canon EF Lens repair

[Aquarious]

Hi all,

I have a canon EF 24-70 mm AF IS lens which has an auto focus issue, although I have been using it on MF for some time, though I tried it earlier today and it appeared to be working, though I couldn’t be certain, so it may be an intermittent issue. Following a stroke, I have difficulty now working only in manual so I would like to either repair it or replace the lens.

I contacted both Fixation and Canon earlier, but they are unable to help as Canon no longer support the lens as It’s the original lens Mark I not the newer Mark II. They have offered me a voucher, which I understand is a common story. other Canon registered repair centres are likely to have the same answer and are unlikely to be able to help.
The lens has been a faithful servant and provides good quality images so I'm keen to have it repaired rather than replaced.

As a minimum it would need to be checked, repaired, serviced, and calibrated, can anyone recommend a reputable and reliable service centre?

I've done an internet search and I've come up with a company named ' The lens Doctor'. has anyone any experience of using them and/or any alternative recommendations?

Thanks, in anticipation.

[Thoughtful_Flyer]

I can't give a recommendation but this type of fault is normally caused by a failing "flex cable" that has to bend, often quite sharply, every time either the zoom or focus changes. A flex cable is effectively a very thin flexible printed circuit board.

Some models are so prone to this that third party replacement cables are manufactured and available for a few pounds on eBay!

Although I have successfully stripped and repaired an EF-S 17 to 85 with a similar issue, I certainly wouldn't touch somebody else's! Nor would I suggest diy unless you have significant experience of similar technical repairs and feel you have little to lose. You will very likely find detailed repair videos on Youtube. I certainly found them helpful when tackling mine. It also served to show why such repairs are expensive!

What would an identical lens cost s/h from a reputable dealer with a six month warranty?

Yours will still have some value s/h even with its problems declared. But sorry I'm not looking to buy it!

Hope this helps a bit and best of luck.

[Stagger2]

Ran into exactly the same issues with my similar 24-70 Mk1 with the fractured 'Ribbon' cable & a worn nylon barrel-bush which were both unavailable 10 years back! The newer Mk2 is too big, heavy & expensive to replace it!
Sold mine as spares/repair (superb casing & optics) to a guy who could fix photographic equipment as a Garden-shed business. Sadly, these guys are never replaced these days, Just like you can't find a car mechanic! They're just 'fitters' now who throw new parts at it until it works.
My 'last chance' recommendation would be:-
H. Lehmann
www.hlehmann.co.uk
247 - 249 London Road, Stoke-On-Trent ST4 5AA
01782 413611

[Aquarious]

Thanks, Stagger2 and Thoughtful_Flyer for your replies, it’s unfortunate that we live in a throw away society and because of that we are reaping the benefits in terms of cost, Environmental impact etc. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned in my life is that we as humans keep on re-inventing the wheel as if it were the first time around, pun intended. In time some clever people will realise that there is a market out there for fixing things such as washing machines, TV’s cameras, shoes as the credit crunch continues to bite. People will continue to ‘watch the pennies’ and not just buy new to replace goods. There are opportunities for electrically and mechanically minded people to create their own business.

I have heard of H Lehman before, TBH I couldn't remember the name yesterday,and I know they have a good reputation. However, as they are a registered Canon repairer, I suspect that they will not repair a product that is no longer supported by Canon, thanks for the suggestion in any case, though I will contact them. In my internet trawl I have come across a company named The Lens Doctor and they seem to be willing to repair all equipment, supported or not, I would be grateful for any comments from anyone that may have any experience of using them. I’m unlikely to send my lens away until after the Christmas period but I will post an update on my experience for others that may be interested.

[Stagger2]

I have sent you a PM with a potential Repairer you may wish to consider?

[aceyone]

I used Camserve several years ago to repair a Canon 7d,done a very good job at a fair price,they are based near Hailsham ( East Sussex )

http://www.camserve.co.uk/ourservices.html

[Thoughtful_Flyer]

Thanks, Stagger2 and Thoughtful_Flyer for your replies, it’s unfortunate that we live in a throw away society and because of that we are reaping the benefits in terms of cost, Environmental impact etc. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned in my life is that we as humans keep on re-inventing the wheel as if it were the first time around, pun intended. In time some clever people will realise that there is a market out there for fixing things such as washing machines, TV’s cameras, shoes as the credit crunch continues to bite. People will continue to ‘watch the pennies’ and not just buy new to replace goods. There are opportunities for electrically and mechanically minded people to create their own business.

I have heard of H Lehman before, TBH I couldn't remember the name yesterday,and I know they have a good reputation. However, as they are a registered Canon repairer, I suspect that they will not repair a product that is no longer supported by Canon, thanks for the suggestion in any case, though I will contact them. In my internet trawl I have come across a company named The Lens Doctor and they seem to be willing to repair all equipment, supported or not, I would be grateful for any comments from anyone that may have any experience of using them. I’m unlikely to send my lens away until after the Christmas period but I will post an update on my experience for others that may be interested.

No personal experience but have you looked at the Google reviews? !!

[Lighning Fan]

I've used these people a few years ago for a relatively minor repair but service seemed good back then https://advancedcameraservices.co.uk/repairs/