Where to CLA Canon lenses?

[januaryman]

I need to get a couple of Canon lenses overhauled and was wondering where's the best place to get the work done cheaply but reliably? Any good experiences you might share?

 

[dexdog]

I have used Pete Smith and Essex Camera, and both did great work. Good turn-around time on both, usually about 7-10 days

 

[hi50]

Just got my 50 .95 back from Steve's Camera service center, and they did a great job. The focus ring was frozen and they calibrated the lens to the RF on my 7 for about $150.

 

[Nokton48]

Essex Camera Repair for me.

 

[januaryman]

Thanks. I think either Essex or KEH will get the job.

 

[Bingley]

Hi Jim. I just saw this thread. I can also highly recommend Sherry Krauter for CLA's on Canon lenses. She did an outstanding job recently on my 50/1.8.

 

[David Murphy]

Any trained camera tech can do this and it should not be expensive.

 

[John Shriver]

One advantage Sherry has is a good stock of NOS Canon parts. Useful if you're (for example) missing an infinity lock button.

But, yes, it's pretty easy work overall. The lens construction is straightforward, all surfaces are hard-coated. I'd only consider a Leica specialist important if there were focusing issues.

 

[januaryman]

Focusing is excellent and it's just a bit stiff. I'll try it again a few more outing and then decide if it needs to be overhauled. Maybe I'm just being too picky...

 

[M like Leica M6]

Any recommendations for a repair shop in Europe... that might even do a repainting job for a camera and lens with a lot of 'wear'?

 

[bobkatz]

Hi Jim. I just saw this thread. I can also highly recommend Sherry Krauter for CLA's on Canon lenses. She did an outstanding job recently on my 50/1.8.

Mmmmm.... not same experience with Sherry....So disappointed with my canon 7s an 0.95 lens..CLAed.🙁...
Bob...

 

[3 Olives]

Quick Question: I bought a lens that I knew wasn't perfect. It is in better than expected condition but slightly hazy. Will a CLA clear up hazziness? Thanks?

 

[John Shriver]

The answer is, unfortunately, a qualified maybe. Odds are better on a Canon due to the hard coatings, but sometimes haze is etched into the glass by fungus or oil. But you don't know until you try.

(Leica lenses with soft coatings and haze are often a bad bet...)

 

[ethics_gradient]

Have used Garland Repair in Texas for a couple of lenses, they were great. It took a couple of times to get the 100mm f/2 in calibration, but they were really good with communication and easy to work with.