Olympus 12-100 - Need help testing

[JaKing]

Just an update, for anybody who is interested:

• The 'store' (I always use a store so I have someone to go back to - this is the first time I have had to), replied: "Thank you for forwarding me the example test charts. My colleague and myself have had a close look at them and believe the lens is performing to specification. With any super zoom lens softening can appear around the edges of images as you zoom in."
• Olympus service, Australia, replied: "It sounds like the element is not aligned properly, does it happen on F.4 and F.8 as well? If it does, please take it back to the store or send it to us for alignment adjustment."

So I shot the additional images requested by Olympus. The results were the same.

I've requested a replacement from the store. If they don't do this I'll have to bypass them and just send it direct to Olympus for 'repair'.

I would go straight to Olympus Oz, if I were you. They will align it to spec. Send a CDR/DVD with the test images along with an explanation. Put red rings around the relevant bits of the images. No point expecting them to have to hunt for them.

Care to name the store?

 

[cpt kent]

I'm thinking I'll do just that (send it to Olympus).

I won't name and shame the store just yet (PM me if you really need to know), I'm trying to give them the opportunity to help a customer resolve a problem. That's one of the reason I use stores rather than just buy on-line. But they've fluffed me around for a week now, and their last reply was insulting, so my patience is running out.

 

[Clayton1985]

I'm thinking I'll do just that (send it to Olympus).

I won't name and shame the store just yet (PM me if you really need to know), I'm trying to give them the opportunity to help a customer resolve a problem. That's one of the reason I use stores rather than just buy on-line. But they've fluffed me around for a week now, and their last reply was insulting, so my patience is running out.

Interestingly enough this is one of the reasons I buy online vs using stores.... service is usually better, prices are better and there is less hassle when you have problems. Certainly this depends on your location and I'm sure there are stores that offer better service than ordering online from B&H, Adorama, Amazon, etc but my guess is they are few and far between.

 

[JaKing]

I'm thinking I'll do just that (send it to Olympus).

I won't name and shame the store just yet (PM me if you really need to know), I'm trying to give them the opportunity to help a customer resolve a problem. That's one of the reason I use stores rather than just buy on-line. But they've fluffed me around for a week now, and their last reply was insulting, so my patience is running out.

Ring the service centre and speak to one of the techs first. They are great blokes.

I bought my E-M1 MkII and 12-100 from Michael's here in Melbourne. Good people to deal with, and will negotiate better prices for loyal customers, but only if asked!

 

[cpt kent]

Now I'm getting "Return it to us and we will assess it and if it's faulty we will replace it".

But I'm still just inclined to send it to Olympus.

 

[cpt kent]

I've not used them - they are a little out of my way. But I'll keep that in mind, thanks.

 

[cpt kent]

So I've spoken to the camera store, who now say "send it back and if we think it's faulty we will replace it"

And I've spoken to the techs at Olympus, who say send it in and if it's faulty we will replace it (inside of 14days = DOA) or repair.

So I'm going to the manufacturer, who are giving me far more confidence with their response.

 

[Bmat]

I think I'd rather have the store give me a new one, than have it repaired by Olympus. I've hear stories of soft copies always staying soft even when sent in--but that was from my Canon days, and maybe things have improved or are different with Olympus. But the store is sounding difficult about it. I wouldn't give them my business again.

 

[karlreed]

So I've spoken to the camera store, who now say "send it back and if we think it's faulty we will replace it"

And I've spoken to the techs at Olympus, who say send it in and if it's faulty we will replace it (inside of 14days = DOA) or repair.

So I'm going to the manufacturer, who are giving me far more confidence with their response.

Hi, are you able to actually go to the store? I would, and, pack the lens up nicely, take the receipt, and, tell them you want another copy. If they refuse, then send it to Olympus. If you are in Melbourne, your store there has just ONE in stock!

 

[cpt kent]

In any case, weather through the store or through Olympus, I suspect the store is 'just the middle man' in weather it ultimately gets fixed or replaced, and I've had enough of messing with the store.

As to the quality of any 'fix', I did strongly consider that. I hate the thought of someone messing with, or opening up, a brand new lens, regardless of the brand/price/quality/problem. But I'm quietly confident it won't return to me any worse than it left.

 

[glassoholic]

Hi,

Can I call on the assistance of someone (especially if they have a 12-100) to take a look at the attached.

I don't usually do such tests, but since this lens is intended to be my primary travel lens, and I've spend a few $ on it, I thought I'd run it over a test chart.

The photo is one of several. This one is at 35mm, ISO200, f5.6, electronic shutter, tripod, 2 second delay.

Thoughts?

Can you try with your current setup shooting each corner after you have activated the most extreme relevant corner focus point?

A combination of slightly out of square camera to subjects alignment and typical focus curvature can easily give bad results.

--
"You are a long time dead" -
Credit to whoever said that first and to my wife for saying it to me.
Make the best you can of every day

 

[cpt kent]

Refer below!

Edit: I did consider some kind of 'field curvature' was in play. But at F5.6, I figured that:

• wouldn't be so great
• wouldn't account for anything asymmetric (it appears softer on the left, to me)
• wouldn't account for the fact that many of my other lenses had no problems at the same focal length. If it's causing problems for this reason, it's going, and I'll stick with my excellent 12-40

 

[cpt kent]

I bit the bullet, so to speak, and have sent it off to Olympus for their appraisal.

