The Hamster Clinic (or the Repair Advice Thread)

zerohamster · 30-07-2014 8:32pm

daraclare wrote: »

Make: Canon

Item: Canon 7D Kit Lens

Model: Canon 18-135

Fault: Auto Focus on lens not working fully, the focus is not sharp

When/how it happened: I'm not sure, it was handed back to me that way. I don't think it got a bump, but can't be sure. I've tried other lens on my camera body and they work fine, so I'm sure it is a problem with the lens. The broken lens does try to focus, it makes a noise, but the results are not sharp.

I would have to have a look to see how the lens is behaving or to see if there is any damage/dirt inside that could be causing that issue.
I had a friend recently complain about her lens of the same model not being sharp enough actually so I'm curious myself as to the cause.

PM me for more details if you would like?

WoodpeckerCZ · 05-08-2014 8:43pm

Make: Sigma (nikon mount)

Item: Lens

Model: EX 105mm f/2.8 Macro (pre DG version)

Fault: Aperture ring not working

When/how it happened:

I was attempting to clean my lens and begun disassembly when i figured that it is way too complicated for me to do.
I decided to put it back together which i managed to do but i've found out that small bearing fell out and now the aperture ring is lose (spins through without locking in any position) and shows EE insted of F number on the camera. the lens works when i lock the aperture ring for automatic use.
this wouldn't trouble me normaly, but i'd like to sell the lens and want to sell it in 100% working condition.(the sale was pre problem decision not after

)

WoodpeckerCZ · 05-08-2014 8:47pm

i figured i need to put the bearing (less than 1mm in diameter) back in but i cannot seem to figure out where to.
if anyone can help, it would be great

Balfey1972 · 05-08-2014 9:07pm

Big thanks to Zerohamster who repaired a 24-105 lens and fixed my Canon G11. The 24-105 lens was deemed beyond economic repair by 2 shops but he repaired it for under €100.

Great work as ever. A pleasure to deal with.
Cannot recommend him highly enough.

LeoB · 08-08-2014 10:18pm

Hi Zerohamster, hope your keeping well.
Canon 40d
Getting an error 99 message on camera. Take out battery and its good for a few shots. It toppled over when on tripod.

Sigma 17 -70 f2.8 wont auto focus. On Manual it can be focused but very stiff. This lens was on the camera when it toppled off the tripod.

Camera problem might be easily solved as I had used a bit of tape to keep battery compartment sealed tight but not so sure about the lens.

Thanks
LeoB

vandriver · 09-08-2014 7:04pm

Canon 17-85 lens
Canon 450 d

The lens has started to give "err 1" please clean contacts.
Any ideas?

protog777 · 09-08-2014 7:48pm

Canon

CPL Filter 58mm

1100D with 18-55mm Canon Lens

The filter is stuck on the lens and it won't come off. I have tried using a filter wrench but it still wont budge.

Any suggestions? Thanks, protog777

zerohamster · 09-08-2014 8:10pm

I would have to take a look at the lens to see why it's not displaying the correct aperture value.
I should have a bearing around that size to substitute if you want to PM me to arrange?

WoodpeckerCZ wrote: »

Make: Sigma (nikon mount)

Item: Lens

Model: EX 105mm f/2.8 Macro (pre DG version)

Fault: Aperture ring not working

When/how it happened:

I was attempting to clean my lens and begun disassembly when i figured that it is way too complicated for me to do.
I decided to put it back together which i managed to do but i've found out that small bearing fell out and now the aperture ring is lose (spins through without locking in any position) and shows EE insted of F number on the camera. the lens works when i lock the aperture ring for automatic use.
this wouldn't trouble me normaly, but i'd like to sell the lens and want to sell it in 100% working condition.(the sale was pre problem decision not after )

zerohamster · 09-08-2014 8:13pm

LeoB wrote: »

Hi Zerohamster, hope your keeping well.
Canon 40d
Getting an error 99 message on camera. Take out battery and its good for a few shots. It toppled over when on tripod.

