Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L - Magic Drainpipe

[cptrios]

I've just owned one for a very low price (75€) but it has an issue with the AF switch that is not working. I will try to dissasemble the lens but don't know where to start. I think the first step is to remove the ring beside the red circle at the front (there are hidden screws under). The problem is that this ring seems to be glued so I don't want to make mistates. Any advices ?

I have a document with drawings that details all the parts and references.I can share it for those are interested (this is not a repair manual)

Holy crap that's a good price. I've seen copies with that exact problem (it's very common) go for over $500!

By the way, by "ring" do you mean just the rubber grip? Because that should be fairly easy to remove.

[funkyfones]

I have a service/repair manual I ordered from america, havent had time to use it yet as I have 2 worktables full of cameras and lenses that need to be finished, so much to do and so little time

[Scapevision]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5604934442_61f5527803_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5604934442/)
Run (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5604934442/) by Scapevision (http://www.flickr.com/people/potatoeye/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5604934870_665df05f09_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5604934870/)
Play (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5604934870/) by Scapevision (http://www.flickr.com/people/potatoeye/), on Flickr

[e_resolu]

Holy crap that's a good price. I've seen copies with that exact problem (it's very common) go for over $500!

By the way, by "ring" do you mean just the rubber grip? Because that should be fairly easy to remove.

Yes, it seems i've been lucky
I was finally able to remove the front ring (the one with the labels beside the red ring)
It is glued so not easy to unscrew (I used a knife between the ring and the metal part to remove the glue which is not the best way). Now I have access to 3 screws. Will continue when I'll have time.

[jvk]

wow keep us posted.

[jvk]

One from last sunday.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5607071681_90cd0ed11d_z.jpg

[Olsenek]

http://www.fsv-nc.tym.cz/images/PS_9074.jpg

I really LOVE this lens!

[e_resolu]

Last news from my repair :
The next step was to remove the focus and zoom grip to have access to hidden screws.
I was then able to access to the AF/MF switch system. I refixed the inner metal part with the external plastic switch (a simple screw) and now AF is working perfectly well.
I did awesome portraits of my family with this magic drainpipe.
A great pleasure.

[GregoryF]

:pI have to quit looking at these threads! Another lens I am going to have to buy!!

[fliptrix]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5648935394_9a484a8da8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjugao/5648935394/)
Downtown SD Skyline. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjugao/5648935394/) by r.jugao (http://www.flickr.com/people/rjugao/), on Flickr

[Scapevision]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5654740198_04d1044813_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5654740198/)
Dry (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5654740198/) by Scapevision (http://www.flickr.com/people/potatoeye/), on Flickr

[Scapevision]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5691675845_9270bda7e7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5691675845/)
Hammock (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5691675845/) by Scapevision (http://www.flickr.com/people/potatoeye/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5692246448_715b81d412_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5692246448/)
Paint (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5692246448/) by Scapevision (http://www.flickr.com/people/potatoeye/), on Flickr

Loving the lens more and more every time I take it along

[Scapevision]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5692337772_1159ef16c9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5692337772/)
Picknick (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5692337772/) by Scapevision (http://www.flickr.com/people/potatoeye/), on Flickr

[Scapevision]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5698289096_3248a62caa_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5698289096/)
Cerise (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5698289096/) by Scapevision (http://www.flickr.com/people/potatoeye/), on Flickr

[Olsenek]

Scapevision, some of your pictures has a little bit harsh bokeh for me (but quite interesting), are all of them taken wide open?

[Scapevision]

Scapevision, some of your pictures has a little bit harsh bokeh for me (but quite interesting), are all of them taken wide open?

Yep, sometimes I do accentuate the harshness, be it through HDR process or simply making it more pronounced to get the effect of paint strokes, but rarely

the smoothness also depends on a number of factors, like subject/background distance, lens/subject distance, focal length etc.

[JonnyM]

Yes, it seems i've been lucky
I was finally able to remove the front ring (the one with the labels beside the red ring)
It is glued so not easy to unscrew (I used a knife between the ring and the metal part to remove the glue which is not the best way). Now I have access to 3 screws. Will continue when I'll have time.

Hi there, I'm in a similar position to yourself (although a slightly different problem) and I'm trying to get into my lens.

