Canon 100-400L IS Problem, black bits coming out of the sliding ring

cia · #1 (**permalink**) 14-04-2009, 10:30 PM

Hi. I have a Canon 100-400L IS lens about 15 months old. While out photographing birds I noticed small pieces of a Black card like material falling out from the sliding locking ring as I move it back and forth. Has anybody else had this happen? Any advice would be helpful thanks.

Words · #2 (**permalink**) 15-04-2009, 12:21 AM

Yes, I've had this as well. I suspect you're also finding the zoom ring isn't as tight as it used to be. Or you will soon. I had to get mine fixed by Canon (via my local camera shop) when this happened, but the problem is beginning to come back after about a year and I'll probably have to get it fixed again (this time not under guarantee). I presume the 'black' material is the buffer material that compresses as you tighten the ring. Not a great design, I have to say, though I admit to absolutely thrashing the lens so some maintenance isn't too much of a surprise. Annoying though.

Tormentil · #3 (**permalink**) 15-04-2009, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Words

...... the problem is beginning to come back after about a year and I'll probably have to get it fixed again (this time not under guarantee). ............ though I admit to absolutely thrashing the lens so some maintenance isn't too much of a surprise. Annoying though.

I'd be very annoyed if I had to send any lens for "maintenance" every 12 months, no matter how much it had been "thrashed".

glsammy · #4 (**permalink**) 15-04-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tormentil

I'd be very annoyed if I had to send any lens for "maintenance" every 12 months, no matter how much it had been "thrashed".

Same here. That lens is supposed to be from their top range, professional quality. It's supposed to be designed to be used hard.
If it needed doing within 12 months of having it done before, I'd certainly fight to get it done under warranty.
You need to remember that manufactures 12 month warranty mean absolutely nothing in law. A product has to be fit for purpose, and a lens that needs expensive repairs every 12 months is not.

Words · #5 (**permalink**) 15-04-2009, 01:32 PM

I doubt I'd have a fit for purpose case here, but the softening of the zoom lock is a pain. In practice it doesn't affect anything I do with it, except it will slide open when I'm walking. It locks fine for tripod use. The shop I got it from is pretty good, so I'll take it in when I get the time and see what they say.

ollyk · #6 (**permalink**) 15-04-2009, 03:32 PM

I would still fight it tbh. Canon attitude toward customers is appauling in general and needs bucking up so the more people stand up to them the better

cia · #7 (**permalink**) 15-04-2009, 07:19 PM

Thanks for all your reply's.
When I reported to Canon I got an emailed reply saying 'send your CAMERA to our repair centre along with your warranty and a copy of your receipt'
This filled me with confidence as customer services didn't know a 100-400L is a lense!

I agree with comments. A lens of this quality and price shouldn't have this problem. Canon probably know about this but chose to ignore.

My other concern is that the buffer material also acts as a dust barrier.

colincurry · #8 (**permalink**) 17-04-2009, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cia

Thanks for all your reply's.
When I reported to Canon I got an emailed reply saying 'send your CAMERA to our repair centre along with your warranty and a copy of your receipt'
This filled me with confidence as customer services didn't know a 100-400L is a lense!

I agree with comments. A lens of this quality and price shouldn't have this problem. Canon probably know about this but chose to ignore.

My other concern is that the buffer material also acts as a dust barrier.

I am sorry to hear of your problem.

I have the same lens that I use pretty heavily; but fortunately without your troubles.

My family say that I am worse than Victor Meldrew, but I would certainly have a go in your shoes. There must have been something fundamentally wrong with the lens in the first place for this to happen at all - let alone twice. I think that I would ask for a replacement as the previous repair obviously did not solve the problem and they have a continuing duty to provide you with a lens that was not faulty from the outset. I might also be tempted to mention this thread and say that Canon's reputation for poor service is only being reinforced by your situation. I might then add that it would be good for you and Canon to be able to report a satisfactory outcome.

Good luck

Colin

lost in the woods · #9 (**permalink**) 20-04-2009, 11:08 PM

Hi
Sorry to hear about your problems i have one of the first batch of Canon 100-400mm zooms that came into the country it's been a fantastic lens. I did have to have i.s repaired at one stage but over the years the abuse it has received from me im surprised its still working it's paid for it's self many times over. You do find varations in build quality amongst most manufactures a friend of mine has had a nightmare with a Nikon 80-400mm VR lens over the years it's been back 4 times to my knowledge another friend has the same lens bought from the same supplier within a week of the other and not had a problem there seems to be no rhyme or reason to how it works.
Regards
Lost in the woods

Keith Talbot · #10 (**permalink**) 25-04-2009, 08:45 AM

i had a similar problem although i didnt have any black bits coming out,the locking ring just gave up resulting in the lens just sliding open all the time,i was lucky it was still under warranty but it sounds as though its becoming a more popular fault now,ive since moved on to a fixed prime so dont have the problem anymore