Lens Cleaning

[Alan Waterman]

Hello,

Some while ago I dropped my EF 100mm to 400mm telephoto. luckily?? it fell onto a soft surface.....sand. I cleaned it very carefully as best I could but the manual focusing was a bit stiff afterwards, I suspect tiny grains had got in. Gradually this has eased over the last couple of years but now there are a few specs of dirt/ sand on the internal lenses and they do show up on photos with a lot of sky or plain surfaces. nothing major but they are there.

Can anyone advise the best course of action with an address and possible idea of cost.

thank you.

[the black fox]

Re: Lens Cleaning

johnsons in glasgow or lehmans in stoke on trent are both canon authorised repair agents ,cost would think between £100-200 depending on whether anything else needs fixing .you then have to factor in special delivery postage as well due to its value around £25 ,there are a couple of places around london as well i believe ,(google for them) and another canon place in colchester .but none of these will commit to a price without inspection first and there all within a few quid of each other with there quotes speaking from personal experience

[Alan Waterman]

Re: Lens Cleaning

Thanks, that was an expensive accident or will be when I get it fixed.

[DrJon]

Re: Lens Cleaning

I wonder if anything you see on the photos is on the lens or the sensor? I'd suggest fitting another lens and shooting a featureless sky at f22 and comparing.

Dust in the lens isn't usually a visible problem (!!):

http://kurtmunger.com/dirty_lens_articleid35.html

If you see stuff at F22 with another lens then try blowing at the sensor with a Giottos Rocket Air - keeping it clear of the mirror in a Bulb or 30sec exposure. (You really don't want the mirror coming down on an obstacle.)

[Alan Waterman]

Re: Lens Cleaning

Thanks, I have tried it with another lens and then I get no spots/specks on the photo so I think it must be the lens. I have been recommended a shop called Aperture UK at Rathbone Place London.