line_and_shadow Loc: ATL

A little while ago my 24-105L lens dropped from my camera bag from about knee height, onto a hardwood floor.
Seeing shards of broken glass made me initially think the issue was worse than it is; the point of contact was the edge of the lens, and the UV filter broke but the rest of the lens seems to operate fine. Problem is that the rim of the filter is bent just enough that I cannot get the ring off now, and it feels naked walking around without a filter on the lens. Is this a send-it-to-Canon thing or is there a trick for this issue? The lens has never been serviced, and is 7 years old or so; if a service is advisable anyway I may just let the service department address the bent ring issue as well. Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks, Matt

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Canon will only give you a repair quote if you send it to them, so you're out the cost of shipping there even if you don't repair. If the original version, they're selling used for about $450. You might balance a repair estimate against replacing, living without a filter or upgrading.

fjdarling Loc: Mesa, Arizona, USA

You can remove the filter ring by grabbing it carefully (don't touch the lens surface AT ALL) with pliers and twisting to deform the ring even more. This will loosen it all the way around and should remove easily. You might find a YouTube video of this if you're squeamish about trying it or want to see it in action.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

My trick for removing a stuck filter is the OXO Good Grips Handheld Jar Opener, great for filters and jar lids. The internet, Ace, Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond are possible sources.

line_and_shadow Loc: ATL

It is the original version, I'd like to replace it with the IS II version, if for no other reason than the addition of the zoom lock (mine creeps a bit). I've also considered the current Sigma version of this lens.


I will give this a shot, didn't think to look on YT, you're right; there are several vids on this exact topic.
Thanks for the replies.
MS

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

You need a filter wrench to remove it.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=filter%20wrench&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma

goldstar46 Loc: Tampa, Fl

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Matt

Agreed with CHG_CANON ..

First, you might want to consider the cost of buying a good used lens from someone like KEH or B&H.

And, one other thing you might consider- before you send anything to Cannon for evaluation and a repair estimate... First, give them a call on their customer service line and make sure that your lens has not reached end of life. They will look your specific model up and let you know...

If it has, Canon will not even consider giving you an estimate or any kind of repair if it is at "end-of-life" and something that they are not currently working on....

A while back, I sent them my EF 600 mm f/4 Ver. I for an estimate and, it was at "end of life". Because of that they wouldn't even look at the lens and they just sent it back to me.

Best of luck

Cheers
George Veazey
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amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

There are tools that can probably be used to "straighten" the filter frame enough to unscrew it. For example, there is this filter vise: https://www.micro-tools.com/products/lv1. Technically that tool is used to straigten the threaded portion of metal lens barrels, but it also can be used to tweak the remainders of a filter frame, after the glass has been "removed" from it.

Alternatively, the filter frame also can be cut with a saw or a Dremel tool or sometimes even with a pair of wire cutters. It just needs to be sawn or cut through partially, several places around the perimeter, so that it can be bent inwards away from the threads.

However, all these are things that need to be done carefully, so as not to accidentally do more damage to the lens. The front element in particular needs to be covered and protected. If a saw or Dremel is used to cut the frame, the shavings from that must also be kept out of the lens mechanisms.

DO NOT use a filter wrench without first straightening the filter. Forcing it off with a filter wrench while it's still bent can cause damage the threads in the lens (probably plastic, as is the case with many modern lenses) and THAT would probably require replacement parts and a professional repair of the lens.

This might not be a "do it yourself" job.... But it also doesn't necessarily involve sending the lens to Canon. A good, local camera repair shop should be able to fix it pretty easily and inexpensive. They also should check that the lens is not out of calibration. There are optical devices that pro camera repairers use for that purpose. Of course, you also could send it to Canon and they'd perform the same work... though depending upon where you're located, it will usually mean the added cost of shipping both directions, as well as some additional days in transit.

Check around for a local repairer. If you have trouble finding one, call a well established, local pro photographer or two to see if they can recommend someone in the neighborhood.

Best solution to protect the lens is to use it's hood when shooting and the lens cap when not shooting. Those might get damaged and broken, too.... but are easily replaced and usually will protect the lens far better than some thin piece of glass ever could. In fact, when using a filter it's even more important to use the hood and cap... to protect the filter!

RRiggins Loc: Colorado Springs

Hi. My name is Rick. I’m the owner and lead technician at Discount Camera Repair and a member in good standing here at the UHH. I’ve been doing repairs for other members here at greatly discounted rates and would be glad to help.

I'd be more than happy to take care of the lens for you and keep the cost as low as possible. If you’re interested, please respond by private message.