Horrible Disaster NEED Canon RF Lens Repair/CLA HELP!

[LeicaTom]

I was just getting ready for a possible photoshoot later today and as I went over my Beautiful 1967 Canon f1.5/35 RF lens to open and close the aperture blades nothing happened.

The lens is stuck almost wide open and the aperture ring doesn't match up to the values.

Lens is like near mint glass never abused, never dropped, what could be wrong?

This super sucks, cuz now I'm out of the fastest 35mm lens I own, I'm not able to do any repairs myself, can anyone recommended someone who is on the EAST COAST who has a fine reputation repairing Canon Rangefinder lenses and who has a fast turn around time,
(well less than 3 weeks?) and who won't cost a million dollars to fix?

Asking alot, well really not too much, but who's the Canon lens expert on the East Coast, anyone in Florida?
While I would like to have my lens back soon as possible to shoot my models with.

Very Distressed,

Tom

 

[Calzone]

Tom,

I just had Sherry overhaul my M4. Turnaround was just over two weeks, even though Sherry said three. In the past turnarounds with Sherry was 10-12 weeks.

Also for quick turnaround try Nippon Photo Clinic. They CLA'ed my Fuji GL690, GM670 and two lenses for me. They service the pro's in New York and turnaround is about a week.

Cal

 

[BLKRCAT]

could it be something as simple as tightening a screw on the lens barrel? Perhaps if there was one it got loose and isnt controlling the aperture blades any more

 

[raid]

Youxin Ye is a good option, Tom. I hope that it works out quickly and at a low cost for you.

 

[zauhar]

For canon rf mark Hama has pretty fast turnaround, at least the two times I sent items to him.

Randy

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Contact Sherry and talk to her. She's helpful and will tell you whether she can meet your deadline.

 

[KoNickon]

Youxin Ye is fast and should be able to help. http://www.yyecamera.com/index.html

 

[rfaspen]

Don at DAG Camera Repair has fast-tracked repairs for me. I was happy and he's known to be be very competent. One of the "big three" you know -- Don, Sherry, Youxin. He has given me quotes for working on Canon lenses, but so far only worked on my Canon bodies.

I know its not east coast though, he's in Wisconsin.

 

[johannielscom]

could it be something as simple as tightening a screw on the lens barrel? Perhaps if there was one it got loose and isnt controlling the aperture blades any more

This I'd check first too, might be the issue you're looking at...?!

 

[CameraQuest]

Tom, you can still shoot with that lens wide open -
tell the model its your "new look"

Stephen

 

[LeicaTom]

HAHAHAHAHAHA no with my luck it'll fall apart while I'm shooting....LOL!!!!!

No odd with that lens it was a deadstock lens, never mounted or used in the original case, but it was stored I guess in a dry place, the velvetlike covering in the case was all brittle and like powder, so maybe some of that got into the lens and jammed it up?
I'm NOT good at repairing anything photographic, so it's going out.

How quick is DAG's turn around now? I've heard it takes a long time to get anything back from him? (under 2 months?) .

Ohh well, if I sell enough things now, I'll be able to repair this lens and maybe also the 1950 Nikkor SC f1.4/40 "Tokyo" whch looks like the filter ring was in the Korean War (probably was?).

Thanks everyone for the help! 🙂

Tom

 

[goamules]

I highly recommend DAG for both fast turnaround (which several of the repairers can do) AND a high quality, competent, and reasonable repair. I called and told him I needed a camera back within about 3 weeks, and then called to remind him after about 1 week, and he got it done and back. You just have to set up the expectations before shipping it.

 

[Vickko]

Tom, the outer aperture ring is usually coupled to an inner aperture actuation disk, by at least one screw (sometimes two or three). The screw(s) probably came out, or beyond the point where they engage.

As said, 20 minutes by someone decent.

Unless, the blades have popped. Then, a couple hours maybe.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

you should test it first, it is probably a 35 f1.0 lens now.

 

[LeicaTom]

you should test it first, it is probably a 35 f1.0 lens now.

Well, yeah it's looking like it's all the way open now 🙁 SUCKS

And I use it mostly for Journalist stuff, night time Black and White flash shooting at f5.6 etc.

I'll see what Youxin Ye says about it? Thanks everyone for the advice.

Tom

 

[mikemc_photo]

I was just getting ready for a possible photoshoot later today and as I went over my Beautiful 1967 Canon f1.5/35 RF lens to open and close the aperture blades nothing happened.

The lens is stuck almost wide open and the aperture ring doesn't match up to the values.

Lens is like near mint glass never abused, never dropped, what could be wrong?


Asking alot, well really not too much, but who's the Canon lens expert on the East Coast, anyone in Florida?
While I would like to have my lens back soon as possible to shoot my models with.

Very Distressed,

Tom

Tom, I suspect that dirt / grease fro the focus helicoid has moved into the diap cup. I think the inner ring used setscrews to hold the upper diap ring into the cup. They would loosen over time, and usually a good CLA will make things smooth. 🙂😀

How does the focus ring feel...smooth and slick or firm yet has play ?

Green camera tech was in Daytona Beach for years, don't still know 😱

S P T S, Southern Photo Technical Service Of Orlando had great techs...

 

[Bob Michaels]

.................... S P T S, Southern Photo Technical Service Of Orlando had great techs...

Since I know not to say anything about someone if you can't say something good, I will only say "no comment" about SPTS.

Michael Levira at Kiwi Camera Service in Winter Park is a one man shop that does excellent work with turnaround to meet your requirements and very fair pricing. Since the majority of his clients are working pros, he does offer "pro rush" service but of course you pay a premium for it. Phone is 407-494-7648. He is normally open 10 ish to 6 ish Tuesday through Saturdays, but it is always best to call if you are driving any distance.

Michael has repaired several of my Zeiss Ikon lenses as well as the bodies.

BTW, he only accepts walk-in, no Fed-X, unless you are a regular customer out on assignment.

 

[mikemc_photo]

Since I know not to say anything about someone if you can't say something good, I will only say "no comment" about SPTS.

Michael Levira at Kiwi Camera Service in Winter Park is a one man shop that does excellent work with turnaround to meet your requirements and very fair pricing. Since the majority of his clients are working pros, he does offer "pro rush" service but of course you pay a premium for it. Phone is 407-494-7648. He is normally open 10 ish to 6 ish Tuesday through Saturdays, but it is always best to call if you are driving any distance.

Michael has repaired several of my Zeiss Ikon lenses as well as the bodies.

BTW, he only accepts walk-in, no Fed-X, unless you are a regular customer out on assignment.

SPTS used to be great....I do not hear much good or bad lately. What issues did you have?

 

[RF_newbie]

good god Tom, send the thing to me and stop being so dramatic
🙄