cost of repairs

I have a Canon 17-55 f2.8 IS lens, that I love. Recently, it started doing something weird: when the image stabilization is turned on, and I partially press the shutter, there is the usual buzz of the IS, but then it keeps buzzing and buzzing, as if it can't complete the process. Essentially, it's rendered the IS unusable.

I went on the Canon Canada website (I live in Toronto), and it is quoting $189 (before tax) for a repair. I find it odd that this quote is without them knowing what is wrong. Do they just automatically charge the same amount for any lens repair? Will the quote go up if there is a part needing replacement?

Anyone have experience using the Canon Canada repair service? Do you think it's worth spending the money to fix it? Are there any other alternatives?

GadgetNeil said:

I have a Canon 17-55 f2.8 IS lens, that I love. Recently, it started doing something weird: when the image stabilization is turned on, and I partially press the shutter, there is the usual buzz of the IS, but then it keeps buzzing and buzzing, as if it can't complete the process. Essentially, it's rendered the IS unusable.

I went on the Canon Canada website (I live in Toronto), and it is quoting $189 (before tax) for a repair. I find it odd that this quote is without them knowing what is wrong. Do they just automatically charge the same amount for any lens repair? Will the quote go up if there is a part needing replacement?

Anyone have experience using the Canon Canada repair service? Do you think it's worth spending the money to fix it? Are there any other alternatives?

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It is my understanding that the Canon repair quote includes parts that are most likely required based on the short explanation of the problem that they usually request when you ask for a quote. I also understand that they do not simply fix the mentioned problem but instead, they strip down each and every lens that is sent to them simply as a matter of course and to protect themselves from claims that their repairs caused other problems. If additional parts are required for the stated problem or additional problems are found, they will contact you for further instructions. I went through the on-line quote procedure about a year ago with my 100-400 when the zoom mechanism failed (know to happen) and I received a quote of $319. (Can) plus $10 shipping. I sent in the lens at my cost and it was returned within a week of them receiving it. The repair bill included several parts including a focus ring unit, 2 collars plus screws and studs. They did not call me for additional funds and in fact I did not speak to anyone from Canon. The process was very well handled and I thought their shipping cost was exceptional considering that I live on the West Coast and I had to send the lens to Mississauga. As to your 17-55, I think the quote is reasonable (assuming there are no surprises when they open it up) and for that cost or slightly higher, I would certainly send my 17-55 in to Canon for repair.

Hope this helps,

Bill

willvan said:

It is my understanding that the Canon repair quote includes parts that are most likely required based on the short explanation of the problem that they usually request when you ask for a quote. Hope this helps,

Bill

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The weird thing to me, is that the online Canon form never asked me to describe the problem - it only asked the specific part, serial #, purchase date, and from that came up with the quote. I assume I can save shipping costs and hassles if I bring it myself to the Mississauga location? Do you know it it is possible to call them first and get some info over the phone?

Neil

GadgetNeil said:

willvan said:

It is my understanding that the Canon repair quote includes parts that are most likely required based on the short explanation of the problem that they usually request when you ask for a quote. Hope this helps,

Bill

Click to expand...

The weird thing to me, is that the online Canon form never asked me to describe the problem - it only asked the specific part, serial #, purchase date, and from that came up with the quote. I assume I can save shipping costs and hassles if I bring it myself to the Mississauga location? Do you know it it is possible to call them first and get some info over the phone?

Neil

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Hi Neil. I am sure you can drop your lens off and it appears that we are limited in Canada to the Mississauga location, a good thing for you if you live close by. Their phone number is (905) 795-2005 and I would expect they would gladly provide any additional information that you require. An additional phone number from the quote section is 1-800-652-2666.

Please let us know how you make out as it is always good to know how Canon is performing in the service area.

Bill

In the meantime, the problem with the IS seems to only be intermittent.

I have been using a Blackrapid strap that screws into the tripod mount. Could that make the IS on the 17-55 go wonky? I recall that IS often is messed up if the camera is on a tripod, so I was wondering if the strap screwed into the tripod mount might create problems? This morning, the IS problem was there, but after I removed the Blackrapid strap, the problem didn't recur. I was able to use the camera with the IS functioning normally.

GadgetNeil said:

In the meantime, the problem with the IS seems to only be intermittent.

I have been using a Blackrapid strap that screws into the tripod mount. Could that make the IS on the 17-55 go wonky? I recall that IS often is messed up if the camera is on a tripod, so I was wondering if the strap screwed into the tripod mount might create problems? This morning, the IS problem was there, but after I removed the Blackrapid strap, the problem didn't recur. I was able to use the camera with the IS functioning normally.

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Edited remarks: I very much doubt that the Blackrapid strap is the cause of the problem and you should probably talk to Canon Repair Service if IS continues to be intermittent.

Bill

You could phone Camera Repair Canada, 905 891 6960, and ask about getting your lens repaired.

This is an independent shop on Lakeshore Road East , a few blocks east of Hurontario / Highway 10.


My T1i was repaired there at a reasonable price, with excellent service, and quite quickly.

BAK

I have a Canon EFS 1755 f2.8 that was purchased new in Jun 2011.. It has well over 30,000 images taken on it. The zoom mechanics internally prevent the lens zooming less than 30mm.. Hard stop. Otherwise the lens behaves as it always has. I called Canon gave them the model number and brief description of the problem. I was told the estimate for repair would be $219 dollars US. ( 11 Mar 2019) roughly about 25% of the cost of a new lens. I have had repairs done to other lens that where dropped and housings cracked. Roughly the same cost percentage to fix it. Lens came back in about 13 calendar days. No issues. They did not ask for additional funds. I suspect they have the cost for the main sub assembly and labor worked out very carefully. The current lens issue is on a lens that is just short of 8 years old with roughly 228 images a month every month for 8 years.. I will be sending into Canon shortly. I was advised that their repair facility in NJ will be closing permanently this Friday.. All repairs will now go to

Canon Factory Service Center
12022 CANON BLVD.
NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23606
866-510-1335

You've replied to a 5 year old thread. No doubt the OP has either had it repaired or sold it by now.

Also, the OP is in Canada so the NJ facility closing would have no bearing.

Mark B. said:

You've replied to a 5 year old thread. No doubt the OP has either had it repaired or sold it by now.

Also, the OP is in Canada so the NJ facility closing would have no bearing.

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i don't understand how people find these old posts and respond to them without reading the date ;-)

Canon repairs are expensive.

Replacement of cracked 580ex2 wide panel was quoted at $180 + tax - more than used 580ex2.