Dropped a lens, autofocus knackered

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chris-red

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Chris
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I dropped my Canon 35mm f2 at shoot today. It landed on the lens cap and took a chunk out of it but the rest of the lens is fine (cosmetically).

However the focus is broken.

Auto focus doesn't work and manual focus only turns to 1 metre and won't go passed it also feel really notchy and bad.

This lens is only a few months old, do you think I could get it sorted on warranty?

If not where could I get it repaired and how much do you think it would cost?
 
What makes you think they'll sort it under warranty? You dropped the _____ thing!

EDIT;

Put it into you local Canon repair centre and get an estimate, if it's too high for your pocket then claim on your insurance.
 
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Don't think warranties cover the item being abused, even if you didn't mean to!
 
I just wondered how strict they would be about fixing a dropped lens under warranty.

Any idea on a cost?
 
chris-red said:
I just wondered how strict they would be about fixing a dropped lens under warranty.
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Are you referring to Canon?

Sorry, no idea of cost
 
chris-red said:
I just wondered how strict they would be about fixing a dropped lens under warranty.

Any idea on a cost?
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Hi Chris

Probably very strict - if it's been dropped then they wouldn't repair as a "faulty unit" under warranty.

It may come under their fixed price repair - worth a call to Canon to enquire...
 
Is it the IS version? If yes,then its probably worth getting it repaired, if its the basic version buy a replacement and stick yours onto ebay, be honest and put it up as spares or repair at least you'll get a few quid back.
 
I don't think they'd cover a drop under warranty but I suppose they would only know the info you give them. If you forget to tell them you dropped it, it might be easier for them to just repair it than argue about how it happened.

This situation is exactly why I have all my gear insured with dedicated cover for theft and accident and most importantly NO excess. I dropped a 7D a while ago and the insurance paid out £600 to get it repaired without a problem. Worth thinking about even for a lesser value lens.
 
I got a quote of £70 + VAT + Postage from Colchester Camera Repair, although it may be more they have to look at it. That's about half the value of the lens, any other lens I'd probably get a new one but this was bought new less than a couple of months ago, I'll send it off. Luckily only the lens cap looks damaged so if I replace that and get it fixed it should be good as new. Expensive lesson!

Can anyone recommend a decent insurance place?
 
modchild said:
If you forget to tell them you dropped it, it might be easier for them to just repair it than argue about how it happened.
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Don't even THINK of doing this. It's stupid (not to mention dishonest). Don't you think technicians can spot impact damage? And then you'd be in a situation where they'll know you've tried to defraud them....
 
StewartR said:
Don't even THINK of doing this. It's stupid (not to mention dishonest). Don't you think technicians can spot impact damage? And then you'd be in a situation where they'll know you've tried to defraud them....
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My thoughts exactly. I've actually seen a few (granted not many) posts by people that have had minor damage fixed under warranty even though it shouldn't cover it. Lying to them will immediately rule out any chance of that.
 
Bluesmachine said:
My thoughts exactly. I've actually seen a few (granted not many) posts by people that have had minor damage fixed under warranty even though it shouldn't cover it. Lying to them will immediately rule out any chance of that.
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I think I'll just visit Fixation in London while at work tomorrow, I have the receipt (Purchased on 01/07/13) tell them I dropped it and ask if there is any chance it'll go through warranty if not bite the bullet and pay for it.
 
StewartR said:
Don't even THINK of doing this. It's stupid (not to mention dishonest). Don't you think technicians can spot impact damage? And then you'd be in a situation where they'll know you've tried to defraud them....
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That's why I started the sentence with the word IF. I was in no way suggesting that is what he should do or condoning any similar action. This is the reason I have taken out comprehensive insurance cover to include accidental damage so I would never be in the position of trying to defraud anyone.
 
simonblue said:
One bit advice did it have a lens hood on the lens,a couple time they have saved my lens :)
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I have hoods on my other lenses as they are clip on hoods that can easily be stored backwards on the lens however the 35 f2 has a screw on hood so it's more awkward to fit/store.
 
chris-red said:
I have hoods on my other lenses as they are clip on hoods that can easily be stored backwards on the lens however the 35 f2 has a screw on hood so it's more awkward to fit/store.
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I try and keep my hoods on all the time even in the bag,if not when i take the lens out the hood go on,a few weeks ago done the same thing as you,the only damage was the lens hood.

:)
 
simonblue said:
I try and keep my hoods on all the time even in the bag,if not when i take the lens out the hood go on,a few weeks ago done the same thing as you,the only damage was the lens hood.

