No AF: Broken flexfoil in 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

[mrsfotografie]

Yesterday the AF on my 18-55 IS MkI suddenly became erratic and then stopped working. A quick search on the net shows this to be a common problem because the flexfoil that gives the focus ring position eventually breaks due to poor design. Disassembly showed this indeed to be the case on my copy.

I would like to replace the 18-55 with a Mk II version. Filter & hood I can then fit on the new one. Does anybody know if Canon fixed this problem in the new release of this lens?

Note: The 18-55 I use with my 400D when I want to travel with a light & 'expendable' kit. Not really inclined to use a more expensive lens for this purpose

 

[RLPhoto]

Yesterday the AF on my 18-55 IS MkI suddenly became erratic and then stopped working. A quick search on the net shows this to be a common problem because the flexfoil that gives the focus ring position eventually breaks due to poor design. Disassembly showed this indeed to be the case on my copy.

I would like to replace the 18-55 with a Mk II version. Filter & hood I can then fit on the new one. Does anybody know if Canon fixed this problem in the new release of this lens?

Note: The 18-55 I use with my 400D when I want to travel with a light & 'expendable' kit. Not really inclined to use a more expensive lens for this purpose

Dont know, but Evil bay has plenty of 18-55mm's if you want them.

 

[mrsfotografie]

Dont know, but Evil bay has plenty of 18-55mm's if you want them.

I've been thinking it over and I'll probably get a MkII and buying it new just in case the new one is also a timebomb... I figure I should get enough miles out of it before it destroys itself. Wouldn't want to be sweeping up end-of-life units

 

[Ryan708]

the flex-foil is removable right? wonder if canon would sell that piece. I want one of these lenses for the same purpose. I have a 35-80iii I got for 5 bucks at a yardsale(attached to a rebel X) i had to take apart and fix for my trashing-lens but it is not wide enough and too soft :-/

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I doubt if the MK II is any different. It mostly incorporated some cost saving features making it cheaper to produce.
Ask Canon to fix it.

 

[mrsfotografie]

I bought a new one anyway. Fixing the old one just isn't worth it. At least now I have the MkII versions of both the 18-55 and 55-250, which looks nice for what it's worth ;D