I have an 80-200 2.8L which is in excellent condition and produces beautiful images. However I am having issues with the auto-focus. Works fine in manual but when in AF mode the lens will work to a point and then lock up. I can hear the AF drive unit trying to move to focus the lens (high pitched beep noise) but nothing happens. If I switch back to manual move the focus ring, switch to AF it will work for a few more times and then lock up again. I think what is happening is that there is either a sticky gear or it is getting stuck at the ends of the focus range.

I would like to open it up to look at the AFD unit but can't figure out how to get into the front of the lens. I can see the screws under the rubber focus rings (though some of the front ones are stripped I can deal with that) but I'm not sure how to go about taking the front of the lens off.

You mention that the front section by the red ring comes off, could you tell me how you managed to get it off? Not sure which side of the red ring I should be trying to open and if its screwed on or attached in some other fashion.


Would have liked to send it in to be looked at as I don't think it requires parts, just opened and maybe lubricated/unstuck. But my service center wouldn't look at it as there are no parts available. So frustrating as the lens is in perfect shape other than this!

Many thanks.

[e_resolu]

Hi there, I'm in a similar position to yourself (although a slightly different problem) and I'm trying to get into my lens.

I have an 80-200 2.8L which is in excellent condition and produces beautiful images. However I am having issues with the auto-focus. Works fine in manual but when in AF mode the lens will work to a point and then lock up. I can hear the AF drive unit trying to move to focus the lens (high pitched beep noise) but nothing happens. If I switch back to manual move the focus ring, switch to AF it will work for a few more times and then lock up again. I think what is happening is that there is either a sticky gear or it is getting stuck at the ends of the focus range.

I would like to open it up to look at the AFD unit but can't figure out how to get into the front of the lens. I can see the screws under the rubber focus rings (though some of the front ones are stripped I can deal with that) but I'm not sure how to go about taking the front of the lens off.

You mention that the front section by the red ring comes off, could you tell me how you managed to get it off? Not sure which side of the red ring I should be trying to open and if its screwed on or attached in some other fashion.


Would have liked to send it in to be looked at as I don't think it requires parts, just opened and maybe lubricated/unstuck. But my service center wouldn't look at it as there are no parts available. So frustrating as the lens is in perfect shape other than this!

Many thanks.

Hello JonnyM,

I'd be more than happy to help you.
The front ring (plastic one with the label) is screwed and glued. Since I had no specific tools to remove it, I inserted a knife under the plastic ring to "break the glue" which was not the best idea because I damaged a little the metal screw. But In the end I was able to remove it and it is not a real problem because the damage is not visible. To be more professionnal, I'd suggest to by a "plumber tool" that should be strong enough to break the glue. This type of tool is an adjustable metal ring with a hangrip. In case you decide to use it, I'd recommend to place a piece of bicycle tube between the tool and the ring to avoid damages.
then you have access to 3 little screws
Then the next steps are to remove the two rubber rings (focus and zoom) to have access to other little screws.


Once you see the focus motor, the tricky thing is to remount the external metal ring with the AF switch in the right position.That's a patience "game"

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask support

[JonnyM]

Thank you for your quick response, really appreciate your help.

Looking at my lens there is the body of the lens, then the red ring then a black ring with the brand name and lens info on it followed by a gap and then finally a plastic ring (though it doesn't have any writing on).

Just wanted to double check before I get started that its this final plastic ring that I need to get off first?

Going to try and fix this tomorrow, will post how I get on... thank you for your help, such a shame Canon won't service this lens any more.

[alpha_1976]

Put this on after a loooong time

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/5718526003_a0454d898a_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2010/5719076764_585e86effe_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/5719066790_692b6f8b08_b.jpg

[Scapevision]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/5719602397_e28b7e5c5b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5719602397/)
Great Leap Forward (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5719602397/) by Scapevision (http://www.flickr.com/people/potatoeye/), on Flickr

[e_resolu]

Thank you for your quick response, really appreciate your help.

Looking at my lens there is the body of the lens, then the red ring then a black ring with the brand name and lens info on it followed by a gap and then finally a plastic ring (though it doesn't have any writing on).

Just wanted to double check before I get started that its this final plastic ring that I need to get off first?

