topic Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses... Power Diaphragm in EF & RF Lenses

Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

shawnhopkins — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 05:53:14 GMT

A while back I was having intermittent problems just on a Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM lens. All my other lenses work fine. Sporadically I would get, "Communications between the camera and lens is faulty. Clean the contacts". It seemed humidity played a part but I could never consistently reproduce the problem. I wound up buying a second 85mm brand new. Now, as of today, this lens is having the same problem, but all the time. My F-stop is 00 so I know there's something not right. The contacts look clean. Like I said it's only on these 85mm lenses. I did try using a soft cloth to wipe the contacts, nothing abrasive, but no luck. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

Waddizzle — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 10:57:22 GMT

If you are getting an aperture setting of F00, then the lens is not communicating with the camera body. Wherever you bought the lens, they seem to have a bad batch of the lenses. Get a refund, and buy the lens elsewhere.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

ebiggs1 — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 15:23:34 GMT

"I wound up buying a second 85mm brand new."

Call Canon 1 (800) 652-2666. If it is brand new and it is from a real Canon USA dealer, Canon will get it right. If you are buying grey .......... well you'er on your own.

BTW, it is unlikely the contacts (other lenses work OK) but if you must clean them use a q-tip and denatured alcohol. Nothing else!

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

runngun — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 18:27:57 GMT

This is so timely as I am having the same issue with this lens, when shooting sports with focus set to auto servo, case 1, shutter speed "high". When moving camera to lock on subjects near and far, I can replicate the "err 01" after about 30-40 shots. I take a 4-5 frame burst, then move camera to another subject and repeat. I have cleaned contacts with denatured alcohol and microfiber lens cloth. As stated in other responses, none of my other lenses cause this occurence. Thanks for posting_ brothers in arms_ will send off to Canon and see if they will repair under warranty, given the obvious history, as the lens is two years old.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

shawnhopkins — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 03:28:18 GMT

I'm a Canon CPS member so I e-mailed them stating that the issue has occured with two of the same lens purchased at different times. I asked if they would replace both lenses at no cost. I've had similar experiences in the computer world with defective mainboards after warranty has expired. "Defective" is defective and they should have made the lens the right way in the first place.

I compared the lense Ihad that has the issue some of the time to the lense that's having the problem full time. Nothing appears to be wrong with the contacts. One lens fires just fine and the other not at all. Yet both lenses experience the same issue.

I have four other Canon-brand lenses that don't have the problem.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

ebiggs1 — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 16:35:47 GMT

"Nothing appears to be wrong with the contacts."

It rarely, very rarely, is! Please let us know how it turns out.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

runngun — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 20:55:32 GMT

It would seem to me that Canon would have data base of serial numbers corresponding to this issue with error message regarding cleaning contacts. I have read about this issue in other forums, so it is not a unknown or infrequent occurence. I'm sure Canon will not share what they know about any manufacturing defect, but I intend to press this issue when I talk to them on Monday. I will go in with positive vibes, and they may just be resigned to replacing this lens at no charge. I have been a Canon user for many, many years, and have had only "tune-up" maintenance done with some gear, in which I have had complete satisfaction with their costs and prompt return of my gear. I'll follow-up here with the results of my negotiations. Currently, it has "cost" me $149 on my credit card to request and send in for service. Hope to get that refunded.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

RobertTheFat — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 14:44:01 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
"I wound up buying a second 85mm brand new."

Call Canon 1 (800) 652-2666. If it is brand new and it is from a real Canon USA dealer, Canon will get it right. If you are buying grey .......... well you'er on your own.

BTW, it is unlikely the contacts (other lenses work OK) but if you must clean them use a q-tip and denatured alcohol. Nothing else!

Someone with more knowledge of chemistry than I have may want to weigh in on this, but I'd be inclined to prefer isopropyl alcohol over denatured alcohol, precisely because it's already poisonous and therefore doesn't need to be "denatured" (in order to prevent it from turning up in untaxed liquor). The whole point of using alcohol to clean contacts is that in its pure form it doesn't leave a residue. By definition, denatured alcohol contains an adulterant; and depending on what that adulterant is, it might conceivably leave a residue.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

ebiggs1 — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 15:17:10 GMT

Ethyl Alcohol vs Isopropyl Alcohol.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

CaliforniaDream — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 15:40:10 GMT

@RobertTheFat wrote:
@ebiggs1 wrote:
"I wound up buying a second 85mm brand new."

Call Canon 1 (800) 652-2666. If it is brand new and it is from a real Canon USA dealer, Canon will get it right. If you are buying grey .......... well you'er on your own.

BTW, it is unlikely the contacts (other lenses work OK) but if you must clean them use a q-tip and denatured alcohol. Nothing else!
Someone with more knowledge of chemistry than I have may want to weigh in on this, but I'd be inclined to prefer isopropyl alcohol over denatured alcohol, precisely because it's already poisonous and therefore doesn't need to be "denatured" (in order to prevent it from turning up in untaxed liquor). The whole point of using alcohol to clean contacts is that in its pure form it doesn't leave a residue. By definition, denatured alcohol contains an adulterant; and depending on what that adulterant is, it might conceivably leave a residue.

Denatured alcohol is "denatured" usually by adding methanol to ethyl alcohol making it poisonous but having minor alteration on its prosperities.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

RobertTheFat — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 04:27:26 GMT

@CaliforniaDream wrote:
@RobertTheFat wrote:
@ebiggs1 wrote:
"I wound up buying a second 85mm brand new."

