Loaned a lens - got it back damaged....

Percy · 02-05-07, 12:27 AM

Just received back one of my 70-200 2.8L EF lenses from a young photographer. Didn't bother to check the lens for functionality until later tonight. Internal impact/shock damage. Now have to order parts from Canon. And he didn't disclose that he dropped the lens (I can always tell).

Any opinions on what I should do with the kid? (He's 15 - family is wealthy though)

I loaned out the same lens earlier to a 22 year old young lady and she returns it back to me in pristine condition. Even has it all cleaned up. Go figure.

Percy

Woogie · 02-05-07, 12:56 AM

How much is it going to cost you to repair?

lighthalo · 02-05-07, 12:57 AM

i say confront him about it. at least have him pay for repairs...

Percy · 02-05-07, 03:47 PM

I opened up the lens a little bit ago...the main housing that supports the mechanisms was shattered (literally!) into 3 pieces. Aluminum powder and shrapnel all over the place...which explains the grinding.

Parts will run about 300. Good thing I know how to fix these, otherwise the lens repair would cost more than a new lens!

Percy

RA40 · 02-05-07, 04:49 PM

I'd confront him about it.

If you are willing to make the repairs, have him cover the parts seems fair. Otherwise, it would be send the lens out and have his family cover the expenses.

He has a Canon body, sell him the repaired lens following repairs.

Woogie · 02-05-07, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RA40

I'd confront him about it.

If you are willing to make the repairs, have him cover the parts seems fair. Otherwise, it would be send the lens out and have his family cover the expenses.

I completely agree.

cliffud · 02-05-07, 05:00 PM

talk to the kid and the kids parents. ugh- this kind of stuff makes me not wanna loan out anything of mine...

Torched · 02-05-07, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lighthalo

i say confront him about it. at least have him pay for repairs...

Yeah, I'd probably do the same. He's a kid thats probably why he didn't fess up, though it would have been better to be honest from the start it wasn't like you'd never notice it. I don't see how people can drop their lens and gear their using, period, especially if its borrowed. But I'd just confront him and just let him hear ya out, I wouldn't make his parents pay for a new lens if you can repair, I don't know how hard it would be to fix though, but if its not going to be a big deal then don't make it be a big deal just let him learn a lesson from it. And hopefully he can learn to not be so careless/wreckless.

Percy · 02-05-07, 06:07 PM

Just talked to him and he says he'll get a job to pay for the damage.

Still, glad that they make parts for this lens. If it was my 300 2.8L EF (original) or the 200 1.8L EF (I don't loan that one out to anybody!!!), I'd be in a world of hurt as they don't make parts for those lenses anymore.

Found out something interesting through Canon...if you damage the barrel portion of your lens (in production or not) that has a serial number, they WILL NOT sell you that piece. Also, internal cam mechanisms usually are not sold either - you basically have to buy the entire lens from fleabay.

200 1.8L EF lenses are going for more than their original price now. Guess it took them nearly 20 years to finally figure out how REALLY good that lens is!

Percy

lighthalo · 02-05-07, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Percy

Found out something interesting through Canon...if you damage the barrel portion of your lens (in production or not) that has a serial number, they WILL NOT sell you that piece. Also, internal cam mechanisms usually are not sold either - you basically have to buy the entire lens from fleabay.

Percy

any idea why?

just an excuse for u to spend more money?
i wonder if people on photography forums do L lens part outs,

Percy · 02-05-07, 10:11 PM

Canon doesn't want to give out blank parts with no serial numbers, just in case the lens has been acquired through other means.

They do the same with digital cameras, especially their SLRs. They usually won't sell the bottom plate with the serial number blank, but most people don't realize that the serial number is already programmed in the CPU portion of the camera. Not to hard to get at if you have the software.

That's probably why Canon doesn't sell their service manuals, nor do they fax them anymore. Used to be a few years ago you could buy the software to program the camera as well as full diagrams and tear down procedures. Times have changed!

Percy

Coco-bun · 02-06-07, 12:34 AM

this is why if i do lend my friend my camera, they only get the nifty fifty or the kit lens.
I'd talk to his parents. He needs to learn about honesty and responsibility.

kickin8 · 02-16-07, 02:11 PM

use the damaged lens and smack him until he buy you a new one !

hehe.....

razox · 02-16-07, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kickin8

use the damaged lens and smack him until he buy you a new one !

hehe.....

SMACK HIM!!! now send me that 300L!!!!

Percy · 02-16-07, 07:14 PM

Lens has been rebuilt, reconditioned, all elements cleaned. The thing looks very very close to brand spanking new!

Percy