Sigma 70-210mm problems

jadedrakerider · 10-25-2008, 12:23 PM

So I bought this zoom lens along with several others. I've used it quite a bit, though I put it down for over a year when my photography classes went all digital. Although it's not my favorite lens, it's still quite useful.

It has this black gunk coming out from underneath the outer barrel. There's also a clear lining underneath it. I think it's a felt lining meant to keep the lens able to extend smoothly.

I'm not sure I even want this lens fixed, to be honest. However, I wanted a second opinion.

So what can I do for this lens? Should I just retire it permanantly?

sewebster · 10-25-2008, 12:54 PM

Does the gunk affect image quality? If not, ignore it, since you don't otherwise seem to be emotionally attached to the lens...

jadedrakerider · 10-25-2008, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by sewebster

Does the gunk affect image quality?

It doesn't, but it inhibits my ability to adjust the focal length.

sewebster · 10-25-2008, 02:01 PM

Originally posted by jadedrakerider

It doesn't, but it inhibits my ability to adjust the focal length.

Ahh, interesting. I guess it's a little hard to visualize the problem exactly, but if you don't want to get the lens repaired, and are thinking of just retiring it, then it sounds like you don't have much to lose. So you could considering "trimming" off whatever is sticking out, or performing more extensive "surgery."

heatherslightbox · 10-25-2008, 02:03 PM

EWWW! I don't know anything about how to fix a lens, so I can't say whether or not it could be fixed. If it were me, I'd just chunk it and start over. I noticed in your profile that you have a couple of film bodies, so you're planning on using this lens with those bodies, then I would highly recommend the F70-210/4-5.6, as it is sharp and has an aperture ring, to boot.

Info on the lens itself:
F 70-210/4-5.6 ED
Pics taken with the lens:
Pentax smc P-F 70-210mm f/4-5.6 Lens Sample Photos and Specifications

Used ones tend to go in the $225 range.

HTH,
Heather

jadedrakerider · 11-13-2008, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by hwblanks

...has an aperture ring, to boot.

Hey, thanks everybody. I found out what the black gunky stuff was. Turns out it was paint. I'm guessing that it started coming off (maybe it melted?) then got under the barrel from use and ended up getting mixed up with what looks like a felt ring under the lens. I got a bit brave after I removed the felt ring, so I took rubbing alcohol to the barrel and it came right off.

It works a lot better now! I'll probably put it up to buy. Doesn't look pretty, but the glass is great.

What do you think?

10-25-2008, 12:23 PM	#1
jadedrakerider Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mohave Valley, AZ Photos: Gallery Posts: 214	Sigma 70-210mm problems So I bought this zoom lens along with several others. I've used it quite a bit, though I put it down for over a year when my photography classes went all digital. Although it's not my favorite lens, it's still quite useful. It has this black gunk coming out from underneath the outer barrel. There's also a clear lining underneath it. I think it's a felt lining meant to keep the lens able to extend smoothly. I'm not sure I even want this lens fixed, to be honest. However, I wanted a second opinion. So what can I do for this lens? Should I just retire it permanantly?

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10-25-2008, 12:54 PM	#2
sewebster Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 544	Does the gunk affect image quality? If not, ignore it, since you don't otherwise seem to be emotionally attached to the lens...

10-25-2008, 01:56 PM	#3
jadedrakerider Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mohave Valley, AZ Photos: Gallery Posts: 214 Original Poster	Originally posted by sewebster Does the gunk affect image quality? It doesn't, but it inhibits my ability to adjust the focal length.

10-25-2008, 02:01 PM	#4
sewebster Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 544	Originally posted by jadedrakerider It doesn't, but it inhibits my ability to adjust the focal length. Ahh, interesting. I guess it's a little hard to visualize the problem exactly, but if you don't want to get the lens repaired, and are thinking of just retiring it, then it sounds like you don't have much to lose. So you could considering "trimming" off whatever is sticking out, or performing more extensive "surgery."

10-25-2008, 02:03 PM	#5
heatherslightbox Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,599	EWWW! I don't know anything about how to fix a lens, so I can't say whether or not it could be fixed. If it were me, I'd just chunk it and start over. I noticed in your profile that you have a couple of film bodies, so you're planning on using this lens with those bodies, then I would highly recommend the F70-210/4-5.6, as it is sharp and has an aperture ring, to boot. Info on the lens itself: F 70-210/4-5.6 ED Pics taken with the lens: Pentax smc P-F 70-210mm f/4-5.6 Lens Sample Photos and Specifications Used ones tend to go in the $225 range. HTH, Heather

11-13-2008, 06:07 PM	#6
jadedrakerider Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mohave Valley, AZ Photos: Gallery Posts: 214 Original Poster	Originally posted by hwblanks ...has an aperture ring, to boot. Hey, thanks everybody. I found out what the black gunky stuff was. Turns out it was paint. I'm guessing that it started coming off (maybe it melted?) then got under the barrel from use and ended up getting mixed up with what looks like a felt ring under the lens. I got a bit brave after I removed the felt ring, so I took rubbing alcohol to the barrel and it came right off. It works a lot better now! I'll probably put it up to buy. Doesn't look pretty, but the glass is great. What do you think?

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