DA* 16-50 lens fails after 7 months
I also bought this lens brand new for my k70 after a lot of research from SRS in February 2019 for 499 sterling on the sale at the time.
i was happy with the performance and loved the colour rendition and it behaved flawlessly until a couple of months before warranty expired .
i was under the impression that the issue with the solenoid was addressed in later models
I've tried the lens recently on my k1ii to see would it wake it up and it didn't and I've tried all the usual tricks that were advised on various forums
FWIW my other sdm lenses have no issues eg , my 50*135 is an old secondhand and performs perfectly
My Flickr page
See what comes of the complaint registered with Pentax, not sure why that is is France though. Would have thought UK was a big market for them.
As for a replacement or a refund, feel it would be a lucky outcome from the comments received.
Does anyone know if the new replacement lens is any better?
I would like to commend Pentax on the new camera though, it is a real gem and really enjoying using it, certainly a major upgrade from my trusty old K20.
The new model, with HD coatings and PLM motor, is reputed to be absolutely superb.
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
The original DA* 16-50mm lens has always been a lemon - a very high rate of AF motor failure and sub-par optics. It's beyond me why anyone would buy it as Pentax should have replaced that model ten years ago.
The new model, with HD coatings and PLM motor, is reputed to be absolutely superb.
Agreed that the SDM failure with this lens is terrible and has not been handled at all well by Pentax/Ricoh - but not sure everyone would agree with the "sub-par optics" statement, I know there are sample variations (as with all models) but many users, including myself, have had excellent results from it - I compared it to the kit lens, the 16-45 and the 17-70 and found it to be better. I still have my original copy (with the SDM failed and frigged to use screw-drive) and am unlikely to sell it.
I had 2 motors go on my 16-50. one within warranty and the second outside. The 2nd cost me £160 and lasted until I sold the lens. Apparently the replacement motors were of variable durability, and Asahi Photo in Brentford said that they had to reject multiple batches.
Hopefully by now you will also be acutely aware that something afflicts your 16-50 might also affect your 50-135...
Sorry I couldn't be more positive, however I was not disappointed with the optical quality of my lens. I've sold my DA* lenses only because my sole Pentax DSLR is the K-1
F50 1.7. SMC-FAs 24, 35, 50 1.4, 85, 135. HD-FA15-30, DFA24-70, D-FA*70-200. The SMC-FA Limited Trinity.
Metz 45 CL-4, AF500FTZ. AF540FGZ.
Some Mamiya and some Nikon
I have to come out in support of the optics on this lens, nothing short of superb, first on the K5 and now on the KP. It is my "default" lens and has produced some fantastic images.
Keep you posted
Mine went dead about a month ago. I used it for about 11 years. I replaced it with the new (and very expensive) DA* 16-50 PLM AW. It focuses a lot faster than the old 16-50, and the AF seems to be working fine in video mode (I haven't used it much for video yet). I must say it is extremely sharp, and purple fringing seems to be reduced too. Very happy with it so far.
I've not seen much feedback on the new version. Glad to hear you like it.
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
My website
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
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3 posts
2 years
Updated all my kit in April last year from a Pentax K20 and standard range lenses I have used over the last 10 years or so without any problem, updated to the new K3Mk III and bought all new lenses to go with it including 50-135 DA*, 35mm macron 2.8 limited and 1.4x HD rear converter plus flash etc etc. In all spent close on 5K.
Having used ricoh/pentax gear for the last 35 years I am completely disgruntled that a lens of this quality has failed at all. Never had anything fail.
Sent back to retailer who have sent it to the UK repairer John Pye Ltd (Pentax repairers apparently).
Has anyone else suffered the same problem as I have raised a complaint with Pentax (via French subsidary!!).
Repair is not really what I'd want so now we wait and see what occurs.
Repair could take up to 2 months apparently!
I have been a member of the forum many years ago.. good to see it is still active.
Pete