Sigma 17 -70 f2.8 wont auto focus. On Manual it can be focused but very stiff. This lens was on the camera when it toppled off the tripod.

Camera problem might be easily solved as I had used a bit of tape to keep battery compartment sealed tight but not so sure about the lens.

Thanks
LeoB

Hey Leo,

I'd be happy to have a look at the body and lens for you. I have an idea about the body at least as I have seen drop damaged 40Ds mirror lever pop out of place...in saying that, error 99 is a broad spectrum error so if it isn't that I have diagnostic gear.

I would have to have a look at the lens as there could be a few things causing no AF but it sounds like something bend or misaligned.

PM me if you would like?

zerohamster · 09-08-2014 8:14pm

vandriver wrote: »

Canon 17-85 lens
Canon 450 d

The lens has started to give "err 1" please clean contacts.
Any ideas?

Hey, that sounds like it could be the common diaphragm failure that happens on the 17-85mm commonly.
If you would like to PM me I can give you more details about repair etc...

zerohamster · 09-08-2014 8:17pm

protog777 wrote: »

Canon

CPL Filter 58mm

1100D with 18-55mm Canon Lens

The filter is stuck on the lens and it won't come off. I have tried using a filter wrench but it still wont budge.

Any suggestions? Thanks, protog777

If you have used a lens wrench to no avail then I could remove it safely for you but the filter may be damaged in the process if other solutions fail.
Is the filter more valuable than the lens may I ask?

protog777 · 09-08-2014 9:56pm

zerohamster wrote: »

If you have used a lens wrench to no avail then I could remove it safely for you but the filter may be damaged in the process if other solutions fail.
Is the filter more valuable than the lens may I ask?

no, the filter is less valuable then the lens.

LeoB · 10-08-2014 10:16pm

zerohamster wrote: »

Hey Leo,

I'd be happy to have a look at the body and lens for you. I have an idea about the body at least as I have seen drop damaged 40Ds mirror lever pop out of place...in saying that, error 99 is a broad spectrum error so if it isn't that I have diagnostic gear.

I would have to have a look at the lens as there could be a few things causing no AF but it sounds like something bend or misaligned.

PM me if you would like?

Be in touch midweek. Thanks

zerohamster · 11-08-2014 2:59pm

protog777 wrote: »

no, the filter is less valuable then the lens.

PM me and I will arrange to have a look for you. better to know which is less valuable to prevent damage.

protog777 · 11-08-2014 3:01pm

zerohamster wrote: »

PM me and I will arrange to have a look for you. better to know which is less valuable to prevent damage.

thanks for that. I'll be in touch soon:)

iamnothim · 20-08-2014 3:03pm

Hi

I have a Canon 16-35 2.8L mk1 which has both a non functioning manual focus ring, and, more recently the aperture blades have gotten stuck closed and as a result it's throwing errors on the camera.
I dropped into Conns today and they told me Canon don't stock parts for this lens anymore and wont service it.
Have I got an expensive paperweight now?

Thanks

zerohamster · 30-08-2014 2:36pm

iamnothim wrote: »

Hi

I have a Canon 16-35 2.8L mk1 which has both a non functioning manual focus ring, and, more recently the aperture blades have gotten stuck closed and as a result it's throwing errors on the camera.
I dropped into Conns today and they told me Canon don't stock parts for this lens anymore and wont service it.
Have I got an expensive paperweight now?

Thanks

Sorry I didn't see this until now.

If you would like to PM me I could arrange to have a look for you. Sounds like diaphragm cable or positioning sensor failure (I had one in with a bad sensor that should detect the position of the aperture blades recently).
The parts can be available elsewhere from places stocking them before they went out of service so you may not just have a paperweight thankfully.

challengemaster · 31-08-2014 4:40pm

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: 24-70 f/2.8 L MkI (Non-IS)

Fault: Autofocus stopped working - tried manual focus also wasn't working. Tried changing focal length and it started jamming. Sounds like something rattling inside lens

When/how it happened: Happened yesterday, was shooting. Nothing traumatic happened to cause it, wasn't dropped or anything like that. Just spontaneous failure.

zerohamster · 31-08-2014 6:43pm

Sounds like something has come loose alright. If you would like to PM me I could look at it for you?

