Broken 16-35mm f2.8 II. Advice is appreciated.

[mischivo]

Ahoy,

While on vacation in Rome last week, I noticed that my 16-35mm f2.8 II broke... to an extent. The problem is that the focusing ring suddenly started locking up, allowing about 3 - 4 mm of motion either way. The problem is with the ring itself, as the lens autofocuses without issue. When the problem first developed, I couldn't move the ring at all: it was stuck as solidly as the zoom ring is when you reach either end of the focal lengths. Slowly the ring came to allow me some degree of greater motion, but locking up. Now I can movie it freely for numerous rotations, but every so often, it locks up and takes finessing to let go. As far as I can tell, this happens randomly when changing the turn of the direction. I also noticed that when the ring is stuck, there is a slight protuberance in the centre of the rubber band on the bottom of the lens.

I'm thoroughly confused about what has caused this. I didn't bump the lens, nor did I drop it. I was using it without problems one day, and then the following morning, while at the Piazza de Popolo, the thing jams. The lens is no longer under the one year warranty, and I'm confused. I'll take it to Canon if the problem doesn't continue to better itself.

Does anyone have experience with Canon focus ring jams? What can cause them and how prevalent is the problem?

Thank you all in advance.
--
http://mischivo.zenfolio.com

I use film. It's great! I've always got the latest technology around.

 

[comeon]

sure it will go away by itself ...just like a toothache if you dont see a dentist ..

i dont understand threads like this ..if your cars water pump was siezed up would you ask others if it should be repaired or ask if they think the problem will fix itself ... i think not

but what do i know
cheers

 

[mischivo]

Is because at first the ring was completely immobile, and now I can get many rotations out of it before whatever it is that gets stuck manifests itself. The issue got better after peaking at its worst, so it wasn't a far cry to believe it may continue on its path to further alleviation of symptoms.
--
http://mischivo.zenfolio.com

I use film. It's great! I've always got the latest technology around.

 

[comeon]

just like that toothache comes and goes ...just before you end up finally going to the dentist to find out you now need a root canal on three teeth instead of a simple filling in one ..

or back to the water pump ..you now need a new engine ..or car

but what do i know ..
cheers

 

[MorrytheGrinch]

I had a Sigma lens which did something similar. Something broke inside and the floating piece of plastic would intermittantly jam the focus mechanism. It would then free itself and work fine for a while before jamming again.

I wouldn't have expected this from a grands worth of L lens, but its not much use to you if it lets you down when you really need it!