Quick Canon SLR questions

spyderknut

spyderknut

Joined
Nov 7, 2004
Messages
959
One of my boys broke the plastic mount lugs on the 18-55 mm lens that came with my Rebel XTi. Is the mount replaceable or is the lens toast? The lens can be had for around $150 but I would probably upgrade if the old lens is irrepairable or cost more than half of its retail price to replace.

One of my boys fingered the mirror while the lens was broken off. There are definite smudges on the mirror. I don't know how much he mucked around or how much pressure he used. The camera seems to work ok with another lens I have. Should I have the body professionally cleaned or should I do it myself? What is best to use if I should clean it myself?

Ok, last one. What to do with the boys? They covered up the crime for each other. They are nine and five years old. I only found out today when I pulled the camera out to take photos of tree decorating. :eek: Christmas is just around the corner. I am in a coal-giving mood right now.:mad:
 
Coal incoming!!!! :mad:




Don't try to clean the mirror yourself - it's the most important part of the camera and very hard to get clean right. Have a shop do it.

I'm not sure I understand the "plastic mount" on the lens...can you tell me exactly where it is?
 
It's a first-surface mirror which means that the reflective metal coating is on the the first-surface, where the finger print is. The slightest error will damage the all-important metal coating.

This is unlike a bathroom mirror where the metalization is on the "bottom" and you can do just about anything you want to the first surface.

The plastic mount can be replaced.
 
It's not worth repairing it. The 18-55 is about as low end as you can get for a Canon EF mounted lens. You're better off going the upgrade route.

As for the mirror, unless it really bothers you, I wouldn't worry about it. You can try and get it off with a light application with a dry Q-Tip. In reality, it does not affect the image capture, as the mirror moves out of the way for the light to hit the sensor. The worse case is that you'll have issues with the focus because of the smudge, and maybe some misreadings with the TTL sensor, but that's it.

As for the boys. Let them know how much the replacement lens cost and then dock it out of their allowance until it's paid off.
 
tonyccw....I'm up too late...the eyes saw "mirror", the brain said "CCD".....:foot:




either way, there's no way I'd touch anything inside the camera body...I'd prefer to send it off for cleaning.

Lenses, yes, I'll clean 'em...filters too, of course.


spyderknut...sorry for my confusing/misleading post! :(
 
Thanks for the quick answers gentlemen.

There are plastic mounting lugs on the lens that are busted. It looks like the lug ring may be easy to remove. Is this a DIY job or should I just bring the lens in with the body?
 
There's a fairly well known story that makes the rounds regarding the Italian golfer Costantino Rocca. He was being interviewed by members of the press after winning a tournament. As he was fielding the various questions, one of the media members noticed that Costantino's toddler son had taken the putter out of his bag and was playing with it dragging it around on the pavement behind him. Fearful of what outrage this young lad's behavior might spark, the reporter quickly made Costantino aware of the situation before too much damage could be inflicted. To the purported amazement of all present, Costantino is said to have turned around, witnessed his son's antics, and then remarked, "It's okay, I have many putters, but I only have one son". ;)
 
spyderknut said:
There are plastic mounting lugs on the lens that are busted. It looks like the lug ring may be easy to remove. Is this a DIY job or should I just bring the lens in with the body?
Click to expand...
You can probably do it yourself. Provided you're careful not to damage the sensor contacts. But, the question is where are you going to get the replacement part, and what would it cost you. You can easily get a good condition used 18-55 for around $60.
 
That first surface mirror has to be cleaned NOW before the fingerprint gets permanently etched into the aluminum. That surface isn't glass; it's aluminum. It has a coating on it that slows oxidation but it's not made to withstand handling. I would clean it myself but if you don't know how -- if you aren't sure you know how -- run to a big camera store and get them to do it. You could do a lot more damage with improper cleaning.
 
Ok...I understand now...

Yeah....write it off...keep future lenses up high, away from kids (I have 4 young boys...it's a MUST in my house).

You might be able to sell the lens to a camera repair shop...*shrug*

There are literally thousands of these lenses floating around ebay, etc...because people buy the kit, realize the limitations of the lens and soon upgrade.

If you're sold on that lens, or need to replace it for cheap....you can easily get another one.

Otherwise, you might start looking at an upgrade. :thumbup:

Post here if you need suggestions for a better lens.
 
I have the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras on my xti as my walkaround. Great lens for the money.
 
I believe the 17-85 has IS too, right?


the 28-135 IS is a fantastic walkaround lens....with 1.6x crop factor on the rebel, looking at 45-215mm...so you'll lose some wide-angle. Which is why the 17-85 is very tempting. :D (but about $100 more)
 
Yes, I'm considering the 28-135 IS too. I have the 70-300 IS already. I do worry about losing wike angle for indoor shots, macro etc. I could get more than one extra lens but not right away. Decisions!
 
Yes, the 17-85 is also IS. A friend of mine has that lens, I like it very much. The zoom doesn't cause the barrel to telescope -- its all internal.

The only criticism I have of my 28-135 is it makes camera very front heavy... I am probably going to get a battery grip to offset it. Its also good to have a battery grip as I've noticed the IS function tends to eat battery pretty quickly...
 
Yep, I have the battery grip. It helps with balance with my 70-300 mm IS lens but it is still front heavy. I can go a long time between charges though.

I went to the local camera shop (only one good one in town). I was advised to clean the mirror with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab which I have done.:thumbup:

I think I will go for the 17-85 mm IS. The fact that it does not telescope out is a selling point for me.

Thanks for all the helpful advice. My daughter has a recital tomorrow night. The long lens will have to do for now.
 
As much of a supporter of Canon products as I am, I wish to comment. I owned the Canon 28-135 and the range and build quality seem exceptional.

But, I found the lens very poor in clarity at the outer perimeters. In fact unacceptable enough for me to have almost lost a client because of the fuzziness. He called me on it. This was indoors with a strobe.

I compared outdoor shots to my 28-70 Tamron and the Tamron's sharpness clobbered it, both inside the studio and outside.

Only because I had a very negative experience, I would not recommend this lens. I may have had a lemon, but it didn't work for me. I sold it on eBay quickly, though. People seem to love it. :confused:

Coop
 
Keep in mind that Coop's 28-70 Tamron is a crystal clear pro-level lens (at a good price too!)....Yes, I used to have one...have no idea why I sold it....(I'm an IDIOT!) :D

Sounds like you did get a lemon, Coop...:(

But anybody used to a f/2.8 or faster lens is going to notice quality difference a lot more than the average joe. :thumbup:


I have no experience with either of the above lenses (17-85 or 28-135)...can only comment on "what I've heard". :(
 
Well, I am not required by any law to buy Canon brand lenses. My main issues with the lenses I have are performance in lower light situations. I am certain a faster lens would help there with or without Image Stabilization.

Any specific recommendations for a lens or set of lenses? I do mostly family photography but I shoot knives and do-dads (usually with natural light as I have not yet rigged a box) and occasionally get creative.

Tokina, Tamron, Sigma recommendations anyone?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top