A sad moment

Uncle Goose · Jan 16, 2010

Today I found out that my beloved 50mm lens for my Bronica died, it served me for quite some time but lately it had the habit not to open anymore when I released the shutter. I don't know what the real issue is but I suspect a weak spring as you can see the tabs go down inside the body, hit a lever in the body but doesn't open unless you give a gentle push to the tab with a screwdriver. It's the lens as my other 2 lenses are working fine. So I guess this is the end for this nice lens as I don't think it's easy to solve let alone cheap. I'm in the process of buying another one.

Are there people who had the same issue??

Jim Noel · Jan 16, 2010

It is not the lens, it is the shutter. Send it to a repair person.

Uncle Goose · Jan 16, 2010

Since it's a Bronica ETRSi it's the lens, the shutter is located in the lens. I'm not gonna send it out for repair, I can get a nice looking and perfectly working one for around 150euro. It's quite some money for me but usually these go over 300euro here in Belgium. I doubt sending it out for repair would be cheaper as this will not only cost me the time for repair but also double shipping costs. In Belgium it's hard to find someone willing to do repairs on Bronica so I have to ship out of my country which isn't cheap. Besides, the lens is old and shows a great deal of wear (and there is a "ding" in the focusing), I bought it for like 60euro on a Dutch auction site and has been working well for a couple of years so it's time to retire it. Still, it breaks my heart (until I get the new one whoehahaha) .

Colin Corneau · Jan 16, 2010

Why not get an estimate from a repair shop? Then you can make an informed decision.

Uncle Goose · Jan 16, 2010

Colin Corneau said:
Why not get an estimate from a repair shop? Then you can make an informed decision.

I thought about it but as mentioned, there are no people around that will work on this type of lens. It's old anyway so time for a new one I guess.

Shaggysk8 · Jan 16, 2010

Is it a MC I was thinking don't throw it, someone like me might have it off you

John Koehrer · Jan 16, 2010

Or keep it as a spare. If you were to sratch an element you could just change groups.

23mjm · Jan 16, 2010

If you know the lens is in good condition, why not get it fixed. If you get a used one, it's a crap shoot. The "new" one might have been abused or dropped. When the shutter in my RB67's 50mm lens died I had the same decision to make. Since I knew the history of my lens, I decided to just get it fixed even though it cost a little more than a "new" used one. But I knew my lens optically was very good!!

vdonovan · Jan 16, 2010

Scrap it. It's impossible to get Bronica equipment fixed for less money than it takes to buy a replacement.

www.keh.com has that lens in Excellent condition for USD $89. I wouldn't hesitate to buy an EX grade lens from them sight unseen.

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Marvin · Jan 16, 2010

I am also looking for a 50mm for my Bronica ETRSi, I have the 75 and 150 and just looking for a 50 to round out my system. I just saw one go on the bay for about 90usd that looked nice. I thought one would be good for landscapes.
Marvin

lxdude · Jan 16, 2010

vdonovan said:
Scrap it. It's impossible to get Bronica equipment fixed for less money than it takes to buy a replacement.

www.keh.com has that lens in Excellent condition for USD $89. I wouldn't hesitate to buy an EX grade lens from them sight unseen.

Dead Link Removed

With a common lens like that one in the condition described it's true. In the OP's case I'd look for another, but first I'd see if I could fix it. My 75mm EII had a stiff mechanism (the body couldn't move the lever on the back of the lens enough to release the shutter). The lens was otherwise fine. Koh's quoted $80, and Jimmy agreed that it would make sense to find another. I decided to take the back off it and discovered that a little grease on a few points fixed it. I relubed the helicoid at the same time with high grade grease, though it didn't really need it.

But the PE lenses cost a lot more than the others and can often be repaired cheaper than replacement. I have a 105mm f/4.5 Macro that has a stiffer-than-normal aperture ring. That's an expensive lens. I'll be getting a quote from Koh's soon-I really doubt the CLA will approach the replacement cost.

lxdude · Jan 16, 2010

Come to think of it Uncle G., if you're going to retire the lens, there's a decent chance you could fix the problem. As I said in my previous post, a little lube was all mine needed.
There's nothing to lose by taking off the back and taking a look. Put a drop of light oil in likely places and work the mechanism. If it loosens up you're on the right track. Remove the oil and any associated gunk. Use a little more oil or better, naptha, to remove any more gunk. Then apply a small amount of light grease. Use good stuff which won't separate.
That could solve your problem and would take an hour or so. If you don't want to do it, if you know anyone who likes to tinker and has common sense they could do it.

Nothing to lose-if it doesn't work, put it back together, put it on the shelf and get another.

Shaggysk8 · Jan 17, 2010

I totally agree with lxdude, if you are gonna buy a new one anyway, just take yours apart you really have nothing to lose.

Uncle Goose · Jan 17, 2010

I got the back off it but found out it was not very straightforward to go deeper into the lens, so reaching the mechanics seems a little difficult without proper tools. This and the fact there's a "ding" in the focus helical makes me believe it's time for a new one. It served me well for all those years and I will not toss it out, It will remain with me in case I ever need a spare part or so. Thanx for the many responses and suggestions but mechanic things eventually wear out and this lens has had a good life with me.

A sad moment

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