FA*28-70 focussing

was checking my Z-1 before sending it off to its new home at Hampton Court yesterday and boy could anything focus - no - oh I thought the camera was broke. No, the AF switch was in manual, turned on AF and still no focussing...

turns out the focus of the lens is between just before infinity and infinity - all mechanical efforts are in vain.

Is this unique? has anyone else had the same issue? Does not help that the 16-50 is in for repairs already so I am currently without a mid-range zoom for next weekend. So when I collect one lens the other gets dropped off....

Is this like the 645 lenses where you move the focus ring forward or backward for AF and MF? Have you tried that?

I sold my FA* 28-70mm f2.8 last year, but my version could focus just past infinity, similar to other zooms I have had. The focusing on this lens was very precise and fast on my K-5. I must mention that my zoom had had an expensive and thorough service where, amongst other things, the power zoom motor had been replaced. As a conclusion, my lens had no focussing issues, but was very responsive and precise. I should probably not have sold it

I've had no issues with my FA* 28-70mm - fast & accurate focus.

Have you tried checking the underneath of the focus ring for any small piece of debris that might be causing a jam - a gentle & cautious poke with a needle might do the trick.

Tried everything, the focussing ring moves freely when the AF switch is disengaged (ie pulled back) - the screw moves only so far. It just feels like there is a physical jams stopping the mechanism moving....also doesn't feel like it's small debris either, the ring is smooth.

Did you manage to get this sorted?

Yes, I did. At Asahi photo in Brentford....Lens did sterling service on my K-1 in Cuba - now I have a FA*80-200 to keep it company.

Last question then - do you know what the fault was?

I had a similar symptom on my FA* 85 that was caused by a broken spur gear just under the screw drive slot. I managed to find a replacement part and fixed it myself.

I don't know what the problem was but it could've been a gear that just gave us because of old age. Forget DIY repair, if I tried that I'd only end up with a bigger repair bill to repair my repair.