Bad Smelling T6

I just purchased a new Canon T6 with 2 kit lenses from B&H and noticed something strange; the 18-55 kit lens smells really bad, like body odor!

Not joking, it smells really bad. I noticed the smell seems to be more noticeable toward the front of the lens. The body, 75-300 kit lens and shoulder bag don't smell bad, only the 18-55 lens.

I purchased a similar kit years ago (T3i with same 18-55 kit lens), but never remember it smelling this bad.

Anyone else encountered this issue? If so, does the smell go away? Is there a way to get rid of the smell? Other than the horrible smell, there is nothing wrong with the lens.

p.s. The smell sticks to my hands and lingers a bit even after washing my hands thoroughly with soap and water.

I would send it back immediately. Either it's used and holy crap does that sound disgusting, or it's some kind of manufacturing defect or.....
Either way, they (B&H and possibly canon) need to be made aware so it doesn't happen again.
Pretty sure the store will help you with this issue.
Good luck and report back here with results.

Is this a first for everyone here?

chuckmiller wrote in post #18785404
Is this a first for everyone here?

It sure is!

As the saying goes "where there's muck, there's money" but in this case I rather not have a smelly lens! Never had this issue either with new or old lenses.

Actually I have heard of several camera and lenses having odd smells. I remember someone saying their camera smelt strongly or marijuana - that was quite an entertaining thread. Not heard of anything that sticks to your hands though.

Yes, I would send it back. Either ask for a replacement or just return it B&H are good about returns and I would get they would rather replace than refund.

That is what you call a HOT body!! LOL

ejenner wrote in post #18785530
Actually I have heard of several camera and lenses having odd smells. I remember someone saying their camera smelt strongly or marijuana - that was quite an entertaining thread. Not heard of anything that sticks to your hands though.

Yes, I would send it back. Either ask for a replacement or just return it B&H are good about returns and I would get they would rather replace than refund.

I emailed their customer service, waiting for a response. I'm hoping they can just switch out the lens without having to return the entire kit. Everything else works (smells) normal.

Quick note for those of you who think this is either a prank or I'm some wacked out, over reacting newbie buying "his first cheap camera kit";

This smell coming from the lens is real. I have owned dozens of dslr's and lenses (look up my previous posts), and I have never encountered an issue like this.

Also, this is not a case of buyers remorse. I specifically purchased this cheap kit to take with me on overseas travel. It was the same price as a point and shoot ($399 for body, 2 kit lenses and 16g card). My reasoning is that the sensor is bigger than most point and shoots in this price range, plus if it gets lost or stolen I wouldn't care that much.

Last time I purchased a similar kit (T3i) was a few years ago for similar reasons, end up giving it to my kid. No issues with the lenses ir camera that time.

I attempted to clean the surface of the lens with a disinfectant wet wipe, then with isopropyl alchol. Smell is less potent but still detectable.

I contacted customer service at B&H and requested to see about exchanging the lens. Worst case scenario I'll buy another kit lens (from another online vendor of course) then throw this one away,

This thread is like a Seinfeld episode.

Another instance that reminded me of a different Seinfeld episode was buying a used Super tele. It smelled like the beach.
(Old lens coats, made of neoprene, ie same material as a wetsuit, smell just like an old wetsuit unsurprisingly.)

Must be old Chet gear

I don't see in this thread where anyone has questioned your word. To have a new lens come with an odor that will transfer to your fingers is pretty rare. I've heard of burned smells when something electrical inside goes kaput but not this.

Google was no help in identifying possible smells similar to BO.
But it did lead me to this question:
Would you say the smell is more like cheese, or more like onions or grapefruit?

snegron wrote in post #18785687
I attempted to clean the surface of the lens with a disinfectant wet wipe, then with isopropyl alchol. Smell is less potent but still detectable.

Probably best you not mention this in discussion with B&H.

Is it possible during packing, showing the gear, or something that a sweaty worker tucked the lens under their arm pit to have both hands free to hold the camera body.