What do they call it in the corporate world — value added skills? How about a staff photojournalist doing some DIY lens repair on a Canon 400mm 2.8 II? That’s just what I’m up to after one of our older 400mm telephoto lenses broke at a recent Cards game. See, this is an old(er) lens, circa 1997-98, and Canon stopped repairing this lens version due to lack of available parts. Sure, there’s always authorized repair facilities, but the costs associated with repairing these outdated lenses becomes prohibitive after awhile. So, how much more can I really break it? I picked up a pack of Radioshack phillips screwdrivers for electronics (which I find to be of disappointing build quality) and went to work. First thing was removing the lens mount and contacts wiring (see above). Next was removing the AF control panel (below) and accessing the internal case.

Then things quickly went downhill. The screws on the case (see where the screwdriver is?) are rusted from years of exposure to the elements. In the many attempts to remove them I stripped the screws. The disappointing set of screwdrivers didn’t help especially when one of them fell apart into two pieces. I tried different twists, turns, stronger people, all to no avail. I grew frustrated, eager to try my best yet setback by these darn little screws that roll right off the tip of the screwdriver onto the carpet. Circuit boards are glued and taped together. Something made a ripping noise — that wasn’t good.  Also, the internal ring that holds the lensmount (see next to my thumb and index finger of my left hand) is bent. A careful attempt to bend it back only further damaged it. I yearn for an exploded diagram that a half-hour Google search couldn’t find. I hear the faint mocking laughs of Canon and Nikon technicians reading this post. Hey, I was ASKED to fix it! All I can do is try.

Look at my attempt at disassembling the Canon 400mm. 2.8 in the Post photo department. The second lens on the left is also broken and used for parts. Staff Photographer David Carson looks on.

It appears continuing would be futile. One of the wires leading to the lensmount contacts is severed, and even if I could replace the wires and existing harnesses, I don’t think the lens will ever be the same. In fact, a DIY repair job could rear its ugly head during a very important assignment, because at the decisive moment or perfect sports play, the lens would fail. That’s Murphy’s Law for you my friends.

Okay, so maybe the hands of a professional technician are better suited for this job. I guess in my second life I won’t be a Canon Professional Services or Nikon Professional Services technician. Let’s just say I’ll stick to making the pictures. Alarmingly, the fact that Canon won’t service these poor old lenses anymore and that we’re taking parts from one broken lens to service another broken one is a clear indication that maybe we’re due for some updated equipment.

iPhone photos by staffer Huy Mach.