Canon FL mount lens repair

Roy Pittman · Jun 18, 2017

I have two FL mount lenses that are stuck shut. I sent them to a reputable repair shop for CLA but they were unable to dis-assemble the lenses. The tech told me he was afraid if he used more force the lenses would be damaged. I am very attached to these lenses. They have history: they were once owned by Frederick Sommer. Does anyone know a repair service that specializes in opening frozen lenses?

John Koehrer · Jun 18, 2017

You're doing the right thing re: finding another tech. Don't know of one that specializes
in FL/Fd's but there's gotta be someone.
FWIW I think I'd look for someone new just because I'd doubt competence.

chassis · Jun 18, 2017

Hi Roy, I have an FL camera also (FX), and the 50/1.8 which I like alot.

These days, as an option I would look at buying another (aka "new") lens. If you are having a hard time finding a repair person this could be an option.

If you are confident with your mechanical skills, here is a video for disassembling the FL 50/1.4. Other FL lenses may be similar in principal.

Roy Pittman · Jun 19, 2017

John Koehrer said:
You're doing the right thing re: finding another tech. Don't know of one that specializes
in FL/Fd's but there's gotta be someone.
FWIW I think I'd look for someone new just because I'd doubt competence.

I will look. Thanks for responding.

Roy Pittman · Jun 19, 2017

chassis said:
Hi Roy, I have an FL camera also (FX), and the 50/1.8 which I like alot.

These days, as an option I would look at buying another (aka "new") lens. If you are having a hard time finding a repair person this could be an option.

If you are confident with your mechanical skills, here is a video for disassembling the FL 50/1.4. Other FL lenses may be similar in principal.

Thanks for the response. I am afraid if the tech in Houston couldn't open the lenses I would make a mess of it. Even so I watched the video and will watch it again. Finding a replacement for the 35mm f/2.5 lens is easy, the 85mm f/1.8 not so easy. ebay only listed one of them, it's in the UK and the owner wants over $500 USD! That is out of the question. If I can't find a tech that can do it I will keep looking. I will replace the wide angle next month.

flavio81 · Jun 20, 2017

Roy Pittman said:
I have two FL mount lenses that are stuck shut. I sent them to a reputable repair shop for CLA but they were unable to dis-assemble the lenses. The tech told me he was afraid if he used more force the lenses would be damaged. I am very attached to these lenses. They have history: they were once owned by Frederick Sommer. Does anyone know a repair service that specializes in opening frozen lenses?

I would like to help but you must give more detail, explain more what do you mean with "stuck shut".

I have dissasembled a FL 35mm f/2.5 almost completely; there's nothing esoteric in dissasembling that lens. Most likely, the technician is an idiot (sorry, but can't find another possibility.)

The FL 85/1.8 is a gem of a lens, so it deserves some service.

cooltouch · Jun 20, 2017

Hey Roy, you mentioned a tech in Houston couldn't/wouldn't do the repair work for you. This isn't Professional Camera Repair, is it? I've used them for camera CLAs before and they are a very capable bunch with lots of experience in older gear, so it would surprise me if they chickened out.

Another repair possibility, probably the most respected Canon repair guy in the US, is Ken Oikawa, a retired Canon tech. He doesn't do the Internet or email. He prefers you to call him, actually. His phone is (951) 246-9136. He's in Sun City, CA.

Roy Pittman · Jun 20, 2017

flavio81 said:
I would like to help but you must give more detail, explain more what do you mean with "stuck shut".

I have dissasembled a FL 35mm f/2.5 almost completely; there's nothing esoteric in dissasembling that lens. Most likely, the technician is an idiot (sorry, but can't find another possibility.)

The FL 85/1.8 is a gem of a lens, so it deserves some service.

I don't think the tech is an idiot. See my response to the next message I received below.
The lens has been unused and stored for about 20 years. The diaphragm is EXTREMELY hard to move. The grease lubricating it has become solid. It is acting like a glue instead of a lubricant. The tech told me he had applied as much force (torque) to the lens trying to disassemble it as he thought he should. He was afraid that he would actually break or deform it if he applied more torque.

Roy Pittman · Jun 20, 2017

cooltouch said:
Hey Roy, you mentioned a tech in Houston couldn't/wouldn't do the repair work for you. This isn't Professional Camera Repair, is it? I've used them for camera CLAs before and they are a very capable bunch with lots of experience in older gear, so it would surprise me if they chickened out.

Another repair possibility, probably the most respected Canon repair guy in the US, is Ken Oikawa, a retired Canon tech. He doesn't do the Internet or email. He prefers you to call him, actually. His phone is (951) 246-9136. He's in Sun City, CA.

Yes, it was Professional Camera Repair and I also think they are very competent. See my response to another APUG message above. So I am not speaking ill of them. Thanks for the reference to Mr. Oikawa. I will call him today.

Roy Pittman · Jun 20, 2017

cooltouch said:
Hey Roy, you mentioned a tech in Houston couldn't/wouldn't do the repair work for you. This isn't Professional Camera Repair, is it? I've used them for camera CLAs before and they are a very capable bunch with lots of experience in older gear, so it would surprise me if they chickened out.

Another repair possibility, probably the most respected Canon repair guy in the US, is Ken Oikawa, a retired Canon tech. He doesn't do the Internet or email. He prefers you to call him, actually. His phone is (951) 246-9136. He's in Sun City, CA.

P.S. Nice shot of Osaka Castle! I have been there too, many years ago (1959).

Roy Pittman · Jun 20, 2017

flavio81 said:
I would like to help but you must give more detail, explain more what do you mean with "stuck shut".

I have dissasembled a FL 35mm f/2.5 almost completely; there's nothing esoteric in dissasembling that lens. Most likely, the technician is an idiot (sorry, but can't find another possibility.)

The FL 85/1.8 is a gem of a lens, so it deserves some service.

P.S. Yes that 85mm lens is a beauty! I have a plan... See above.

Roy Pittman · Jun 20, 2017

cooltouch said:
Hey Roy, you mentioned a tech in Houston couldn't/wouldn't do the repair work for you. This isn't Professional Camera Repair, is it? I've used them for camera CLAs before and they are a very capable bunch with lots of experience in older gear, so it would surprise me if they chickened out.

Another repair possibility, probably the most respected Canon repair guy in the US, is Ken Oikawa, a retired Canon tech. He doesn't do the Internet or email. He prefers you to call him, actually. His phone is (951) 246-9136. He's in Sun City, CA.

I just got off the telephone with Mr. Oikawa. He agreed to look at my 85mm lens and see if he can fix it. I'm shipping it tomorrow.

Roy Pittman · Jul 1, 2017

Roy Pittman said:
I just got off the telephone with Mr. Oikawa. He agreed to look at my 85mm lens and see if he can fix it. I'm shipping it tomorrow.

He fixed it! He opened my Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens and did CLA! Wonderful! I am going to send him my Canon 35mm f/2.5 lens next. Thanks, everybody, cooltouch in particular, for the help.

cooltouch · Jul 1, 2017

Glad it worked out for you. When it comes to Canon FD (and FL), Ken is the best.

Canon FL mount lens repair

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