Scratches inside EF 85 f1.2L II that was never opened. $1800 to repair!

I didn't see it when I first got it and also haven't noticed until 2 weeks ago. I inspected all the screws on the lens body and none of them showed sign of coming in contact with screw driver or any tool.

I talked to a customer service at service center and she cannot explain why the scratches showed up inside. (It took me a while to get her to understand that the scratches are not on the external surfaces of front or rear elements since she kept on hinting that they were from my cleaning or putting the caps on the lens). I thought they were going to offer me an option to exchange it for a refurbished unit but it never come up in the repair estimate or phone conversation.

Before I got the last estimate, I was fine with having 1 or 2 glass elements replaced which would bring total cost to about $600.  But adding that USM focus assembly (again, I did NOT notice any focus issue on recently taken photos) took it above my repair cost decision point.

It is no longer under warranty.

The lens was never dropped and the exterior does not show any kind of physical damage AFAIK.

rksilp wrote:

It is no longer under warranty.

Sorry to hear that. I can sympathize. It must be a common that lightly used gear goes out-of-warranty before defects are detected. I purchased a 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM as a backup for my 100-400 f/4-5.6 IS USM. Recently the much used 100-400 needed a repair so i pulled out my mint condition 70-300 which had only been used twice (because it is a backup). Much to my disgust, both the AF and IS were dead. Canon estimated out-of-warranty repair cost was $485 to replace both AF and IS modules (75% cost of new lens $650). I declined the repair and now own a $650 doorstop.

rksilp wrote:

The lens was purchased new from B&H and barely used (due to weight). I only used it on special occasions when f1.2-2.0 would be useful since I already have 70-200 2.8L IS II. I noticed during cleaning that the lens showed faint swirl marks "inside". It was not on front or rear element. The focusing seemed normal to me.

So, I decided to send it to Newport New service center for evaluation. They quoted the total cost to repair for around $1800 saying that G2 lens, G3 lens and USM focus assembly needed to be replaced! The most expensive part is the USM focus assembly (~$1100) So, it wasn't worth repairing it since for the same amount of money I can get a brand new one or a very good used one with warranty from reputable sellers for a lot cheaper than $1800.

I never took this lens to a beach or dusty areas. I used it indoor most of the time. What could possibly causes the fine scratches inside the lens elements (and might damage the focus assembly)?

this unfortunate lens look like the front element was rubbed with something abrasive very carelessly! this doesn't mean i am disagreeing with you that it is the internal element! i have 12-13 "L" lenses but never had the slightest issue with them from the day 1 but i do empathize with people who do have issue with their expensive gear while out of warranty!!!! what a shame.

If by Newport News service center you are referring to Canon's own facility, why not contact them again and see if they will verify that the lens was new and had never been opened? If Canon will confirm that the lens was new/unopened, contact BHPhoto and see if the merchant will do something for you? BHPhoto has an excellent reputation and may be willing to help.

I ran into a similar problem. Between the lenses there are strange streaks and micro dots, like small drops of oil.

nt

How did you solve the problem? Does it affect image quality?

more pic

Would most likely cost way too much to fix.