camera lens dieing?

12 years 9 months ago #106715 by Chas
Can I camera lens die? I know in time cameras can stop working, or stop working correctly, but can a lens itself stop working (that is from age, not from being dropped or run over)


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12 years 9 months ago - 12 years 9 months ago #106717 by MLKstudios
Hey Chas,

Some new lenses have AF motors built in, so yeah, they can wear out. Or get dirt in them that grind them to a halt.

Matthew :)

Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"

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12 years 9 months ago #106719 by mj~shutterbugg
I have one lens where the motor died but if I use manual focus it works fine.

Think Off-Center ~ George Carlin
www.mjbrennanphoto.com

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12 years 9 months ago #106722 by Chas
Wow, I didn't know that. I've always heard people using older SLR lenses on newer DSLR cameras, so I figure lenses don't die.


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12 years 9 months ago #106723 by Baydream
Yes. The AF focus motor can wear out. My 70-300 "took a hit" and the AF would not work. Repair from Canon was $125 (for a $500 lens) so it was worth it.

BUT, before you do that, clean the contacts carefully. It may be a communication issue.

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

Photo Comments
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12 years 9 months ago #106725 by Screamin Scott
I assume you are referencing AF lenses from the above posts. I use older MF lenses on my DSLR & a common problem with the older lenses is whats called an "oily aperture". It's where oil from the focusing helicoid migrates onto the aperture blades. When that happens, the blades become sluggish or don't move at all..It can be fixed though & I assume it could also happen to newer AF lenses.( never leave your lenses in a hot car)...As others have said, newer AF lenses can also have the issues as has been mentioned...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

Photo Comments
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12 years 9 months ago - 12 years 9 months ago #106740 by MLKstudios
I have some lenses 100 years old that still work. And I would expect my Leitz and Zeiss lenses to last that long too. They're all metal and glass, and built like a tank.

Newer plastic lenses will survive a long time too, if taken care of and professionally maintained. The problem is when the maintenance costs more than the lens. Only pro lenses that cost a lot, are worth a repair (or maintenance) bill.

It's often cheaper to replace an inexpensive lens, if and when it quits working.

Matthew :)

Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"

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12 years 9 months ago #106890 by Henry Peach
I've had parts that connect the aperture controls to the iris diaphragm wear out in both old, mechanical, mostly metal lenses and new, plastic, zoom lenses. In one case the aperture was stuck wide open, and in the other when it closed down for the shot it always closed down to f/22 whatever it was set at. Both required the part to be replaced.
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