REPAIR NIGHTMARE - Mark/chip on rear element, how bad???

Dangleman

Dangleman

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I've just had a lens come back from repair, done under insurance. I'd dropped it and it would no longer zoom. Now it's come back (after over a month!) and there is a bad mark on the rear element that was NOT there when it went for repair. Have a look, towards the top (very obvious!):

Nikon 28-70 f2.8


You can feel a very, very slight chip with thumbnail.

Questions are:

1. This is obviously bad, but how is it likely to affect photos?
2. Are there any specific tests I can do to find out if it's affecting images?
3. If it doesn't affect images at all I'm willing to put up with it as I've had a bit of a nightmare with this lens, and I don't want to send it away again for another month if i don't have to.
4. Should I demand a totally new replacement? This was done under my house insurance policy (Barclays)

Any advice much appreciated....
 
Er am i missing the obvious here? contact your insurance company tell them the repair company have damaged the lens and you want a replacement. Who cares how much it effects the IQ you didn't do and it should be replaced.
 
I wouldn't stand for that. Any repair needs to be carried out with reasonable care and skill (legal requirement), I'd wager that wasn't!

If it were me I'd make a fuss, but regarding time anything up to six weeks is deemed acceptable for specialist repairs I think.
 
I can't offer any asistance on a technical level but your post highlights the importance of taking pictures of the kit sent off for repair.

I took my car into a carage recent and photographed every panel with a date stamp knowing that spotty Kevin was sure to ding it somehow and deny it later. I would demand a new for old so check your policy to see if that exists.
 
Yea, make a fuss about it and send a letter complaining to them. Ask for a brand new lens and also some compensation, you dont get if you dont ask :)
 
Take a shot and see if you can notice any imperfections. But to be honest, I wouldn't be happy with that. Id send a letter/email to the repair place and attach the picture and explain what has happened.
 
I've just called the insurance people. They are picking it up tomorrow. I've said I now want a new replacement. It's taking the pi** really sending a lens back to a customer with that damage. The best thing is it didn't even come back to me in a box! Came wrapped in bubblewrap only (lots admittedly) in a city link bag!

I wish I had taken pics before I sent it. Woman on the phone said they take photos of items they receive when they come in, but I doubt they took a good close up of the rear element, so will it be a case of my 'word against theirs' ? Could they argue that it could have come to them like that, where do I stand then?
 
Dangleman said:
I wish I had taken pics before I sent it. Woman on the phone said they take photos of items they receive when they come in, but I doubt they took a good close up of the rear element, so will it be a case of my 'word against theirs' ? Could they argue that it could have come to them like that, where do I stand then?
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I think it's a moot point as the insurance company are involved as it was accidental damage so even if they did receive it like that it's still due to the damage caused by the drop?
 
Veracocha said:
I think it's a moot point as the insurance company are involved as it was accidental damage so even if they did receive it like that it's still due to the damage caused by the drop?
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True. Whatever way you look at it, it's not FIXED is it. It's just got to the stage now where I want a new replacement. I'm not prepared for it to be 'repaired' again. Would they even try to replace a rear element anyway, or is this too major a task. Is it a case of a new lens is the only option now anyway?
 
oldfart said:
ever think they took month for repair because they damaged it? whats the odds they 'lose' photos they took.
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I sent my 18-200VR for repair last month, I should get it back tomorrow, after 5 weeks and they didnt even repair it! Apparently, the inability to auto focus and excessive lens creep are "within specification"
I shall check the elements very carefully before I send it back for them to repair properly. Luckily, I took photos of it before I sent it away.
Allan
 
/ Begin rant

I HATE CITY LINK WITH A PASSION. I REALLY, REALLY DO HATE CITY LINK.

/ end rant

I had to do that, sorry. Yet more delays. Can't be bothered going in to details, but why does nothing seem to work properly in this country anymore?
 
Dangleman said:
/ Begin rant

I HATE CITY LINK WITH A PASSION. I REALLY, REALLY DO HATE CITY LINK.

/ end rant

I had to do that, sorry. Yet more delays. Can't be bothered going in to details, but why does nothing seem to work properly in this country anymore?
Click to expand...

That is because we all want everything for the cheapest price. I am in the distribution industry and we are continually getting our rates slashed, nevermind that diesel, that is 60% of our running costs has gone up 20% in the last 12 months.

The best, but not the cheapest, are TNT.

And no, I don`t work for them......:D

Citylink are dreadful.....imo.
 
My nightmare with this lens continues. :( It's still all up in the air, but it looks like barclays (my home insurance) will refuse to replace the lens with a new model.

Basically their 'new for old' policy applies when they feel like it. They have said that if an item can be repaired then they will always take that route. The fact that it came back to me in a worse state then when it went off for repair doesn't seem to bother them. Looks like I have 2 options:

1. Let them attempt to repair it again - presumably a new rear element will need to be fitted?
2. They may (this is not confirmed yet) give me a cash amount that is equal to the cost of the repair, so I can effectively get it done myself by someone decent. A figure of £362 has been mooted but this isn't confirmed.

Which should I do :shrug: I'm starting to think I may take the money offered, and then see how much this chip/ mark actually effects my pictures. I didn't do any real testing before I sent it back as i was just so angry!
If it doesn't affect pic quality at all then I could potentially be £300 odd up.

However, and this is a big one for me, what happens if I then want to sell this lens. Would any of you on here buy a lens with this chip/ mark in it??? (see pic in first post) Some responses to this question may help sway my decision (especially as this would be my first place to sell it on anyway :) )

Arrrrrrrg.
 
