Camera lens repair advice?

[Adrian]

Hello. I have just joined having been incredibly impressed by Sean's images and tutorials.

I am fairly new to DSLR use. Last weekend my girlfriend and I were photographing Salisbury Cathedral (and her). Somehow I managed to drop our EOS40D from waist height onto the unforgiving stone floor.

The camera is unmarked and both camera and lens work fine, but the area of the lens where filters screw in has cracked quite badly. I can superglue it and then fit a filter. Or I can have the end barrel replaced.

Is anyone aware of a reliable repairer in the Guildford/Dorking area (Surrey?).

As the damage is only cosmetic really, and the accident was a valuable lesson in not being clumsy, it is not worth spending a vast sum.

[McQ]

Thanks and glad to see this forum can be of help. No fun dropping a camera...causes the heart to skip a beat I'm sure. Teaches one the value of a UV protective lens filter if that helped in your case.

Not familiar with repair shops in your area, but I would personally be quite nervous having an unknown repair shop go anywhere near one of my camera lenses. On the other hand this seems to just be a problem with the filter ring, and not anything related to the front lens element. Should not be a problem. I have never had a lens repaired, but do know of a friend who had to have a "front filter ring" replaced for about $35 in the US. This seems to be what you need.

As far as specific shops, my memory is a tad hazy on this but you might try inquiring at KP Professional in Cambridge on Clifton Road. If they cannot do it in house I am sure they can refer you to a reputable repair shop.

[Adrian]

Thanks for the advice. I will give them a call. As the camera was new (it is not our only one) we had not got round to buying UV or polarizer filters for the lens yet. However, the only damage is to the threaded section which protrudes beyond the front element.

The reaction from my partner was quite funny. She just said :I am glad it was you that dropped it and not me!" Naturally it was still her fault. I maintain that she distracted me by wiggling.