Zoom Lens Problem

[kajr]

I bought a new camera a few months back and I have a slight niggling problem. The zoom lens has a very light action so much so that when the camera is not being used the zoom action falls under its own weight. So every time I put the camera back up to my eye I have to reset the zoom. As a temporary bodge I stuck several layers of masking tape to the underside of the lens so the slight friction stops the lens barrel moving under its own weight. After time I expect the adhesive will make a gooey mess and the lens barrel is started picking up the edges of the tape. I am thinking that maybe a piece of velcro, not the hook part but the other part might do the trick. Any other suggestions?

Kevin

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

Candle wax rubbed on the barrel?

-- Sir Benjamin Middlethwaite

[Paul Andrews]

post to a relevant newsgroup (uk.rec.photo.misc perhaps) and/or bin the camera kit..

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

Why? he's trying to repair it himself. And lets face it posters have come on this NG with computer probs,TV probs, ect.

-- Sir Benjamin Middlethwaite

[Chris Hodges]

It's known as zoom creep, though jump would be a better word. It's a problem on many (and not just cheap) SLR lenses. I don't know if it would be possible to stop it with a suitable (wide) rubber band (to stop the zoom ring turning by overlapping onto a fixed part of the barrel - unless it's a push-pull zoom of course).

Chris

[Paul Andrews]

Well, in that case I've misunderstood the remit of the group. I'd taken diy in terms of home improvement etc. If you broaden it then I guess this group will fill up with all sorts of rubbish provided people "do it themselves".

In this case and computer problem cases, there are far better specialised groups for specific advice. Perhaps you can tell me what is the specialist group for building related DIY?

Paul

[John]

SNIP

I haven't seen much from you on this group previously.

Apart from quibbling about the niceties of topics do you contribute anything worthwhile to this newsgroup?

[Chris Hodges]

Just tried this on my 75-300 canon and it seems to work - a leftover bit of dry-cag neck seal* wrapped round the zoom control and onto the main part of the barrel for some extra friction.

Chris

*Kayaking kit. A bit of wrist seal would be better as the neck seal need doubling over to shorten it.

[Malcolm Stewart]

free.uk.diy.home ?

[meow2222]

I think the usual thing is to grease the threads so theres a bit of friction there. At least I've seen that on lens mechas before - Im no expert on them.

That means opening the lens assembly. Since its new, the logical thing is to take it back, and explain that its making it unsuitable for your purpose, which requires quick shots, eg cat photography.

NT

[Suz]

Main Entry: do-it-your·self Function: noun Usage: often attributive : the activity of doing or making something (as in woodworking or home repair) without professional training or assistance; broadly : an activity in which one does something oneself or on one's own initiative

Like you contribute much anyway.

[Colin Wilson]

If its under 6 months old check out the revised sale of goods act. Faults within the first 6 months are deemed to have been there from purchase unless the shop can prove otherwise.

If you get f***** about, did you pay by credit card ? - depending on the value, the credit card may be equally liable under section 75 of the consumer credit act. You might be able to get them to repair or refund it if the shop isn`t playing ball.

[Steve Walker]

yup

[Paul Andrews]

Well, so it seems!

[Paul Andrews]

themselves".

How much does it say I need to contribute before making a comment? Is there some kind of threshold?

I think most people associate the phrase DIY with work on the home rather than your broader explanation. It seems that the group supports the broader explanation and I made a mistake. So be it.

[Paul Andrews]

Kevin,

Please unwind my previous comment about this not being the right place to post - I misinterpreted the use of DIY here and responded impolitely.

My apologies.

Paul

[Paul Andrews]

What particular role do you have here for judging whether posts are worthwhile?

[kajr]

Actually an elastic bad of the right thickness around the fixed part of the barrel might do the trick, it only needs to provide just enough friction to stop the barrel falling under its own weight when the camera is hanging around my neck and not being used. The wrist band idea could also work. I expect with time that it will stiffen up a bit. I don't think that it could be construed as faulty as the action on the lens is as it should be.

Kevin

[Chris Hodges]

Apparently almost all big non-pro SLR zoom lenses do this to some degree. Mine's a few years old and well used, but hasn't stiffened up.

[John]

I don't and nor does anyone else but some of us have been here long enough to gain an empathy with our particular range of discussions and the available technical expertise amongst the regulars of the group (or not - the regulars will know who) The moral is don't barge in with pedantic remarks before you know your way around and have an open mind. To your credit I see you have apologised in other posts to this thread so end of problem.