Newark727 From United States of America, joined Dec 2009, 1172 posts, RR: 0 Posted (4 months 1 week 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 1714 times:
As I described at the end of October, I received a Canon 24-105 L IS USM as a birthday present, and I wasn't satisfied with its functionality, it tended to give me soft images. I rented a copy of the same lens for a day and got much sharper images across the board, but particularly above 60mm of focal length. This was evidence enough for me to go back to the store and ask them for help with my version of the lens. They cited calibration and told me to take it to Canon, who fortunately have a repair shop near where I live. This was done; the Canon report cited an improperly assembled autofocus assembly. But the lens still isn't really where I want it. It is now solid up to about 70mm but above 80mm or so it still doesn't get a very crisp focus. So now I'm wondering how to bring the whole issue back up. Returning to the Canon shop would seem my best bet but when I first took it in, it sounded as if there were only certain types of repairs they were actually authorized to do, which is confusing and calls the camera store's suggestion of micro-calibration into question.
So I guess I'd like either advice or personal experience with this sort of affair. Many thanks in advance.
dazbo5 From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2005, 2570 posts, RR: 2 Reply 2, posted (4 months 1 week 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 1637 times:
If you aren't happy with it, ask the shop to replace it for a new one? Although it might be a little late for that now. I know what you're going through though. One of my Sigma lenses has been in and out of the workshop since last October and I still don't have it back. If i'm not happy with it when it comes back, it will be sent straight back with a cover note. I'd do the same with your Canon until you're happy with it. It's not a cheap lens and there are known softness issues with some examples. I was happy with my 24-105 first time but I know others on here weren't and got replacements until they were.
Darren
Equipment: 2x Canon EOS 50D; Sigma 10-20 EX DC HSM, 50-500 EX APO DG, Canon 24-105 f/4 L, Speedlite 430EX
shufflemoomin From Denmark, joined Jun 2010, 427 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (4 months 1 week 3 days 14 hours ago) and read 1548 times:
I presume the lens was bought as new when it was given to you as a present? It's unacceptable that it came from the factory with an incorrectly assembled AF mechanism. I wouldn't have accepted a repair on a new lens, I'd have insisted on a replacement, which is what I suggest you do now since they've looked at it once and you're still not happy. If you're certain that rented copy clearly performed better, get back to the shop it was bought from and tell them to replace the unit completely.
Newark727 From United States of America, joined Dec 2009, 1172 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (4 months 1 week 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 1502 times:
Quoting shufflemoomin (Reply 3):
I presume the lens was bought as new when it was given to you as a present? It's unacceptable that it came from the factory with an incorrectly assembled AF mechanism. I wouldn't have accepted a repair on a new lens, I'd have insisted on a replacement, which is what I suggest you do now since they've looked at it once and you're still not happy. If you're certain that rented copy clearly performed better, get back to the shop it was bought from and tell them to replace the unit completely.
Actually, I have to clarify here, because in my OP I was recounting the Canon repair slip from memory and now I have it in front of me.
"Your product has been examined and it was found that the adjustment of the af assembly was incorrect causing the auto focus to operate improperly - Best focus and lens centering adjustments were carreied [sic] out on the af assembly. Product functions were confirmed."
I'll try gabik001's DIY suggestion first, at any rate.
JakTrax From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2005, 4732 posts, RR: 8 Reply 5, posted (4 months 1 week 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 1497 times:
First and foremost don't forget that YOU are the customer and the old adage of the customer always being right still stands. It's not good enough that you should be fobbed off with a repair on a new product that was clearly not fit for purpose. If such a fault is discovered typically within the first 28 days here in the UK the store must offer a replacement, a repair or a refund - whichever is most convenient for the customer.
Even outside the 'cool-off' period it's worth seeking a replacement, as a product describing itself as 'professional' should not fail in just a couple of months.
You really do have to stand up for yourself in situations like this, because the vendor will try and get away with as much as possible should you choose to be shy about the matter!
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