85 1.8: focus switch issue

My 85 1.8 has been acting up lately - the lens' AF will quit responding if the focus switch has been flicked to MF and back - and lately the AF will simply quit for no reason. Playing with the switch makes to difference - even turning the camera on and off does nothing - the lens has to be dismounted and remounted before AF works again. This has happened while it's been mounted on my XT as well as the 30D.

Has anyone else had this issue with this (or any other) lens?
Is there an internal chip that's gone faulty?

I bought the lens just over a year ago, I guess my warranty coverage is out, too.

Suggestions?

Sounds like it may be just the switch. Have you tried flicking it numerous times to try cleaning the contacts off? - Might pay to call Canon and see what they say, they may do a freebie or reduced charge seeing as it's only just out of warranty...

No, it's not the swtich - I've tried flicking it in case the contacts had somehow got dirty - no difference. The only workaround is to unmount and remount the lens - it's pretty annoying.

Has anyone else had this issue with one of their lenses?

Have you tried cleaning the contacts on the lens mount? If that doesn't do it, I'd send it in, Canon is pretty good about fixing things that are just out of warranty.

I thought it was an issue with the contacts on the lens as well, but it doesn't seem to be since the lens works perfectly until the switch is flipped (AF to MF and back) - I think I'll be paying Canon's service centre a visit come Monday.

Hopefully the repair bill isn't too bad...

Just got word back from Canon Canada - the repair won't be covered by warranty, there are no parts to replace but $85 in labor. Total repair cost comes in just under $100.

Oh well.

That kinda stinks, maybe Canon Canada isn't as nice about free fixes shortly out of warranty, or that is just a bit too much out.

Thanks for the update thought!