Pleased I could help. At least posting here gives the opportunity for quite a few heads to get together and hopefully help work it out. Hope it isn't away too long.

Regards

John

If you have photos taken the with lens showing this problem going back to when you purchased the camera/lens you can possibly prove it was inherently faulty and did not conform to contract. (Ref Sale of Goods Act 1979.)
Ideally this should have been done in under six months after purchase when it would be for the retailer to prove the lens did conform to contract, whereas after six months and until the end of the six years it is for the consumer to prove the 'lack of conformity.' But you might well be able to do that.
If you are happy with a repair then no issue providing it is returned within a reasonable time. Did you speak to the shop manager or one of the sales assistants? The latter may be more inclined to try and fob you off!

John

If you haven't had the lens long I'd try and get it exchanged for a fresh one if possible. You could also be entitled to a refund - you can choose to 'reject' it, give it back and get your money back which would allow you to get another fresh one. If it was a bargain though getting it repaired might still be sensible.
I can't think why the wide angle end should be more affected than the telephoto end. That's strange. At least you still have other lenses to use in the meantime.
It is worth upgrading to v1.13 as it seems to give a slightly improved autofocus performance (Pentax haven't stated that though!)

John

I must say I've never heard of a lens problem quite like that before. Hope you get it resolved ASAP.

John

Well the day I got the camera I thought it was jammed! Realised eventually and now think it is a good feature. I have had cameras change mode in the gadget bag and not realise.

John

It does sounds like a problem with the lens. Suggest you contact the supplier with a view of getting it changed or repaired under warranty (presume it still is?)

John

That wouldn't account for the fact that the exif data of the two vastly different exposed photos shows the same exposure. Each exposure of a bracketed set shows the setting used.

I would still suspect the lens diaphragm playing up. Have you physically checked the lens stop down off the camera and on the camera in optical preview mode? That is make sure the aperture is 'nice and snappy' to quote an ebay phrase and hasn't got sluggish.

I agree that doing a full reset may well help to put the camera back to normal if it isn't that so it would be a good idea to do that.

John

What fantastic luck. Well done for your wonderful images.

John

Don't forget the camera has an optical stop down preview. Work that a few times to see if the aperture is closing as it should on the camera.

John

The Gift of the Nectar to the Ladybird!




Pentax K-5, FA 50mm f2.8 macro, 1/400 @ f10 ISO 160 Taken 27 March 12.15pm

Originally posted to ask for comments but as it fits the theme seemed appropriate to enter it here.

John