Damaged a lens

[Ross]

I was on my way to an event the other week with my D200 in my bag with lens attached. Unfortunately on the train or tube my bag took a knock without me realising.

When I arrived at the event I took my camera out of the bag whilst kneeling down, and at that point my lens fell off the camera and dropped maybe 1 and a half feet onto the floor. The lens petal hood took the force of the impact.

I then tried to mount the lens back onto the camera but it wouldn't go. I didn't try and force it on. I checked the mount and it seems that 3 of the 10 CPU contacts are slightly bent down along with the black plastic bit that holds them in place.

The lens is also very stiff to zoom.

I would guess that the knock the bag took put lateral (sideways) stress on the mount itself and this is what caused the lens and body to become loose and thus bending the plastic part where the CPU contacts are.

http://www.itsnotarace.com/tpf/lens1.jpg

The plastic bit is probably 1mm down from where it should be flush with the top, here's a crop to show in more detail. The screw underneath also seems to be bent downwards

http://www.itsnotarace.com/tpf/lens2.jpg

Anyone done this before? I'm waiting for Nikon Pro support to get back to me with a quote for repair :(

Is it worth getting a couple of jewellers screwdrivers and attempting a repair myself?

TIA

[DiddyDave]

Bad luck m8

I've repaired a few old cameras before but only when it didn't matter whether it worked or not

For a lens though... I'd wait for the Nikon quote first, if it's 'high' maybe have a go myself - is there any insurance you can claim from?

[Ross]

It's covered under household insurance so that's ok but it would only be worth claiming if the repair costs were quite high, given the value of the lens

[vecsri]

I've repaired 2 or 3 lenses at home now, thats a basic reapir fella.

[Ross]

Well had the quote back from Nikon today - ouch :(

http://www.itsnotarace.com/tpf/quote.jpg

[mmcp42]

crikey - and a new one is....?

[Chappers]

Looks like an insurance claim: That's what you pay it for

[Ross]

crikey - and a new one is....?

I paid £900 2 years ago, can be had slightly less now

Looks like an insurance claim: That's what you pay it for

Indeed

[WildWalker]

That bill is takin the mickey.

I don't like the line that states " This bill may be re-estimated if further faults are found" That sounds like a Carte Blanche for them to make up any final price they like.

I am not sure how the insurance company will view it, but if it's two years old, take of depreciation, with the cost of the repair (and no guarantee that will be the final cost) they may stump up for a new one.

Also, they will proabably only gurantee the work for 3 months, where as a new one will come with 12 month warranty.

[WildWalker]

Oh yeah, £75 and hour labour, inc vat.

WFT :thumbsdown:

[Messiah Khan]

Oh yeah, £75 and hour labour, inc vat.

WFT :thumbsdown:

I was thinking that. the rest doesn't look too bad, but the labour cost! I should start working at Nikon if thats what they get paid. :(

[Chappers]

I doubt if the guy who fixes the lens gets paid £60 / hour. If he does, where do I join.:D

I can understand the "re-estimate" clause. They've looked at the lens without stripping it down. The lens has "bounced" so there may be internal damage they can't see.

[sportysnaps]

Have you got a second quote?:suspect:(your insurer may want this) :shrug::rules:- if not why not try http://www.fixationuk.com/ I have used them a number of times and their service and prices are first class - I would recommend them to any Nikon / canon user