Thankfully mechanical faults that happen without an impact generally don't need parts and provided you haven't forced the lens are usually a case of disassembly and proper reassembly while securing loose parts.

challengemaster wrote: »

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: 24-70 f/2.8 L MkI (Non-IS)

Fault: Autofocus stopped working - tried manual focus also wasn't working. Tried changing focal length and it started jamming. Sounds like something rattling inside lens

When/how it happened: Happened yesterday, was shooting. Nothing traumatic happened to cause it, wasn't dropped or anything like that. Just spontaneous failure.

silwyth88 · 07-09-2014 12:07am

Make: Nikon

Item: Lens

Model: 70-200mm VR II AF-S G ED NIKKOR

Fault: Focus ring is remarkably stiff, auto-focus is functional. Slight dint to the focus ring.

Whem/How it happened: Sadly I have no idea

It was stored away for a month or two and when I took it out a week ago this was the case.

marzi · 07-09-2014 10:36am

Hi. I have a sigma 18-200mm lens which was in a bag attached to my canon eos when it fell from a couple of feet. it seems the main ring that attaches the lens to the camera is now seperated from the lens body by 2 or 3mm . Its still working except the af/m switch its a little off line,the manual focus is very rough to turn and the auto focus only works when the lense is held tight to the camera. Is it repairable?

Teferi · 08-09-2014 3:54pm

Make: Canon

Item: Body

Model: 450D

Fault: It's taking pictures in that the shutter is releasing but screen is showing up blank, it won't register what I'm looking at.

When/how it happened: It was clipped to my hiking bag with a clip I've been using for 18 months without any issues but it fell off and got itself a good knock against the ground. Pretty sure the lens that fell with it is broken too so I've tried it with another lens and the problem is as described above.

What sort of costs am I looking at here?

zerohamster · 08-09-2014 3:59pm

silwyth88 wrote: »

Make: Nikon

Item: Lens

Model: 70-200mm VR II AF-S G ED NIKKOR

Fault: Focus ring is remarkably stiff, auto-focus is functional. Slight dint to the focus ring.

Whem/How it happened: Sadly I have no idea It was stored away for a month or two and when I took it out a week ago this was the case.

I would reckon the only problem is the extra friction caused by the dent in the focus ring. I am happy to take a look at it if you would like to PM me?

zerohamster · 08-09-2014 4:07pm

marzi wrote: »

Hi. I have a sigma 18-200mm lens which was in a bag attached to my canon eos when it fell from a couple of feet. it seems the main ring that attaches the lens to the camera is now seperated from the lens body by 2 or 3mm . Its still working except the af/m switch its a little off line,the manual focus is very rough to turn and the auto focus only works when the lense is held tight to the camera. Is it repairable?

Hi,
Sounds like the mount has ripped off and possibly the manual focus assembly is either misaligned or damaged from the fall.
I would have to have a look to see if it is repairable ecomomically but it should be. The AF/M switch being misaligned could also be causeing the stiff manual focus due to the way the linkage works, try to keep the lens all together so you don't risk ripping any of the thin flexible cables inside.
PM me if you would like?

zerohamster · 08-09-2014 4:12pm

Teferi wrote: »

Make: Canon

Item: Body

Model: 450D

Fault: It's taking pictures in that the shutter is releasing but screen is showing up blank, it won't register what I'm looking at.

When/how it happened: It was clipped to my hiking bag with a clip I've been using for 18 months without any issues but it fell off and got itself a good knock against the ground. Pretty sure the lens that fell with it is broken too so I've tried it with another lens and the problem is as described above.

What sort of costs am I looking at here?

Sorry to hear about that, sounds rather unlucky!

