Servicing Canon 100-400L lens

[Nigel C]

My 7 year old Canon 100-400L lens sounds like it has had something come loose (like a small screw perhaps?) that rattles around inside it. It also is occasionally seizing up in both the focus ring and push/pull zoom, which is 'resolved' temporarily by gently forcing the focus ring.
I'm thinking perhaps the screw that I can hear might have held onto a seal which is now obstructing the focus and zoom mechanisms. It also appears to be affecting focussing performance (see Sabre and Hornet shots in WOI thread).

Has anyone had their lens for servicing/repairs with Canon before? And do they charge like wounded bulls (like I'm expecting)?

[Micheil Keegan]

Nigel, I had my zoom lock / focus ring replaced last year (July) in my 100-400. I'm guessing mine would be 7-8 years old as well. It took just over a week to be repaired, the lens came back good as new, cleaned and all. Cost around $560.

Micheil

[Nigel C]

Thanks Micheil.
Not a cheap repair, but if it lasts me another 7 years I'll be happy.
But I can't complain too much; the lens has been to the continental shelf probably 4-5 times and been covered in salt spray, and it's been dragged through the scrub more times than I care to remember. It's had a busy, all-terrain life, so getting its first problem isn't too bad.

[Mark T]

Hi Nige

You could always try Whiltons.

Whilton Camera Service
Address: 251 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone:(02) 9267 8429
Hours: Open today · 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

I have used before and no issues.

Cheers
M

[Nigel C]

Damn....I was just in the city today!

Cheers

[Alan Dent]

I've used Whiltons on occasions over the years and found them to be pretty good.

[Steve Bottom]

Try Canon in Singapore.... yes i know its a long way away, but the cost to ship it there and back would be tones cheaper than the $600 or so you have been looking at. when i was there last year, I had my camera and lens serviced for around the $100 singapore dollars. was a 2 hour service time as well. dropped it of and had a coffee or two.

http://www.canon.com.sg/personal/web/support/servicecharges?languageCode=EN

worth a thought..

[Adrian B]

Colleague uses The Camera Clinic on Collingwood Melbourne

Camera Clinic (Ivan Webb/AUS/CSC: http://www.cameraclinic.com.au/index.php/en/)