Going to try and fix this tomorrow, will post how I get on... thank you for your help, such a shame Canon won't service this lens any more.

You have to unscrew the ring with the white label 'Canon Lens Made in Japan'

Regards

[JonnyM]

Just wanted to say a big thank you for all the help.

I managed to get into the lens, following your advice, and re-lubricated the motor etc. Nothing seemed wrong with it though and I wasn't able to get consistent AF working unfortunately. Beginning to wonder if it's maybe an AF confirm chip or something like that in the circuitry of the lens that isn't working right. Seems like it should be working but just doesn't want to.

One benefit of doing all this though is that I have smoothed out the rotation of the focus ring and it is tighter now so accurate manual focus is easier.

Looks like I'll just have to keep saving up for that 70-200 MKII after all!

Thanks again.

[e_resolu]

Just wanted to say a big thank you for all the help.

I managed to get into the lens, following your advice, and re-lubricated the motor etc. Nothing seemed wrong with it though and I wasn't able to get consistent AF working unfortunately. Beginning to wonder if it's maybe an AF confirm chip or something like that in the circuitry of the lens that isn't working right. Seems like it should be working but just doesn't want to.

One benefit of doing all this though is that I have smoothed out the rotation of the focus ring and it is tighter now so accurate manual focus is easier.

Looks like I'll just have to keep saving up for that 70-200 MKII after all!

Thanks again.

Sad result
I was luckier because my problem was the bad link between the AF switch and the internal mechanical system that moves to enable AF motor, not an electronic problem.

[Scapevision]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/5774696978_0549b3384b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5774696978/)
Lightning hits CN Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5774696978/) by Scapevision (http://www.flickr.com/people/potatoeye/), on Flickr

[Scapevision]

This lens rocked my world once again :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/5848980904_6be1f30265_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5848980904/)
Sunkissed (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5848980904/) by Scapevision (http://www.flickr.com/people/potatoeye/), on Flickr

[funkyfones]

Lightning hits CN Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/potatoeye/5774696978/) by Scapevision (http://www.flickr.com/people/potatoeye/), on Flickr

Nice one, Where were you? Centre Island?

I want to go again to Toronto next winter (ice fishing) and some pics as well, what else is there to capture in Feb?

[Scapevision]

Nice one, Where were you? Centre Island?

I want to go again to Toronto next winter (ice fishing) and some pics as well, what else is there to capture in Feb?

Nope, I usually shoot from where I live (Humber Bay Park) which gives a nice view of the city as well, it's West of Toronto on the border with Etobicoke. February would be tough. Snow, ice and wind comes to my mind :) Stick to the lake shores maybe a bit West, there might be some cool ice build up. I really find Toronto boring photographically speaking

[funkyfones]

Yeah, not sure what else apart from the falls and CN tower there is to snap even though I'v been 4 times and my mrs is from there. Maybe by the winter I'l have sorted out my magic drainpipe and the fun can begin.

[Scapevision]

To tell you the truth, Toronto is quite decent for street photography (NYC style) but the places are somewhat limited. There are a lot of colourful characters. And if you wander off to the North (about 2-3hr drive) the nature is unbelievably gorgeous.

[funkyfones]

Well I'l be near York Uni and last time I went to Lake Simcoe every day for 2 weeks so I'm sure ther'l be something to capture.

[alpha_1976]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/5898161411_a44991f771_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5276/5898167923_407eb27fdb_b.jpg

[jvk]

Click image for 100% crop.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5031/5895361960_098da7e39f_z.jpg (http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/4969/mg1425v.jpg)

[Selski]

great stuff. I'm still holding on to mine and it is really magic

[jonsegal]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5983332389_c8a8f4cd7d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/5983332389/)
IMG_0055 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/5983332389/) by jon segal (http://www.flickr.com/people/7378908@N08/), on Flickr

[jvk]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5998002978_2ba39c497f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jvk031/5998002978/)
_MG_8521 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jvk031/5998002978/) by jvk-031 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jvk031/), on Flickr

[jonsegal]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/6018519216_afecc435be_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6018519216/)
IMG_0159 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6018519216/) by jon segal (http://www.flickr.com/people/7378908@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/6017971085_e06bf1010b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6017971085/)
IMG_0163 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6017971085/) by jon segal (http://www.flickr.com/people/7378908@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/6018520202_fdefc3aabc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6018520202/)
IMG_0165 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6018520202/) by jon segal (http://www.flickr.com/people/7378908@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/6017971895_527f8a01a4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6017971895/)
IMG_0170 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6017971895/) by jon segal (http://www.flickr.com/people/7378908@N08/), on Flickr

[eye2i]

Sweet!