I shall find out in due course if:

1. I'm imagining things and the lens is fine with no problems - in which case I sell it because it's not what I'm after or expecting.
2. The lens is not to spec and gets repaired - the most likely outcome. If it comes back 'fixed', great. If it comes back the same or worse, at least I'll know it's 'within Olympus specification'. Refer point 1
3. The lens is not to spec and gets replaced - entirely up to Olympus.

Either way, I've cut out the middle man (the store) because it seems as though Olympus will make the final decision either way.

I'll shoot some same shots with it when I get something back, and make a decision from there.

 

[karlreed]

I bit the bullet, so to speak, and have sent it off to Olympus for their appraisal.

I shall find out in due course if:

1. I'm imagining things and the lens is fine with no problems - in which case I sell it because it's not what I'm after or expecting.
2. The lens is not to spec and gets repaired - the most likely outcome. If it comes back 'fixed', great. If it comes back the same or worse, at least I'll know it's 'within Olympus specification'. Refer point 1
3. The lens is not to spec and gets replaced - entirely up to Olympus.

Either way, I've cut out the middle man (the store) because it seems as though Olympus will make the final decision either way.

I'll shoot some same shots with it when I get something back, and make a decision from there.

I know how you feel, which Is why I go to some expense and trouble to make sure I won't be disappointed in the end.

God luck!

 

[cpt kent]

It's been assessed, and approved for replacement.

None in stock, I'll have to wait a couple of weeks.

 

[Day Hiker]

It's been assessed, and approved for replacement.

None in stock, I'll have to wait a couple of weeks.

Great news that you get a replacement. Not so great that you have to wait. I have no doubt you will re-run your tests with the new specimen. Let us know how it goes.


Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Life is good in the woods. All paths lead forward.

 

[cpt kent]

Well it's been a while, but here is the final summary:

Events so far:

• I wasn't happy with the IQ on my 12-100. It's been the first time I've had any problem with any Olympus lens.
• I discussed this with the store I bought it through, "Digital Camera Warehouse" and sent them the same test images I posted on this forum.
• The camera store said "My colleague and myself have had a close look at them and believe the lens is performing to specification. With any super zoom lens softening can appear around the edges of images as you zoom in."
• I wasn't happy with that answer. After much pressing, they said "If you feel that there may be a fault with this particular lens and that it is not performing to specification, we can forward the lens to Olympus for assessment. Please be aware that if we do forward the lens on, the process can take 6 – 8 weeks for assessment or repair, if required."
• Given the effort that it took to get that far, I took them out of the equation and got in contact directly with Olympus Australia, via telephone, who said to send it in, and they'd take a look.

And the conclusion:

• Within a week I had received an email saying that "Your 12-100mm Pro lens has been assessed & approved for replacement."
• This took about 3 weeks, simply because they did not have any in stock - understandable for a new product. They kept letting me know of the status of my replacement, without prompting.
• I have received the new lens, and while I have not gone to the same detail in testing (Tripod, e-shutter, etc) I find that even shooting a test chart handheld under normal conditions I am very satisfied with this lens. Therefore I don't see the need to conduct any more specific tests.

Lessons learned:

• Trust my own judgement. I've been doing this a while. If something seems amiss, it probably is.
• I assumed I'd get better service from a prominent camera store. I was wrong. The next time I do, I'll get a verbal guarantee and the name of the person who I dealt with that, if I have a problem, I can deal directly with them to get it resolved.

All the above just FYI of those who helped me initially.

Cheers

David

 

[JaKing]

Well it's been a while, but here is the final summary:

Events so far:

• I wasn't happy with the IQ on my 12-100. It's been the first time I've had any problem with any Olympus lens.
• I discussed this with the store I bought it through, "Digital Camera Warehouse" and sent them the same test images I posted on this forum.
• The camera store said "My colleague and myself have had a close look at them and believe the lens is performing to specification. With any super zoom lens softening can appear around the edges of images as you zoom in."
• I wasn't happy with that answer. After much pressing, they said "If you feel that there may be a fault with this particular lens and that it is not performing to specification, we can forward the lens to Olympus for assessment. Please be aware that if we do forward the lens on, the process can take 6 – 8 weeks for assessment or repair, if required."
• Given the effort that it took to get that far, I took them out of the equation and got in contact directly with Olympus Australia, via telephone, who said to send it in, and they'd take a look.

And the conclusion:

• Within a week I had received an email saying that "Your 12-100mm Pro lens has been assessed & approved for replacement."
• This took about 3 weeks, simply because they did not have any in stock - understandable for a new product. They kept letting me know of the status of my replacement, without prompting.
• I have received the new lens, and while I have not gone to the same detail in testing (Tripod, e-shutter, etc) I find that even shooting a test chart handheld under normal conditions I am very satisfied with this lens. Therefore I don't see the need to conduct any more specific tests.

Lessons learned:

• Trust my own judgement. I've been doing this a while. If something seems amiss, it probably is.
• I assumed I'd get better service from a prominent camera store. I was wrong. The next time I do, I'll get a verbal guarantee and the name of the person who I dealt with that, if I have a problem, I can deal directly with them to get it resolved.

All the above just FYI of those who helped me initially.

Cheers

David

That's a good outcome, David - finally!

What a bugger of a process ...

Thanks for letting us know.