Lens Repair L1k 14-50 Vario-elmarit

[d_lague]

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The lens on my 8 month old L1K Panasonic has developed 2 problems.

 

1. When I zoom from wide angle to tele, it stops at 25 or so. It is a real hard stop. With a little wiggling it will go to 50.

 

2. The front section of the lens, the part that extends is loose. You can wiggle from side to side at full extension perhaps a mm or 2 to each side.

 

The lens still seems to take good shots. I am just wondering if anyone has encountered this before.

 

Also any recommendations on repair. The lens is still under the Panasonic warrantee, however I am not impressed with their service. I am worried about a 2 month wait for the lens. And I am worried that I will be tempted to buy another lens while waiting!! That 25mm f/1.4 Leica D Summilux looks tempting.

[goodbokeh]

I have not had any problems yet with my 14-50mm V-Elmarits but they are not as old as yours. I would still recommend sending the lens to Panasonic for repair. It may need parts and Panasonic is the source of those parts. Eight months on the parts will still be covered by warranty but the labor will be on you.

 

A second lens is a very good idea while you wait ;-). I can recommend the 25 Summilux but it is difficult to purchase, it is often backordered at B&H. The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 or the Olympus 50mm f/2 could be good long term compliments to the 14-50mm V-Elmarit.