[AtomHeart]

Man, I am having a tough time deciding here...I am about to get about $1000 free to spend on toys, and my dilema is this...Do I:

Get this lens and add it to my kit, to give me access to f/2.8 dof, and high speed shots?
Sell my 70-200mm F/4L IS, and with the added money just upgrade to a 70-200 F/2.8L IS
Just upgrade my photoshop to CS5 and get Lightroom 3 (currently using DPP, and photoshop 6.0)


I love the quality of the shots from this lens, and there is one for sale near me for $750...but I'm concerned about having no IS which makes low light shooting difficult without a tripod, and not having fast enough autofocus to use this lens for "fast" stuff, like fighter jets, racing motorcycles, speeding rabbits, etc.

My concern is that while I do have a desire for a faster lens than my current f/4L, that I'm not sure I wanna give up IS, and 2.8 speed wont help if the non-USM focusing mechanism wont keep up with my subjects. The USM focusing on the f/4L is lightning fast, making me lean towards selling it and getting the 70-200mm 2.8L IS mark I, so that I have everything in one package, but the images on this thread sure make me second guess that. They seem to have a relaxed quality that the 70-200 doesn't have, while still retaining stunning detail.

Kinda seems like having both the 70-200 f/4L and the 80-200 f/2.8L is completely redundant They are both for fast moving subjects in good light, or slow moving subjects in low light, and the only thing I gain from the 80-200 is the shallower depth of field, while losing some sharpness at longer shutter speeds due to lack of IS.

After reading this entire thread, and looking at the beautiful shots, I think I will try to sell my f/4L IS, and go for the 70-200 f/2.8L IS mark I, but if the f/4 doesn't sell, this lens could be a great back-up plan.

[cptrios]

Man, I am having a tough time deciding here...I am about to get about $1000 free to spend on toys, and my dilema is this...Do I:

Get this lens and add it to my kit, to give me access to f/2.8 dof, and high speed shots?
Sell my 70-200mm F/4L IS, and with the added money just upgrade to a 70-200 F/2.8L IS
Just upgrade my photoshop to CS5 and get Lightroom 3 (currently using DPP, and photoshop 6.0)


I love the quality of the shots from this lens, and there is one for sale near me for $750...but I'm concerned about having no IS which makes low light shooting difficult without a tripod, and not having fast enough autofocus to use this lens for "fast" stuff, like fighter jets, racing motorcycles, speeding rabbits, etc.

My concern is that while I do have a desire for a faster lens than my current f/4L, that I'm not sure I wanna give up IS, and 2.8 speed wont help if the non-USM focusing mechanism wont keep up with my subjects. The USM focusing on the f/4L is lightning fast, making me lean towards selling it and getting the 70-200mm 2.8L IS mark I, so that I have everything in one package, but the images on this thread sure make me second guess that. They seem to have a relaxed quality that the 70-200 doesn't have, while still retaining stunning detail.

Kinda seems like having both the 70-200 f/4L and the 80-200 f/2.8L is completely redundant They are both for fast moving subjects in good light, or slow moving subjects in low light, and the only thing I gain from the 80-200 is the shallower depth of field, while losing some sharpness at longer shutter speeds due to lack of IS.

After reading this entire thread, and looking at the beautiful shots, I think I will try to sell my f/4L IS, and go for the 70-200 f/2.8L IS mark I, but if the f/4 doesn't sell, this lens could be a great back-up plan.

The IQ from the Drainpipe is usually accepted as being better than the 70-200 2.8 IS I. In my book, you should keep the f/4 IS (which also has better IQ than the 2.8) and save the money until you've got enough to get a 2.8 IS II.

[AtomHeart]

That's good advice, but I think I've come to a completely different solution.

