Advice needed: fixing a 500mm F4 L water damaged lens

yes it is - check it up on ebay. best of luck (would liked to have joined on this adventure)

hassan

mark fairhurst said:

I believe you are in the UK if so try
http://www.advancedcameraservices.co.uk/html/contact.html

They are near Thetford in Norfolk, just outside the Cambridge - Suffolk borders.
Small and knowledgeable team.

Click to expand...

They're new to me, and I've been using lens repairers for long enough(!!). Thanks for the tip.

--
M. Stewart
Milton Keynes, UK

Hi Hassan,

I saw that lens listed in eBay. It really depends. I bought 500L about 6 weeks ago with a saga story as said below.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1032&message=40421734

My copy was not dropped into water or hard surface according to Canon service but just a mechanical failure. Nevertheless Canon replaced all major electronic components, focus ring and focus assembly (that actual is root course) with 6-month warranty. I bought the lens from a reputable camera store that paid the repairing cost exclusively ($935 after my CPS discount) . Bad start but happy ending. I can put this lens in eBay and pocket in a not small money but I guess I can use it in my future long journey to Africa safari, Alaska, parks and birding...LOL

http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/7843305573/albums/500l-4-0-is-usm

So I'd suggest the lens to be sent to Canon service for inspection. They will have a free estimate. However they might found more problems later that could increase repairing cost dramatically. I learned from some DPR members that Canon might over-repair on Pro lenses that replace many other parts that might not must be replaced. I guess this is in my case (but I am glad I don't have to pay the bill).

Good luck

HAbba said:

Dear canon slr lens users,

I have been offered a Canon 500mm F4 IS L that fell in water for a short period - the IS seems to work but not the auto focus and there is condensation inside.

I would love to have this lens for my wildlife hobby but cannot afford the high price tag and am thinking how big a risk would this route of acquisition be.

My questions:

1. Has any one got experience or know of repairing this lens from water damage.

2. Is this something that can be under taken by some at home as a project or should be left to the professionals at canon (i am mechnically inclined to fix things - and good with a soldering iron).

3. Any other suggestions are welcome.

your suggestions and knowledge is most welcome.

regards.

Hassan

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--
http://qianp2k.zenfolio.com/

Hi,

I read your story - pleased all is good and working after 6weeks.

I have decided not to take the risk even if it gets working it may have other issues such as fungus etc in the future. Also the wife feels the kitchen needs a make over and that takes priority.

I am thinking for me the 300mm f2.8 with teleconverter (1.4x) might be a better option especially as i am more interested in animals and not birds.

Hassan

I think you made a right decision. That price as I saw in eBay is not very cheap anyway on a damaged lens that you was told at front. My case is different as I was told a "good" copy at front and only found after I purchased. So I do have a right to pursue the repairing or return but the shop still needs to repair the lens before can sell again, that will cost more as they don't have CPS discount. 300L/2.8 IS still works well with 2.0x TC, a good choice for sports as well.

HAbba said:

Hi,

I read your story - pleased all is good and working after 6weeks.

I have decided not to take the risk even if it gets working it may have other issues such as fungus etc in the future. Also the wife feels the kitchen needs a make over and that takes priority.

I am thinking for me the 300mm f2.8 with teleconverter (1.4x) might be a better option especially as i am more interested in animals and not birds.

Hassan

Click to expand...

--
http://qianp2k.zenfolio.com/

On safari in India and Kenya this year, Most of my best shots with my 70-300L were taken in the evening as the light was fading and this is where I wished I had a faster lens.

In my view now, I would rather sacrifice some reach (because we can crop) for faster f-stop - Canon 300mm f2.8.

As you mentioned I can add a 1.4TC and get 420mm at f4.

Regards

Hassan