small screws on the lens mount looked awfully inviting when I looked t it last night... thankfully I don't have the male gene that overrides the logical acknowledgement of one's own mechanical limitations.

[Izzy]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

Yeah, those small screws on the lens mount looked awfully inviting when I looked t it last night... thankfully I don't have the male gene that overrides the logical acknowledgement of one's own mechanical limitations.

I could not have put it better. My wife has made me promise to NEVER open a lens or camera again. Cars and motorcycles I do fine but cams forget it.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

Yeah, those small screws on the lens mount looked awfully inviting when I looked t it last night... thankfully I don't have the male gene that overrides the logical acknowledgement of one's own mechanical limitations.

Neither do I. I once took the mount off the back of my Oly OM Zuiko 50/1.2 to see if I could find out why the shutter was sticky, but I quickly put it back. Went out and found a good repair guy who specialized in OM gear, paid him $85, and got my lens back with the shutter all snappy and happy.

I do love reading/seeing teardowns, like this one, though. It's a sickness.

[Skoropada]

I can proudly say that I was successful at repairing my Minolta 50 mm f/1.7

Día 293 – Equipo fotográfico Gabriel Skoropada Fotografia

Eventhough, while trying to achieve this, I doubted that I could put it back together...

[Niresangwa]

(not because I"m under the impression anyone really gives a sh!t, rather just in case anyone ever searches for a similar issue)

Just an update to this:

Problem Reported:
ZOOM RING LOCKED UP AT APPROX 22MM. NO IMPACT OR CONCUSSION, AF STILL FINE, FOCUS RING WORKS FINE, CAN
HEAR SOME OBJECT LOOSE INSIDE.

Details of Service:
ESTIMATE TO REPLACE ZOOM ROLLERS
REPLACE ZOOM LEVER
REPLACE CAM RING
ADJUST TO MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL CHECK AND CLEAN
REPAIR COMES WITH A 6 MONTH SERVICE WARRANTY

Estimated return is 14-21 days, and cost of repair is going to be $110 including return shipping, insurance and handling.

Overall, very happy with Pentax's handling of an out of warranty repair.

[SwissJon]

Sounds quite fair. How much did the lens cost in the first place?

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Sounds quite fair. How much did the lens cost in the first place?

About $900. I immediately ordered a replacement when the lens in question broke down. I guess I'll wait and see whether I hang on to it or sell it... I suppose that's the nice thing about lenses, whether I wait 6 months or 6 years, it won't lose it's value.

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

About $900. I immediately ordered a replacement when the lens in question broke down. I guess I'll wait and see whether I hang on to it or sell it... I suppose that's the nice thing about lenses, whether I wait 6 months or 6 years, it won't lose it's value.

Nope.. they pretty much lose all the value they're going to lose the moment they get bought from new.. I've actually made some money on lenses before, just by being patient and waiting for a bargain..

Since it's your main lens, probably worth hanging on to it.