Lens front element marked inside :-(

Baggins_451

Baggins_451

Baggins_451

Associate
Joined
20 Jan 2003
Posts
413
Hi all, I got my Canon 100-400mm IS out earlier for the first time in *ahem* ages, I was disappointed to see a mark on the front element on the inside of the lens. It doesn't look like dust or debris, more like a dried water droplet.

I have had the lens for quite a few years but has hardly ever been used and has never been wet, stored in a dry place.

I guess this is going to need a service by Canon, does anyone know how much this is likely to cost ?

Any other advice greatly appreciated :)
 
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A bit awkward to photograph with a phone :rolleyes:

blasta.jpg


I have noticed some more marks that look more like dust, just charging a battery so I can take some shots to see how bad the effect is.
 
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If I remember rightly the canon 100-400 is some kiind of push-pull zoom that sucks in dust from every where. take some test photos at f/16 against white paper or blue sky to see a wrist case scenario.
 
My 17-55mm has sucked in a silly amount of dust since new (its notorious for doing this, wish it was properly sealed!), but it has absolutely no bearing on IQ
 
Might have some bad news for you.

That doesn't look like a dried water droplet to me. It looks like Mold. If it is semi-opaque and filiment like then it is definately mold.

One of the problems with all lenses is the fact that if you store them in slightly humid conditions in the warm and dark, small spores of mold which exist in the atmosphere can germinate.

Not a lot you can do to stop the spores getting in since they're microscopic and will get sucked into anything. The 100-400 isn't nicknamed the "Dust pump" for nothing, but saying that the problem isn't confined to this lens alone, given the conditions above it will happen to all lenses.

I would suggest popping the lens to Canon to get it cleaned.

Hopefully it is confined to the front lens, which to be honest isn't the most difficult to extract or clean. I had my 100-400mm lens repaired earlier in the year due to the Image Stabilisation unit failing. The lens was out of Warranty. From what I recall from the emails Canon have a £140 flat fee for repairs to this lens if the lens hasn't been subject to abuse. If the lens has been mistreated it obviously costs more.

Details can be found on their support page at

http://www.canon.co.uk/Support/Consumer_Products/services_locator/index.aspx

Select Lenses from the second drop down menu.

They list a few support centres, but I thought I might as well send it to Canon UK (RCC) at Elstree. Turn around was within 10 days and they kept me well informed. Once I got notification of the repair cost they emailed me, I rang them back and authorised the repair via credit card.

Hopefully it won't cost you too much.
 
No problem.

Thing with Mold is that if left too long it actually etches the surface of the lens.

Best bet is to store all lenses with those little silica gel packs. Warmth and darkness aren't problems, but add in a slight amount of moisture and you'll eventually have issues.

Let us know how you get on and how much it costs, in fact repair costs might be a good idea for a sticky thread, perhaps detailing the date of a repair, what piece of equipment it was, what the fault was, who repaired it and the cost, any consumer rights issues/battles with manufacturers etc., probably would come in handy for a few people over time.
 
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