Has anyone had problems with this lens (Panny 14-50mm)? at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Panasonic P2HD / AVCCAM / AVCHD / DV Camera Systems > Panasonic LUMIX S / G / GF / GH / GX Series

Panasonic LUMIX S / G / GF / GH / GX Series
4K and AVCHD on a Full Frame or Micro Four Thirds system with interchangeable lenses.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old February 1st, 2013, 09:48 AM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Conway, NH
Posts: 574
Has anyone had problems with this lens (Panny 14-50mm)?

The lens below really looks great (Panasonic 14-50mm, f2.8/3.5), but I've read some complaints that the zoom can get permanently stuck at 22mm after a couple years usage. Does anyone know if this issue has been fixed?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/550043-REG/Panasonic_L_ES014050_14_50mm_f_2_8_3_5_Vario_Elmarit_Aspherical.html
Bill Edmunds is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 1st, 2013, 10:35 AM   #2
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Posts: 700
Re: Has anyone had problems with this lens (Panny 14-50mm)?

Yes, the sticking happens. No idea if they've solved the problem on newly produced lenses. Luckily, the fix costs $0, provided you have a small philips screwdriver (which you should anyway):

1. remove the rubber zoom ring
2. remove the two metal stripes carefully
3. remove the screws which are direct in sight
4. now you can pull the front ring backwards carefully
5. you can see three more screws on the inner barrel of the lens. In my case, all these screws were loose
6. tighten the three screws - add low-strength LocTite (purple) if you like
7. re-assemble in the reverse order of the above steps

Because it sticks due to loose screws, you can usually get it to move to full zoom out by simply tilting the lens until the screws aren't causing an obstruction.

Not very difficult in the realm of lens repairs, and it's a bitchin' lens. It's my standard zoom on AF100 for quick jobs. Wonderfully sharp with gentle Leica-esque out of focus areas... at 28mm, I prefer it to my Elmarit-R 28 prime. Zoom and focus are delightfully smooth. OIS functions well. Great range, reasonably fast.

Downsides: the aforementioned loose screws, lots of plastic in the build, AF is slow enough to effectively not exist, aperture isn't constant (unless you count it as constant f3.5 with "bonus speed" on the wide end), relatively large, fully electronic focus and aperture, needs an adapter, unreasonably expensive new (although often available cheap used - especially if you find someone offloading a "broken" lens)


Despite my positive review, I'm not certain I'd get one now unless it was an exceptional deal... with the forthcoming SpeedBooster purported to work with DX lenses, the prospect of turning the mechanically and optically good Tamron 17-50/2.8 non-VC into an effective 12-35/2 is ridiculously attractive.
__________________
Freelance pudgy bearded lighting camera operator
www.mcbob.tv
Kevin McRoberts is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 1st, 2013, 07:32 PM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Conway, NH
Posts: 574
Re: Has anyone had problems with this lens (Panny 14-50mm)?

Thanks for the info, Kevin. How do you remove the rubber zoom ring?
Bill Edmunds is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 2nd, 2013, 12:37 PM   #4
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Posts: 700
Re: Has anyone had problems with this lens (Panny 14-50mm)?

It simply slips off
__________________
Freelance pudgy bearded lighting camera operator
www.mcbob.tv
Kevin McRoberts is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Panasonic P2HD / AVCCAM / AVCHD / DV Camera Systems > Panasonic LUMIX S / G / GF / GH / GX Series

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:04 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network