Used 35L, play in front of lens

Hi all,

I just bought a used 35L off ebay for $900... it looked to be in alright condition (about the same as all my other gear just scrapes on the metal)
It arrived today, and I noticed that the whole front half of the lens has alot of play in it, like it will twist very easily about <5mm but substantial enough to notice either way, making a kinda clunk, and also can wobble around a bit...
The images seem pretty damn nice, although it could just be my love for the 35L in general speaking there.
Is this normal?

Mark wrote in post #15073164
Hi all,

I just bought a used 35L off ebay for $900... it looked to be in alright condition (about the same as all my other gear just scrapes on the metal)
It arrived today, and I noticed that the whole front half of the lens has alot of play in it, like it will twist very easily about <5mm but substantial enough to notice either way, making a kinda clunk, and also can wobble around a bit...
The images seem pretty damn nice, although it could just be my love for the 35L in general speaking there.
Is this normal?

Not exactly sure what you are talking about but it doesn't sound like normal. Mine is pretty solid.

Basically, if you hold the lens mount part, or mount it to a lens for that matter, and hold the red ring part, then twist it or wobble it it twists the whole front half of the lens (including inside of the distance scale) a decent amount?
Is it worth sending back? My concern is that when I drop it, the whole front half will just fall off or something because something internal has been weakened enough for this to happen. Or it could be as simple as a screw somewhere is a tad loose...

It's just like this
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=W_XIYVqC5N4
Except it also twists.
Actually, no, i'm pretty sure it is very bad now, I can see into the lens between in the hole that forms near the focus ring.

Mark wrote in post #15073388
It's just like this
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=W_XIYVqC5N4
Except it also twists.
Actually, no, i'm pretty sure it is very bad now, I can see into the lens between in the hole that forms near the focus ring.

That's a loosen part.
I guess you can probably send it into Canon and try to repair it. I think it shouldn't cost a lot, if parts aren't broken. What's expensive are the lenses inside. As long as they are fine, you just have to pay labor fee for putting your 35L back into solid form.

calvinjhfeng wrote in post #15073401
That's a loosen part.
I guess you can probably send it into Canon and try to repair it. I think it shouldn't cost a lot, if parts aren't broken. What's expensive are the lenses inside. As long as they are fine, you just have to pay labor fee for putting your 35L back into solid form.

Yeah, I get the feeling it's just a loose screw or broken plastic tab. I'll take it down to my local repair shop tomorrow, Canon are useless in WA.
I sent the seller a message indicating the problem but haven't gotten a response, not sure if he will.
Given all the electronics work well, there isn't crap through it, and IQ seems good in controlled situation (obviously wouldn't be if I'm holding it by the end in portrait where it bends) I think I'll just get it repaired and be happy. Don't really want to deal with resolution centre or any of that...

Edit: just disassembled it, found part YA2-3071 was broken (two of the plastic bits the mount screws into were cracked) which fortunately is shared with the 24LI and 100 Macro, so I can hopefully find it locally. If not, it's only $50 online, all is good.

I'd personally send it back to the seller as its quite clearly broken!

Sir_Loin wrote in post #15073788
I'd personally send it back to the seller as its quite clearly broken!

i wouldnt even mess with it. Send back, or file a claim. Ebay always sides with the buyer.

Just got the part and replaced it today, was only $33 and it feels great now, still have to test it a bit more but all seems very well!

Congrats on a great lens....glad it was an easy fix