My EF-mount lens collection has brought me useful information as to L-mount adaptations.
Today brought a second copy of the Canon 70-210usm (3.5-4.5). That was necessary because the first copy is wildly off with autofocus; it successfully meshes with my S⁵ for passing focal length and aperture but I have other good options for manual focus.
The second copy was similarly cheap to the first, but for a different reason: a cloudy front element. It was described as dust, but I feared fungus. I figured I could swap that front element with copy #1. Thing 2 arrived today and focused correctly, so after testing I prepared the operating/dining table for surgery.I have definitely performed my share of such, including a Pentax body with a bad shutter solenoid. I'd improved a few lenses also, but nothing major - so in I went!
- I was pleased to find just six screws in my way: 3 to detach the lens' nose and 3 to pull the lens group from its housing.
- I was even more pleased to find it was dust not fungus scattering the light!
Several minutes of soft cloth, cleaner and squeeze bulb cleaned the front group front and back plus the front of the next group. It would take a lot more work to break into other lens elements, but they appeared less in need of intervention.
In less than an hour I had a clean and sharp 70-210mm lens!
And I mean that. Its images looks better even wide open at 210mm than the 100-300usm at 200mm (and ½ stop faster). It might win against the Pentax 135/3.5 + 200/4 primes since it can AF (but AF-s only) and max aperture is similar to both. It definitely outpoints the all-manual Minolta 100-200/4.5 and the massive K-mount 80-200/3.5, so many spares in my kit can depart.
Plus I still have 70-210 copy #1.. but no clue as to fixing its focus issue. That now becomes Somebody Else's Problem, as Douglas Adams once said.
At some point they will exist, and I shall rejoice! But until then, the EF lenses will serve me well -- and give me the patience to wait! :√)
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