Need lens help! Hi ... I have a Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens that has been absolutely super - until today. I haven't used it in several months. Brought it out today and the auto focus...

maryannwatkins Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Hi ... I have a Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens that has been absolutely super - until today.

I haven't used it in several months. Brought it out today and the auto focus worked just fine. Then I switched it to manual focus and the focus dial will hardly move! I can barely turn it .... so, no way to focus manually. Went back to AF and no problems.

Has anyone every experienced this with a lens? And, if so, what's the problem? I'll take it to a camera repair outfit at some point, but it's quite a drive from me and I'd like to have an idea what MIGHT be involved before I make the trip.

Thank you!

Maryann

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

maryannwatkins wrote:

Hi ... I have a Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens that ... (show quote)

Have you set your camera to manual focus?

maryannwatkins Loc: Phoenix, AZ

RWR wrote:

Have you set your camera to manual focus?

The camera has nothing to do with it ... it's the lens. I can't turn the dial to focus the lens when it's in MF. I should be able to turn the lens dial to achieve focus but it's physically difficult to move at all, let alone glide.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

maryannwatkins wrote:

The camera has nothing to do with it ... it's the lens. I can't turn the dial to focus the lens when it's in MF. I should be able to turn the lens dial to achieve focus but it's physically difficult to move at all, let alone glide.

Does the lens focus when removed from the camera? I'm not familiar with Canon, but there should be a switch on the camera to set manual focus.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Mary Ann, I am not going to ask annoying questions like what camera strap you are using or - - -.

Your camera is not the issue. The lens has an issue. I have that same lens it's great. I just took some photos today. I have had issue with another lens. It will need to go to a repair, not Camera store.

I phoned Canon and asked general question about problem and of course they are reluctant to give any type of answer.

I take it is not under warranty.

The most I can say is move all switches gently if possible.

Again sorry that there is an issue.

J. R.

maryannwatkins Loc: Phoenix, AZ

RWR wrote:

Does the lens focus when removed from the camera? I'm not familiar with Canon, but there should be a switch on the camera to set manual focus.

When the lens is removed from the camera, I still can barely move the focus dial (maybe I'm not calling it the right thing ... it's what you turn to focus the lens manually - ON the lens).

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

maryannwatkins wrote:

When the lens is removed from the camera, I still can barely move the focus dial (maybe I'm not calling it the right thing ... it's what you turn to focus the lens manually - ON the lens).

The focus ring. Yes, the lens does need repair. Was just trying to suggest the most obvious thing first. Good luck.

maryannwatkins Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Gifted One wrote:

Mary Ann, I am not going to ask annoying questions like what camera strap you are using or - - -.

Your camera is not the issue. The lens has an issue.

I take it is not under warranty.

J. R.

Yep ... out of warranty by 6 months. ::sigh::

I used another lens on my 6D today with no problems at all. It IS the lens. Can the lubricant dry out ... anyone know? There has to be some kind of lubricant to keep the manual focus ring gliding smoothly ... right?

Maryann

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

OK, I have mine in hand. My focus ring turns smoothly but not tightly. I lens I had a problem with was beyond stiff.

There are two switches can you move them? Gently? Everything is gently!

I am not a tech nor do I approve of anything toward that direction. I could not see anything on Google.

J. R.

maryannwatkins Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Gifted One wrote:

OK, I have mine in hand. My focus ring turns smoothly but not tightly. I lens I had a problem with was beyond stiff.

There are two switches can you move them? Gently? Everything is gently!

I am not a tech nor do I approve of anything toward that direction. I could not see anything on Google.

J. R.

Switches work just fine. AF works just fine. It's when I switch to MF and try to turn the focus ring ... it just will hardly move at all.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

maryannwatkins wrote:

Yep ... out of warranty by 6 months. ::sigh::

I used another lens on my 6D today with no problems at all. It IS the lens. Can the lubricant dry out ... anyone know? There has to be some kind of lubricant to keep the manual focus ring gliding smoothly ... right?

Maryann

It is possible that a small piece of dried lubricant is jamming the switch. Carefully working the switch, as mentioned, could free it, but even so it could happen again. It really needs to be looked at by a competent repairman.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Fellow UHH member, http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user_profile.jsp?usernum=6852 , and certified camera repairman Rick Riggins can answer your questions, and possibly give you a quote over the phone: http://www.discountcamerarepair.com

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If it works fine in AF, then it sounds like it's not switching our of AF. When you switch to Manual does it autofocus? Don't force it if it's that hard to move. I would contact Canon, since it's only six months beyond warranty. If you get a No the first time, keep trying. Call again and ask for a supervisor.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

maryannwatkins wrote:

Hi ... I have a Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens that ... (show quote)

Maryann, I'd take the lens to Tempe Camera. Have them take a look at it. It's probably something simple. It would be better than breaking something by forcing it.
--Bob

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

Nikon all the way ,never had teck problems with Nikon always stay on the phone till my problem was resolved . Been with Nikon for 50 years I guess im a fan boy.