My lens broke, what can I expect?

jpljpl Registered Users Posts: 96 Big grins
edited May 15, 2008 in The Big Picture
As of yesterday I've had my Nikon D40 for 3 weeks. I take good care of it. I keep it in a camera bag. When I put the camera down, I put it down flat putting no weight on the lens. Well today after going on a photowalk (where noting of note happened to the camera) I noticed my lens was loose. It was fully attached to the camera and yet I could wiggle it. I took the lens off and noticed one of the tabs that holds the lens to the camera is completely gone. Another of the tabs is bent. I'm at a loss. I've changed lenses probably about 50 times in the last three weeks. Are the these lenses so cheap that they can break that quickly under normal use!? I've seen photographers complain about lenses being mostly plastic today and I thought they were old school folks talking about the good old days. I thought "ah plastic is just as strong and much lighter" Boy was I wrong.

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Anyone have experience with Nikon repair? What can I expect when I contact them about this problem tomorrow? Does this sound like the type of thing that would be covered under warranty?
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Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,130 moderator
    edited May 15, 2008
    Normally that sort of damage indicates that the lens was subjected to some sort of shock or stress. Possibly it happened and you weren't even aware. Stuff happens.

    I don't think it is a relatively expensive repair so if you want the lens just send it in. If it's covered by warranty great but if not, it's just a lesson of some sort and you might have to pay for the privilege.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • SloYerRollSloYerRoll Registered Users Posts: 2,788 Major grins
    edited May 15, 2008
    jpl wrote:
    I thought "ah plastic is just as strong and much lighter"
    For the most part, your right. It's doubtful that modern day plastics will ever be stronger than their metal counterparts. But the are usually VERY strong.

    I think you just suffered from a lens w/ a manufacturing defect.

    I've had a few kit lens' that I didn't really care about and were made of close to 100% plastic (besides the glass) and have BEAT on them. Never had any real problems so to speak of. So I think your tab breaking is an isolated incident. Especially w/ the kid gloves it sounds like you treated your camera with.
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