Just thought I'd finish this small saga, firstly with thanks to all who posted comments, and then to Pentax UK who have agreed to change the lens, despite the fact that by the time the lens arrived for inspection at/by Johnson's the debris had disappeared!

On a more general note, however, I have been speaking to a lot of people along the way, and some interesting things have been said, including the fact that come October this year Pentax Imaging UK will be a seperate business within the Pentax UK organisation, so will we see a return to 'real world' pricing of lenses, etc?

There's also an acknowledgement that they can't compete with the marketing budgets of Canikon et al, so, cutting their cloth accordingly they're focussing (right now) on putting more product and support into Pentax Pro Centres.

Hopefully the enthusiasm we all have for Pentax kit is returning to Pentax itself?

I'm still waiting on a response from the retailer, but have in the meantime spoken to Consumer Direct. Seems I can't demand a replacement, although I can ask for it. According to Consumer Direct it would have to be a replacement of similar value!

I've escalated it up to a manager at Johnson's; according to Pentax they make the decision as to repair or replace in the event the lens is sent to them.

Retailer still also trying to get this resolved.

In fairness to the dealer there's no question of not getting a refund or a repair if I want one. What I want though is a perfect lens One of my little foibles I suppose; when I buy something new I expect it to be pristine. In this instance it looks like I need to decide between a repair = less than perfect, or paying more. As I wrote earlier, another dealer is advertising one at £10 more.

Guess all will be revealed tomorrow!

Thanks to all for your comments and advice.

You're right, except I'm told by the dealer that as it was 'old' stock, and they've now run out, they'd have to charge me the difference between the old and new price because any replacement they received from Pentax would be at the new prices.

If anyone knows how Pentax handles returns from dealers I'd be very pleased to know, as unfortunately at the moment what the dealer's telling me makes sense even if I don't like what I'm hearing.

If it were a speck I wouldn't be so bothered, but it's 1>1.5 mm in diameter. I'm also concerned what else might be in there!

Besides, even at the old price it's not a cheap lens, and I expect it to be perfect, that way I know if there any problems with any of my shots it's down to me, not the equipment

Thanks Shim, never heard of "Loss of Bargain Claim"; I'll look into it. That said, it's Pentax at fault, not the dealer. Poor quality control.

I'm hoping Pentax will offer a straight replacement. That would be my preferred choice. The dealer, however, indicated that it's unlikely. He talked about refunds, credit notes, etc. Bottom line, he felt that I'd end up having to pay the new, higher, price.



Can't get it at the same price, unfortunately, although looks like I might be able to get one for around £10 more. Could be this is the route to go.

Encouraged by all the positive things said about this lens, and prompted by the price hike, I bought one last week at the old price. Unfortunately when I received the lens I immediately noticed a small foreign object on one of the lens elements. Doesn't look like dust - 1>1.5mm in diameter, light brown in colour. Could be cardboard.

Contacted the dealer; their only other copy had dust inside!

Currently I'm waiting on what the dealer and Pentax agree on Monday, but in order for me to have this lens at the lower price it looks like I might have to send it away for 'repair'!

Thoughts? Advice? Suggestions?

Or this?

link

Look at credit/debit card receipts, etc. You had to buy fuel for your hire car - where, when? Hopefully somewhere in the Lake District at the same time as the other driver was committing the offences.