Do I Repair my EFm 11-22? Or is there a Better Compact Camera System?

[Kayaker72]

Hi Everyone,

One of those inflection point questions. Do I try to keep my M camera system going or is there a better compact camera system out there.

The cause of the question: my EFm 11-22 has stopped working. The lens clicks whenever attached to the M6II (whether turned on or off). I sent it to Canon for repair and they opted to not repair or replace it, instead they sent me back the unrepaired lens and credited back my credit card.

I am weighing three options:

• Buy another EFm 11-22 from someplace like ebay.
• Find another lens repair service and ship the lens off to them for repair.
• Scrap the "M" system, sell off what I have, and invest in another compact (small/lightweight) camera system.

I believe I actually liked the idea of the M system more than I actually did like the system, which, sadly, I believe was let down by the lens lineup. There were some very good and pretty good lenses (EFm 32 f/1.4 and EFm 11-22), but, for example, I always wanted a better general purpose zoom than the EFm 18-55 (which I had) or the EFm 15-45 (which I tried).

But the idea of a small/light yet very good camera system absolutely appeals to me.

With all that background,

1. Any opinions on the above?
2. Anyone have a camera lens repair center they like?
3. Anyone have opinions on the current compact camera systems?

As always...thanks in advance....Brant

[DavidEccleston]

I've not looked for other super compact systems, but as far as replacing the lens, if you can't find a repair, MPB has a bunch of 11-22's marked as "Excellent" condition for like $250.

[Kayaker72]

Thanks David,

I looked at KEH, who didn't have any. Like you said, MPB has several and a 6 month warranty. So that is tempting.

I've spent some time looking at the Fuji XT system and OM system. The OM-5 is about the same weight as the M6II, a bit bigger. I'll check out the larger system and may head to a camera store (we still have one local) to get my hands on one.

Kicking tires.

[neuroanatomist]

I've heard good things about OM, and they have some nice lenses as well. I'd say it depends on how 'invested' you are in the system and how much you use it. I have all the Canon M lenses, but mainly use the 18-150 and 11-22, the others only occasionally. Personally, if my M11-22 bit the dust then I'd buy a used copy. In large part, that's because I also have a full spectrum converted M6 that I use more than the M6II.

Knowing my lens usage habits, if I were going to switch then the Fuji X-E5 with the 8-16/2.8 and 18-120/4 would probably be what I'd get.

[Kayaker72]

Thanks John,

That is probably the direction I am going to go. I've been playing with it and it does seem like I could sell off my EFm kit and at least get 20-30% of a new kit. OM has my attention as I could see a 1-2 lens kit, say with the 12-100 f/4 (so 24-200 ff equiv) that seems well regarding.

All that said, it seems I'd be looking at $3-5k for something I do not use all that often. May make way more sense to keep a very capable M6II and spend ~$200-250 on a used EFm 11-22.

My basic M kit is the 11-22, 32 f/1.4, and then 55-200. I never did get the 18-150.