Keep the f/4 IS, and get a 300mm f/4L IS to add some reach, and shallower relative DOF to my kit. I love the 70-200 f/4 for its sharpness, lightning focussing, and its light weight as a walk-around...think I'd kick myself for getting rid of it for the 2.8 version. Adding something heavier (300mm f/4L) isn't the same as trading away to something heavier.

I think the 80-200mm is a GREAT alternative lens choice for someone considering the 70-200 f/4 IS, however.

[jonsegal]

Why don't you just get a teleconverter for the f/4?

[ariez]

Test shot with my 80-200 F2.8L,.. very happy with my 1st "L" lens..

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/6027417487_6bda8847a4_b.jpg

[jonsegal]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6099238120_8334ca34ed_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6099238120/)
IMG_0523 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6099238120/) by jon segal (http://www.flickr.com/people/7378908@N08/), on Flickr

[actorlife]

Great Great Great shots guys! Has anyone taken concert shots with this lens?

[jonsegal]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6133616757_7a4050b5a8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6133616757/)
IMG_0661 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6133616757/) by jon segal (http://www.flickr.com/people/7378908@N08/), on Flickr

[aqli]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6217235394_8dce267b44_z.jpg

[jvk]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6222165417_a35464fdea_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jvk031/6222165417/)
_MG_2846 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jvk031/6222165417/) by jvk-031 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jvk031/), on Flickr

[Scapevision]

trying to sell mine today

[BiperX]

Hi there, I'm in a similar position to yourself (although a slightly different problem) and I'm trying to get into my lens.

I have an 80-200 2.8L which is in excellent condition and produces beautiful images. However I am having issues with the auto-focus. Works fine in manual but when in AF mode the lens will work to a point and then lock up. I can hear the AF drive unit trying to move to focus the lens (high pitched beep noise) but nothing happens. If I switch back to manual move the focus ring, switch to AF it will work for a few more times and then lock up again. I think what is happening is that there is either a sticky gear or it is getting stuck at the ends of the focus range.

I would like to open it up to look at the AFD unit but can't figure out how to get into the front of the lens. I can see the screws under the rubber focus rings (though some of the front ones are stripped I can deal with that) but I'm not sure how to go about taking the front of the lens off.

You mention that the front section by the red ring comes off, could you tell me how you managed to get it off? Not sure which side of the red ring I should be trying to open and if its screwed on or attached in some other fashion.


Would have liked to send it in to be looked at as I don't think it requires parts, just opened and maybe lubricated/unstuck. But my service center wouldn't look at it as there are no parts available. So frustrating as the lens is in perfect shape other than this!

Many thanks.

Hi JonnyM,

I am wondering how did you get on eventually with your lens? I just bought myself same model which has exactly same problem as yours - the AF is very intermittent, and when switching from MF to AF works for a little while then dies. Not sure if you took your lens to a repair centre or managed to replace some parts, but it would be really useful to know if you were successful on that matter? Many thanks in advance.
Regards,
BiperX

[BiperX]

Last news from my repair :
The next step was to remove the focus and zoom grip to have access to hidden screws.
I was then able to access to the AF/MF switch system. I refixed the inner metal part with the external plastic switch (a simple screw) and now AF is working perfectly well.
I did awesome portraits of my family with this magic drainpipe.
A great pleasure.

Hi there,

I will be trying to do the same trick, as I just purchased the same lens with non-working AF switch. Can you possibly send some pictures how you accessed your lens (if you took any) and explain the whole process in steps, please?
Many thanks, I appreciate your input.
BiperX

[funkyfones]

This thing is DIFFICULT to open and close, if you have never opened a lens before please dont start on this one and this is coming from someone who repairs Cameras/lenses for a living, that said I have the service manual for it, if you want a copy you can cover postage and printing cost I'l send it

[BiperX]

This thing is DIFFICULT to open and close, if you have never opened a lens before please dont start on this one and this is coming from someone who repairs Cameras/lenses for a living, that said I have the service manual for it, if you want a copy you can cover postage and printing cost I'l send it

Hi Funkyfones,

Many thanks for the offer and advice. Yes, I would be happy to pay for the postage+printing, just not sure if I have one already. Are you talking about Parts Manual? I found PDF file with all the parts numbers + some schemes of the lens inside.
By the way I have small lens repair experience (I disassembled Canon 17-85mm USM and fixed the problem), but I realise it is different kind of beast and not sth you would recommend for beginners.

