A few weeks ago I had a problem with my Tokina 12-24 on my D300 while on a dive in Pulau Redang - basically totally overblown/white out shots in both manual and auto mode, with and without strobes, above and below the water! Posted a question about it here and the consensus was sticky aperture diaphragm bades, which on closer inspection seems to be the issue.
Being based in Malaysia I have had to search around for the "nearest " Tokina distributor (Singapore), but on questioning them, they said they'd only send the lens back to Japan for servicing as they had no facilities to do it locally. I e-mailed Tokina in Japan and got a reply within 30 mins! I've been in frequent contact with them regarding service options etc and warranty issues. They have been polite, responsive and very customer-friendly. Its rare an old curmudgeon like me puts fingers to keyboard to give kudos for good service, but my experience with Tokina has been a breath of fresh air, despite not getting exactly what I want!
The point I want to make regards the warranty...because I bought the lens Oct 2006 in the UK (and the reseller gave only a 1 yr warranty), the lens isn't covered by a warranty at all, so Tokina would charge me for repairs.....but....from 2007 Tokina introduced a 2 year international warranty which was designed to smooth over any warranty issues between the reseller and the customer. Unfortunately they aren't back-dating the 2 year warranty for me. The text of their latest reply to me states :
"Thank you for your response.
I will be waiting for the arrival of your lens to submit it to the technical department.
As regards the warranty,according to the contract between our distributors and us,technical support for consumers,such as repairs,must be assumed by them.
Our international warranty cards are complementarily issued to avoid troubles between counsumers and our distributors since your lens warranty relies on the dealer whom you bought from,however,the first issuance was the end of the last year,therefore,that is why your lens did not come with the international warranty card.
Under the cricumstances,to our regret,our international warranty does not cover the period when you purchased the item.
The above explains our fundamental stance,however,in your case,the matter whether it is charged repair or not should be judged after the trouble status is checked well by our techincal staff.
Although in case of charged repair,before setting about it,I will inform you the repair cost in order that you can judge whether the cost exceeds the cost of purchasing a new one."
Anyone had to service their Tokina lenses recently?? I am toying with getting the 10-17 and leaving my 12-24 topside and would like to know if there have been any reported issues with the lens build quality.
Steve
