Getting upset with Pentax

So, I've just had my 2nd SDM lens failure. My first was on my DA* 50-135mm, which was a lens I just loved. I had that repaired and then sold the lens on eBay as I just couldn't deal with the thought that it was going to happen again. I kept thinking I felt it slowing down when I was using it. I replaced it with a siggy 70-200mm f2.8 instead and love that lens.

So hearing that if you get a good DA* 16-50mm that you're set as the problem was a lens de-glue that occurs. Well, now after 5 months my SDM has just died. Thankfully I've still got 30 days of waranty on this lens.

I've lost faith in Pentax lenses now and am very seriously considering fire selling all my lenses and swapping systems. If can-ikon had in body IS and WR I would go in a heartbeat. I'm completely limited to using 3rd party lenses due to this lack of faith which is just a horrible thing. Sorry for the grumble, I'm just quite annoyed.

Sorry to hear of your woes, but I haven't a clue what this sentence means ? ? ?

I've never heard that one either. What does it mean?

I would guess it's a reference to failure of glue (is it still Canada Balsam or do they use something else now?) between lens elements, as can affect the old FA 28-70mm f4.

It's something else now, but I don't think it can be that as it has no bearing on the SDM problem.

The only problems I have heard of with the 16-50mm are to do with SDM.
Never seperation.

Even though SDM failures do happen, in the UK, we are fine. Why? Sale of goods act 1974, that's why.

We had an early 50-135mm go after nearly 2 years. To cut a long story short, and after it had been back for repair 3 times I demanded a new lens and got it. It also helps to have a good relationship with your supplier.

If you think that moving to another system is going to stop you having problems then think again. A quick google will show you that every manufacturer has problems. Since getting into photography I've returned or replaced 2x K-7s, 3x Metz flashguns a 16-50 and a K-5. Might sound bad, but I'm on my 5th Macbook Pro thanks to nVidia!!

Solution is simple buy new from a decent supplier, in our case, SRS as they are biggest Pentax supplier in the country, and know your consumer rights. Simples!

My dad had a number of Canon lens failures with the EOS 1000 film camera he had. With all of those lenses the ultrasonic drive system died.

According to a fix guide the SDM drives just get stuck. Because they are piezoelectric it is nearly impossible for them to burn out, just jam. Apparently removing the mount plate gives access to the SDM motor which has a screw on top that you can turn to un-jam.

I have had one SDM failure but it has not put me off. I am happy with the performance and noise and if I get a problem I would try to un-jam it myself. Others may not want to, especially if it is in warranty.

Thing is, I just love the focus action on my 50-135.
If it jams will get it sorted out.
It is just so much better than screwdrive.

Davex.

Its most unfortunate to have so many problems and I have to admit it would get my back up too, but as others have pointed out you can get problems with almost anything, your sig says it all really.

you must be happy with the system overall.

nothings perfect

Interesting... It would fit with the comments about them failing after being left for a while and then used again.

SDM failures wouldn't put me off buying a lens fitted with it, if I had the money to do so. As has been mentioned we have plenty of legal protection to call upon if needed and from what I've heard a decent retailer like SRS will do everything humanly possible to sort any problems out.

Sorry to hear that you've been having bad experiences. All I can advice is that "sh*t happens" and hopefully it doesn't get to you.

The last thing you'd want to happen is to shift to another system and THEN realize why you went for Pentax in the first place. SDM is but just a small (albeit quite important) part of the Pentax experience.

Why not switch to Olympus? Nice bodies, IS, plenty of big zooms of the kind you seem to like ...

Or you could stick with Pentax and start using smaller, screw-drive primes like the Limiteds. In my opinion, if you're not shooting primes, there's little reason to stay with Pentax. Pentax = primes.