I will contact you via your website for more details,
Many thanks. :D

[JonnyM]

Hi JonnyM,

I am wondering how did you get on eventually with your lens? I just bought myself same model which has exactly same problem as yours - the AF is very intermittent, and when switching from MF to AF works for a little while then dies. Not sure if you took your lens to a repair centre or managed to replace some parts, but it would be really useful to know if you were successful on that matter? Many thanks in advance.
Regards,
BiperX

Didn't manage to fix it. I had a good look but could find nothing wrong with the lens at all. It is such a good lens that it's worth using in Manual regardless.

One thing I would suggest if you are not able to fix it is to think about getting an LCDVF (if you have live view on your DSLR) as this makes it MUCH easier to focus I find. Fantastic lens indeed though I'm still saving my pennies for the newer version ;)

If you want to take it apart you should find that the very front ring rotates (with some pressure) and then under this you will find screws which you can undo. You also need to remove the rubber zoom + focus rings and undo the screws underneath. If taking all the casing off you may need to take the back plate off as well....

Be very careful not to lose the screws (they are tiny) and I found in my copy of the lens that a number of them were stripped or in difficult condition to get undone (before I even started on it). I'm guessing this is similar for a number of these 80-200s as they will have been through Canon Service centres and no doubt changed hands a number of times over the years. It's rare to buy one from an original owner these days though as long as the glass is in good condition they are fantastic (be careful not to let dust into the lens either).

Sorry I couldn't be more help, how are you finding the lens as it is? I just love the colour and shallow DOF this lens gives even if it takes a little more work (or skill) to work without AF :)

[BiperX]

Hi,

Many thanks JonnyM for your input - it has helped me to open the lens. I have tried the lens on couple of occasions but I think I did not get used to so heavy pipe to be attached on compatibly small Canon 40D body. I think I would need battery grip as well to balance it more. Also shooting in manual at 200mm is a real challenge for me when hand holding, as it takes quite a lot of manoeuvring to get the focus spot on.

Today it was my first attempt to dismantle the beast. With some initial problems I managed to get inside trying to find something obvious. Initial suspicion was that the M/AF switch was in wrong position, but I may have knock it off a bit when dismounting. Also the AF wire which is attached to the lens data ring is been very loose and broke off so I had to solder it again (they are very hard wires, so if you bend them a few times they will break for sure).
Unfortunately that was not the cause, as the AF is still playing up. What I noticed though, when in full AF mode (1.8m to Infinity switch) and when I press the shutter button half-press down, I have some beeping noise from the lens a couple of times, then it stops. The focus sets itself on either end of the scale and stays there. It seems to me more like mechanical problem to do with cogs, as when I touch one of them slightly the AF will suddenly kick in, but again - it will jump to the opposite focus scale. I would appreciate if sb who already dismounted the lens and give me some clues what to do next. :confused:
Electronically wise the switch itself looks quite worn out but it works in terms of transferring the signal to the AF motor. I will be sending a link to the pictures of the dismounted lens shortly...
Thanks a lot.
BiperX

And there's the LINK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/biperx/sets/72157628166791423/) to my dismounted lens...

[emelvee]

Funny stuff - was going through security today at the airport, and they stopped me after my camera backpack had gone through, saying they needed to look at a lens. I pulled out my 80-200 and they scanned it, and the security guy looked a bit incredulous and asked me what I used it for. Still chuckling :D

[The Fox]

Did you say you use it for the ladies?

Nick

[emelvee]

Did you say you use it for the ladies?

Nick

haha well I am a lady so that may have sounded a bit odd ;)

[The Fox]

You might not have gotten as odd of a look as you did in the first place.

Nick

[emelvee]

hahaha true ;)

[MK_]

I've opened up my lens yesterday and pretty much fixed what has ailed my lens (namely, loose outer barrel pieces which were easily tightened up). Unfortunately for me the red ring snapped. I called canon parts and I've had no luck (contrary to what some of the threads I've found suggested). I'm wondering if anyone knows if a red ring from another lens would work with the Drainpipe?

_MK

[MK_]

Well, scratch that. I guess I'm very fortunate, found what I was looking for on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320369073175&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:1123

Cheers for all the helpful comments!

