16-35mm II "Loose" - Repair costs?

[thatguy]

I just purchased a 18 month old Canon 16-35mm II from a user with good feedback on fredmiranda.com. When it arrived I was playing around with it and the hood seemed loose, it made a rattling noise, but I was rushed and didn't get to really look at it much. The next day I took the hood off and it still rattled! Everything past the focus ring is loose, including the threads for a filter. Luckily the glass doesn't move with this piece so image quality is still fine.

I contacted the seller and he send me $150 to cover repairs. My question is...how much is this thing going to cost to get fixed? I mostly worry about the weatherproofing being affected but I do think it needs fixed. I leave on trip to California (Sequoia and Death Valley) in 2 weeks and need to get this figured out.

Thanks.

 

[Loswr]

IMO, your best bet is to call Canon and see what they have to say about repair cost and turnaround time.

 

[thatguy]

I was planning on calling tomorrow but assumed they wouldn't give an estimate over the phone without looking at the lens. Do they actually give info like that? I've never worked with their repair department before. Thanks for the advise.

 

[akclimber]

Judging from a recent personal experience and from others on the Miranda forums, recently a trip to Canon repair will start at around $200 and go up from there. They probably won't give you much info over the phone but will send you a quote & request for authorization to make the repair via email when they receive and inspect the lens. I'm going to be sending an old 300 f/4 IS in tomorrow for a loose focus ring and cleaning/inspection to make sure everything's in spec and I'm braced for a $200 charge.

Good luck!

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I'd be suprised if it only cost $200, but there is only one way to find out, and you know how. If you are a CPS member, you get a discount on repairs for registered equipment. Canon has a minimum charge just to take it apart and troubleshoot it.

When buying a used lens, I make sure the price is low enough for a trip to canon for a repair and not end up costing new price.

 

[Loswr]

I just purchased a 18 month old Canon 16-35mm II from a user with good feedback on fredmiranda.com. ...Everything past the focus ring is loose, including the threads for a filter.

Seems improbable that the seller was unaware the lens was damaged, and from your surprise, I assume the seller did not disclose that damage, which absolutely should have been done. That sounds like something future buyers from this seller on FM should know about. As Mt. Spokane stated, $150 is not likely to cover the repairs. Worse, unless you're a CPS member which means you get preferentially faster service turnaround, you'll likely have to pay for overnight shipping both ways and even then might not have the lens back in two weeks. Having grown up in CA and just visited Muir Woods, I can tell you that redwoods and sequoias are big, you're going to really want that UWA lens. Given the tight timeline, it might be worth considering returning the damaged lens to the seller, and purchasing a 16-35mm from someone else.

 

[RC]

For what it is worth, my experience with Canon Repair is, I did get a quote in advanced, it was about 10 days from the time I dropped off at UPS to when it was returned. I paid for shipping both ways because it was not covered by warranty (battery leak damage on 580EX). Two other times shipping was covered by Canon (still under warranty). I live in the Phoenix area so I ship to the So. CA facility.

I'd take Nero's advice and return and find another. I'm always skeptical of used equipment especially if there are known issues. What else may you discover is wrong?


Edit: Kudos to Canon Service, between email, phone calls, turn around time, and repair costs, I have been very pleased! I've had 3 different service experiences.

 

[prestonpalmer]

If you are a professional photographer, join Canon CPS. I am a wedding photographer, and I sent my 16-35mm into Canon last year for a loose focus ring (sound similar to yours) I cant remember exact repair cost, but I guarantee it was less than $150. That included diss-assembly, new parts, cleaning, and calibration. And CPS members get priority repairs and shipping. Through CPS you should have it back in your hands no more than 4 days after they receive it. Totally worth it.

 

[thatguy]

Thanks for all your input. I just upgraded my CPS membership to Silver and I plan on sending it in as soon as I get my packet. Now at least I'll get my shipping back covered and 30% off the repair. I am usually skeptical of sellers as well but this guy had good reviews and he's be good dealing with this issue so far. He suggested I should send it to Canon and keep him posted, so if it is more I think he'll cover it. Now I just need to decide if I can pull this off before my trip or wait till after. Thanks again for all your input!

 

[BobSanderson]

Good approach. I found Canon to be fair on their when they worked on my equipment at their Irvine, CA shop.