Call Canon 1 (800) 652-2666. If it is brand new and it is from a real Canon USA dealer, Canon will get it right. If you are buying grey .......... well you'er on your own.

BTW, it is unlikely the contacts (other lenses work OK) but if you must clean them use a q-tip and denatured alcohol. Nothing else!
Someone with more knowledge of chemistry than I have may want to weigh in on this, but I'd be inclined to prefer isopropyl alcohol over denatured alcohol, precisely because it's already poisonous and therefore doesn't need to be "denatured" (in order to prevent it from turning up in untaxed liquor). The whole point of using alcohol to clean contacts is that in its pure form it doesn't leave a residue. By definition, denatured alcohol contains an adulterant; and depending on what that adulterant is, it might conceivably leave a residue.
Denatured alcohol is "denatured" usually by adding methanol to ethyl alcohol making it poisonous but having minor alteration on its prosperities.

Sounds sensible. Thanks for the clarification.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

ebiggs1 — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 06:23:59 GMT

Denatured alcohol has always been the goto solvent for removing grime from hard surfaces, appliances, machinery, finished products and lens contacts. It is my preferred agent although I am sure others will work.

However, I still maintain cleaning the lens contacts is a rarely needed exercise. But if you must, denatured alcohol is a highly effective solvent and cleaning agent.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses

runngun — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 16:14:45 GMT

The response from Canon Service is that there is "no Service Advisory for this lens". I'm out of luck to get it repaired for no cost_ I figured that would be a long shot. When I get it back, I will use it to make sure all functions are satisfactory. I like this lens for shooting indoor sports in poorly lit gyms, particularly volleyball. The picture quality is on par with my 70-200 f/2.8 II for this purpose, and it's 2/3 stop faster, and more hand holdable. I heavily crop final pictures and have been pleased with results. Let the testing begin.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses... Power Diaphragm

runngun — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 21:26:40 GMT

Service and repair has been completed, and I have received the repaired lens.

The Service Details: "...it was found that the power diaphragm assembly was broken causing an error to be displayed from time to time. The power diaphragm was replaced. The product functions were confirmed."

I have no knowledge how or why this part broke, and it is not a lens that I heavily use, but I have done some test shots, and it appears that it actually locks on focus faster than what I remember before the repair, so that's all good. Canon Service turnaround time was very good, as it took only 5 days from the time it was sent in until is was returned back to me. That is based on me living in Norcal and the repairs done in Socal. Hopefully, this issue is closed for me.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses... Power Diaphragm

shawnhopkins — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 13:04:36 GMT

My issue with this, is that it is happening just on the 85mm f/1.8 lens. I have other lenses that don't do this. I got a similar response from Canon, but am taking additional steps. If they stand behind their gear, then this problem should not happen just on a specific lens.

Thanks for the info everyone.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses... Power Diaphragm

Plankowner110 — Sun, 26 May 2019 02:21:37 GMT

I am considering the purchase of an EF 85mm f/1.8 USm because they are on sale. Is the broken power diaphragm (whatever that is) a common problem with this lens model? I've been reading countless customer reviews and this is the first time I've heard of this defect. Cautious buyer!

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses... Power Diaphragm

Waddizzle — Sun, 26 May 2019 10:03:10 GMT

@Plankowner110 wrote:
I am considering the purchase of an EF 85mm f/1.8 USm because they are on sale. Is the broken power diaphragm (whatever that is) a common problem with this lens model? I've been reading countless customer reviews and this is the first time I've heard of this defect. Cautious buyer!

I could not say one way or the other. But, I will say that I am not a fan of this lens. The lens hood is a complete joke. It does not even lock into place. I had initially thought that I was sent a third party hood by mistake.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses... Power Diaphragm

ebiggs1 — Sun, 26 May 2019 15:52:27 GMT

" Is the broken power diaphragm ... a common problem with this lens model?"

Even if it is, it isn't a very expensive part. $50 bucks or so, I guess, maybe less. It is a pretty old design so it has been well tested in the field so I would not worry about it.

The thing you should be asking is, what are you going to do with an 85mil? It is a very limited use and specialized lens. It really does just one job well. Portraits. If you are not into portraits I would not buy an 85mm lens.

It is not a "my first lens" or even "my second lens" choice. So what other lenses do you have?

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses... Power Diaphragm

ebiggs1 — Sun, 26 May 2019 16:05:51 GMT

A little further advice when considering the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens. Do you already own the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III or II USM Lens? If not this is the lens you want. Save the albeit small amount of money put towards the 85mil to help fund or to save for the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens.

In most of the professional world of portrait photography the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens has superseded the 85mm as the lens of choice. After all it includes the desirable 85mm FL. Myself included even though I own the absolutely beautiful EF 85mm f1.2L. Occasionally I use my 85mm f1.2 but it is for the f1.2 not the 85mm.

Don't buy any lens just because it is cheap or on sale. These are poor reasons to do so.

Re: Problem with two different Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lenses... Power Diaphragm

Plankowner110 — Mon, 27 May 2019 01:55:21 GMT

Thank you. I will pass on the 85mm lens.
Plankowner110
D6, 35mm f2 IS USM, 50mm f1,8 STM