18-200 VR - AF died!!

[lsisaxon]

I have cleaned a few of this lens but didn't strip down the VR module.
The lens is still new and mostly within warranty so I haven't put in effort to study the lens.

Compact SWM is very interesting. I believe this motor will be cheaper to replace than the conventional SWM.

Oh okie.. The problem is that the VR module sits somewhere in the middle of the optical assembly, so when we zoom, the flexpcb has to accomodate the extension of the length. If that's not designed properly, then the mechanical force from the action will either dislodge the connector or worse fracture it. I just hope that flex is not fractured. ;p Looks like I might have to find some time, take a deep breath and take the plunge to strip it down.

Yups. The compact SWM just sits at the side near the lens PCB and coupled to the focusing ring mechanism via some gears. I believe the 16-85, 18-55 and 18-135 are probably using compact SWMs also. My guess is that because of the smaller diameter, the force generated by the rotor may not be that sufficient, so the torque may be less although the angular velocity can be higher. That might probably be why it jams more easily than the large SWM.

 

[fatigue]

Oh okie.. The problem is that the VR module sits somewhere in the middle of the optical assembly, so when we zoom, the flexpcb has to accomodate the extension of the length. If that's not designed properly, then the mechanical force from the action will either dislodge the connector or worse fracture it. I just hope that flex is not fractured. ;p Looks like I might have to find some time, take a deep breath and take the plunge to strip it down.

Yups. The compact SWM just sits at the side near the lens PCB and coupled to the focusing ring mechanism via some gears. I believe the 16-85, 18-55 and 18-135 are probably using compact SWMs also. My guess is that because of the smaller diameter, the force generated by the rotor may not be that sufficient, so the torque may be less although the angular velocity can be higher. That might probably be why it jams more easily than the large SWM.

You're fast! Yes, those 3 lenses are using compact SWM

 

[smallaperture]

Very technical and very interesting discussion.

Compact SWM - I suppose this is for those kit lenses, affordable lenses.

For example, I tried one 55-200 lens - the AF speed is very, very slow. Dunno if that has got to do with the compact SWM. I suppose compact SWM means less power, less torque to move the elements, therefore slower AF as a result.

 

[icanstilldunk]

Mine had exactly the same problem!!! Sent to NSC and cost me 350 bucks... :angry:
They said the VR was dead... but I thought it was the AF that could not work... when focusing the AF made scary sound... anyway... so sad

 

[fatigue]

I had purchase a AFS 80-200 lens from a cs member,when trying the
lens everything is fine & next day i heard screening sound when lens is
out of focus range,can't take it & send down to P&G to check out.
I was told that replacing a motor cost me $700-$800,but luckly he
save it without costing that much.

No matter how u keep your AFS lens,play with it & let the motor
run more often it helps.

Thank you for sharing.
Just as I thought, it can be fixed without replacement. There's no need to order parts from overseas.
Maybe I should concentrate more on this kind of repair services.:think:

 

[lunas]

lsisaxon,

I think that you should sent your lens for repair for that peace of mind.

Lunas,

How much did NSC charge you for the repair if it is not under warranty ?

Apology Bro, didn't get to speak to the technician.

 

[lunas]

How about Sigma's HSM, does it work in the same manner?

I have the Sigma 10-20mm.

 

[xtemujin]

No worries bro, I've not yet called NSC for the price quote to repair my 18-200mm lens.

Thanks.

Apology Bro, didn't get to speak to the technician.

 

[fatigue]

I just ordered a compact SWM spare parts.
Will try to post the picture once I got it.

 

[fatigue]

How about Sigma's HSM, does it work in the same manner?

I have the Sigma 10-20mm.

Same principle, different names by different makers:
* Canon - USM, UltraSonic Motor
* Nikon - SWM, Silent Wave Motor
* Minolta, Sony - SSM, SuperSonic Motor
* Pentax - SDM, Supersonic Drive Motor
* Sigma HSM, Hyper Sonic Motor
* Olympus SWD, Supersonic Wave Drive
* Panasonic XSM, Extra Silent Motor

Here's a link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultrasonic_motor

 

[lsisaxon]

Mine had exactly the same problem!!! Sent to NSC and cost me 350 bucks... :angry:
They said the VR was dead... but I thought it was the AF that could not work... when focusing the AF made scary sound... anyway... so sad

I think the module should not die that easily.... :think:

 

[xtemujin]

I've just received the service quote for my 18-200mm lens that couldn't AF, change SWM, $246 with GST.

Miscommunication with NSC and I've to wait for another 7 days for the repair.

I'll update again when I get my lens back.

 

[spitfire]

I've sent in my to change SWM before. my repair cost then was 240 before gst, and it comes with 6 months warranty period.

 

[xtemujin]

Thanks for the heads up bro.

I've collected my 18-200mm lens from NSC today and the servicing and changing of the SWM was $246.10 with GST, 6 months warranty.

HTH.

I've sent in my to change SWM before. my repair cost then was 240 before gst, and it comes with 6 months warranty period.

 

[fatigue]

I had purchase a AFS 80-200 lens from a cs member,when trying the
lens everything is fine & next day i heard screening sound when lens is
out of focus range,can't take it & send down to P&G to check out.
I was told that replacing a motor cost me $700-$800,but luckly he
save it without costing that much.

No matter how u keep your AFS lens,play with it & let the motor
run more often it helps.

Thanks for the heads up bro.

I've collected my 18-200mm lens from NSC today and the servicing and changing of the SWM was $246.10 with GST, 6 months warranty.

HTH.

So how much is the difference between NSC and third party shop?
I understand that we have 2 different lenses here.
But I heard some people say that some 3rd party shops charges more than service center.

 

[lsisaxon]

Thanks for the heads up bro.

I've collected my 18-200mm lens from NSC today and the servicing and changing of the SWM was $246.10 with GST, 6 months warranty.

HTH.

That's quite a reasonable price.