_MK

[MK_]

And for a good measure, a shot taken with my pipe. :)

_MK

[fliptrix]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6644252083_8f53ff653d_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6639126505_9177303b80_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6633826699_86c402249c_b.jpg

[emelvee]

Beautiful!

[fliptrix]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6676588363_5a0c22fa3b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjugao/6676588363/)
day | ten - Seashells (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjugao/6676588363/) by r.jugao (http://www.flickr.com/people/rjugao/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6699149393_59411ed5b2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjugao/6699149393/)
day | fourteen - Scented Oil (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjugao/6699149393/) by r.jugao (http://www.flickr.com/people/rjugao/), on Flickr

[jdotuk]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6686360561_fef8118a50_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremiahmullins/6686360561/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremiahmullins/6686360561/) by jeremiah.mullins (http://www.flickr.com/people/jeremiahmullins/), on Flickr

[effstop]

First time with the kids in the snow so was able to shoot in the morning with my Drainpipe. Metering in the snow was a little tricky but here's my contribution to the thread.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6921623531_84943d04b7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/17500788@N07/6921623531/)
Big Bear 2-22-12 (30 of 49) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/17500788@N07/6921623531/) by clopezjr (http://www.flickr.com/people/17500788@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6921631693_6cf99e08d0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/17500788@N07/6921631693/)
Big Bear 2-22-12 (48 of 49) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/17500788@N07/6921631693/) by clopezjr (http://www.flickr.com/people/17500788@N07/), on Flickr

[jonsegal]

Got the pup a few weeks ago. First time shooting him in action!


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6808630392_8a3dac4c48_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6808630392/)
IMG_1977 - Version 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6808630392/) by jon segal (http://www.flickr.com/people/7378908@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6954754507_573e82c963_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6954754507/)
IMG_1975 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6954754507/) by jon segal (http://www.flickr.com/people/7378908@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6954759159_5ba14f8314_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6954759159/)
IMG_1971 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6954759159/) by jon segal (http://www.flickr.com/people/7378908@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6954742745_db1fd62274_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6954742745/)
IMG_1970 - Version 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7378908@N08/6954742745/) by jon segal (http://www.flickr.com/people/7378908@N08/), on Flickr

[jdotuk]

Wally
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6816739068_a9348725ba_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremiahmullins/6816739068/)
Wally (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremiahmullins/6816739068/) by jeremiah.mullins (http://www.flickr.com/people/jeremiahmullins/), on Flickr

[ariez]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6793906688_d6f365d9d7_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6960872119_186eba83ed_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6814757652_7e4d15aa91_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6814757568_a2c72a317d_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6814757500_c9a9b104d4_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6960871793_149142070e_b.jpg

[klimraamkosie]

Are those specific to Amazon jp? Love the shots.

I have been admiring this lens for quite a while. Anyone in here wanting to sell me one please get in contact!

[ariez]

https://www.facebook.com/gdj.gajetdijepun or http://gajetdijepun.blogspot.com/
this guy sell "rare" item from japan

[ariez]

Independence Day

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6699884011_1572f69de4_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6699924321_d12544c124_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6699914687_2c48632eb2_b.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3NnoPxClBA/T16ylSQ5vyI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/AFCNb7gt9yk/s1600/IMG_8541x.jpg

[jvk]

Those pics are really nice!

[alpha_1976]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7183511688_767cffe447_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/7183537568_5b4169bd01_b.jpg

[ohcello]

Hello drainpipe thread! I just read all the posts.... awesome samples!

I just ordered one from KEH in BGN condition for $645. I was worried about it not being able to be serviced, but at least KEH comes with a 6 month warranty.

I'll check back with initial thoughts once I get mine in.... Thanks all.

[jvk]

Hello drainpipe thread! I just read all the posts.... awesome samples!

I just ordered one from KEH in BGN condition for $645. I was worried about it not being able to be serviced, but at least KEH comes with a 6 month warranty.

I'll check back with initial thoughts once I get mine in.... Thanks all.

You will love it. That thing is still very good.

[jdotuk]

You will love it. That thing is still very good.

Seriously - when Canon made this thing they weren't fooling around. Built like a tank with great IQ - win win.