topic 18-55mm STM (f/3.5-5.6) -- Broken circuit cables in EF & RF Lenses

18-55mm STM (f/3.5-5.6) -- Broken circuit cables

rwu28 — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 22:50:05 GMT

So I dropped my kit lens and as I was turning the zoom ring I heard clacking.

I noticed while zooming toward 18mm that the back element was "loose."

I opened up the lens from the back and noticed that the back element was actually connected to other elements in a "group" of several pieces of glass.

Upon trying to resolve the issue, I took off the zoom grip and just tightened the screws, which fixed the problem.

However, while taking off the circuits from the back end, 2 circuits got severed.

[Picture below; see encircled]

In using the lens, I've noticed the following:

(a) The camera does not recognize the correct zoom positions. From zooming 18-55mm, the camera recognizes this as something along the lines of 45mm at the 18mm position, 18mm anywhere after 24mm.

(b) The aperture settings are wrong. (Might be related to zoom settings.) It starts at f/4.5 at 18mm, and then anywhere after 24mm the highest is at f/3.5. When using the DOF preview at the 55mm position, if I set my aperture past f/5.6 nothing physically happens.

(c) The camera focuses fine from 18mm to 24mm with AF. Anywhere after and AF will just hunt through a very short range, shaking back and forth. MF is completely dysfunctional even with the switch at MF, and still seems to "hunt."

I was trying to see if I can find replacements online and only found replacements for a "focus aperture flex cable"?

1. Is this either of these cables?

2. What do these cables control?

Also, how would I open up the lens in order to fix this issue? I only found instructions online for older versions of this lens, but not the STM version.

I understand that the warranty no longer applies as I dropped it (still within 1 year of purchase) so either I spend money to send it in and fix it, or I fix it myself. I'm wondering if there are ways I can do so myself?

Thank you for your time!

Re: 18-55mm STM (f/3.5-5.6) -- Broken circuit cables

ebiggs1 — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 18:35:48 GMT

IMHO, I would cut your loses and buy another lens. This lens is not worth fixing, cost wise that is. Two things, Canon won't warranty a dropped lens and certainly not one you took apart. Lastly you don't know if there is further damage to the circuit boards and lens alignment.

Re: 18-55mm STM (f/3.5-5.6) -- Broken circuit cables

rwu28 — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 17:33:51 GMT

Hi, I was able to find replacement cables online; they weren't expensive, so I thought I might as well try fixing it myself. I was just wondering what these cables were called because I'm not exactly sure what they control.

Re: 18-55mm STM (f/3.5-5.6) -- Broken circuit cables

RobertTheFat — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 20:28:42 GMT

@rwu28 wrote:
Hi, I was able to find replacement cables online; they weren't expensive, so I thought I might as well try fixing it myself. I was just wondering what these cables were called because I'm not exactly sure what they control.

And you have just explained why you shouldn't be trying to fix it yourself.

Re: 18-55mm STM (f/3.5-5.6) -- Broken circuit cables

rwu28 — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 20:44:04 GMT

Of course. I haven't; that's why I came here to ask!

Re: 18-55mm STM (f/3.5-5.6) -- Broken circuit cables

sandeep0076 — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 13:04:55 GMT

Don't worry these guys here act like they are some kind of god because they know about stuff that we are new to.

i had a similar problem and i fixed it and everything is working good, you don't need to be an engineer for everything

email me at ( [removed personal information per Community Guidelines] ) i can help you

Re: 18-55mm STM (f/3.5-5.6) -- Broken circuit cables

RobertTheFat — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 13:45:38 GMT

@sandeep0076wrote:
Don't worry these guys here act like they are some kind of god because they know about stuff that we are new to.
i had a similar problem and i fixed it and everything is working good, you don't need to be an engineer for everything
email me at ( [removed personal information per Community Guidelines] ) i can help you

If he still needs help. it tends to reinforce my point. You may not have noticed that that discussion took place a year ago.