a couple of questions regarding lenses & warranties

[bob williams]

Second, I have some lenses that have seen rather hard use over the years. They still work, and still help in taking nice photos (sometimes! ;-) but I'm wondering if there is a rule of thumb or whatever for how to care for lenses. For instance, do you have them recalibrated or otherwised renewed after x number of years? Is such a thing helpful? Expensive? I'm just looking for general information here & appreciate any & all help.

I just had some dealings with the Canon Service Center in California. According to the Technician, there is a fixed cost associated with each lens regardless of the damage. After a drop, I sent my 24-105 into them and they quoted me $181--before a technician even looked at it. I called Canon and the rep told methat it didn't matter what was wrong with the lens, the price was the same. So my suggestion is call the Canon Servcie Center nearest youand see what the inspection/repair/Refurb cost would beon any particular lens.


Good Luck


Bob

[zhak]

I just had some dealings with the Canon Service Center in California. According to the Technician, there is a fixed cost associated with each lens regardless of the damage. After a drop, I sent my 24-105 into them and they quoted me $181--before a technician even looked at it. I called Canon and the rep told methat it didn't matter what was wrong with the lens, the price was the same. So my suggestion is call the Canon Servcie Center nearest youand see what the inspection/repair/Refurb cost would beon any particular lens.
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Thanks for the response &amp; info. I appreciate it very much.


There's a very good camera repair place in New England where I've brought cameras in the past &amp; they've always done an excellent job for me. That's probably where I'd bring the lens to, if in fact I decide to have the lens looked at. They charge a flat fee for looking something over and then give a quote which includes the initial fee.


I have a nice lens, a Canon 17-85mm, which I'd purchased instead of the normal kit lens with my first Rebel some years ago. It's my go-to lens for photographing events (people oriented, generally no great distances involved). It has held up quite nicely and allows me to get good shots, but last year, I had it set up on a tripod &amp; it got an awful whack as someone went barreling past, and I've noticed since then that the zoom isn't as smooth as it used to be. Whether that's the result of that unfortunate incident or just aggregate wear &amp; tear, I don't know. I'm very fond of it and was just curious in a very general way whether other folks had any self-imposed rules for sending in lenses for repair or recalibration. I have never had a lens serviced in any way.


cheers,


zhak