:)
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I value the 35mm f2 for is size (or rather lack of) a hood would almost double the size it would take up.
 
Personally I'd just take it to the shop and say it isn't working. At the end of the day they have made a product which cannot survive a minor knock... Thats their problem not yours.

I'd dig my heels in and have an argument if they tried charging me. If you are standing in the shop making a fuss they are likely to end up caving in. Point out to other customers that they are nothing more than con artists, and see how quickly the management are appeasing you.
 
supersammy said:
Personally I'd just take it to the shop and say it isn't working. At the end of the day they have made a product which cannot survive a minor knock... Thats their problem not yours.

I'd dig my heels in and have an argument if they tried charging me. If you are standing in the shop making a fuss they are likely to end up caving in. Point out to other customers that they are nothing more than con artists, and see how quickly the management are appeasing you.
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Not something that I would recommend. Only try this if you can live with yourself afterwards. It probably won't work anyway and you will be the one with the red-face.
 
supersammy said:
Personally I'd just take it to the shop and say it isn't working. At the end of the day they have made a product which cannot survive a minor knock... Thats their problem not yours.

I'd dig my heels in and have an argument if they tried charging me. If you are standing in the shop making a fuss they are likely to end up caving in. Point out to other customers that they are nothing more than con artists, and see how quickly the management are appeasing you.
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Not sure how you can call dropping a lens a minor knock? In the situation you mention surely you would be the one who was the con artist, trying to deceive them about how the damage occurred and using the presence of other customers to try an force their hand.

I agree with others on here that it clearly isn't a warranty issue and the best bet is to contact Canon directly and get a quote to get it repaired. Then decide if you are best off buying new or getting it repaired.
 
chris-red said:
I have hoods on my other lenses as they are clip on hoods that can easily be stored backwards on the lens however the 35 f2 has a screw on hood so it's more awkward to fit/store.
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Not if you use a rubber retractable one.
 
supersammy said:
Personally I'd just take it to the shop and say it isn't working. At the end of the day they have made a product which cannot survive a minor knock... Thats their problem not yours.

I'd dig my heels in and have an argument if they tried charging me. If you are standing in the shop making a fuss they are likely to end up caving in. Point out to other customers that they are nothing more than con artists, and see how quickly the management are appeasing you.
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..................and to think you have access to the classifieds on here :eek:
 
I dropped it in said it had a knock but showed them my receipt and asked if it would go through as warranty, they said if parts inside where damaged through impact it won't if they aren't will. Fair enough.
 
Can I ask where you got the lens from. It's reasonable enough that will fix it for free if there isn't any impact damage, although they still may repair it free if it's not going to cost a lot in parts just for goodwill.

It might be worth you looking into getting insurance that will cover accidental damage. It was a truely sickening feeling when I dropped my 7D, to see it go spinning towards the concrete, seemingly in slow motion, but quicker than I could catch it. Although I was without the camera for a few weeks I didn't get the sickening £600 bill that needed paying.
 
modchild said:
Can I ask where you got the lens from. It's reasonable enough that will fix it for free if there isn't any impact damage, although they still may repair it free if it's not going to cost a lot in parts just for goodwill.

It might be worth you looking into getting insurance that will cover accidental damage. It was a truely sickening feeling when I dropped my 7D, to see it go spinning towards the concrete, seemingly in slow motion, but quicker than I could catch it. Although I was without the camera for a few weeks I didn't get the sickening £600 bill that needed paying.
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I did ask above about recommendations for good insurance, all the ones I looked at had crappy T&C's.

I got the Lens from Camulet in london who I would recommend. It only Cost £209 unfortunately it has been discontinued now which has pushed prices up, as the only 35mm lens is the new one with IS and USM that costs 3x as much and is much larger. I didn't take it back there as they would only send it off to somewhere else. I'd rather deal direct.
 
As I stated, give Canon UK a call, very helpful to deal with. I've used them twice recently and found their service nothing short of excellent!

Lift the phone, cost you nothing to ask about a fix/repair etc....
 
supersammy said:
Personally I'd just take it to the shop and say it isn't working. At the end of the day they have made a product which cannot survive a minor knock... Thats their problem not yours.

I'd dig my heels in and have an argument if they tried charging me. If you are standing in the shop making a fuss they are likely to end up caving in. Point out to other customers that they are nothing more than con artists, and see how quickly the management are appeasing you.
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How do you sleep at night?
 
macvisual said:
As I stated, give Canon UK a call, very helpful to deal with. I've used them twice recently and found their service nothing short of excellent!

Lift the phone, cost you nothing to ask about a fix/repair etc....
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I've already taken it to Fixation.
 
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