broken canon 600mm 1.4L - help please

A

avidbirdwatcher

Messages
5
Name
Leslie
Edit My Images
Yes
:help:I have just purchased a second hand canon 600mm 1.4L older version that I have just found out has a crack in the first element. Phoning around I understand that Canon no longer support this lens. I have not been able to source this element. Is there anyone out there that knows where there is a spare first element or has a broken 600mm lens that they are willing to sell?
Here's hoping
 
Do you mean the 600mm f/4? I don't know if Canon made a lens that long and fast! It'd be massive (more so than the 600 f/4).

Might be worth keeping an eye on spares/repairs on ebay, but besides that I can't really be of any help. Good luck!
 
I'd be sending seller an angry message first of all, with the minimum action on his/her part being to pay for the repair...

Unless of course you saw pics of the lens before the sale and the crack was visible, then you don't really have a leg to stand on
 
Is the crack effecting images, where did you buy it, if they didn't mention the crack I would be looking to get a refund.
 
rssmrry said:
Do you mean the 600mm f/4? I don't know if Canon made a lens that long and fast! It'd be massive (more so than the 600 f/4).

Might be worth keeping an eye on spares/repairs on ebay, but besides that I can't really be of any help. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Yes its massive and weights tons ! On the plate is has EF600 1:4L - am keeping a look on ebay and ebay US in case any come up. Thanks for your best wishes.
 
yeath thats the 600mm f/4L, i take it by you saying canon dont support it, they cant fix it either.

Obviously if this has been damaged in transit/ not described accuratley then get back to the seller!
 
I bought this on an auction site - it had pictures of the body of the lens but not the lens itself. When picking up the lens it looked alright from the top view , but looked at from an angle the crack which is on the edge of the element is then only evident - about half an inch long. Yes I am dicussion with the seller but he is not keen to refund my money. Apparently I dropped it on the way home!
 
Unfortunately canon have no parts for this lens and nor does anyone else that I can find so a repair is not possible unless I can source this first element.
At the moment this crack does not impede the use of the lens. My concern is that heat changes could affect the crack and make it larger. I have found a repairer in the UK who will do the work but they need the element to do so.
 
Does it affect the image? have seen articles about some pretty badly bashed up lenses that still produced a decent shot
Sounds like its near the edge which is a bonus, also (this might be total *******s if i've misunderstood the concept) it could be worth using a crop sensor camera as they will make more of the central sweet spot on an EF lens than a FF camera

To be fair you should have checked it more thoroughly when you collected it and if I were the seller you wouldn't be getting a refund (not going to debate when it got cracked) might as well make some use of it and keep a lookout for suitable spares

Perhaps try filling the crack with superglue, have to be delicate and apply it with a pin or something similar, might stop the crack spreading
 
Last edited:
I wouldn't think you would notice it on a 600mm if it is at the edge? Might be wrong though, maybe upload a pic taken with it?
 
go thorugh ebay channels, if the seller cant prove there was no damage to the front element prior to shipping then it is classed as damaged in transit/misleading sale. has it just arrived or have you had it any length of time. If its just arrived then you have a strong case with ebay.


Him saying that you dropped it, makes it sound even more dodgy.
 
It might be worth giving Sendean Cameras in London a call or email- they have a reputation of being able to repair the older camera / lenses that other companies cannot.

http://www.sendeancameras.co.uk/index.htm

I don't know, but there must other repairers that specialise in the older range of photographic equipment.

Luckily as you said it is not actually affecting your shots, so a very small dab of super glue in the lens crack might be a temporary or even long term repair.....
Good luck sorting this.
 
I used to own the 300 f/2.8 IS and always read that the front element was more for protection and could be replaced fairly cheaply if need be. On American sites I've seen the front element of the 400mm f/2.8 costing $299 to replace. That is a lens still in production though. 'Photography on the net' is a very good website for Canon gear, it is mostly American but their advice on Canon is excellent. To be honest I don't think it will show up on the photos.
 
avidbirdwatcher said:
Apparently I dropped it on the way home!
Click to expand...

Did you collect the lens? I hate to say it but I'd view this like when I buy a second hand car, if I drive away haven given my hard earned and when I get home I notice a scratch along the bodywork I wouldnt expect any kind of refund to repair it.

If you collected the lens and you thought it was OK, I'd say it was sold as seen.
 
Thanks for all your comments - am feeling a bit of ***** over this. I did examine the lens but its only visible from an angle and I was concerntrating over a good number of things -testing lens operation etc - focusing manual and autofocus etc I have learned a great deal from this - expensive lesson.
Stupar many thanks for the parts list that is helpful - its the element at the front of the lens- CN2-1212 if I am looking at the parts list correctly.
lostsoulal2 much appreciated the link to Sendean cameras I have a call into them to see if they can fix it.
 
Can't offer any real advice other than don't attempt to use superglue on it.
You may find that although damaged, it still produces good images, but superglue may bloom, and if it does that on the inside of the lens, you could be pretty screwed.
 
I would ask a shop to have a look at it and maybe close the crack in any way possible as it might allow moisture to enter the lens and cause fungus to grow in the inside elements,
 
Out of interest what did you pay? To me it seems odd that you don't understand the differejce between F4 and F1.4 etc yet have bought what must be one VERY expensive/high end lens. I'm thinking you must have got this pretty cheap, and therefore if the crack is not an issue in the images you may well have the bargain of the century.

I guess its too old to get insurance on? Incase you happened to drop it in the future.
 
When I'm on the pc ill pm you a details of a chap in the us that deals in old canon spares. He may be able to help.
I'm in a similar situation with a 500mm but for me I need to find a smashed one for the parts. Anyhow mine works so using it till I can find a smashed lens. K would advice you use yours till such a time you have to fix it.
EBay as mentioned is a good option but they sell for stupid prices. There was recently a 600mm damaged on that went for over 1000 that was beyond repair.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top