You may have caused damage to the shutter or mirror mechanisms if it is taking the photo but not displaying anything. I would hazard a guess that one of the curtains is not opening which sometimes wont cause an error and just take blank photos.

Impact damage is very unpredictable in nature and can cause minor to major faults so it isn't possible to give an idea of cost without looking at the camera.

PM me if you would like me to have a look at it and the lens for you.

silwyth88 · 10-09-2014 1:02pm

zerohamster wrote: »

I would reckon the only problem is the extra friction caused by the dent in the focus ring. I am happy to take a look at it if you would like to PM me?

I cant PM yet

guy with red beard · 11-09-2014 3:29pm

Make: Nikon

Item: Body

Model: D40

Fault: It won't power on. I've tried two different batteries but no luck. One repair centre told me it was "uneconomical to repair". I would still like an actual quote though to see if its feasible to repair.

fermoyboy · 18-09-2014 5:25pm

Apologies if this has been mentioned loads previously but don't have time to trawl through the whole thread.

Need to get my cameras serviced and wondering where is best to get this done. I'm in Cork so if there's somewhere down this direction that'd be great.

zerohamster · 18-09-2014 6:15pm

guy with red beard wrote: »

Make: Nikon

Item: Body

Model: D40

Fault: It won't power on. I've tried two different batteries but no luck. One repair centre told me it was "uneconomical to repair". I would still like an actual quote though to see if its feasible to repair.

I'd be happy to have a look for you to see what is wrong if you would like to PM me?

zerohamster · 18-09-2014 6:16pm

fermoyboy wrote: »

Apologies if this has been mentioned loads previously but don't have time to trawl through the whole thread.

Need to get my cameras serviced and wondering where is best to get this done. I'm in Cork so if there's somewhere down this direction that'd be great.

I am not aware of any repair/service places down that side of the country but if you want to PM me I can give you more details.

Cheers.

silwyth88 · 20-09-2014 1:33pm

zerohamster wrote: »

I would reckon the only problem is the extra friction caused by the dent in the focus ring. I am happy to take a look at it if you would like to PM me?

silwyth88 of gmail variety of email.. Could you contact me regarding this please?

scunner1 · 22-09-2014 8:37pm

Make: Pentax

Item: DSLR body / lens

Model: K-r

Fault: Camera will not switch on. Ring on lens has come loose and will not attach to body.

When/how it happened: Two years ago. Camera dropped on the floor and then would not switch back on. Also the lens attachment was damaged when it fell. I dug it out of the wardrobe yesterday and would like to try again to get it fixed. I brought it to a few places at the time and was told that getting Pentax repaired in Ireland is pretty much impossible. From what I'm told it needs a new circuit board, but I was told you just can't get spares for Pentax. Surely I could get one somewhere here in Ireland or maybe ebay if I knew exactly what to look for?
As for the lens I don't know what the story is as nobody would even consider fixing the camera for me.
Has anybody else had trouble with getting this make of camera fixed? Any help is greatly appreciated.

salnado · 25-09-2014 12:36pm

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: EF 100-400

Fault: Autofocus does not work reliably. Sometimes it will work, other times you just hear a noise as if its trying but failing to focus. Switching between the two modes (1.8 - 6.5m, > 6.5 mm) sometimes seems to make a difference.

Anyone have any advice or suggestions please.

Artmedia · 29-09-2014 12:41pm

Hi. My cam fall from trypad and front part of samyang 16 mm lens is now moving couple of millimeters. It still focuses just when I move this part it I have to refocus. Is that possible to repair?

wex96 · 29-09-2014 10:45pm

make: canon
item lens
model: ef 18-135
problem: somthing broken inside can hear it rattling and it catches zooming have to shake it to move it.
no idea how it happened was never bumbed or dropped.