In my opinion the chip on the rear element will affect image quality, and will be a constant 'nag' in the back of your mind.

If you decide to keep it, i doubt you will every be able to sell it one as there will always be the doubt over the quality of the images it can produce and will effectively be worthless secondhand. I know i would not touch it with the proverbial 'barge-pole' as if it has a chip on it there is the doubt over the future reliability of the lens (has it been dropped, misused etc)

just my 2p :-)
 
I think you are in a difficult position here. If a new lens is going to cost the insurer circa £1000 and a repair is £362 pounds, then they would be unwise to buy you a new lens. Their obligation is to repair - and you have accepted that this is their obligation because you have already been down the repair route once.

I think if I were you I would try to put aside my anger and have a friendly and conciliatory conversation with the insurer and the repairer and seek to get a pristine repair done on this lens. Focus not on the rights and wrongs, but on getting the best outcome for you. You will achieve that better if you have them on your side.

I would not buy a lens with a chip in the element. I would say it is virtually unsalable at anything close to the price of an undamaged lens.

Good luck with resolving it.
 
Thanks so far people. So, just to confirm that's 2 that definitely wouldn't buy it...
 
I'd get a quote from elsewhere to see how much the repair would cost. There's no way I'd keep a lens that good with a scratch on the rear element like that. No chance.
 
As they have offered a repair i would send it back for a repair, and ask for a 'Statement of work' to be provided by the repair agent stateing what they will do to effect a repair before the repair is carried out - if you don't think the repair is satisfactory ie they are not replacing the rear element then contact your insurer again and explain what you think is a acceptable repair. I wouldn't take the cash as you will never be happy with the lens while it has a chip on the rear element, and the resale value would be seriously affected.
 
Dangleman said:
Thanks so far people. So, just to confirm that's 2 that definitely wouldn't buy it...
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If I saw a lens on ebay that said :-

"it's got a chip out of the lens but honest it doesn't affect the photos"

I'd move onto the next auction irrespective of the price :thumbsdown:
 
No need to ask others, just ask yourself, would you buy a s/hand lens in that condition ?...... you have your answer.
The only real recourse would be to go back down the repair route.
 
Bah, you're all so sensible, level headed and full of good advice on here :D

If it's not re-sellable, and it's looking like it wouldn't be with this chip, I think I'm going to have to get it repaired again then aren't I. I think Dogfish's advice is a good one, ie if I can get a guarantee of a new rear element before it's done, then go with that.

Orrrr, who wants it for £550? Joke.
 
you can pay me £20 to ake it off your hands if you like?
 
My 70-200 has a tiny scratch on the front element. I bought it knowing this, and having seen a picture of the scratch, AND been assured that it didn;t affect IQ at all. And indeed it doesn't, and I'm delighted with the lens (Had anyone ever noticed that?! :D) However, had I been in the market for a lens with damage like yours, I would have taken one look at the picture and moved on. Absolutely, categorically not a snowballs chance in hell I would have parted with cash for it.

Remember to make certain that they don't hit your policy for the second repair by the way - this one should be being done on the repair shops insurance, NOT yours.
 
Gutted for you dangle, id be raging about that fault caused by them.

and in answer to your question, no i would definately not buy the lens.

Hope you get it sorted soon !!
 
If you had very good feedback and posted pictures that I could be assured were taken with the lens showing no detrimental effect I'd buy it if the price was right, considering the fact that you'd probably never be able to sell it on I'd only go to a max of 25% of it's S/H worth though

I'd still expect them to repair it free though before i thought of selling it, if you're going to be £300 up from the insurance you have to look at it's S/H value, if it's only £300 and it still takes decent pictures i'd take the money and keep it.
 
Thanks for the further feedback people. It's gone back out for a second repair, should get it back in 14 working days. Ye t more waiting :(

Witch said:
Remember to make certain that they don't hit your policy for the second repair by the way - this one should be being done on the repair shops insurance, NOT yours.
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I didn't think of that! They did mention though that this time it was being repaired under a 'manufacturers warrenty' - different from the first time. Does that sound ok to you Witch?

Also, it was quite funny, I said "so it's not going to the same 'repair' place then?" and the woman said "no, this time it's going to a professiona...., sorry not that we're not professional..." etc etc. I felt like handing her a spade.
 
Hehehe, that was stupid of her... sorry about that but it is!!
I hope it's sorted out for you asap, I don't know if I could be parted from that particular lens for so long!! I've heard it's amazing!
 
Thought I would post a final word on this, in case anyone is bored or interested. In summary:

- 3 months in all
- 4 written letters of complaint
- About 30 odd phone calls (seriously)
- Many, many emails.

I am now however the proud owner of a brand spanking shiny new Nikon 28-70 2.8 :D :D :D

Can't be bothered going into the full details but basically I had to fight tooth and nail to get a replacement and Barclays home insurance are the biggest bunch of incompetent ***** I have ever come across, and god only knows where my original lens is.
 
Well dont that man :thumbs:

Enjoy the new lens (even though it has the wrong badge on it :lol:)

Chris
 
Chillimonster said:
Well dont that man :thumbs:

Enjoy the new lens (even though it has the wrong badge on it :lol:)

Chris
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What, the new lens is badged as a Canon :eek: Send it back....

Just glad you got it sorted, and a lesson for us all. Dont touch Barclays home Insurance!
Allan
 
If you accept anything other than a perfect repair you will never be satisfied, no matter how much you talk yourself into it now. That scratch will remind you of this naff incident and stop you enjoying your photography and the lens will find its way to the very bottom of your kit bag. Never settle for second best.
 
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