Broken Lense...Can I fix it?

[Silvernic]

I have a Nikon 18-70 that won't focus anymore. I can kind of here a grinding sound (almost like there's said in there or something) when I twist the focus ring.

Is this lens a gonner? Is it possible to fix or worth trying to fix? Is there somewhere I could send it to be fixed and if so, will that cost more than the lens? Should I throw it at a wall and take pictures of that with my other lenses?

Any opinions appreciated! Thanks.

[Daniel Bates]

You could send it for service at Nikon, or at an independent service centre, but given the price of the lens (there's one for sale on TPF right now, I think) it probably wouldn't be worth it. Therefore, I vote for the last option - throwing it at a wall, with documentary reportage.

[dtscds]

If you go for the last option, I would set all my lenses out nearby so they can see the carnage. Think of it as a friendly warning to the rest of 'em.

[venchka]

After you bash the busted lens, go back to manual focus lenses. Has anybody ever had a manual focus lens that refused to focus? Huh? Raise your hand.

Once upon a time a Nikon lens worked. Period. It may have needed maintenance once in awhile. But it always worked. Canon too up until the FD lenses came along. I reckon that was the beginning of the end for lens reliability.

[Bill]

Get an estimate from Nikon. If you can get a referral to a good repair shop in Salt Lake City, do that. Good opportunity to establish a relationship with someone local. That is a good lens.

Bill