TTWNF · 06-10-2014 2:57pm

problem solved!

molly77 · 13-10-2014 4:46pm

Hi all
Canon 100 - 400 lens ,
Will focus at 100 but not at 400 or in between,
Anywhere I can get it fixed,
Thanks

cortinaG · 02-11-2014 4:25pm

Hi, i have a canon 350d with an error 99 showing, It appears to happen under 25 or so mm on an original 18-55 zoom lens.
I've tried all the obvious, remove card, remove battery, clean contacts with eraser etc to no avail.
Can it be repaired (i've seen you mention a cable worn or something)
Also is the problem with the lens or camera as i see currys are doing a sigma 70-300mm lens for €139.
Thanks Gerry.

smiles · 12-11-2014 11:28am

Wondering if this is worth trying to repair or should I just buy a new lens?

Make: Nikon
Item: Lens
Model: AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G (basic lens that came with camera)
Fault: lens came apart (screws loose / damaged) where it attaches to the camera and the autofocus cable torn (I think it's that cable)
When/how it happened: trying to detatch the lens on a balloon trip to switch to another...

Thanks,
Fio

Supes · 13-11-2014 6:34pm

Make: Canon

Item: Lens

Model: 50mm 1.4

Fault: The focus ring is stuck and doesn't turn anymore. Ever come across this before? If so how much would it cost to repair and what sort of timeline would I be looking at to get it fixed please?

Thanks for your time!

TTWNF · 23-11-2014 8:08pm

Make: Nikon

Item: Lens

Model: 85mm 1.8

Fault: The lens is not focusing correctly....i use single point focusing with the auto-focus and it's focusing slightly to the left of where it should be focusing...... i dropped the lens and i have this problem since.

Steve_o · 05-12-2014 5:22pm

Make: Fuji

Model: Fujica AX-3

Item: Shutter

Problem: The shutter is damaged, will not open or close fully. Any help on where I can get this repaired would be hugely appreciated.

Steve.

MojoRisinnnn · 05-12-2014 11:10pm

Got sorted sorry for post

Daraflats · 07-12-2014 8:46pm

Hi,

I have a Canon 500D.

Some times the camera will not turn on for a week or two at a time, and then other times it will work normally for a week or two.

I have obviously checked the battery, and have also tried a different battery in the camera - same problems.

Has this happened to anybody before? Or does anybody know what the potential causes could be?

Thanks.

Aerohead · 10-12-2014 6:51pm

Hi Folks I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10 camera and in the past week a mark has appeared on the LCD screen where you view the pictures, it does not affect the taken pictures but just wondering if anyone has any idea what it is, I thought it may be dampness, is it possible to remove this mark. Thanks in advance I have attached a picture of the problem

candytog · 10-12-2014 7:01pm

It's not something sticky on the outside of the LCD by any chance? I've never seen marks like that before. Generally if the LCD is damaged you will get a blotch of black with lines going straight up. Can't really tell with the pic.

Aerohead · 10-12-2014 7:48pm

candytog wrote: »

It's not something sticky on the outside of the LCD by any chance? I've never seen marks like that before. Generally if the LCD is damaged you will get a blotch of black with lines going straight up. Can't really tell with the pic.

No the outside is perfect its on the inside and keeps changing shape if I clean the screen, to show the mark I took a picture of a white envelope as you wont see it so clear when there is a picture on the screen.

candytog · 10-12-2014 8:34pm

Aerohead wrote: »

No the outside is perfect its on the inside and keeps changing shape if I clean the screen, to show the mark I took a picture of a white envelope as you wont see it so clear when there is a picture on the screen.

It could be moisture formed between the layers of the LCD which would explain why it changes shape when you press it lightly.

Maybe try getting one of those thirsty bags they use for water damaged phones to try and draw the moisture out.

Mandzhalas · 13-12-2014 8:00pm

Make: SIGMA

Item: 150mm f/2.8 macro

Fault: Dust and mould inside lenses

Where can I get it cleaned and how much would it cost me?

Ivanob · 21-12-2014 4:19pm

Sigma 17-70mm DC macro lens
Fault: it fell, lots of little bits jiggling around inside
Is it worth trying to get it fixed, or is it most likely dead for all time?

Thanks!

The Hamster Clinic (or the Repair Advice Thread)

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