Where to get my lens fixed in the UK?

OurManInTangier

OurManInTangier

An Undesirable
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Hi.

I'm hoping you may be able to provide some guidance and good experiences with repairers in the UK.

My Canon 50/1.4 is suffering from aperture blades that have come away from their mountings and I'm hoping to get it fixed as it's a super lens. I phoned ACS (Advanced Camera Services) in the wilds of Watton, Norfolk today to enquire about their ability to fix it and the issue of spare parts was their main concern.

Perhaps you may know someone or a company that would be able to fix this issue or have even had similar issues in the past where a repairer has managed to fix an old lens.

Perhaps I'll have to send it further afield to have any chance of being fixed if spares are an issue.

Any help is hugely appreciated.
 
I am afraid that if the blades are out from their mountings that the pins at the end of the blades are broken (blades are not completely flat, ther is an small, less or close to 1mm, vertical pin at the end).
If so you have three options:
1. Find spare one/ones - try DAG camera, I have just purchased missing blade from Don
2. Make the new ones - if you are able to find someone who still has the skill this should not be expensive
3. No spare blades available - you can still have lens with fix f1.4 apperture

Any decent repairman can open the lens to find out the situation and to let you know how many blades is needed.
Good luck!
 
Hi Simon,
Try Newton Ellis in Liverpool and talk to Ian. He did a complex job for me recently.
 
Hi.
Newton Ellis has experience in servicing lenses (they bought my Canon 50mm f/0.95 back to life).
There is also The Lens Doctor - although i've not had any dealings with him, his refurbished equipment for sale is quite impressive.
Luton Camera Repairs can service the lens too - but insist on what you want serviced!
 
There are a few links here on the forum that either show how to or link to another site where a detailed full-tear-down CLA of this lens is shown. It's incredibly easy to work on if you're up to any mechanical task.

Phil Forrest
 
Hi Simon. I'm assuming you're not talking about the current Canon 50/1.4, but I've had very good experience with Fixation in London with EF lenses. That said I'm not sure they work on older lenses but worth giving them a call on 020 7582 3294.
 
Thanks for your advice everyone.

I've just emailed The Lens Doctor, Newton Ellis, PJ Camera repairs and LCR with a description and photograph of the problem so hopefully I may get some good news back, otherwise I've got a paperweight with some nice mental images attached to it:D

Typically I've only used it for a month or so after buying it before it decided to fall apart on me:rolleyes: it's a real shame as its a beautiful lens.

Phil - I have been served with a restraining order by my family and friends which forbids me to be within 50 metres of anything that needs repairing, tinkering with or 'done up' in any way, shape or form. All local hardware stores have a picture of me behind the counter with a "Do Not Serve" warning and the local police do a regular drive-by to ensure my car isn't on jacks, the bonnet isn't up or even that my garage door is open - having said that, if it is a 'goner' it may be my chance to try not to be kak handed and do something ever so slightly technical...so here's hoping it can be fixed!;):)

Vobluda - Thanks for your detailed advice. If it's simply a matter of parts availability I'll see whether I can get some new blades shipped over from DAG.

Thanks again everyone
 
Hi Bobby.

Fixation look after all my work gear but I don't think they deal with the older kit - the lens in question is an old LTM Canon.

Thanks...and perhaps we'll bump into one another in Fixation one day!
 
Another vote for Malcolm Taylor. I have recently received another Canon P back from him. All work meticulously carried out. He has also worked on several lenses for me inc. Canon 50 1.4 ltm, Canon 35 2 ltm & Nikon 50 2 ltm to name a few.
A true gent!
 
Malcolm Taylor did great job on a Canon 50/1.4 for me a few years ago - not the cheapest but well worth the money in my opinion. Fascinating Leica stories thrown in by him for free.
 
Malcolm took my M6 for CLA in early November and told me it'd be ready in January. Going to ring him tomorrow for an update.
He might be busy, but he's a lovely chap, and he really cares for what he does.
 
He's a great guy. I visited him to collect a lens he was selling and he checked and adjusted the rangefinder on my M4-P while I was there.
 
I highly recommend Eddie Houston, the Lens Doctor. He can completely strip down and rebuild lenses and in my personal dealings with him, I found him to be a very standup and honest guy. I bought a completely rebuilt Tamron SP 70-150 f2.8 soft lens from him and it works extremely well.
 
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