schaut

Recently bought a Canon 100mm f2.8 usm macro lens on ebay. I knew the lens had a problem but bought it anyway, hoping i could find a solution to the problem, so i knew in advance about my purchase. The seller claimed to be no expert in lens repair and was stumped as to how to solve the problem. When i received the lens, which i bought for $180, the lens performed the same way as described by the seller; on any setting other than an f-stop of f2.8 the err01 is displayed. Tried a number of solutions suggested by a variety of users from many websites, but nothing worked. The only thing beginning to make sense was to sendit in to Canon for repair which could mean many $, making my good priced lens become a bad investment.
The one thing i noticed that was different from others with similar problems described was that you had to turn off the camera to take another image. My 7D Mk1 and 50D were resetting and cleaning the sensor and allowing me to take another photo without shutting down! Frustrated, I did the unthinkable; I picked up my hammer and tapped the lens firmly on the side and on the end while in automatic focus! The lens has been fine since! The seller had been given this lens by his uncle and had it for 3 yrs without solving the problem! So my question is, has anyone else had a similar experience, and in your opinion should i "thank my lucky stars" and use it till this MAYBE happens again, or should i send it to Canon just to be sure? Everything i have purchased from Canon Store has been good, but is it worth the cost to have it examined? Would like to hear YOUR story!

Haydon

That is...until the next hammer tap :)

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Anything that can be fixed with a hammer is a good investment!
Since it seems to be working normally I wouldn't worry about it. Quite possibly a bit of dust or debris got someplace where it shouldn't be and your hammer knocked it free. Or, something could have been slightly out of alignment and no longer is. Sending it to Canon for a problem that no longer exists could be futile and expensive. At most, I would send it in for a routine cleaning. For myself, I would use it as normal and if the problem arose again then I would send it in while there is an issue that a technician can actually observe.
Good luck!

rcarol

Don't fix what ain't broke.

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

Use it until it fails again. You should be able to get your $180 worth out of what is usually a very good, highly rated lens. When and if you do send it to Canon you should still be ahead of the game on price. I have one and have had no issue with it. It's one of, if not my best, portrait lenses. I would say it probably isn't a good idea to continue to give it love taps.

KoniOmegaflex Loc: Central KY

I've been please with that lens. I have had it for a couple of years and haven't had a problem with it.

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

I have repaired many point and shoot cameras with a sharp tap after cleaning around the barrel if that didn’t correct it then next step is a lens replacement

Photocraig

I have a white rubber mallet for similar purposes. Leaves no marks. I would NOT send the lens in for anything if it is working properly. If it falls out of spec or adjustment, then get it to the pros.

Beware, they have similar mallets but they paid more for them.

schaut

Actually, i used the rubber handle of my hammer!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

"...fine since..."

You answered your own question. It works. Use it. Repairs can be very expensive, often more than the price of a used lens.

Thorburn Loc: Virginia

Having been in the US Navy for 22.5 years the first comment out of the Boatswains Mouth was get a Hammer; and you did! When I retired and went to work in the local school system as a Computer Tech I would ask the teacher before coming down to look as their computer was, "Have you hit it with a Hammer yet? It seemed to work for me for quite a few years.

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

Unless you live close enough to Canon Repair facility to drop it off the cost of shipping is NOT small. I have to remind myself every time i consider CLA. Cost about $100 for round trip shipping a few months ago, add their inspection fee and few bargain lenses will make the $$ cut!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

The hammer tap.
I believe the Apollo astronauts solved a technical problem in space with a hammer as well.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Similarly, in the USMC, the common phrase for installing helicopter rotor blades is, Get a bigger hammer. Same school of thought from two great outfits.

Dennis

aquadiver Loc: Planet Earth

In the Army we called it percussion maintenance.