After not using my 300mm lens for a while I got it out the bag today to find fungus on the front element under the protective glass, I was wondering if it is possible for this to be removed by somebody, as I do not want it to get any worse.
I understand people dont like to touch lenses with this problem due to contamination so any advise would be very welcome.
Many thanks
Brian
Posted by John Robinson on December 9, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Don't know about this one Brian, but I have to take the front off my Sigma 50-500 regularly to de dust it as it acts like a vacuum cleaner.
You may be able to do the same.
Hope your're OK by the way.
Cheers
John
Posted by Major Gilbert on December 9, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Dont envy your plight Brian. This sort of think would drive me to drink knowing its there.
Surely you would be better off taking or sending it to someone who can do it proffesionaly?
Yeah don't mind doing that Major, anybody that can point me to somebody that can do this would be helpful.
Brian
Posted by Andy Elliott on December 9, 2009 at 4:37 PM
Depends on the fungus. Some types are just greasy, others are acidic and will etch the coatings (so a new element is required, not just a clean). In any case, get it done professionally. At around £1200 for a 300/4 or anything up to £5k for a 300/2.8 in any brand, it's worth spending £50 for a clean to get it done properly or even a couple of hundred for a new element (probably more for an f2.8, but a lot cheaper than a new lens). I have a guy locally (Cambridge) who will do this. Make sure you keep the lens and the bag it was in separate to other lenses to avoid cross contamination.
What make/size is it? The Olympus/Canon L/Nikon top-end lenses are all weather sealed - it may fall under warranty if a seal has failed and let moisture in.
It's a Canon EF300mm 2.8L non is, im in Cornwall(it's the damp place to live at the min) so I will have to post it to whoever I get to look at it.
Cheers
Brian
Posted by Mike Smith on December 10, 2009 at 2:04 AM
Are you a member of the Canon professional photographers scheme? if so you will get priority repair service from Canon service team in Borehamwood (?) - only criteria is to have sufficiernt Pro spec equipment, not that you are a Pro photog - you can register on line (I used to be but my registration has now lapsed when swapping to Oly) - hopefully someone will have the link
Posted by Brian McGeough on December 10, 2009 at 2:20 AM
I was under the impression that Canon would not help with fugus on glass for fear of contamination !!
Posted by Andy Elliott on December 10, 2009 at 2:56 AM
I'm sure Canon will do the repair/clean. It's either going to be around £150 for a clean or a fair bit more for a new front element. I'm always slightly dubious as to the merits of lenses having a built-in lens protector that you can't change yourself. I have a contax P-filter on my Zuiko 300/2.8...
Andy
Posted by Matt Peaster on December 10, 2009 at 5:47 AM
Brian
I had similar issues with my 100-400 a year or so ago. I phoned a few professional repairers (back of mags). I'm think I sent it to Colchester Camera repairs in the end and its been clean since, cost roughly £150.
if you qualify for CPS then give them a call, look through Canon's list of approved repairers on their web site.
Discussion
10 repliesAfter not using my 300mm lens for a while I got it out the bag today to find fungus on the front element under the protective glass, I was wondering if it is possible for this to be removed by somebody, as I do not want it to get any worse.
I understand people dont like to touch lenses with this problem due to contamination so any advise would be very welcome.
Many thanks
Brian
You may be able to do the same.
Hope your're OK by the way.
Cheers
John
Surely you would be better off taking or sending it to someone who can do it proffesionaly?
Major
Brian
What make/size is it? The Olympus/Canon L/Nikon top-end lenses are all weather sealed - it may fall under warranty if a seal has failed and let moisture in.
Andy
It's a Canon EF300mm 2.8L non is, im in Cornwall(it's the damp place to live at the min) so I will have to post it to whoever I get to look at it.
Cheers
Brian
Andy
I had similar issues with my 100-400 a year or so ago. I phoned a few professional repairers (back of mags). I'm think I sent it to Colchester Camera repairs in the end and its been clean since, cost roughly £150.
if you qualify for CPS then give them a call, look through Canon's list of approved repairers on their web site.
all the best
Matt